Meghalaya · Adventure Traveler · 6 Days
Meghalaya Living Root Bridges Trek
Shillong, Cherrapunji, Nongriat
1 / 4Overview
This living root bridge trek package from Guwahati gives the Double Decker root bridge the time it deserves. Instead of a rushed day hike, you walk down from Tyrna to Nongriat village, stay overnight in a homestay, continue to Rainbow Falls the next morning and climb out at an easy pace with a local trekking guide, before visiting Mawlynnong and Dawki.
The Meghalaya Living Root Bridges Trek is a 6 days trekking & Hiking journey through Shillong, Cherrapunji, Nongriat in Meghalaya. Thoughtfully paced for 2-10 travelers, it brings together double Decker root bridge at Nongriat, Rainbow Falls trek and Village homestay at Nongriat.
Over 6 days, you travel at a relaxed, unhurried pace with hand-picked stays, a private vehicle, and an experienced local driver who knows the routes and the seasons. Nights are spent in shillong & Cherrapunji hotels and Nongriat village homestay, so you rest well between days on the road.
The ideal window to travel is Oct-Apr, when the weather and views are at their best. No ILP needed. The Nongriat trek is roughly 3,500 steps each way; moderate-to-good fitness is required.
- Double Decker root bridge at Nongriat
- Rainbow Falls trek
- Village homestay at Nongriat
Day by day
Day 1
Guwahati to Shillong
Guwahati → Umiam Lake → Shillong · approx. 100 km, 3 hrs
We pick you up in Guwahati and drive up to Shillong, stopping at Umiam Lake on the way. The rest of the day is for settling in and picking up anything you need for the trek, such as a light rain jacket and good walking shoes.
Meals: DinnerStay: ShillongDay 2
Shillong to Cherrapunji
Shillong → Sohra · approx. 55 km, 1.5–2 hrs
You drive to Sohra and see Nohkalikai Falls, the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint and Mawsmai Cave. You stay the night in Sohra so that you can start the trek early tomorrow. Your guide checks your gear and talks you through the walk.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: CherrapunjiDay 3
Trek down to Nongriat
Sohra → Tyrna (approx. 30–45 mins) → Nongriat on foot (2.5–3 hrs)
From Tyrna village you walk down roughly 3,000–3,500 stone steps through forest and across two wire bridges to Nongriat. Here you see the Double Decker living root bridge, made over generations by guiding the roots of rubber trees across the stream. You spend the night in a simple village homestay with home-cooked food.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: Nongriat homestayDay 4
Rainbow Falls, then climb out
Nongriat → Rainbow Falls and back (3–4 hrs) → climb to Tyrna (2.5–3 hrs) → Shillong
After an early breakfast you continue on foot to Rainbow Falls, passing natural blue pools where you can swim in the dry months. Back at Nongriat you start the climb up to Tyrna; this is the hardest part of the trip, so go at your own pace. Your car is waiting at the top to take you back to Shillong.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: ShillongDay 5
Mawlynnong & Dawki
Shillong → Mawlynnong → Dawki → Shillong · approx. 190 km round trip
An easier day after the trek. You visit Mawlynnong village and the Riwai single root bridge, which is only a short walk from the road. You then go on to Dawki, where you can take an optional boat ride on the clear Umngot River (paid locally), before returning to Shillong for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerStay: ShillongDay 6
Departure
Shillong → Guwahati · approx. 100–120 km, 3–3.5 hrs
After breakfast you drive back down to Guwahati for your onward flight or train.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
Included
- Hotels & village homestay
- Breakfast and dinner
- Private vehicle
- Local trekking guide
- Sightseeing
Not included
- Airfare/train fare
- Lunches
- Entry & camera fees
- Personal expenses
Stays & permits
Where you sleep
- Shillong
- Nights 1, 4 & 5
- Cherrapunji
- Night 2
- Nongriat homestay
- Night 3
- Shillong & Cherrapunji hotels
- Nongriat village homestay
Permits & travel notes
No ILP needed. The Nongriat trek is roughly 3,500 steps each way; moderate-to-good fitness is required.
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Double Decker root bridge trek?
It's moderate: roughly 3,500 steps down from Tyrna to Nongriat and the same back up, plus a further walk to Rainbow Falls. Anyone with reasonable fitness can do it at a steady pace, and staying overnight in Nongriat makes it much easier.
Why stay overnight in Nongriat?
It splits the climb over two days, lets you reach Rainbow Falls in the morning light, and gets you to the Double Decker bridge before or after the day-trip crowds.
Is this trek suitable for senior citizens?
Only for fit seniors who walk regularly — the steps are steep and the air is humid. Those who'd rather skip it can see the single-decker Riwai root bridge near Mawlynnong, which needs only a short walk.
What is the best time for the root bridge trek?
October to April, when the steps are drier. The monsoon makes the waterfalls spectacular but the trail slippery.