Shillong: A team of international explorers has discovered more than 22 kilometres of previously unknown cave passages in Meghalaya during an expedition held in February, officials said on Tuesday.

The discoveries include extensive river systems and several new caverns.

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 unexplored 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 expedition, a preliminary phase in the East Khasi Hills district led to the exploration of eight caves, resulting in the mapping of 6,210 metres of new passages. Notable findings from this phase included Krem Riblai, Krem Khla, Krem Wallang and Krem Shanguh 1.

The main expedition was carried out in the Jongria area and Muallian Spur near Tangnub village, where teams mapped an additional 16,453 metres of cave systems, according to officials.

Among the most significant discoveries was Lungchung Khur, a river cave stretching 13,618 metres. It is now ranked among the longest caves in India, noted for its extensive river passages and striking calcite formations.

Overall, explorers surveyed 27 caves during the expedition, including 18 that were newly identified.

"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 findings underline the scale and scientific value of Meghalaya's underground river systems, with large portions of its limestone terrain still unexplored.