Shillong, April 7: In today’s hectic schedule and endless deadlines, who doesn’t crave for more holidays. The very thought of a day of holiday brings a whole new vibe. Slow mornings, no alarms, that little thrill of not knowing what time it is and not needing to care. A long coffee in hand, sun filtering through trees or rain tapping on windows, and maybe a book that smells slightly like adventure – a marathon of plans come to mind, anything to step out of the routine.
For the folks of Shillong, a fairly common thing is to reconnect with friends over long brunches, maybe take a road trip to Sohra for the waterfalls, or drive down to Dawki for a boat ride on the glassy Umngot River. Still, holidays often mean heading far from home, ideally where the signal drops and the selfies shine.
But what if the getaway you’re craving is right next to you, already nestled within the city’s bounds?
That’s the quiet message Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma is championing—one trek at a time.
Over the past few years, CM Sangma has become a steady advocate for a healthier, more active lifestyle. Whether it was walking to work to mark the launch of the ‘Fit India Movement’ in 2019 or leading treks with fellow ministers during cabinet retreat in Sohra in January this year, or walking to JN Stadium in Polo for an ISL match in February this year, he’s made it a point to ditch the car ride and walk whenever he can. It is no surprise that he launched the ‘Meghalaya Trails App and Trekking Book’ in March 2024.
On Monday, a holiday in East Khasi Hills on account of Shad Suk Mynsiem This time, he took to the trails again—this time to the Rhododendron Riot Trek, an often overlooked trek route in Upper Shillong.
Only a few minutes’ drive from the city centre, this 2.5-hour trek offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and a burst of clean air.
“It is a historic trek; it was also used as a route by the Britishers in the earlier times,” he said while catching his breath mid-trail. “On the way, you will actually see the bunkers that were used during the world war, which are still visible… There are also retaining walls constructed during the British time, very systematically done,” he added.
The Rhododendron Trek cuts through patches of the Shillong Peak–Upper Shillong Forest Reserve, part of the Shillong Rhododendron State Park, a biodiversity haven that bursts into bloom during spring with pinks, reds, and purples scattered like paint splatters across the green. The area is also an important ecological zone, rich with flora and fauna and serving as a vital source of water and clean air for Shillong.
“It is a very important location,” CM Sangma noted, adding, “especially because it is right in the heart of the city. I must encourage all of you – the citizens of the state as well as tourists – to come and experience this trek. You’ll really enjoy it.”
So, next time you are feeling adventurous and need to escape the city, head to the Rhododendron Riot Trek in Upper Shillong to experience lush greens and glimpses of beautiful rhododendron flowers. A much-needed quietness from the busy city life.
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