Smit & Ing Sad
Smit is the village gateway to Laitlum. Ing Sad is a traditional Khasi cultural landmark; check local access and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
Ing Sad, the royal house of Hima Khyrim
Smit is the traditional centre of Hima Khyrim, one of the Khasi chiefdoms, and Ing Sad is its thatched royal house. Meghalaya Tourism suggests seeing it on a trip to Laitlum. It belongs to a living institution rather than a museum, so check whether visitors may go in and follow any instructions from the people looking after it.
The Shad Nongkrem festival
Smit also hosts the Shad Nongkrem, a five-day festival of thanksgiving for the harvest held by the royal clan of Hima Khyrim, usually around November. Its rituals are followed by ceremonial dances: women in traditional dress move at the centre while men carrying swords circle them as protectors. The dates follow the traditional calendar, so confirm them locally before you plan around the festival.
Fitting it into your trip
Pair with Laitlum on a half-day or full-day outing. Meghalaya Tourism places Smit about 5 km from the canyon.
Before you go
Confirm current access, opening arrangements and any charges locally. Directions and travel time can change with road conditions, so leave some slack in your day.
Find Smit & Ing Sad on Google Maps
Sources: Meghalaya Tourism: Laitlum Canyons; Meghalaya Tourism: traditional dance; The Times of India on the 2025 Shad Nongkrem. Checked on .