Sunrise at Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum, 'the end of the hills', is a clifftop viewpoint where the Khasi plateau falls away into deep, interlocking gorges. Arriving before dawn and watching the sun rise over the canyons is one of Meghalaya's most magical experiences.

On the best mornings, especially from October to February, a sea of mist fills the valleys below and the first light picks out ridge after ridge, with the hamlet of Rasong glimpsed far below. As the sun climbs, clouds lift and swirl up the cliffs. Bring a warm jacket and a thermos of tea — it is cold and breezy on the rim at dawn.

We leave Shillong around an hour before sunrise (Northeast India's sunrise is early, often around 5 am in summer and 6 am in winter). After sunrise you can walk along the grassy rim, descend part of the steps toward Rasong, or continue to Smit and Mawphlang.