Overview

Nestled in the verdant hills of Meghalaya, Kongthong Whistling Village is a picturesque hamlet offering an extraordinary glimpse into the unique culture and traditions of the Khasi people. This remarkable destination is renowned for its musical language called Jingrwai Iawbei, where each person is identified by a distinctive tune rather than a traditional name - a fascinating cultural practice developed through geographical isolation. Known as the 'Whistling Village,' Kongthong provides an exceptional off-beat travel experience for cultural enthusiasts seeking authentic interactions with indigenous communities1. This unforgettable day trip combines Meghalaya's natural beauty with rich cultural heritage, featuring scenic tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain viewpoints en route to this musical village.

Road Distance: 60 Kms
Tour Timings: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
12 Hours Available on request Shillong, Meghalaya
Itinerary

  • Begin your cultural journey early from Shillong toward this unique destination

  • Visit Meg Tea Garden to experience freshly brewed local tea and learn about Meghalaya's tea plantation initiatives

  • Explore Elephant Falls, a stunning three-step waterfall created by mountain streams cascading through forested slopes

  • Take a scenic stop at Rangkylliaw viewpoint in Mawrah village for breathtaking panoramic mountain views

  • Arrive at Kongthong Village and meet with a local guide or village elder for cultural orientation

  • Experience the mesmerizing whistling language (Jingrwai Iawbei) firsthand through live demonstrations

  • Learn basic whistling techniques and understand the cultural significance of this unique communication system

  • Interact with villagers and discover how this musical tradition has been preserved through generations

  • Return to Shillong with memories of this extraordinary cultural encounter

Points of Interests

 

  • Meg Tea Garden - A government initiative launched in 2014 to develop Meghalaya's tea plantation potential, offering fresh local tea experiences.
  • Elephant Falls - A spectacular three-step waterfall formed by mountain streams cascading through multiple levels of forested terrain.
  • Rangkylliaw Viewpoint - A scenic bridge location offering mesmerizing panoramic views of surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Kongthong Whistling Village - Famous for its unique musical language Jingrwai Iawbei, where residents communicate through distinctive whistling melodies instead of traditional names
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Entry fees 

  • Guide  

  • Equiments  

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Personal expenses  

  • Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc. 

  • Personal purchases on the tour. 

  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions. 

Pickup point
Shillong, Meghalaya, India - Pick up point View on Map