Our Assam–Meghalaya Tour’s Day 4: Living Root Bridges, Long Walks & Testing Our Limits in Cherrapunji
Day 4 was the day we had both looked forward to and quietly worried about.
This was the day planned around the Living Root Bridges, and we knew from the beginning that it wouldn’t be easy—especially with kids.
Pre-Planning the Night Before: Managing Expectations
The planning for Day 4 actually started the previous night.
Our main objective was the Double Decker Root Bridge, but we weren’t confident whether we would be able to complete it. The reason was simple: stairs.
There are essentially two root bridges:
- Single Root Bridge – approximately 2,000 stairs
- Double Decker Root Bridge – approximately 3,500 stairs
And beyond the Double Decker Root Bridge:
- There is a waterfall (mostly visible from a distance)
- There is Aruwah Cave, which involves additional walking
This wasn’t like visiting a museum where you walk a little, stop, and move on.
In Cherrapunji, almost every attraction requires serious walking. The Double Decker Root Bridge alone can take 5–6 hours.
We were travelling with:
- A 4-year-old
- A 10-year-old
Neither had experience with this kind of long, continuous walking. So instead of fixing a rigid plan, we decided to:
- Start the trek
- Assess how things go
- Cover as much as possible
- Skip anything that felt too much
With that mindset, we closed the day and rested.
Starting Day 4: Checkout & Heading for the Trek
Day 4 began with checking out from the hotel.
The stay was okay, and since breakfast wasn’t available, we decided to move out early.
This was the day for the Living Root Bridge trek, and at this point, we still didn’t know:
- Whether we’d stop at the Single Root Bridge
- Or continue to the Double Decker
- Or attempt anything beyond that
The trek starting point was around 18–19 km away, and it took us roughly 1.5 hours to reach—nothing unusual for this region.
Choosing a Guide: When It Makes Sense
Once we reached the base, we were immediately approached by several guides.
- Standard guide charges were around ₹1,000
- Since we had a small child, we wanted help in case things got difficult
We finally agreed on ₹1,500, keeping in mind:
- Whether we did only the Single Root Bridge
- Or went all the way to the Double Decker
The charges would remain the same.
To be clear:
- Guides are not strictly necessary
The path is well-marked, staircases are clearly laid out, and it’s easy to follow.
But in our case, with a 4-year-old, having a guide turned out to be helpful.
One Practical Recommendation: Carry a Walking Stick
Before starting the descent, we rented walking sticks.
- Rent: approx. ₹30 per stick
This turned out to be a very good decision.
The stairs are steep and continuous. After the first 500 steps, knees start feeling the pressure. The stick provided much-needed balance and support, especially on the climb back up.
The Descent: Single Root Bridge to Double Decker
Once we started descending, our 4-year-old was surprisingly comfortable. It took us about an hour to reach the Single Root Bridge, and the child was still walking on his own without much assistance. We decided not to stop at the Single Root Bridge while going down and continued further. As we moved towards the Double Decker Root Bridge, the guide started helping the child more actively.
Role of the Guide (Honest Take)
- Mostly helped with child support
- Clicked photographs
- Shared minimal information about trees
- Communication was sometimes difficult due to language barriers
Still, overall, the guide was helpful for our situation.
Double Decker Root Bridge Experience
We reached the Double Decker Root Bridge after approximately 2 hours, having covered close to 3,500 stairs.
The experience itself is simple:
- You spend time around the bridge
- Take photographs
- Sit, rest, and observe
That’s essentially what most people do here.
We:
- Took pictures
- Had some snacks and Maggie
- Spent time near the water and fishes
- Rested for about an hour
It was satisfying, not overwhelming—but definitely rewarding.
The Climb Back Up: The Toughest Part
The climb back up was much harder than the descent.
Our child was:
- Sleepy
- Tired
- Unable to climb continuously
The guide helped by carrying and supporting him through difficult stretches.
The climb from the Single Root Bridge to the top was especially challenging:
- Stairs are almost vertical in places
- Mentally intimidating
- Requires slow, steady pacing
We took frequent breaks and climbed gradually.
Visiting the Single Root Bridge on the Way Back
While climbing back, we stopped at the Single Root Bridge, which is just about 100 additional stairs from the main route.
Difference Between the Two Bridges
- Single Root Bridge is made from actual roots
- Double Decker Root Bridge feels stronger and more robust
We were genuinely happy we could see both. Missing one would have felt incomplete. Our child handled the entire trek better than expected, which was a big relief.
Who Should Hire a Guide?
Based on our experience:
- With children → Yes, take a guide
- Couples / small adult groups → Optional
- Guides also help with photographs
Charges are usually around ₹1,000, and may vary slightly if children are involved.
Returning to Base & Lunch
We returned to the base around 2:30 PM.
From there:
- We headed back towards Cherrapunji
- Completed our lunch on the way
- Checked costs and wrapped up the trek mentally and physically
By this point, fatigue had fully set in.
Stay in Cherrapunji: A Comfortable End to a Tough Day
We stayed at Escape Inn, which was recommended by our driver.
Among all the places we stayed during the trip, this was the best.
- Spacious rooms
- Good-quality bathroom
- Supportive and quick staff
- Comfortable mattresses
- Balcony with views
After checking in, we rested for a while before heading out again.
Aruwah Cave & Waterfall: Limited Energy, Limited Exploration
Later in the evening, we visited Aruwah Cave.
- Requires about 1 km of walking
- The caves themselves are long
- Involves continuous walking inside
Given how exhausted we already were from the root bridge trek, we:
- Entered the cave
- Walked briefly
- Observed and exited
Nearby, there was a waterfall around 20 metres away. We spent 5–15 minutes there, took a few moments to pause, and headed back.
Dinner & Calling It a Day
We had dinner at Green Leaf, returned to the hotel, and finally rested.
Day 4 was physically demanding, mentally satisfying, and taught us an important lesson: Cherrapunji rewards patience and stamina—not speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the Double Decker Root Bridge trek difficult?
Yes. It involves around 3,500 stairs and can take 5–6 hours depending on pace and rest breaks.
Q2. Can the Double Decker Root Bridge be done with kids?
It is possible with kids, but requires patience, breaks, and sometimes the help of a local guide.
Q3. Do you need a guide for the Living Root Bridge trek?
A guide is optional for adults, but helpful when travelling with children or for assistance during the climb back.
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