Waterfall Rappelling at Elephant Falls, Shillong

October 10, 2012

Eric gets a thigh massage

An adventure could mean doing a multi-day trip on a trail less travelled, an expedition of many months to some exotic remote location. But often, there’s always something waiting to be done in a place in plain view. Elephant Falls is a popular tourist spot in Shillong. Scores visit everyday for a view of a set of cascading falls fed by hill streams.

The first waterfall is a sheer drop peppered with rocks on the sides for support and holds.
Its 40 foot height is not too high to scare off first-timers and is just enough to get the thrill of a rappel.

A student from Kiddies Corner School abseils down

On World Environment Day and on a particularly rainy day during the Monsoons, we hosted the first waterfall rappelling sessions open to all at Elephant falls. We did a bit of garbage collection at the pool below – we like to leave a place as we find it or in a better condition than it was when we arrived.

Cleaning the garbage

Proper disposal

The water flows were great and at an optimal level. During the Monsoon Waterfall Rappelling session, the flow was stronger. When people hopped off the edge and into the main flow, the spray was beautiful and it was hard to look up. A person naturally had to brace his/her legs against the rock face and as a by-product, get a free and vigourous “thigh massage” at the same time.

Students of Kiddies Corner School get tied into the safety lines

Packraft in the pool below for safety.

Safety is always first. It was mandatory to wear a pfd (life vest) and a helmet. We tied belay lines for safety into everyone that went off and we also had a packraft waiting in the pool below as an added measure.

Enjoy the photos and hope to see you outdoors soon!

~ The Campfire Trails team