The Grade 11 students recently embarked on an amazing journey to Meghalaya, a land of lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage. This trip was all about bonding as a class, pushing our limits, and creating long-lasting memories. Our adventure began at 6:00 AM with a flight to Guwahati, followed by a 3-hour drive to Shillong. Reaching our boutique hotel that far exceeded our expectations, offering us a comfortable stay. Once refreshed, we explored the local market, where students indulge in shopping which ranged from clothing to traditional items. The long day of travel concluded with lights out at 10:00 PM, as we needed to rest for the much-anticipated trek the next day.
Day 2 started with a one-hour bus ride to Walyngkhat, the starting point of our trek to Nongblai, our campsite for the night. Though downhill, the slippery terrain made it challenging. After 2 hours and 15 minutes of trekking, with multiple stops along the way, we finally reached the campsite. After settling in, we explored the famous root bridges of Meghalaya. These natural wonders were both spectacular and slightly risky to cross, but we managed to navigate 2 of them. On our way to a third root bridge, we encountered a group of local Khasi boys playing football. Naturally, our class couldn’t resist joining in for a game. This offered students valuable insight into the talented youth across India. Back at the campsite, we entertained ourselves with water gun fights, a creative racket game, an intense never-ending game of Uno Flip, and our first TOK reflection with Ms. Pooja Sudhir, where we discussed the knowledge we had gained and taken away from our experiences so far.
Day 3 began with a hearty breakfast of Maggi, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The uphill trek was grueling, and within 10 minutes of starting, the class split into two groups based on pace. The lead group maintained a steady pace, taking breaks to allow others to catch up. As the lead group reached the top, they cheered for every arriving trekker, making the end of the 4-hour trek a moment of triumph. From there, we transferred to Cherrapunji for a two-night stay at another remarkable hotel. After resting, some of us played Rondo (donkey in the middle, but with football), which re-energized us. We ended the night with full-class card games like bluff and judgment.
Day 4 started with a visit to the Arwah Cave, where we marveled at ancient shell fossils. Then we headed to our next destination – Lyngksiar Falls – a beautiful spot where we were given the opportunity to swim. Despite the cold weather, most of us took the plunge for this fun experience. Our final destination was the breathtaking NohKaLikai waterfalls, tied to a famous local folklore. We held our second TOK session at the hotel, going into deep questions like, “What is the nature of knowledge?” Post dinner, wanting to make the most of our final night, we gathered together in a common area to chat and play games. This is when chaos ensued—a sudden sandstorm hit. A trash can swirled through the air, a flower pot fell, and string lights swung violently. Some of us ran into the lobby for safety, while others found shelter behind a back wall. Although terrifying at the moment, once inside, we were pumped with adrenaline, and some even found it amusing. This unexpected incident bonded us further and left us with an unforgettable story.
The final day involved a 6-hour bus ride from Cherrapunji back to Guwahati. We reached the airport just in time, and the 4-hour flight home was filled with games, books, and conversations. As we landed and said our goodbyes, we reflected on the incredible experiences we had shared. Along with sore legs and scratchy throats, we returned with cherished memories and stronger friendships. It was truly an adventure of a lifetime.
