The daily grind feels never-ending these days, but this time, we managed to pull off a successful short getaway. It was October 2nd (Gandhi Jayanti), a national holiday in India, and we thought “why waste a day off when there’s so much to explore?” Working in consultancy, it’s rarely easy for us to turn off our phones or even keep them on silent. But with a team of amazing, like-minded colleagues, we managed to make it happen and planned an exciting getaway
Traveling solo is one thing, but organizing a group trip involves a lot of planning and coordination. After back-and-forth discussions on which car to rent, whether to use one or two cars, who would drive, and who would bring the snacks, we finally had everything sorted. Bright and early at 6 a.m the next day, we kicked off our journey. We were seven in total, divided into two cars: a Baleno, owned by one of our colleagues, and a rented Venue, which cost us ₹1,800 for the day (fuel was our own responsibility).
On our way our first stop was at a petrol station in Byrnihat which is about 26 km from our starting point and it took us around 35–45 minutes to reach. Here we refuelled our car, and our colleagues in the Baleno topped up their tank too. After that another 45 minutes to an hour of driving we reached at Shillong’s Car Khana, where we paused to stretch and enjoy some of the snacks we had packed. Refreshed and ready, we got back on the road.
Covering 115 km, a trip that usually takes around 2 hours and 57 minutes if traffic and stops are minimal, took us a bit longer. Since we took two short breaks and hit some traffic in Shillong, it ended up taking about 3 hours and 50 minutes, but at last, we reached our destination — The Bulls Trek, Located in Wahniangleng Mylliem, Meghalaya.
On reaching, the first thing we encountered was a spacious parking lot, big enough to park multiple cars. Close by, there were small stalls selling hot milk tea, Maggi noodles, and snacks to pick up before starting your trek. The washroom there was clean, though there was a small fee of ₹5 per person. Before beginning the trek, I would highly recommend renting a bamboo hiking stick from the locals for ₹10 or ₹20 and while coming back you need to return it. It is a lifesaver, especially on the way back up, as it helps keep your balance on the slippery sections of the trail.
Finally, we set off on our trek. I carried a small fanny pack stocked with essentials — my phone, wipes, chocolates — while my colleagues had their own bags with other supplies. We started down the slope, snapping photos and cracking jokes along the way. I couldn’t resist pulling out my phone to capture some fantastic shots of my colleagues, a few for myself, and, of course, a few videos for social media.
A quick word of advice: wear sturdy trekking shoes. Three of my colleagues had their shoe soles come loose mid-trek, so good footwear makes all the difference. If possible, opt for proper trekking shoes, which will make the climb back up more comfortable.
Walking downhill took us almost an hour, though those familiar with the trail usually manage it in about 35–40 minutes. The path was narrow and quite uneven, with roughly made steps that wind through the hills. The trail was rocky, with a few muddy and slippery spots, so be sure to tread carefully to avoid slipping along the way.
While making our way down the hill, we noticed small hut stalls along the path, stocked with essentials like small water bottles, packs of chips, and energy drinks. We also saw local children carrying small baskets filled with tiny water bottles and snacks, ready to offer refreshments to trekkers. So, if you happen to forget to bring snacks from the starting point, don’t worry — they have got you covered along the way.
After reaching a certain point, the path levels out, offering a stunning panoramic view of the trek — a refreshingly surreal sight. Along the way, you will find small wooden benches crafted from tree branches, and even wooden dustbins to help keep the trail clean and beautiful.
As we neared the endpoint, we came across a young boy selling entry tickets for the main entry point at the end, costing ₹70 per person. Conveniently, Google Pay is accepted, and there’s no need to worry about network availability — it’s reliable all the way down.
Finally, from a distance, we caught sight of the serene Wahniangleng lakeside, where we could see people relaxing, taking pictures, setting up tents, and sharing meals with their groups. Standing by the lakeshore felt incredibly surreal, with the clear blue sky, gentle breeze, and an enveloping sense of calm and peace.
Just a suggestion, You can also bring your own music speaker along the way to enjoy some music, and pair your snacks perfectly with the atmosphere.
Later that day as the sun came out, our umbrellas became lifesavers, adding to the cozy experience.
In all honesty, the Bulls Trek is like a slice of Switzerland in the Northeast — a must-visit destination! If you go, bring along a group of friends for even more fun and memories
After spending two hours by the lakeside, we finally decided to start our way back.
Climbing uphill proved to be the real challenge, taking us 1.5 hours to reach our starting point. We had to stop multiple times on the way up — it wasn’t as tough for some of my fitness-loving friends, but for me, a self-confessed lazy panda, it was quite the workout! On our way back, me and one of my colleague decided to pick up a few souvenirs. Once we made it to the top, we treated ourselves to some delicious Maggi and milk tea, which was the perfect end to our Bulls Trek adventure.
But wait, the adventure didn’t stop there! On our way back, it started pouring rain, adding a scenic twist to the experience. We stopped at a cozy café named Silver Brook, on our way to Guwahati and there we ordered a feast of chicken, fried rice, thukpa, and more. With that, I finally check Bulls Trek off my travel bucket list. Concluding this journey for now , with many more adventures to come. Until next time, keep smiling and keep reading.
