Laitlum Canyonsलैतलुम कैनियन
A grassy canyon edge 20 km from Shillong. Steps down to the valley, and a steep climb back.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
Shillong plateau
Shillong plateau
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May)
DifficultyModerate
Height1500 m above sea level
Time needed3 hrs
Base and nearbyShillong, Shillong
EntrySmall entry fee · guide optional
About Laitlum Canyons
A deep green canyon on the edge of the plateau, around 20 km from Shillong near the Smit village. Laitlum means end of the hills in Khasi, and the edge looks over rolling grass slopes and layers of mist. A stepped trail, around 1,000 steps, takes you to the valley floor, and it is steeper on the way back. Go in the morning, as fog is common in the afternoon.
What to see and do
- Edge viewpoint over layers of hills
- Stepped trail to the valley floor
- Mist in the morning
- Camping near the rim
- Smit village nearby
Part of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in East Khasi Hills
- Elephant FallsEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya · WaterfallsA three tier waterfall in a green gorge near Shillong. Fullest from June to October.
- MawlynnongEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya · Villages & Hidden GemsA small, clean Khasi village with homestays and a nearby living root bridge.
- Mawphlang Sacred ForestEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya · Jungle TrailsA community protected sacred forest near Shillong. A local guide takes you through.
- Nohkalikai FallsEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya · WaterfallsOne of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India, near Cherrapunji. Clouds can hide it in the monsoon.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge, NongriatEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya · Villages & Hidden GemsA bridge of two levels of living roots, reached by a long stepped trek from Tyrna.
- Mawsmai CaveEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya · CavesA lit limestone cave near Cherrapunji, with some narrow squeezes.
- Shillong PeakEast Khasi Hills, Meghalaya · Peak TreksThe highest point near Shillong, with a viewing deck. Go in the morning before the clouds.
All places in East Khasi Hills · All places in Meghalaya
Jagah Pedia home · All places A to Z · Privacy · Terms
Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.