AdventureKayaking on the Umngot
Paddle on one of India's clearest rivers with a local guide.
WhereNartiang village, West Jaintia Hills
From ShillongAbout 65 km
Tallest stoneAlmost 8 m
TimeAbout 1 hour
Best monthsOctober to April
ParentsEasy, flat ground
Check before you go: Timings, fees and access can change with the season, festivals and weather. Check the latest timings before you go; on our trips we confirm them for you.
The Nartiang Monoliths are a large group of standing stones in Nartiang village, in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, about 65 km from Shillong. They were raised during the Jaintia kingdom, and the tallest stands almost 8 metres. An hour is enough, and the flat ground suits all ages.
The Nartiang menhirs and the Jaintia kingdom
Nartiang was a summer capital of the Jaintia kingdom, which ruled these hills for centuries until the British annexed it in 1835. The stones are believed to have been raised as memorials; local tradition links the tallest to U Mar Phalyngki, remembered as a minister of the kingdom.
It is one of the largest collections of monoliths in one place, with hundreds of stones of different sizes.
Is it okay for parents?
EasyStepsNone
WalkingShort and flat
ToiletsLimited
Easy for parents.
Standing and flat stones
- Upright stones (menhirs): called Moo Shynrang, linked with men.
- Flat table stones (dolmens): called Moo Kynthai, linked with women.
- The tallest: almost 8 metres high, one of the tallest monoliths in the region.
A guide or a local host makes the visit far richer, since there are few signboards.
How to reach the Nartiang monolith garden
Nartiang is about 65 km from Shillong, on the way to Jowai. It fits well into a Jaintia Hills day with Krang Shuri waterfall. Self-drive rentals for tourists are not allowed in Meghalaya, so book a taxi or a trip with a driver.
Veg and Jain food
Carry snacks.
More in the Jaintia Hills
Experiences nearby
Do more with locals
Adventure
Must doWalk to the Riwai living root bridge
A short, easy walk to a bridge grown from living tree roots. A good choice for parents.
Food & peopleKhasi home lunch in Mawlynnong
Sit down for a home-cooked Khasi lunch with a family in one of the cleanest villages in India.
AdventureFAQ
Nartiang Menhirs: your questions
Who built the Nartiang Monoliths?
They were raised during the Jaintia kingdom. Local tradition credits the tallest to U Mar Phalyngki, a minister of the kingdom.
How tall is the tallest Nartiang menhir?
Almost 8 metres, one of the tallest standing stones in Meghalaya.
Is the Nartiang monolith garden worth a detour?
Yes, if you enjoy history. It takes about an hour and pairs well with Krang Shuri waterfall.
How far is Nartiang from Shillong?
About 65 km, on the road towards Jowai in the West Jaintia Hills.
Is Nartiang easy for elderly visitors?
Yes. The stones stand on flat, open ground close to the road.
Something else on your mind? Ask on WhatsApp