Things to do in Shillong Viewpoint
Shillong is a beautiful place in the northeastern part of India and is the capital of the state of Meghalaya. Known as the “Scotland of the East”, the town consists of rolling hills, majestic valleys, magnificent water bodies, and an amazing view of Mother Nature. At the heart of tourism in Shillong lies a small, convenient hill which is now one of the most visited places in all of Shillong; the Shillong Viewpoint.
Laitkor Peak, popularly known as the Shillong View Point, is a vantage point, one of the highest places in the city. Located in the outskirts of Shillong, about 13 kilometres from the centre of the town, Shillong View Point offers a magnificent view of the surrounding town and a calming, soothing treat for our eyes.
The Shillong View Point is a pivotal part of the Eco-tourism in Meghalaya. The Shillong peak is just a few metres shy from 2000 metres (1965 metres to be exact) above sea level. The entire city built around it has deep connections to the peak, historically and religiously. The locals believe that “Lei Shyllong”, the patron deity residing in the mountain, guards the town against all adversities to come.
Things to do in Shillong View Point:
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Trekking
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Using the telescopes
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Eat
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Shop
Trekking
If you are a nature lover and in Shillong, what better way to experience Mother Nature? Grab a backpack and start walking. Trekking to the Laitkor Peak is a wonderful experience, whether it’s solo, or in twos, or groups. You get to take in the beauty of Shillong and see the distant Himalayan ranges in all their glory. There is much to see in transit, and you can savour them, taking your time. This will also be a great bonding experience if you are with your loved ones. The Bangladesh plains, the buildings far away like dots connecting a beautiful painting; there are not many words that can describe the experience you get at Shillong View Point. You can also see a radar station of the Indian Air Force on the way.
Using the Telescopes
Once you’ve reached the top of Shillong Peak, there are some telescopes placed there for public use. They are free of cost and offer a clear view of the city, the hills, the valleys, and the beauty of the place. The telescopes are part of the tourism project to give the visitors a better experience of the scenic beauty from the peak. Also, this is a perfect place to snap some photos to commemorate your visit to the land of the clouds.
Eating
You haven’t experienced a place fully until you’ve eaten from there. There are many local shops set up in the foothills of Laitkor hill and the near viewpoint offering snacks, beverages, and local delicacies, etc. You can find fresh produce of the area, and packed goods too, to choose from according to your taste. The only con is that you may have to pay marked-up prices because Shillong View Point is a popular tourist destination.
A workaround to this is that you could always carry food brought from the city for whenever you feel hungry while trekking. The traditional food served here is exquisite and is a treat for the senses. The popular choices of tourists are Jadoh, Pukhlein, Dohkhlieh, etc.
Shopping
Shillong is a part of Eastern India and has its own culture and traditions. They are famous for their handicrafts, be it may fabric, bamboo, or other materials. You can see many shops near the Shillong viewpoint selling items of their local arts, handicrafts and shawls, etc. These are great places to collect souvenirs for yourselves and your loved ones from the trip. The prices are fairly reasonable.
Khasi scrubs are available in the area. They can be bought for personal use or as a gift for others. These are handwoven items and are natural and worth every penny. Bamboo Crafts are also sold extensively in the stalls. These bamboo crafts are handmade and require a lot of work and hours to make. These are an excellent choice for souvenirs and come in various utilities, size and shape. There are bags, baskets, arts, pouches and whatnot made from bamboo in the area.
The main attraction of the Shillong View Point is the shawls and the fabric for sale. Shillong, being chilly in the winter (drops down to 4-degree Celsius in the winter), has traditional shawls and other dresses to keep you warm, and maybe even qualify as a new fashion choice. The shawls are colourful and have many colour variants to pick from. You could also bring quality fabric home, for when you want to stitch a new set of clothes.
The thing to remember is that Shillong View Point sees a lot of footfalls in a year, and is a major source of income for the locals. Always remember to bargain before fixing a price to save some money.
How to Reach Shillong View Point
Shillong View Point is almost 12 kilometres from the town and can be reached via public/private transport. Once you reach the base, you can either choose to drive or trek up the hill. There will be an entry fee and parking fee for private vehicles. If you are driving, you may also have to submit your license to get permission to enter the gate, which will be given back once you exit.
Trekking is a popular method to reach the Shillong View Point. There are hiking trails to reach the vantage point, and in the peak time, there will be a lot of company too. The trek can be a bit long, so it is recommended to have supplies you need such as water, food and sorts of. Also, wear appropriate clothing suitable for trekking, otherwise, it may get exhaustive and cumbersome while walking.
Timing and Fees
The popular tourist hotspot is closed on Wednesdays. For the rest of the week, the Laitkor peak will be open from 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 30 per person. This is excluding any kind of parking fee charged for private vehicle owners driving up the mountain.
Things to note while visiting Shillong View Point
The foremost thing to know about Shillong Peak is that there is an Indian Air Force base situated there, and is protected. Visitors will have to show valid identification proof to enter. The valid documents include a driver’s license, passport, Aadhar card, etc. Due to security reasons, foreigners aren’t allowed inside.
It is preferred to set off early, especially if you’re planning to hike up the mountain. The reason is to avoid the scorching heat(varies from season to season) in the noon and to take in all the beauty without having to rush yourselves. The mornings are pretty great for a stroll through Mother Nature.
This goes without saying but it is especially applicable to visitors considering trekking. Tourists should have a proper meal before going on a long trip. You are bound to get exhausted sometime during trekking. Having a healthy meal before the trip ensures you have enough strength, and it won’t burn a hole in your pocket because it will be much cheaper than in the stalls of the Shillong View Point.
