Introduction
Just about 11 kilometres from Shillong, past winding roads and misted pine slopes, sits a village that quietly holds the memory of the Khasi people. Smit does not shout for attention. It is a working village where sacred groves, timber homes, and a royal residence coexist with everyday life. Travellers who arrive expecting a packed itinerary often leave with something they did not plan for, which is a sense of continuity, of traditions still practiced rather than performed.
This guide is for the kind of weekend that leaves you feeling slower and more thoughtful. Two unhurried days in Smit, covering the right time to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to show up with respect. Meghalaya Tour Package has helped travellers plan this exact kind of weekend for over a decade, and the suggestions below reflect what works on the ground.
Where Smit Sits in the Khasi Hills
Smit lies in the East Khasi Hills district and functions as the ceremonial seat of the Hima Khyrim, one of the historical Khasi states. The village is best known as the home of the Nongkrem Dance Festival, a five-day thanksgiving ritual held each autumn at the Iing Sad, the royal house of the Syiem of Khyrim.
Beyond the festival, Smit is a living archive. Khasi matrilineal customs, clan governance, and traditional architecture are still visible in daily life. For anyone interested in Northeast India's indigenous cultures, this is one of the most rooted stops you can plan.
Why a Weekend Works Best
Short drive from Shillong, which keeps travel time low
Enough village and surrounds to fill two days without rushing
Easy to combine with onward trips to Cherrapunji or Mawlynnong
Getting to Smit
By air: Fly into Shillong Airport (Umroi) or Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Guwahati has far more connections.
By road from Shillong: Smit is roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive via the Shillong Jowai road, then a right turn at the Smit junction.
By road from Guwahati: Plan for about 4 hours to Shillong, then another 40 minutes to Smit.
Local transport: Shared sumos run from Bara Bazar in Shillong. For comfort and flexibility, hire a private cab.
For a planned route with a vetted driver, our Meghalaya tour packages include this kind of door to door logistics.
Day 1: Arrival, Iing Sad, and a Slow Afternoon
Start early from Shillong so you reach Smit by mid-morning. The road thins out as you leave the capital, and the first sight that greets most travellers is the Iing Sad itself. This large thatched structure is built in traditional Khasi style, with a tiered roof, timber posts, and a floor plan that reflects clan hierarchy.
Visit the Iing Sad: Walk the periphery first. Entry inside is restricted outside the festival, so follow local protocol.
Meet a village elder: A short conversation, arranged respectfully through a local guide, opens up the matrilineal clan system in a way no book will.
Walk the lanes: Traditional homes, kitchen gardens, and sacred groves (Law Kyntang) sit side by side. Do not enter sacred groves without permission.
Lunch: Try Jadoh (rice cooked with meat), Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame), and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean). Local kitchens serve these better than any restaurant in Shillong.
Spend the afternoon driving to viewpoints around Smit. The Shillong Peak detour, if time allows, gives you a sweeping view of the plateau. Return to Smit by sundown. Evenings here are early and quiet. Pack a light jacket, as the elevation drops the temperature quickly after dusk.
If you are travelling with elders or young children, keep the day short and build in rest. The idea is to let the village set the pace, not the other way around.
Day 2: Festivals, Markets, and Nearby Heritage
Day two works best when structured around a theme. Choose one of three options based on when you visit.
If you are visiting during Nongkrem (usually November)
Attend the festival at the Iing Sad from the morning session
Observe the Pomblang ceremony, the goat offering made to Ka Blei Synshar
Watch the Shad Kynthei (women's dance) and Shad Mastieh (men's warrior dance)
Dress modestly and ask before taking photographs
If you are visiting off-season
Drive to Laitlum Canyons, about an hour away, for gorge views
Visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest for a guided ethnobotanical walk
Stop at a local weaver's workshop to see Khasi textiles being made
For history and heritage focus
Explore nearby villages that follow Hima Khyrim traditions
Visit Shillong's Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures on the way back for context on tribes across Northeast India
Round off the trip with a stop at Police Bazar in Shillong for Khasi handloom shawls, bamboo craft, and local honey. These make meaningful souvenirs and support the artisans directly. Travellers heading further can continue to Cherrapunji and the living root bridges the next morning.
