Krem Chympe : Off-Beat Mysterious Cave with Enigmatic Chympe Waterfall
Hello all,
I believe in destiny. I firmly believe that apart from our skills, hard work and efforts, we can’t always get what we want. But that is only because the universe has a better plan for us. We just have to be patient. Be calm. Be composed and have to do what we are doing but with total passion, perseverance and dedication.Last year, in December 2022, we had planned a Meghalaya trip with our friends. Everything was fixed. Flight tickets and hotel bookings were all done. We were ready to go with all pre-trip planning. And suddenly, we had a family emergency and had to cancel the entire plan.
Fast forward to December 2023, we again planned our much-awaited trip with just four of us. And we changed the itinerary entirely. Yes! Apart from routine touristy things in Cherrapunji, we almost had changed all places. Because we came across a few off-beat- places during the year 2023, and by looking at those pictures, we couldn’t resist going there and admiring the beauty ourselves. Our tour planner was a little hesitant about the off-beat locations, but after seeing our enthusiasm, he also got excited and planned a perfect itinerary for us!
One of them is a hidden gem in East Jaintia Hills! Krem Chympe. We had two options. Either we can do mighty Phe Phe falls or this less explored gem. Obviously, we selected the later. An enigmatic Chympe waterfall and India’s fifth-largest cave! Yes, you read that right.
Meaning of Krem Chympe:
Krem means cave. There are many caves in Meghalaya, and most of them are still unexplored. Some say Meghalaya is a paradise for cave lovers and spelunkers. Even this cave is yet to be explored fully. It is still discovered up to approximately 19 km in length. It has approximately 50 natural dams made up of limestones, a few of which are up to 10 m in height. There are numerous lakes within the cave, some of which are up to 3.5 km long and are approximately 8-10 m in depth. The cave is the habitat of the planet’s largest cavefish fish, which is approximately 40 cm in length and is blind, in adaptation to the darkness of the cave. There are a gazillion colonies of bats looming over you.
Location:
The cave is located in East Jainitia Hills. Most of the region of Jaintia and Khasi hills are covered by limestones, and the world’s heaviest rainfall makes it possible to the formation of this beautiful natural miracle of cave formation. This is the perfect example of the resurgent cave where an underground river comes to meet the world, and what a grand entry she makes! The Lukha River has one of the best entrances in the world from this cave.
East Jaintia Hills has many cement factories because of the limestone rocks. It is like a cement hub of Meghalaya. It indeed provides employment opportunities, but it also is a cause of worry for the region’s environment. Our doubts were confirmed when we saw the polluted water of the Wah Lukha River.
How to reach:
It is better to have your private transport in this region. We stayed in Khliehriat, and from there, we started early in the morning, around 6:30 (not quite early according to North East time, but still). It is better to stay in Khliehriat rather than in Jowai, because it will reduce your travel time by an hour, on the day of the trek. We went up to Lumshnong toll plaza. Our guide met us there. We had yummy kachoris in the Rajasthani Dhaba at the toll plaza. After that, we went to Brichyrnot village in our car only. We had tea and delicious cakes at our guide’s home as it was Christmas day. The village is small and beautiful. The local’s main source of income is planting and cultivating trees from which broomsticks are made.
Trek to the waterfall:
There are two ways to go:
- You can trek approximately 6 km from Brichyrnot village up to the waterfall.
- You can go 4×4 up to almost 3/4 of the way and trek the last few km.
We initially left in a 4×4 vehicle. We had not planned to trek. And what an exhilarating ride it was! Standing in the truck’s trunk with bumpy rides and trees brushing your body was a unique and exciting experience!
But destiny has some other plans for us. It was raining constantly the previous night, so the roads were muddy, and our 4×4 could only go up to a km. Then we had to trek. But it was a blessing in disguise for us because otherwise, we would have missed the fantastic forest trail and magnificent bridge on Wah Lukha river!
Yes, you must cross the statuesque bridge with the beautiful Wah Lukha River below it. You can feel the difference in the Color of the pure and polluted water of the river from the bridge. The polluted river is due to adjacent limestone factories. The first part of the trail up to the bridge is downhill. Then you have to climb a few stairs, and then there is an uphill forest trail. There are a few bamboo huts on the way for rest. The last portion of the trail is again downhill up to the waterfall.
