Krem Puri, in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is a sandstone cave near the hamlet of Laitsohum, close to Mawsynram. Surveyors from the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association measured it at 24,583 metres during a 2018 expedition and reported it as the world’s longest sandstone cave. This guide explains what is verified about Krem Puri, how to reach it, when to go and what to expect from a visit that still runs on local guides rather than ticket counters.
Krem Puri is a 24,583-metre (24.5 km) sandstone cave at Laitsohum near Mawsynram, in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. It lies about 90 km from Shillong, has no formal ticketing, and is best visited October to April with a local guide.
Key takeaways
- Krem Puri was surveyed at 24,583 metres (24.5 km) by the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association during an expedition that ran 5 February to 1 March 2018, and reported as the world’s longest sandstone cave.
- It sits near Laitsohum hamlet in the Mawsynram area of East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, roughly 90 km and a 3–4 hour drive from Shillong, according to Meghalaya Tourism.
- The cave is not a commercial attraction: there is no ticket counter or fixed timing, and Meghalaya Tourism advises hiring a local guide for safe entry.
- Reports describe marine-reptile fossils, including a mosasaur dated to roughly 66–76 million years, found in the surrounding rock.
- The best months are October to April, when the weather over the Mawsynram region is driest; the monsoon here is extreme.
- Meghalaya does not currently enforce an Inner Line Permit for Indian travellers, though a registration system has been proposed — reconfirm before you go.
About Krem Puri and quick facts
Krem Puri is a sandstone cave in the Mawsynram area of East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. “Krem” means cave in Khasi; Meghalaya Tourism translates “Puri” here as “fairy cave”. The entrance lies near Laitsohum, a small hamlet reached by a short downhill walk, and it should not be confused with Puri the coastal town in Odisha or with Meghalaya’s many other “krem” caves such as Krem Liat Prah.
The cave was first entered in 2016 but its scale only became clear after it was mapped. It is a maze of low, muddy sandstone passages rather than a show cave with lights and railings. Inside, the air stays cool: the Madras Courier reported a steady 16–17°C.
| Full name and place | Krem Puri, near Laitsohum, Mawsynram area, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya |
|---|---|
| Surveyed length | 24,583 m (24.5 km), per the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association, 2018 |
| Rock type | Sandstone |
| Elevation | About 1,227 m (4,025 ft), per Madras Courier |
| Distance from Shillong | About 90 km; 3–4 hour drive, per Meghalaya Tourism |
| Entry | No ticket counter; local guide required |
| Best season | October to April |
Why Krem Puri matters: the sandstone record
Krem Puri is counted as the world’s longest sandstone cave because its 24,583 metres exceed the previous record-holder by more than 6 km. Most caves of this length form in limestone, which dissolves readily in water; sandstone resists that, so a cave system of this size in sandstone is unusual. Reports credit the Mawsynram region’s extreme rainfall with slowly shaping the passages.
The length was established during the “Caving in the Abode of the Clouds” expedition, which ran from 5 February to 1 March 2018. Caving veteran Brian Daly Kharpran and the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association (MAA) extended the known cave from 12,367 m to 24,583 m. Kharpran said the 2018 season mapped about 22.8 km of new passage across the caves explored, according to news coverage of the expedition.
For context, the Ambient Science feature and news reports note that the earlier record sandstone cave, Cueva del Saman in Edo Zulia, Venezuela, measured 18,200 m. Krem Puri is also described as India’s second-longest cave in the general category, behind the limestone Krem Liat Prah–Umim–Labit system in Jaintia Hills, which runs just over 31 km. Meghalaya itself holds more than 1,650 known caves and cave locations, with around 491 km of passage surveyed, per figures cited by GKToday.
On fossils, outlets including the Madras Courier reported that marine-reptile remains were found in the rock, including a mosasaur dated to roughly 66–76 million years (the late Cretaceous), along with shark teeth. According to local belief the cave is home to fairies, which is where the name comes from; that is folklore, not a documented fact.
Best time to visit Krem Puri
The best time to visit Krem Puri is October to April, when the Mawsynram region is at its driest, as Meghalaya Tourism advises. This matters more here than almost anywhere in India: Mawsynram is widely reported as the wettest place on earth, with average annual rainfall around 11,872 mm, a title it trades with nearby Cherrapunji and, by some measures, Lloró in Colombia. During the June–September monsoon, cave streams rise and tracks turn to deep mud, so caving is unsafe and often impossible.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | October–February | Driest and clearest; cool days, cold mornings. Best window for Krem Puri. |
| Spring | March–April | Still mostly dry and pleasant; waterfalls begin to fill. Good shoulder season. |
| Monsoon | May–September | Extreme rain; caving generally unsafe. Scenery is lush but roads and tracks are difficult. |
How to reach Krem Puri
Krem Puri is reached by road from Shillong, about 90 km away and a 3–4 hour drive, with the final stretch to Laitsohum near Mawsynram. There is no railway or airport in Mawsynram itself. The nearest railhead and main air gateway is Guwahati in Assam; Shillong’s own Umroi Airport has only limited flights.
