An international team of explorers has mapped over 22 kilometres of previously unknown cave passages in Meghalaya during a month-long expedition in February, reinforcing the state’s status as one of the world’s dominant caving regions.
The expedition, titled Caving in the Abode of the Clouds Expedition 2025, was conducted from February 2 to 28 and documented 22,663 metres of new cave networks across the state. Organised with support from the Meghalaya Adventurers Association and backed by the state government, the mission brought together 24 cavers from Austria, Germany, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom.
Ahead of the main exercise, a preliminary phase in the East Khasi Hills district led to the exploration of eight caves, mapping 6,210 metres of passages. Key discoveries included Krem Riblai, Krem Khla, Krem Wallang and Krem Shanguh 1.
The principal expedition in the Jongria area and Muallian Spur near Tangnub village added a further 16,453 metres of cave systems. In total, 27 caves were surveyed, including 18 newly identified ones.
Among the most significant finds was Lungchung Khur, a river cave extending 13,618 metres, now ranked among the longest in India. The cave is notable for its extensive river passages and striking calcite formations, offering insights into subterranean geological processes.
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“This expedition once again shows that Meghalaya remains one of the most important caving regions in the world, with vast systems still waiting to be explored,” said Brian Daly Kharpran.
He added that the discoveries highlight the scientific importance of the state’s underground river systems, much of which remains unexplored.
The expedition also contributed to biodiversity research, including the collection of specimens of Neolissochilus pnar, believed to be the world’s largest known blind cave fish, for conservation purposes.
In a separate exercise earlier this year in the South West Khasi Hills district, explorers extended the Krem Amarsang cave system to 1,564 metres, with further sections yet to be explored.
The discoveries are part of the long-running Caving in the Abode of the Clouds project, which has studied Meghalaya’s cave systems since 1992. With the latest findings, the total mapped cave length in the state has reached 573.6 kilometres, according to officials.
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