Sohpetbneng

Sohpetbneng, known in Khasi as U Lum Sohpetbneng or 'Navel of Heaven,' is the most sacred peak in Khasi cosmology, rising to 1,343 metres about 20 km north of Shillong near Umiam Lake. Khasi tradition holds that a golden vine bridge once connected this summit to heaven, through which the sixteen original heavenly families descended to earth. Seven of those families chose to remain, becoming the ancestors of the Hynniewtrep people. Thousands gather here each February for traditional sacred rites.