I set out from Tura, intending to hit Shillong - but stopped abruptly when I saw a sign pointing to Nokrek national park! 
Arre! That was the reason I came to Tura...to check out Nokrek peak, the highest point in Meghalaya! How could I have forgotten that? 
I immediately took the turn for Nokrek. 
Ah - the joys of solo riding. ...
The road was OK for sometime, but then degenerated in a mud track with these really scary and deep ruts! If I got my bike stuck in these, it would be a  real task to get it out! 
This deserted and rutted road seemed to go on forever, and I was thinking that I am going to end up sleeping beneath a tree in the jungle tonight...when I suddenly reached the village at the end of the road...and found this absolutely lovely homestay! 
The local pooches came to sniff me for suitability...
And I passed the pooch test, and scored a room in that lovely guest house! I was the only person there - so I got royal service!  I relaxed on their lovely bamboo porch and chilled with a drink and enjoyed the sunset. 
And I knew that I had really hit the jackpot when I was presented with an awesome home-made Meghalayan meal!  Smoked pork curry, greens and rice....what a flavour! Incredible! 
I went to the kitchen later to congratulate the lady for an amazing meal, and she giggled in delight! See the pork strips smoking over the kitchen fire...what a simple and eco-friendly way of smoking and preserving meat - and making it even more delicious at the same time! 
The next morning I was all set to go for a trek in the Nokrek biosphere... check out this photo of a cock
My homestay host's son (or brother or something) came along as my guide
What a beautiful forest walk
We came to this imposing watchtower on the top of the hill - this was the highest point in Meghalaya
I was a bit shocked on seeing the state of the ladder! What had mangled it so? 'Oh it was just an elephant scratching his back on it' the guide told me soothingly...
But it seemed to be OK once you get past the mangled part. 
And finally I am at the top! WOOHOO! 
And see a lovely panoramic view of the Nokrek hills! 
The stop is Tiger point... hopefully there are no actual tigers here...
Tiger point is an awesome view point - a rock that sticks out and gives a birds eye view of the whole jungle! 
 It was a little challenge to get up here...but the view was worth it
My kindly host had provided a packed breakfast - pork fried rice! 
Citrus Indica - a kind of citrus which is found only in Meghalaya
After the long trek and a hot bath - it was great to enjoy the chilly evening next to a bonfire
the host provided me with a nip of his home-made wine.
And another awesome pork curry for dinner! Ah - that was delicious! 
It was really wonderful to experience the warmth of this host family! What lovely people!