Welcome to the third part of the Mesmerizing Meghalaya series! If you have come across this travelogue without reading the previous parts, I recommend starting with Part -1 and Part – 2. The journey promises to be truly enchanting and will surely captivate your senses.

Before our journey to Meghalaya, I had the chance to browse through countless breathtaking images of Dawki. The sight of the transparent river waters never failed to leave me amazed. It was hard to fathom that the riverbed could be visible to the naked eye due to the pristine condition of the water. Filled with anticipation, we set off on our fifth day of exploration.

This day held great excitement. Firstly, it was New Year’s Eve, adding an extra touch of excitement. Secondly, it was a relatively short road trip. Dawki, a charming town in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, is renowned for its crystal-clear river called Umngot, which is considered one of the cleanest rivers in India. The journey to Dawki is a visual treat, with its lush greenery and winding roads that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. After just a two-hour drive, we arrived at this picturesque village. As we approached Dawki, we couldn’t help but notice the extensive array of barbed wires acting as a fence along the international borders, separating India and Bangladesh. Interestingly, this is one of the few non-militarized international borders.

Upon reaching Dawki, we were captivated by the sheer clarity of the Umngot river. One of the main attractions in Dawki is boating on the Umngot river. Tourists can hop on a boat and be amazed by the water’s transparency, making the boats appear to be floating in mid-air. Boating on the Umngot is a tranquil experience, as you can see the riverbed beneath the clear waters. However, due to the large crowds and our upcoming boat reservations elsewhere, we decided not to take the boat ride in the bustling Dawki. Besides its natural beauty, Dawki on the Indian side and Tamabil on the Bangladesh side of the border serve as an important trade route between the two countries, witnessing a significant amount of commercial activity.

After our exploration of Dawki, we decided to head towards a nearby village renowned for its camping sites. Shnongpdeng, a small village situated close to Dawki, is nestled along the banks of the Umngot River. One of the main highlights of Shnongpdeng is its river camping experience. The camps are located on the opposite side of the Umngot River, creating an enchanting island-like atmosphere. To ensure a smooth experience, it is necessary to prebook the camps, and only those with confirmed bookings are allowed to proceed through the check gates. Excitedly, we boarded a boat that would transport us to our campsite on the other side of the river.

The warm hospitality we received immediately set the tone for our entire camping adventure. Since it was New Year’s Eve, the atmosphere at the campsite was lively and festive. With all the camps fully occupied, it felt like our own private island, secluded from the outside world. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, the absence of light pollution allowed the evening sky to put on a breathtaking display of stars. The tranquil ambiance of the riverside campsite, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the flowing river, created the perfect setting for relaxation and unwinding. It was an ideal spot to spend a laidback evening surrounded by peaceful silence. After a simple dinner, we settled into our camp, ready for a restful night’s sleep. However, even though it was New Year’s Eve, the celebrations were kept relatively calm so as not to disturb the neighboring campsites.

What a stunning morning to wake up to! The first light of 2024 has arrived, filling us with energy and excitement to kickstart the day. After exchanging new year greetings, we had a variety of adventure activities to choose from like snorkeling, scuba diving, and Kayaking. Opting for Kayaking, we dedicated our time and effort to this thrilling water sport. The crystal-clear waters of the Umngot river provided us with an exhilarating and enjoyable kayaking experience, showcasing the beauty of the river from a unique perspective.

During our stay at this picturesque campsite, we had the pleasure of interacting with the friendly locals, whose warm hospitality added to the charm of the place, making it a truly unforgettable destination. Soon after, we said our farewells to Shnongpdeng.

HOW TO PRONOUNCE SHNONGPDENG?

Throughout this trip, I’ve struggled with pronouncing the names of the places we’ve been to. But this one was the most challenging. Every time my driver said “Shnongpdeng,” I was puzzled. Remember, curiosity allows your mind to learn new things. I eventually figured out how to say it. It may not be perfect, but at least it’s understandable. Here’s a pronunciation guide! Give it a shot!

sh-nong-puh-deng

Before you navigate to the next part of this mesmerizing series, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about this one. Please share your thoughts in the comments. You’re also welcome to share this with your loved ones.

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