Langkawet Village : Have you ever visited a place and felt like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale? A place that evokes the imagery of the bedtime stories you once imagined as a child? That’s exactly the feeling Langkawet, a small village in Meghalaya, gave us. After a whirlwind trip to Cherrapunjee and tackling the challenging Nongriat and Mawryngkhang treks, we were ready for a day of relaxation. Initially, we planned to unwind in Cherrapunjee, but our host, Batista, suggested we visit Langkawet instead. We’re so glad we took his advice—it was the best decision!
Meghalaya is a state of breathtaking beauty, something I never tire of mentioning. It’s also one of our favorite destinations. Every time we visit, we discover a new place that’s just as stunning as the last. Langkawet is no exception—this village is truly enchanting. I fell in love with it instantly, and I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps it was the church that reminded me of a fairytale castle, or the lush greenery that was a balm to my eyes and soul. Or maybe it was the mesmerizing sunset sky we witnessed in Langkawet. Whatever it was, both Agni and I were thrilled to have discovered this offbeat gem in Meghalaya.
Where is Langkawet Located?
Langkawet is situated in the Pynursla block of the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. It’s about 60 km from Shillong and only 9 km from Pynursla, the nearest town. The picturesque village has around 48 houses and a population of 229 people. You can easily include Langkawet in your Meghalaya itinerary, just as we did on our way back from Cherrapunjee to Shillong.
Our Langkawet Experience
As mentioned earlier, we visited Langkawet after our Cherrapunjee adventure. This trip to Meghalaya was quite an active one, involving more hiking and walking than our previous bike trip to the region. After a day in Cherrapunjee, we trekked to Nongriat and Rainbow Falls, then returned to Cherrapunjee the next day to visit Wei Sawdong waterfall, which also involved some hiking. The following day, we tackled the Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trail—another mind-blowing experience in Meghalaya. I can’t wait to share more about this place. But after all these activities, our legs were like jelly, and we just wanted to relax and soak in the natural beauty around us.
Langkawet Church
On the advice of our host, we chose to visit Langkawet instead of heading back to Cherrapunjee after the Mawryngkhang trek. A car was arranged for us, and we left Cherrapunjee, continuing our journey towards Pynursla. The scenery was a feast for the eyes—green mountains and distant waterfalls dotted the landscape. As we left the hilly terrain, the view shifted to plains and green fields, with a cool breeze gently washing away our fatigue.
These are the places where you roll down the car windows, let the fresh air hit your face, and simply enjoy the purity that’s hard to find in cities—even in Shillong. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of red, orange, and pink, we arrived at Langkawet.
Lake at Langkawet Meghalaya
As we turned towards Langkawet from Pynursla, we spotted a church in the distance, set against a backdrop of vibrant skies. The colors were reminiscent of the sunset we once witnessed during our Kudremukh trek—blue, red, pink, orange, and golden yellow. Soon, we reached the resort where we would be spending the night.
The Hanging Bridge at Lakeside Resort Langkawet
Langkawet Landscape
The place was a delightful surprise. A white wooden fence surrounded the area, with a small office and dining room in the front, and a small lake behind. An iron suspension bridge connected the other side, where we could see three sets of cottages. We were told these cottages would be our home for the night. We crossed the bridge and walked along a concrete path to reach our secluded retreat.
Cottage at Langkawet
Night Sky
Seeing the cottages filled me with joy. Seclusion and nature were exactly what we needed at that moment. I literally skipped and jumped to our cottage. That evening, we didn’t venture out. Instead, we sat on the veranda, gazing at the lights, listening to the sounds of the insects, and talking endlessly.
We woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. After breakfast, we set out to explore the village. Langkawet was beautiful, clean, and incredibly peaceful. We encountered only a few people on the roads as we strolled around the resort complex, sat by the lake, and wandered through the village. It was a blissfully lazy morning.
Walking Around Langkawet
Landscape of Langkawet
By noon, it was time to leave the village for our journey to Shillong and then to Guwahati. We arranged a car from Langkawet to Pynursla, where we caught a shared jeep to Shillong. Our driver was an interesting old man who was delighted that we had visited his village. When he heard we had been to Nongriat, he wanted to take us around Pynursla to show us the nearby villages with living root bridges.
Unfortunately, we had to catch a train from Guwahati that night and couldn’t stay. But before we left, he made us promise to return to Langkawat and explore the villages with him. We meet so many people on our travels, but a few of them leave a lasting impression. He was definitely one of them.
That was our experience in Langkawet. Now, let’s answer some important questions you might have.
Langkawet Travel Guide
How to Reach?
Pynursla is the closest town to Langkawet. You can reach Pynursla from either Shillong or Cherrapunjee. From Shillong, Pynursla is about 50 km away, and Langkawet is another 8 km from there. Shared sumos from Shillong to Pynursla can be found at the Sumo stand in Bada Bazar. Buses are also available, though I’m not sure of the timings. Hiring a cab is another option.
There are only a few shared jeeps from Cherrapunjee to Pynursla, leaving at fixed times. It’s better to check the schedule at the sumo stand if you’re coming from Cherrapunji. We hired a car from Cherrapunjee to Langkawet.
From Pynursla, you’ll need to hire a private cab to reach Langkawet, as there’s no public transport available. Villagers often walk the 8 km distance, only using a car when traveling in a group. Hiring a car will cost around Rs 400-500 and takes about 20 minutes.
Where to Stay?
We stayed at the Lakeside Resort Langkawet, a beautiful property beside a lake, as mentioned earlier. There are no nearby restaurants, so you’ll need to rely on the resort for meals. The menu offers a variety of items, but I recommend sticking to the simple ones. While our dinner was tasty, it was quite oily. Breakfast was better, so it’s best to avoid the fancy dishes and opt for the basics. Also, remember to order your food in advance—the village is quite remote, and five-star service shouldn’t be expected.
Another accommodation option is Langkawet Retreat, which I’ve heard is also a great place to stay.
Things to Do at Langkawet
The best thing to do in Langkawet is to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. It’s an ideal place for rest and rejuvenation. Take in the rural charm and the warm hospitality of your hosts.
However, if you’re looking for activities, there’s a nearby waterfall you can hike to. Pynursla also has several villages with living root bridges, including one with almost 16 root bridges. If you want to explore the area, find a good guide and set out on a trek.
You can also immerse yourself in the local culture. In the past, Langkawat was known for producing great drummers. The homestays and resorts in the area are involving the local community in sustainable tourism efforts. Village women are employed in cooking and housekeeping at these resorts, and a portion of the tourism revenue is used for the development of Langkawet. Hopefully, the village will remain as pristine and beautiful as it is now, with tourism serving as a force for good rather than harm.
