Sohra, East Khasi Hills · Meghalaya
Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge
A steep stair-trek into a jungle valley to living bridges grown from rubber-tree roots, and the Rainbow Falls.
Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge is an easy–moderate trek in Sohra, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, reaching 1,100 m. The best time to go is October to March. Plan 3 days on the ground from Guwahati and about ₹2,200 per person per day.
What to do in Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge
The one thing not to miss
The double-decker root bridge
A living bridge of trained rubber-tree roots. About 3,500 steps each way.
- 2Rainbow FallsA further walk beyond the bridge.
A sample plan: 2 days
Day 1
Sohra to Tyrna by road, then down the steps to Nongriat
About 3,500 steps; stay the night in the village.
Day 2
Rainbow Falls in the morning, then climb back to Tyrna
Start early to avoid the heat.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
One of the most unusual sights in India, with natural pools to swim in.
Why not
About 3,500 steps down and back up — harder than it sounds.
Before you go
- Permits
- Small village entry fee.
- Guide
- Not needed; local guides are available at Tyrna.
- Safety
- Steps are slippery when wet; avoid heavy-rain days.
- Phone & internet
- None in the valley.
Permits, food and festivals in Meghalaya →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Main hospitals in Meghalaya: Civil Hospital, Shillong; NEIGRIHMS, Shillong.
All emergency contacts for Meghalaya →What to pack for Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
5 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
2 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 8 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Sandals with grip Wet stone steps and river rocks are slippery; flip-flops are not enough.
Trek gear
9 items
- Day pack, 20–30 litres Enough for water, a warm layer and rain gear on the trail.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Water bottles, 2 litres in total Refill at streams and tea stalls instead of buying plastic.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- A walking stick Long flights of steps and a steep path; a stick saves the knees on the way down. Sold at the start of the trail too.
Health and sun
7 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 The sun burns faster in the hills than in the plains.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- Leech socks Forest trails here have leeches in the rains.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsSmall village entry fee.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone in the valley.
For what you're going for
3 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
- Swimwear and a change of clothes The river pools and waterfalls are for swimming, and there is nowhere to dry cotton clothes.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Meghalaya Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Guwahati.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
Sohra
- Distance
- about 15 km
- Drive time
- 30–40 minutes
- Sohra
- Mawmluh
- Tyrna
From Tyrna it is about 3,500 steps down to the bridge, and the same back.
Live directions from Sohra
Buses and shared taxis. Shared taxis run from Sohra to Tyrna; arrange the return before you go down.
Pickups & drivers
From Guwahati. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
The best months for Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge are October to March. April and September are possible but not ideal. Snow is rare here.
How difficult is Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge is rated easy–moderate. The trek is about 8 km in total, starting at 400 m and reaching 1,100 m.
How many days do you need for Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
Plan 3 days on the ground, counted from Guwahati. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge cost?
Expect about ₹2,200 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹6,600 for 3 days, before the cost of getting to Guwahati.
How do you reach Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
By road: from Sohra it is about 15 km, 30–40 minutes (Sohra → Mawmluh → Tyrna). Shared taxis run from Sohra to Tyrna; arrange the return before you go down. The nearest gateway is Guwahati.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
Permits: Small village entry fee. Guide: Not needed; local guides are available at Tyrna.
Is Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is possible with care; with seniors it is not advised. It is moderately busy in season. Steps are slippery when wet; avoid heavy-rain days.
What should you pack for Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
Pack fleece or light sweater, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs, quick-dry t-shirts, 2–3, sun cap or hat, rain jacket or poncho, trekking shoes with ankle support, day pack, 20–30 litres, rain cover for your bag, headlamp with spare batteries. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
None in the valley.
Who should not go to Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge?
Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge is not a good choice for families with small children and senior citizens. Also keep in mind: About 3,500 steps down and back up — harder than it sounds.
Close to Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Sohra (Cherrapunji)about 6 km
- Mawsynram & Mawjymbuin Caveabout 11 km
- Mawlynnongabout 26 km
- Laitlum Canyonsabout 34 km