The Ngâi Tlâng (Ngai Tlang) trek is a lesser-known trek in Reiek, near Aizawl. It offers stunning views of valleys and mountains and is often more tranquil than the popular Reiek Tlang. Along the way, you’ll also see amazing rock formations called tafoni, or honeycomb weathering.
The trek begins with a steep climb up steps, after which a narrow trail along the mountain ridge actually leads to Reiek Tlang!
How to get to Ngai Tlang
To reach Ngai Tlang, you can follow directions to Hill Steps. Taxis from Aizawl typically cost around ₹5000 for both the Ngai Tlang and the Reiek Tlang sunrise treks. If you prefer, you can contact Mr. Lalthang Meka, at +91 89742 07461 to book a taxi.
We watched the sunrise at Reiek Tlang, had a delicious breakfast at Gunner’s Inn Restaurant, and then headed over to Ngai Tlang.
Ngai Tlang Trek Information
The distance from the base to the top of Ngai Tlang and back is around 1.2 km, with an elevation gain of 220 m. From the top, the distance to the Reiek Tlang trek point and back is another 1.2 km over relatively flat terrain, making the total distance about 2.5 km.
Guides are not required, as the trail is clear. We recorded our hike in this GPX file: Ngai Tlang Trek GPX. You can upload it to Gaia GPS or any map app to follow the trail.
Ngai Tlang Trek Sections
From the parking lot, the trek begins with mud steps supported by wooden and rope railings. The initial climb is fairly steep, and with each step, the views of the surrounding hills slowly open up.
The steps merge into a trail that leads to the first resting point, which has a bench with a roof and a spot for campfires.
From here, the trail continues over steps constructed in 2025. The steps are unique as they are built using bamboo and continue up to the second resting point, which has benches and two green garbage bins. This spot is also visible from the top of Reiek Tlang.
Further along, a mix of mud steps and trails leads to a large flat area that is the peak of Ngâi Tlâng.
Trail to Reiek Tlang from Ngai Tlang
From here, there are two options. Turning left leads to a trail that seems like an alternative route to reach the top of Ngai Tlang. On maps, this trail is marked as Alu Tlang. This trail went downward, so we returned to the top of Ngai Tlang and continued straight along a narrow, less-trodden path. If you’re coming up from the base, turn right to find this route.
The ridge walk over the narrow spine of the mountain is very scenic. On the left are lush green trees, and on the right, the mountain slope drops into a valley below.
The trail continues into a grassy meadow, followed by a steep climb that ends at a rocky peak. From here, a slightly technical section involving a climb over protruding rocks connects to Reiek Tlang!
Having spent half an hour searching for a lost bottle (more on that later), we ran out of time and decided to skip the rock climb and head back to the base.
Unique rock formation (tafoni) on the way to Ngai Tlang
Along the road to Ngai Tlang, you’ll notice amazing rock formations that form a small cave-like structure. This pattern is called a tafoni, or honeycomb weathering, where the rock develops round holes that give it a honeycomb-like appearance.
These formations are located on the underside of the cliff, and this plays a key role in their formation. Water from the top of the cliff seeps into the rock and slowly evaporates, leaving behind tiny salt crystals. Over time, these crystals expand and break down the rock surface. Since the underside is protected from direct rain, the water dries more slowly, allowing these cavities to grow.
The white color of the rock comes from salt deposits left behind as water evaporates, along with freshly exposed rock.
These rock formations take thousands of years to develop!
Tips for Ngai Tlang trek
- There are no food or water sources along the trail, so carry enough for the entire hike.
- Watch out for protruding nails from the wooden railings in some sections.
- Carry a torch or headlamp if trekking early morning or at night, as there are no lights and the surrounding area is very dark.
- A dedicated parking spot is available at the base.
- Visit after monsoon to see green fields.
The search for a lost water bottle
If you see a trail leading into the forest near the Reiek Tlang point, then don’t take it!
This “trail” was carved using an umbrella as a machete during our heroic (and slightly unnecessary) quest to retrieve a fallen water bottle. After thirty minutes of relying on our limited knowledge of gravity to track its path and checking every possible crevice, we finally spotted its red glimmer. Victory!
This marked our freedom from this ordeal, and with the bottle safely in the bag, we finally started on our way back to the base of Ngai Tlang.
Sometimes the most unexpected or unplanned things turn out to be the best parts of a trip.