By air: The usual gateway is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati, roughly 100 km from Shillong. Shillong (Umroi) Airport is closer — Meghalaya Tourism lists it about 86 km from Mawsynram — but its schedule is thin, so confirm flights before relying on it.
By rail: Guwahati is the nearest major railway station; Meghalaya Tourism lists it about 171 km from Mawsynram. Shillong and Mawsynram are not on the rail network, so you continue by road.
By road: From Guwahati, drive to Shillong on NH6 (the Guwahati–Shillong corridor), then on towards Mawsynram. From Mawsynram town, Laitsohum is about 10–12 km away, and a short downhill walk leads to the cave entrance. A hired car with a local driver is the practical choice; shared taxis and buses reach Mawsynram but not the cave trailhead on a schedule. If you are planning a wider trip, see our Meghalaya travel guide and Shillong travel guide for routes and bases.
| From | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Shillong | About 90 km | 3–4 hours by road |
| Guwahati (airport/railhead) | About 172 km | 5–6 hours by road |
| Umroi (Shillong) Airport | About 86 km | 3–4 hours by road |
| Mawsynram town to Laitsohum | 10–12 km | About 30–40 minutes, plus a short walk |
Things to see and do around Krem Puri
The main activity at Krem Puri is a guided caving trip through its sandstone passages, which is demanding rather than scenic: expect crawling, wading and mud. Because it is not a developed tourist cave, there are no fixed timings, lighting or entry fee published by the tourism department, and a local guide is essential. Pair the cave with the easier sights around Mawsynram and the Shillong road.
| Spot | Where | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krem Puri (caving) | Laitsohum, near Mawsynram | Guided trip into the world’s longest surveyed sandstone cave | Half to full day |
| Mawsynram village | East Khasi Hills | The rain-record village; Mawjymbuin limestone cave with its stalagmite is nearby | 1–2 hours |
| Elephant Falls | Near Shillong | Easy three-tier waterfall on the Shillong side | About 1 hour |
| Laitlum Canyon | Near Shillong | Deep green valley viewpoint | 2–3 hours |
Mawjymbuin Cave at Mawsynram is a separate, short limestone cave known for a large stalagmite; it is far more accessible than Krem Puri and suits visitors who want a quick cave stop without crawling.
A suggested two-day itinerary
A short trip from Shillong works best, since Krem Puri has no accommodation at the trailhead. Keep the caving for the morning, when you are fresh and there is light for the walk in and out.
- Day 1: Drive from Shillong towards Mawsynram (about 3–4 hours). Stop at Mawsynram village and Mawjymbuin Cave, then settle into a homestay or guesthouse near Mawsynram or Cherrapunji. Arrange your Krem Puri guide for the next morning.
- Day 2: Early start to Laitsohum, walk down to the cave entrance and do the guided caving trip. Clean up, eat, and drive back towards Shillong in the afternoon, stopping at Elephant Falls or Laitlum Canyon if time allows.
Where to stay
There is no hotel at Krem Puri itself, so most visitors stay in Shillong, Cherrapunji (Sohra) or a homestay near Mawsynram and travel out for the day. Book ahead in the October–April season and over long weekends, when Meghalaya is busy.
- Budget (indicative ₹800–₹2,000 per room, reconfirm): Village homestays and guesthouses around Mawsynram and Sohra. Simple, often family-run, and the best way to arrange a guide and local food.
- Mid-range (indicative ₹2,500–₹5,000, reconfirm): Hotels and resorts in Shillong and Cherrapunji with hot water and reliable rooms.
- Higher-end (indicative ₹6,000+, reconfirm): A few resorts near Sohra and in Shillong. Options thin out quickly outside the main towns.
These are planning estimates, not quoted tariffs, and should be reconfirmed at the time of booking.
Food to try
Khasi food around Mawsynram is simple, rice-based and often smoky. Try it at homestays rather than looking for restaurants near the cave.
- Jadoh (rice cooked with meat, usually pork, and spices) — the signature Khasi dish.
- Dohneiiong (pork cooked with black sesame) — rich and nutty.
- Tungrymbai (fermented soybean preparation) — strongly flavoured, an acquired taste.
- Pumaloi (steamed powdered rice) — a soft, mild staple served with curries.
- Kyat (local rice beer) — offered in some homes; drink responsibly and ask first.
Carry your own snacks and water for the cave day, as there are no shops at the trailhead.
Budget breakdown
A two-day trip to Krem Puri from Shillong is moderate in cost, driven mainly by the hired car and the guide. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for two people sharing, as of October 2026; it excludes your travel to Guwahati or Shillong and should be reconfirmed locally.
| Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car and driver (2 days, split) | ₹3,000–₹5,000 | Shillong-based car; depends on route and operator |
| Local caving guide (split) | ₹500–₹1,500 | Agree the rate before starting; not a fixed government fee |
| Stay (1 night, split) | ₹800–₹2,500 | Homestay or guesthouse |
| Food (2 days) | ₹600–₹1,200 | Homestay meals and snacks |
| Buffer and extras | ₹500 | Water, tips, small purchases |
| Approx. total | ₹5,400–₹10,700 | Excludes travel to Shillong/Guwahati |
Permits and rules
No special cave permit for Krem Puri is published by the tourism department, and Meghalaya does not currently enforce an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian travellers, unlike neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. Proposals to introduce an ILP or a virtual registration system for Meghalaya have been reported but not confirmed as in force, so check the current status with the Meghalaya tourism department or district administration before you travel.
