For those of us who’ve graduated from Calcutta University, we know the ins and outs of bamboo! Imagine if we took those bamboos we’ve seen for years and carefully preserved and turned them, it would have become a tourist destination right here in West Bengal! This is what we were all thinking during our Meghalaya Bamboo Trek! Hell and heaven everything is stuffed in this short trek.
First Impressions..
But jokes aside!
From Cherrapunji, we embarked on an early morning journey to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, arriving at the gateway to the Bamboo Trek in the heart of the bamboo garden.
Reality Check Soon…
Up until then, we were under the impression that this would be a fairly easy trek. Just a 3-4 km stroll, and we’d be back in just about 2 hours, laughing and enjoying ourselves.
However…
After paying the entry ticket, the trek began with a grand flourish. It started with a steep downhill path, with some places adorned with rocks and makeshift stairs, while others had none at all. Almost tumbling down, we finally reached the banks of a river. Crossing a bamboo-made bridge and scaling the opposite hillside, the ascent of Meghalaya Bamboo Trek began.
As we climbed, the bamboo bridges, crafted ingeniously amidst the jungle, seemed almost surreal. Some pathways we traversed still leave a sting if recalled. But when the heart loses its rhythm, danger lurks.
Ultimately, what awaited us at the end of this trek was a peculiarly shaped rock formation. Calling it a mountain would be an injustice to the mountains, and yet, even calling it just a stone would belittle it. It was atop this rock that only those with the courage akin to Hanuman could complete the trek, like us.
But reaching the top, we realized something crucial. We had to return the same way we came, no alternative routes or shortcuts available.
Realizing this harsh reality, our hearts shattered into fragments. Because only we knew how we traversed the path we came, and the thought of retracing it sent shivers down our spines.
When the realization dawned that no helicopter would come to rescue us, we grasped the familiar path once more. Despite its daunting nature, we triumphed yet again. Yet, the final ascent seemed never-ending, as if the trek’s beginning was being replayed. The same path we were dancing our way down, yes!
All’s well when the end is well!
It took us about 4-4.5 hours to finish Meghalaya Bamboo Trek. While there are some small shops at the starting point, they hardly offer anything substantial for a proper lunch.
But despite the hardships, every step was worth it. The breathtaking views, the adrenaline rush, and the camaraderie forged along the way made it an unforgettable experience. As we made our way back, reminiscing about the obstacles we overcame, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s these moments, where nature tests our limits and bonds are strengthened, that make adventures like the Bamboo Trek truly special. And as we headed home, tired but elated, we knew that this wouldn’t be our last rendezvous with Meghalaya’s majestic landscapes.
Adventure awaits, and we’ll be ready to embrace it with open arms, one trek at a time!
Written by: Soumi Ghosh
Translated by: Izifiso
Check out other blogs:
https://blog.izifiso.com/arunachal-pradesh-a-land-of-tranquility-and-hidden-treasures/
https://blog.izifiso.com/kashmir-the-land-of-wonders-a-travel-guide/