Overview

The Stories in Stone Trek is a journey through caves, fossils, rivers, and legends hidden within the Khasi Hills. Every stop along the trail reveals stories preserved in rock formations, ancient fossils, and local folklore. The adventure begins at Laitsohum, a village best known as the gateway to Krem Puri, the world’s longest sandstone cave. Located only a short walk from the village, the cave system stretches deep underground through a maze of passages carved over millennia by flowing water. Meghalaya has become an emerging global destination for spelunking, and Krem Puri stands among its greatest natural wonders. From Laitsohum, trekkers descend toward the Ïew Luri Lura Campsite, where unusual pawprints and pugmarks are embedded in the rocks. According to local legend, this place was once a marketplace where animals gathered to trade goods. A dog attempted to sell fermented beans obtained from humans, but the other animals disliked the smell and crushed the beans into the ground, leaving their footprints behind. Angry with the dog for interacting with humans, the animals banished him, giving rise to the close bond between humans and dogs. The journey continues toward Mawlyngbna and Umkhakoi, where fossil trails preserve the remains of ancient marine creatures, including starfish fossils found high in the hills. These fossils suggest that the region may once have been part of an ancient ocean floor. The Umkhakoi River and surrounding lake areas offer opportunities for swimming, kayaking, cliff-jumping, fishing, and exploring fascinating rock formations shaped like animals, especially crocodiles. The trail passes through broom grass cultivations, fruit-bearing trees such as bananas, oranges, pineapples, and jackfruits, along with medicinal herbs, bay leaves, and wild mushrooms. Around Laitsohum, trekkers may also encounter rare plant species including Dieng Sohum, Bayberry trees, and Nepenthes khasiana, one of the few carnivorous pitcher plants found in the world. Wildlife in the region may include flying squirrels, foxes, barking deer, clouded leopards, and even Asian black bears.