In practice the real “rule” at Krem Puri is safety: enter only with a local guide, follow their route, and do not attempt the cave in the monsoon. Carry out all waste — Meghalaya enforces plastic and littering rules in many tourist areas — and ask before photographing people or villages. Foreign nationals should reconfirm any registration requirements, as rules for the northeast change.
Practical tips and safety
Krem Puri is caving, not sightseeing, so prepare properly. The passages are low, muddy and often wet, and there is no lighting or signage inside.
- Guide first: Do not enter without a local guide. Arrange one through your homestay or a Shillong-based operator in advance.
- Gear: Wear old clothes and grippy shoes you can soak in mud, and bring a reliable headtorch with spare batteries, plus a change of clothes for afterwards.
- Season: Go October–April only. In the monsoon the cave and tracks flood.
- Connectivity and cash: Mobile network is patchy around Mawsynram; carry cash, as UPI and card acceptance are unreliable and there are no ATMs at the trailhead.
- Health: The nearest full hospitals are in Shillong; carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medicines.
- Solo and women travellers: Meghalaya is generally considered safe, but the cave is remote — go in a group with a guide, start early, and tell someone your plan.
- Packing: Even in the dry season, pack a rain layer; this is the wettest corner of India.
Nearby places
Krem Puri pairs well with the better-known sights of the East Khasi Hills, most of them on or near the Shillong–Mawsynram–Cherrapunji loop.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Mawsynram village | 10–12 km | Rain-record village and Mawjymbuin limestone cave |
| Cherrapunji (Sohra) | About 55–60 km | Waterfalls, living-root bridges and a good overnight base |
| Shillong | About 90 km | Meghalaya’s capital and the main travel hub |
| Mawlynnong | About 90 km (via Shillong side) | Well-known clean village and sky-walk viewpoint |
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Krem Puri located?
Krem Puri is near the hamlet of Laitsohum in the Mawsynram area of East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. It is about 90 km and a 3–4 hour drive from Shillong, and roughly 10–12 km from Mawsynram town, with a short downhill walk to the entrance. The nearest major airport and railhead is Guwahati in Assam.
Is Krem Puri really the world’s longest sandstone cave?
Krem Puri was surveyed at 24,583 metres by the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association in 2018 and reported as the world’s longest sandstone cave, exceeding Venezuela’s Cueva del Saman (18,200 m) by more than 6 km. Most caves this long form in limestone, so a sandstone system of this scale is unusual. Treat the record as reported by the surveying team.
Do I need a permit to visit Krem Puri?
No special cave permit is published for Krem Puri, and Meghalaya does not currently enforce an Inner Line Permit for Indian travellers, unlike some neighbouring states. Proposals for a registration system have been reported but not confirmed in force. Reconfirm the latest rules with the Meghalaya tourism department before travelling, especially if you are a foreign national.
When is the best time to visit Krem Puri?
The best time is October to April, when the Mawsynram region is driest, according to Meghalaya Tourism. Avoid the June–September monsoon, when this part of India sees extreme rainfall, cave streams rise and tracks become dangerous. Winter is cool and clear; March and April are a pleasant, mostly dry shoulder season.
Can anyone go inside Krem Puri?
Krem Puri is not a developed show cave: there is no lighting, railings, fixed timing or ticket counter, and Meghalaya Tourism advises that a local guide is required. Expect crawling, wading and mud, so reasonable fitness, a headtorch and old clothes are essential. It suits adventurous visitors rather than casual sightseers; families with young children should consider the easier Mawjymbuin Cave instead.
What fossils have been found at Krem Puri?
Reports, including the Madras Courier, say marine-reptile remains were found in the rock around Krem Puri, among them a mosasaur dated to roughly 66–76 million years ago, in the late Cretaceous, along with shark teeth. Mosasaurs were marine reptiles rather than dinosaurs, a point some news coverage blurs. The fossils are not laid out for public viewing.
Last updated and sources
Krem Puri suits adventurous travellers who want a genuine caving experience and are happy to work with a local guide; it is best attempted between October and April. Go prepared for mud, low passages and remote conditions, not a lit-up tourist cave.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Meghalaya Tourism (meghalayatourism.in) Krem Puri and how-to-reach pages; Madras Courier, “Krem Puri: A Time Capsule of Meghalaya”; GKToday current-affairs feature on Krem Puri; Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association / “Caving in the Abode of the Clouds” expedition coverage (2018); The Better India and news reports on the 2018 survey; Wikipedia and Outlook Traveller on Mawsynram rainfall; Deccan Herald and NE regional press on Meghalaya’s permit status. Accessed September 2026.