Trek to the Cave:
For the cave, it is an entirely different story. There is no well-marked trail, and you have to jump across the fallen trees and cross giant boulders. You have to walk against the waterfall at places. There is one treacherous, narrow portion where you have to hold the tree’s roots and place your feet carefully. One small mistake, and you will be in the pool below, which has many giant boulders on its floor. After crossing this stretch, you can see the cave entrance far away. But now you have to jump across the boulders, climb them maybe on your fours and literally have to squeeze yourself in between the giant rocks, which are sharp and slippery too.
Satva crossed all these first and reached at the pool before the cave. We still needed to arrive at the entrance. There are some boulders here where you can sit and have amazing pictures. But now, to reach the entrance, you have to take a dip in the pool. You can swim or walk on the rocks in the pool and reach in front of the majestic cave.
Chympe waterfall:
The waterfall is enchanting. It is like a slivery curtain with milky white water falling from a limestone cliff. I felt our 4×4 vehicle was a Portkey, and we instantly travelled into this heaven. We forgot all about that 5 km strenuous trek. We stood silently in front of the waterfall, and our hearts were full of gratitude. Locals have made a bamboo bridge in front of the falls. Sitting on that bridge, you might want to endlessly stare at the beauty in front of you. And what can I say about the emerald pool beneath? Satva-Shaurya wanted to dive and swim, but the water was freezing cold. It was surreal just to sit there, listening to the chirping of birds, feasting your eyes on waterfall in front of you.
Krem Chympe cave:
What can I say about the cave? We looked so minuscule in front of that gigantic cave. The sound of the waterfall below was like the drizzling chocolate sauce of a sizzling brownie with ice cream! The entrance is of limestone and sandstone with hanging rocks, which look like the entrance to some Game of Thrones fantasy land with jade green trees and ferns on either side. I was utterly overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it. The water droplets forming at the edges of hanging rocks and falling into the emerald pool below were nothing but enigmatic.
I was having floods of emotions… from excitement to amazement to contentment… I was drowning and floating simultaneously… Shaurya was sitting beside me, speaking nothing with a slight grin on his face… when I asked him about his emotions, he smiled widely and said, “Nothing! I’m just sitting happily.” I am sure he doesn’t know how to express his feelings…
Satva reached at the entrance first. He started to motivate us. “Come on, Mama, it’s easy.. just one more boulder, and you are here!” It was scary, but he was telling with so much confidence. Once we reached, Sheel asked him how he found this easy. Was he not scared? He told us, “I was terrified, but if I had told you the same, would Mama come here?” So, how well do our kids know us?
But really, the entrance of the cave was picture-perfect! It was like some magical backdrop, and you might want to sit there silently, seeing the show of sunlight dancing merrily and causing various effects on the cave entrance! The curtains of the water droplets and sunlight were hypnotic and have taken us into a state of trans. The cave was calling us to venture inside. Sheel and Satva went first on the bamboo raft. They were inside for a few minutes or hours, we don’t know. But then it was mine and Shaurya’s turn. When we went inside, it was pitch dark. When we started our journey this morning, we thought of going up to the waterfall or, maximum, up to the cave entrance if possible.
We read in some blogs that the path to the cave entrance is treacherous. And it indeed is! Thanks to kiddos who were our constant motivators. But never in my dream have I thought of going inside that pitch-dark cave. We even didn’t have our torches with us. Luckily, our guide was more prepared than us, and he had one torch with him; it was creepy and eerie inside the cave. Shaurya kept the torch on throughout our ride. We were hearing the sound of water. We thought it was from the waterfall below. But after a few minutes, we were amazed by a cascade of falls within the cave. It was enigmatic. Our guide parked the raft there and took us inside. We walked into the cave and saw a few other water formations. There were rocks like the shape of the lotus. We were so amazed yet terrified by the silence of the cave that we constantly held hands and never left. We left after a while, but cave was calling our names, still waiting to be unveiled further. I was feeling scared now and had no courage to go ahead. It was a journey to nothingness…
We came back by a 4X4 vehicle, and the ride was thrilling. We saw a spectacular sunset and moon rise on the way. We had a delicious khasi lunch at our guide’s home. And this is how our first day in Meghalaya was magnificent. It was difficult, but thanks to an amazing team of guides, we could make it upto the cave and even inside the cave…
Best time to visit:
The waterfall must be in its full glory in monsoon, but for the cave, it is advisable to visit in the dry season, from November to March.
