Shillong, Nov. 27: The first national trekking and caving expedition was organised here recently to promote tourism and to provide an opportunity for participants from other states to witness the play of clouds and scenic beauty of the state.

Organised by the Meghalaya branch of the Youth Hostel Association of India, about 112 participants converged here recently for a week-long trekking and caving expedition.

A statement issued by the association here said the event saw participants from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, and Bengal. It was a mini India visible in Shillong, the Scotland of the East.

The first group of participants was flagged off by the East Khasi Hills superintendent of police, M. Kharkrang, from here and they went to Mawhati village in Ri Bhoi district by bus.

The group trekked to Tyrso village, where they halted to watch the Amur falcons that come from Siberia to stay in the village. The participants also trekked to Mawlasnai village along the Meghalaya-Assam border.

The second group was flagged off by the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner, Peter S. Dkhar, who travelled to Mawphlang by bus.

After visiting the sacred grove at Mawphlang, the group trekked to Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and took the David Scott route via Lad Mawphlang. They also visited caves and waterfalls at Sohra before returning to Shillong.

The participants visited Asia's cleanest village Mawlynnong and trekked a short distance. A cultural programme was organised where the participants were given gifts and those who successfully completed the trekking received certificates.