Before the pandemic hit, we went on an amazing camping trip to the beautiful Wahrew river in Sohbar village, about 70 km from Shillong. That trip is still one of my favorite memories from before everything changed. Back then, life was simpler, and we were free to just enjoy the moment. This hidden spot in Meghalaya, India, was like a scene from a postcard—totally peaceful and full of natural beauty. We had no idea it would turn out to be such an unforgettable adventure, packed with stunning views, exciting discoveries, and the joy of being close to nature.
The drive was calm, and my friends and I were buzzing with excitement. We reached our destination after dark, parked the car, and began a tricky trek upstream to our campsite. With just our flashlights to guide us, we carefully crossed a rocky riverbed, aiming to reach the other side where our campsite was waiting. Since it was winter, the river was dry, making it clear that no vehicle could get here—it felt like a hidden, peaceful escape.
Two friendly staff members welcomed us and led us to our tent. But just as we arrived, it started raining! Luckily, the campsite owners had set up a cozy canopy, so we huddled under it and enjoyed the sound of the rain. Even with the weather, our excitement didn’t fade—we were ready to soak up nature’s magic.
As the night went on, the rain finally stopped, and we stepped out from under the canopy. Just then, we got the best news ever—our nephew was born! That little moment of joy added something truly special to the whole experience. We were already in awe of nature, and now, this news made everything feel even more magical. Thoughts of the tiny new life mixed with the beauty around us, connecting us to both family and nature in a deep way. We all cheered, our voices blending with the rustling leaves and the quiet flow of the river. Our hearts were full, and we couldn’t stop smiling and celebrating together.
Gathered around a crackling campfire, we grilled chicken, cooked our food, laughed, shared stories, and soaked up every moment together. The mouthwatering smell of the barbecue and our laughter filled the peaceful night, creating memories we’d always hold close. Under the starry sky, the flickering flames cast a cozy glow around us, making everything feel warm and adventurous. We couldn’t see much beyond the firelight, but the sounds of the flowing river and rustling leaves hinted at the beauty surrounding us.
As the day’s adventures caught up with us, we finally headed to our tents for a well-deserved rest.
At dawn, the first rays of sunlight broke through the trees, and we stepped out of our tents with excitement. The morning light revealed a view so breathtaking it felt like we were seeing it for the first time.
The Wahrew River in Sohbar, hidden in darkness the night before, now revealed its beauty in the soft morning light. The river flowed gracefully, its crystal-clear water catching the golden glow of the sunrise. After the rain, everything looked refreshed, as if nature itself had come alive. Lush green plants lined the riverbanks, popping against the deep blue sky—a perfect masterpiece for us to enjoy.
We stood there, speechless, completely in awe of the peaceful landscape around us. The calm morning air made it easy to take in every detail. Birds sang, leaves rustled gently, and the river flowed in a soothing rhythm, creating a natural melody that lifted our spirits.
With a fresh appreciation for life’s wonders, we explored the beauty of Wahrew River in Sohbar with extra excitement. Every sight and sound felt more vivid, like nature was celebrating with us for the new life in our family. We made our way to the river, eager to take it all in. The water flowed softly, mirroring the blue sky above. We dipped our feet in, feeling the cool, gentle currents brush against us. The peaceful surroundings wrapped us in calm, filling us with a deep sense of serenity.
As the day went on, we soaked up every moment by the Sohbar River, spending the afternoon swimming, kayaking, and splashing around in the cool, clear water. The river was the perfect escape from the heat, and we had a blast floating downstream, letting the gentle current carry us along.
After enjoying the cool river, we headed back to our tent, where a tasty breakfast of Maggi noodles awaited us, kindly prepared by the campsite hosts. With our hunger satisfied, we spent some time snapping photos to capture these precious moments before starting our journey home.
This camping trip left a deep mark on my heart, blending the incredible beauty of nature with the joy of celebrating life’s milestones.
It reminded us that, in a vast world, the arrival of a new life brings us closer together, filling us with love and hope. This adventure wasn’t just about exploring nature; it became a journey of self-discovery, strengthening my connection with the natural world and the close friends by my side.
This experience was a gentle reminder that life’s most precious moments often appear in unexpected places. It taught me to embrace nature’s unpredictability. Even though our trip started with rain, we kept our spirits high and were rewarded with a peaceful, breathtaking morning. It showed me that the best memories often come from unexpected situations, and the magic is in welcoming them with open arms. If there’s one thing I’ll always take from this camping trip, it’s that nature’s beauty shines even brighter after the rain.
Location & Things to do:
Location- Wahrew River, Sohbar Village, East Khasi Hills District
Distance- 70 km ish from Shillong
Nearest town- Cheerapunji 12 km
Activities- Camping, kayaking/boating, fishing, trekking, hiking, river walks, nature walks, leisure time, photography,etc
Tips- Secure your tent in advance through a reputable adventure agency specializing in camping and adventure services.
Fun Fact- The 169 m long Wahrew Arch Bridge, Sohbar Village is India's longest road arch bridge.
Hey, we are going there this november. How is the road from Tyrna to Sohbar to Pynursla?
Nice blog. Beautifully written.