The Nongkrem Dance Festival Explained
The Nongkrem Dance is the single most important cultural event tied to Smit. According to Meghalaya Tourism, the festival is a thanksgiving to the goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a good harvest and the welfare of the state.
Key things to know:
Duration: Five days, usually in the second week of November. Exact dates follow the Khasi calendar, so confirm before booking.
Location: Iing Sad, Smit village
Who performs: Unmarried Khasi women in traditional silk and gold ornaments perform the Shad Kynthei, moving in a slow circle. Men in dhotis and turbans, carrying swords and whisks, perform the Shad Mastieh around them.
What to witness: The Pomblang ceremony on the main day, where the Syiem offers prayers for the welfare of the state.
Where to sit: Public viewing areas are marked. Follow the local organiser's instructions.
For a well-timed Nongkrem trip, book at least two months in advance through a trusted operator.
Where to Stay and What to Eat
Smit has limited formal accommodation, which is part of its charm. Most travellers base themselves in Shillong and drive in. For a deeper stay, consider:
Homestays in Smit and nearby Nongkrem villages: Clean, basic, and run by Khasi families
Boutique hotels in Shillong: Polo Towers, Ri Kynjai, and Jiva Resort are reliable options
Guesthouses in Nongpoh: A quieter option if driving in from Guwahati
Food worth seeking out:
Jadoh and Doh Khlieh at a village kitchen
Pukhlein, a fried rice-and-jaggery sweet
Red tea at a roadside stall, strong and unsweetened by default
Vegetarian travellers will find options, though they are limited. Communicate dietary needs in advance.
Responsible Travel Notes
Smit is a living community, not an open-air museum. A few things that matter:
Ask before photographing people, homes, or rituals
Do not touch artefacts or structures at the Iing Sad
Carry a reusable bottle. Plastic waste is a growing problem across Meghalaya
Hire local guides and buy from local artisans
Keep voices low near sacred groves and the royal house
A thoughtful visit here is worth more than a long one.
Plan Your Smit Weekend With the Right Partner
For a weekend built around Khasi culture rather than tourist checklists, work with a team that knows the ground. Our local experts at Meghalaya Tour Package design slow, respectful itineraries that place travellers at the right site at the right time, from Nongkrem bookings to private homestays.
Just researching? Download our Meghalaya cultural guide to compare itineraries.
Planning the trip? Request a custom weekend plan for Smit and Shillong.
Ready to book? Lock in Nongkrem dates two months ahead for the best homestay availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smit famous for?
Smit is the cultural capital of the Khasi people and the venue of the annual Nongkrem Dance Festival at the Iing Sad, the royal house of the Syiem of Khyrim.
How far is Smit from Shillong?
Smit is about 11 kilometres from Shillong, which translates to a 30 to 40 minute drive depending on traffic.
What is the best time to visit Smit?
November is ideal because the Nongkrem Dance Festival takes place then. October to March is comfortable for general travel, with cool, dry weather.
Is Smit worth a weekend trip?
Yes. Two days give you enough time to visit the Iing Sad, walk the village, meet residents, try Khasi food, and combine the trip with one nearby heritage stop.
Can tourists attend the Nongkrem Dance Festival?
Yes, tourists are welcome to watch from designated public areas. Dress modestly, ask before photographing performers, and follow instructions from local organisers.
Where should I stay for a Smit visit?
Most travellers stay in Shillong hotels and drive in daily. For a deeper cultural experience, book a Khasi homestay in Smit or a nearby village well in advance.
Do I need a guide to visit Smit?
A guide is strongly recommended. Local guides open up the matrilineal clan system, help you navigate protocol at the Iing Sad, and point you to home kitchens and weavers you would otherwise miss.