I have a strange attraction towards hills and mountains, and I don’t need to give any further explanation for this because it is quite evident in my Instagram posts and blog. I love to have the birds I view of the valley and wilderness around, and I feel the silence of the mountains makes me feel more alive than anywhere else. So it was during my vacation that one fine day I decided on a wimp at 7 AM in the morning to do The much talked about rather viral Bulls trek, Wahniangleng, in Meghalaya. It was a solo trip, and I had heard that it was quite possible to do on a single day, and I could return to Guwahati by evening. So, this blog will be a complete travel guide to everything you need to know before planning your trip.
So, I had been watching a few travel reels and vlogs on YouTube and Instagram and gathering all the information I needed. But trust me, once you reach the spot, nothing remains in the mind, and you just need to go with the flow. It was a Friday morning, and it was my first solo trekking adventure.
Meghalaya is a place I love to visit with my husband, and we visit almost twice every month given its proximity to Guwahati. My husband has his office, and it would not be possible for him to take leave, so he told me that I could go on my own; I just had to take my car. He wants me to be safe, and it was raining incessantly, and he didn’t want me to ride a commercial vehicle for a day trip.
Since it was already 8 am, I made all decisions and packed my bag in lightning speed and was ready to start for the Bulls Trek in Meghalaya. I started from home at 9 am, and it was still raining then in Guwahati. Monsoons set in full motion in the Northeastern states from mid-June, and the peak monsoon is in mid-July. I knew it would still be raining, but I knew I had to go. Once I decide on something, I need to finish it – success or failure doesn’t matter at that time. While some people love to collect souvenirs, I love my muddy shoes, aching legs, and stories hidden beyond the last bend of a hilly and slippery path.
It was also not my first trek, though I am not that much into trekking; yet I have done a few. But I have done that accompanied by my husband, and this time I was alone, so I knew it had to be boring.
The Details of the Bulls Trek in Meghalaya
I have viewed numerous times the mist-covered hills of Meghalaya and emerald valleys, but nothing prepared me for the feeling of standing amidst the clouds with only the sound of waterfalls and streams and continuous rain breaking all the silence. Every trail here seemed to have its own personality—sometimes gentle, sometimes demanding, but always rewarding.
The main starting point of the Bulls Trek is in a small village named Wahniangleng, Mylliem, situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It is about 22 km to 25 km away from Shillong. You will have to follow the road that takes you to Sohra, bypassing Shillong town. On the way, there is a signboard for the Bulls trek on the right side of the road. You just need to take that narrow path leading to the starting point.
In case you are travelling in a public vehicle, you can book a taxi from Shillong Town (Police Bazar); it will take roughly half an hour and return after finishing the trek. From Police Bazar, you can easily get a vehicle back to Guwahati or maybe continue with the journey forward in Meghalaya. They have a parking place where you can park your personal car for Rs 50. And you need to pay Rs 95 for the entry pass. You can either pay by cash or make a UPI transfer. There, you can hire trekking sticks for Rs 10 and return them after completion.
What to pack for the Bulls Trek
Well, for seasoned trekkers this is not important, but for first-timers you can note down some points. Also, I did this trek during the monsoon season, thus making it very different from when done during the dry months. Even the views are going to be opposite to what I experienced on this trek.
If you are doing the trek in the rainy months, then a raincoat and an umbrella are highly recommended. Your shoes have to be perfect for the slippery trail. You can wear a trekking shoe or any kind that won’t make you slip. Avoid wearing sandals, pumps or even heels and wedges. It’s going to make you very uncomfortable. I saw many visitors wearing sandals and ending up carrying the shoes in hand and walking barefoot. You don’t want that to happen to you.
You need not carry any warm clothes, but in the winter, a light jacket or sweatshirt can be carried according to your liking. I saw many creators wearing long flowy dresses; I don’t know how they managed the trek in that. Or maybe they changed their outfit down at the base, as there are clean toilets provided for the visitors. Everything will be easier and doable during the winter months, but the monsoons might be a bit uncomfortable.
In the dry months, you can wear any comfortable shoes meant for trekking or walking. But again, avoid those uncomfortable slippers. The trail is not even, and you need to climb a lot of stairs made of bamboo or wood.
You need not carry any food or water bottle, as small stalls and local Khasi women sell light packaged snacks and drinks on the trail. You can also carry some food down to the base. But make sure not to litter the area and help keep Meghalaya clean.
Difficulty level of the trek
This depends on person to person; the trek is easy to moderate, but some may find it difficult while making the ascent. The descent is easier. It took me 45 minutes to go down, as the trail was extremely slippery, so I did not make any haste. I took all my time enjoying the rain and the views the trek presented from time to time. Similarly, it took 45 minutes to get down, which I found a bit exhausting because there were a lot of never steps. In the dry months, it will take barely 30 minutes for the ascent and also for the descent.
A Journey Through Clouds, Rain & Endless Green
Breathtaking views of mountains; the clouds were playing hide and seek, sometimes the sun shone, and mostly it was raining. I took off my raincoat and asked a few fellow visitors to click some photos of me. They were kind enough to keep my request. In return, I too clicked some photos of them, as mostly they wanted some couple pictures.
There was also a stream flowing nearby, but the water was muddy. I am sure it would be crystal clear in the colder months. I stood still for some time simply to breathe in the crisp, rain-kissed air and let the silence sink in. What struck me most was how alive the landscape felt. One moment it was clear and the next moment I found myself wrapped in a blanket of mist.
The trees were lushly green, and the earth carried the scent of damp earth after rain, the melodies of unseen birds, and the gentle rustle of leaves swaying with the mountain breeze.
As someone who loves exploring offbeat places, Meghalaya felt less like a destination and more like a gentle reminder to slow down. The trail I walked through, the sound of the flowing stream, and every cloud that drifted across the hills made me realise that some of the most beautiful travel experiences aren’t found in busy itineraries—they’re found in quiet moments of simply standing still and taking it all in.
The Bulls Trek in Meghalaya made me realise that the greatest reward wasn’t reaching the main point, but it was the whole experience, where I experienced the serene atmosphere, the untouched beauty, and the quiet magic that only Meghalaya can offer.
There were specific points where I turned just to take a look at the breathtaking panorama—the cliffs, lush valley, and endless shades of green that made me reach for my camera over and over again. During my return journey, I also witnessed a beautiful rainbow over the Shillong sky, and it made my heart very happy and contented.
Few Points to remember:
- Wear comfortable shoes in winter and proper trekking shoes in the monsoon season.
- Even though it was raining and the trail was slippery for most of the stretch, the trek was doable.
- Carry a raincoat and umbrella in the monsoons.
- You can take food, but make sure not to litter. Use dustbins.
- There are toilets.
- The trek is doable in a single day from Guwahati.
- The trek is easy to moderate level.
- You should not miss the trip and must experience it at least once.
- I started from Guwahati at 9 am and reached around 8 pm in my personal car after completion of the trek.
Hope you liked reading about my experience of the Bulls Trek in Meghalaya. Do share your experiences too, and also share my blog post with your friends and loved ones.
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