Walk the sacred forest at Mawphlang
Across the Khasi Hills, villages set aside patches of forest as law kyntang, groves protected by religious custom. Mawphlang's is the best known and the easiest to visit, about 45 minutes from Shillong on the road towards Sohra. Outside the grove the plateau is open grassland; inside, the light drops and you walk under tall trees hung with orchids, ferns and moss, over roots and leaf litter that has never been cleared.
Entry is with a guide from the village, who leads a loop of about 90 minutes. Along the way you pass groups of standing stones, sites where sacrifices were once made to the forest deity, and trees of great age. The rule is strict and taken seriously: nothing may be removed from the grove, whether a flower, a stone or a dead branch. Photography is allowed.
We combine Mawphlang with lunch on the plateau and, for those with energy, a walk on the old David Scott trail nearby, a 19th-century bridle path that drops through Khasi villages towards the plains. Wear shoes with grip, as roots and stones are slippery after rain, and bring a light layer: the grove is noticeably cooler than the open hillside.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Mawphlang sacred forest from Shillong?
About 25 km, or 45 minutes to an hour by car, on the road that continues towards Sohra. Many guests visit it on the way to Sohra or as a half-day outing combined with lunch on the plateau. The guided walk itself takes about 90 minutes.
Do I need a guide for Mawphlang sacred grove?
Yes. Visits are with a local guide from the village, arranged at the entrance, and the fee is modest. The guide explains the customs and keeps you on the permitted path. Since mid-2025, East Khasi Hills also requires registered guides for many outdoor activities, so check current status before you travel.
Is the Mawphlang walk difficult?
No. It is a gentle loop of about 90 minutes on uneven forest ground, with roots and some short slopes. Anyone reasonably mobile can manage it in good walking shoes. After rain the ground can be slippery, so we suggest a walking stick for older guests.
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