Cultural significance:
The cave holds a special place in the hearts of the Khasi people of Brichyrnot village and the Mizo tribe of Khaddum village. They performed sacred religious ceremonies occasionally and took utmost care of this area. And it is necessary for the fragile ecosystem of this nature’s wonder.
Tips and points to consider:
- Please respect the surroundings. These types of caves are susceptible ecosystems with unique environments. The inhabitants are fragile, and your environment is new, so be cautious and respectful.
- These are extremely offbeat places, even not mentioned in Google Maps. You can only reach there with the help of locals. Respect their emotions about the cave and this environment, and leave the place better than you found.
- The drive to the Wah Lukha River required 4×4 wheel drive. Locals in Brichyrnot village do provide those, so you can contact them once you reach there.
- Do not do not litter. The trails are pretty clean because people from Brichyrnot and Khaddum villages make extra efforts to clean the place every month. Don’t leave any carbon footprint.
- Wear proper trekking shoes or shoes with good grip. The trail to the cave is slippery at places and not well formed.
- There isn’t any water source up to a waterfall, so if you are planning to trek, carry sufficient water.
- If you plan to swim, please listen to your guide or locals. They know the place better than you. They know where it is safe and where it is not. They also provide life jackets.
- If you are planning to go inside the cave take head torch.
- Don’t forget waterproof mobile cover for amazing pictures!
- If possible come back by 4×4 like us so you don’t miss the river side drive and amazing blue lagoon on the way.
Trek distance: appx 5-6 km
Trail type– Forest trail with Boulder crossings for cave
Trek level – Moderate
What should you wear:
Wear comfortable rapid-dry track pants and layer yourself. It can be chilly in the morning. Remember to take your swimming suit. If you are a snorkelling fan, take its equipment. And remind your guide about life jackets. If you are planning to trek, trekking poles are beneficial.
So, if you are a fan of off-beat places and subterranean terrain, then this should be on your bucket list during your Meghalaya visit. The state has many such hidden gems. This place is in perfect harmony with Mother Nature and her people. It definitely has our hearts, and its memories will be in our minds like the scallops on the cave walls!
Location of Brichyrnot Village: click here
Contact number of our Tour Operator: Experience Destination : 9859960660
Contact of local guide from Brichyrnot Village : 6009398430
its just wonderful! thank you for sharing!
Thank you…
what are the nearby places to club with this for a longer trip
there are many places like Krangsuri waterfalls, Nartrian monoliths. we went to Dawki after this.
Such a Adventurous Trip
Thank you…
Love it !
Thank you…
Did u find this place on your own
Suggested by someone
Am from Meghalaya working in ICICI, Ahmedabad and haven’t visited this yet
Actually I was looking for less explored waterfalls in Meghalaya and found this. And one look at the picture and we were smitten. So though Phe Phe waterfall is one of the must visit place in Meghalaya we selected this because it has an adventure of cave also. Thank you…
Fantastic !
Today only was reading on TOI why visit Maldives when we have our own islands on social media
Isn’t it true . Why visit southeast Asia Thailand , Phillipines , Bali we have our Meghalaya !
High time it’s been made popular !
Just as small request , Why don’t you share this post of yours to locals who can circulate and make the places more popular
That’s so true! We have so many such places… after visiting few waterfalls with crystal clear waters we thought Emerald pool of Krabi is nothing…when we started travelling more frequently, we thought the same thing… let’s explore India first..
Thank you so much for appreciating.
And yes already shared with locals and guides..
Meghalaya ! North East India
Kajal thanks for highlighting and sharing such a gem to people like us !
We are in California and came to know about this blog when u had penned down about buhskill falls ! Gargi highlighter the blog that day and we are following it
Do keep me in your mailing list and would love to explore India with you whenever I and chintool are in India
Thank you so much for such kind words…
Entire North-East India has many such hidden gem. Will surely send you mail. Thank you once again…
Really great trip of meghalaya with adventure,you really enjoying with nature..we appreciate and get inspiration from you for such wonderful time…vinun uncle
Thank you uncle for encouraging always..
Off beat it seems !
Guys you are exploring India to its Maximum
Love the detailed description and efforts you take to pen down
Thank you so much…yes these are hidden gems and you have to trek a bit to reach there.
Have visited Meghalaya but neevr ever been to this place
Thank you. Yes aunty it’s becoming famous now. Relatively less explored..
Well written
Thank you..
Just mind blowing. Super depiction and pics.
Thank u dear..