“A place of serene pine-clad slopes and expansive views, catch up on some local lore before you head over to the dramatic Lum Sohpetbneng also known as the “Navel of Heaven”. This quiet hill is steeped in legend and spiritual reverence.”

The Khasis have a fascinating belief system, and their landscape is an important part of their folklore. One of their central stories is that Lum Sohpetbneng was once the site of a golden ladder or vine bridge that connected heaven and earth many ages ago. According to Khasi mythology, seven celestial clans (the hynniewtrep) descended here via this bridge to find humanity. Due to human pride and sin, the divine connection was broken and the ladder disappeared - marking the start of human - divine separation.