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Meghalaya

Khat-ar-shnong, Kongthong

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map

January

3.2 - 20.6 °C

February

4.9 - 22.2 °C

March

8.1 - 25.3 °C

April

10.4 - 26 °C

May

12.4 - 26.5 °C

June

15.3 - 26.8 °C

July

16.4 - 26.9 °C

August

16.6 - 27.6 °C

September

15.6 - 27.9 °C

October

11.8 - 27.5 °C

November

8 - 25.6 °C

December

5.2 - 21.9 °C

Major Airports :

Shillong Airport (SHL), Shillong

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati

Nearest Railway Station :

Guwahati Railways Station (GHY)

Major Airports :

Shillong Airport (SHL), Shillong

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati

A valley in the abode of clouds

Meghalaya, having the richest biodiversity in the world, also consists of the most alluring villages not only in terms of terrain but also in tradition, hospitality and cloud-kissed landscapes. We have all heard of Cherrapunjee and its beautiful root bridges. But have you heard of Kongthong?

In the abode of clouds, Meghalaya, and 60 kilometres from Shillong, lies a fascinating valley region, in the East Khasi Hills, named Khat-ar-shnong, referred to as the Whistling village of Meghalaya. The journey to Khat-ar-shnong via road would feel like a warm hug from the mountains externally surrounded by mist.

But the journey pales in comparison to the views when you actually reach there. Surrounded by scenery that you probably only see in wallpapers or movies, Khat-ar-shnong needs to be on your bucket list.

Exploring nature's untouched canvas

This could well have been a village lost in time. Due to its unique geographical location, Khat-ar-shnong remains pure to its origins and untouched by the urbanisation.

The beauty of the the Nature is complemented by the simplicity of its inhabitants and is pure to its core. There’s just a small market, located 5 km away from the village. You can enjoy sightseeing, especially at Jingkieng Myor, the highest living root bridge that joins two granite cliffs with the rushing Wah Sohra River more than a hundred feet below. Jinkieng Myor is also known for its sweet honey, which you can enjoy.

Echoes of the Khasi culture

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, the profound customs and warm-hearted people elevate its popularity.

With a mere 700 people calling it home, Kongthong resonates with a unique tradition: the gift of a melody bestowed upon each newborn, a tune that becomes their lifelong unique ID. Every individual there bears three names—the official one for government affairs, a melodic tune jingrwai iawbei, crafted by the mother, and a nickname for everyday purposes. The captivating 'jingrwai iawbei' is a traditional tune sung in reverence of the village's ancestors in the Khasi language and serves as a unique identity for each individual.

Kongthong also has a unique courtship ritual. On a particular day, each year, all villagers gather around a bonfire. All single men whistle their unique tunes and the man who is deemed to have whistled the best one is chosen by the prettiest girl in the village to be her husband.

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Timings

Opening time - Sunrise

Closing time - Sunset

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Beyond whistling

There is a primary school and Presbyterian church in the Singing Village. Seng Khasi worshippers go to a place called Madan Niangpyrhai to worship. Most of the villagers follow the Seng Khasi religion that has existed since the British colonial times. The huts or houses are built like those of modern villages with tin roofs. During winter you can have a pleasant drop of temperature up to 8 degrees Celsius.

Trekking trails

Besides the rich culture and scenic beauty, Kongthong offers a great terrain for trekking. Trekkers who usually seek locations to avoid roadways can explore Kongthong by navigating the terrain between the famed Pynursla and Sohra ridges. You just won’t be able to keep your eyes off the awe-striking beauty of the terrain. For who wish to dive deeper into the Khasi culture or hear local stories, hiring local guides is a good option.

Heartfelt hospitality

The hospitality of the local residents is heartwarming. That is why, spending a few days in the local homestays is always recommended. There is a cosy base camp at Kongthong, named, “The Traveller’s Nest” that features warm traditional huts. The local residents take complete care of it to give you a feel of the place.

In India, guests are considered as God, however, in Kongthong, there is an unspoken rule that even the guests should consider the hosts as God and be respectful. Thus, it is important that while you enjoy the hospitality, you should be mindful of your behaviour towards the hosts.

Nearby tourist spots

Once you’re done taking in everything Khat-ar-shong has to offer, nearby spots beckon. There are other prominent villages and scenic spots near Khat-ar-shnong that you should not miss out on like Mawrah viewpoint, Khrang village (known for its krot herbal tea), Dewlieh and many more spots.

Getting to Khat-ar shnong

If you are travelling by air, then the nearest airport is Shillong Airport or Umroi Airport, which has good connectivity with major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati. If you are travelling by train, you can reach Guwahati Railway Station in Assam. From Guwahati, take a train to reach Shillong.

After reaching Shillong, you can take public transport to reach Bara Bazar. From the bustling heart of Shillong's Bara Bazar, you can catch the shared sumo departing for Kongthong at around 2 in the afternoon, promising a scenic voyage spanning 3-4 hours filled with picturesque sites all along the way. While shared cars are a rare find, reserved taxis stand ready to take you to the harmonious realms of Kongthong, the singing village of Meghalaya where echoes of its ancient melodies await your visit.

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