MEGHALAYA ADVENTURE SPORTS

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Water Sports
        The Umiam Lake situated a few kilometres away down Shillong-Guwahati Road(National Highway) is an ideal location for water sports. The lake is surrounded by sylvan hills and virgin skies that create the atmosphere for some boating. Water Sports facilities are available here. The resort has row-boats, paddle-boats, cruise-boats, sailing-boats, water scooters, speed-boats and a upto date motel with restaurant and conferencing facilities.

        The motel has semi independent cottages all with fabulous views overlooking the lake. Umiam is also an angler's paradise. Have the patience to snare a big catch at Umiam. In fact, some fish have been sighted with physical proportions as big as that of a Ford Escort. Archery is another game of precision popular in Meghalaya. It is interesting to note that the only government sanctioned gambling is in this state and is organised around archery activities. It is known as 'Teer'.

Golf
        Meghalaya houses the 18 hole Shillong Golf Course finds mention in International Directories of Golf Courses of stature. It is surrounded from all sides by tall and elegant whispering Pines at an altitude of 4750 ft above sea level.

Trekking
        One can go trekking in the state of Meghalaya for its rugged terrain which resembles that of the Himalayan ranges; the only good point being that they are not snowclad like Himalayas. An added attraction is the possibility of encountering many rare animals such as the slow loris, assorted deer and the occasional bear. Guides can be hired to take the keen trekker in terrain, which is characterised, by flowing rivers, rolling hills and towering waterfalls. Some of the noteworthy routes are:

Trek to Sing Song Gorge

TRAIL DESCRIPTION
Smit : The trek begins from State Library and after passing the Crinoline Falls enroute, it ascends till it reaches Laitkor. Some parts of this two-day trek will be along the metalled road.

Mawlyngot : This is fairly big village, connected by a motorable road. The route after this village descends sharply till it reaches the Singsong gorge (Um Song River). Both banks of Umsong River are covered by thick mix forest with dense undergrowth. The forest mostly comprises of bay leaf trees and other medicinal herbs thus making the surroundings a place of extreme interest for Pynursla : The trial after Umsong ascend sharply till it reaches the town of Pynursla. Though the routes are not the kind to be found in the Himalayan belts, they are equally rugged with the main attraction being the challenge of the climb without the extreme weather conditions.

Trek to the Jakrem Hot Springs
From Weiloi to Ponkung(8 Km)
From Pongkung to Umngi(11 Km)

TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS
The village of Weiloi can be reached from Shillong by car/bus. The distance is approximately 39 Km on the way to Mawsynram. A Kutcha jeepable track exists from Weiloi to Umngi where two natural mineral water springs exist. The Hot Spring of Umngi has the potential for becoming a major health resort. In case of tourists preferring a less exhausting trek from Weiloi, a shorter route via Mawblang can be an option. Besides these above routes, there are in existence long bridle paths which were constructed by the erstwhile colonial rulers and are still in excellent condition. One such is the path made by Captain David Scott from Ladmawphlang to Mawngap where one can partake of delightful Khasi cuisine and the local brew known as 'kiad' in the local language. For further details, including cultural package tours, the following organisation can be contacted:
Hornbill Tours and Travels
Phone no: 91-364-225210
Fax no: 91-364-225293