The Youth Hostels movement began in 1909 by Richard Sachirrmann, a German school teacher who saw the need for ovrnight accommodation for school groups so that they could experience the countryside. The first Youth Hostels (jugendherberge) was opened in Schirrmann's own school, in Altenia, Westphalia Germany. In 1912 it was replaced by a permanent Hostel in Altenia Castle. The Youth Hostels Association was formed in Germany in 1919. The movement spread rapidly worldwide so the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) was founded. In India some enthusiasts in Mysore set up a committee for the promotion of the Movement in 1949 and it was only three years later that the Indian Association received Associate membership of IYHF. The first National Conference of the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) was held in 1956 in Delhi which marked the establishment of the movement on a national level.
Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI), Meghalaya State Branch was established in the year 1987. YHAI is a non profit making social body registered under the societies Registration Act (1860) as a non-govt organisation (NGO).
Our mission is to enable and promote travel, tourism, adventure spirit, National Integration, education and to develop understanding among youth about social and developmental issues. Meghalaya State Branch of YHAI right from its inception has been organizing 2 (two) Nos of annual local trekking programmes. Prominent among these were (1)trekking from Jañiaw to Lawbah (East Khasi Hills District) liarbang to lummawtha (umtngam), Nongkhlaw to jingkiengkhri (west Khasi Hills District) Mawphlang (Nongrum) to Lad Mawphlang (Sohra road) David Scott trail. (East Khasi Hills District) However, last year bringing an uniqueness to the programme Meghalaya State Branch of YHAI successfully organized the 1st National Trekking cum-caving expedition 2016 for 7 days from 31st October 2016 to 8th November 2016, more than a hundred participants from different parts of the country took part in the expedition. In the past, Meghalaya State Branch of YHAI had organized National Integration Camp in the year 1995 and 2001 mainly for North Eastern States.
Besides this, more than 70 youths took part in the Republic Day Camp Organized by YHAI National Office for Border States in 1990, 1991 and 1993. During the year 1991 and 1992, Meghalaya State Branch sponsored some youths to take part in the Himalaya trekking programme at Kulu Manali. A member of Youth Hostels Association of India also entitled to stay in YHAI Hostels situated at different parts of the country or even abroad. YHAI Meghalaya Branch looks forward to your support in the form of active participation both at the local, National and even at the International arena.
YHAI Meghalaya branch successfully organised one day tracking expedition from Liarbang to Lummawtha (Umtngqm) on 31st August 2015.
YHAI Meghalaya State branch also organised local tracking from Wahkdait East Khasi Hills to Shnongpdenh via Umngot river on 12th October 2019.
One day cabin expedition was also organised at Khram Puri near Mawsynram on 4th May 2019.
One day local track from Syntu Ksiar to Lalong via Chyrmang and Siangblai was organised on 20th October 2018.
From Laitrngew to Dainthlen falls via Mawsawdong and Lyngksiar falls was organised on 28th April 2018.
One day local tracking was also organised from Wahkhen to Mawryngkhang on 29th April 2017.
One day local tracking was organised to Umawrynghang (the king of stones).
Local tracking was also organised from syntuskair to Lalong via Chyrmang and Siangblai on 20th October 2018.
Our mission is to enable and promote travel, tourism, adventure spirit, National Integration, education and to develop understanding among youth about social and developmental issues.
