Double Decker Root Bridge Trek With Kids– Honest Reality
The Double Decker Root Bridge trek is often projected as a must-do experience in Meghalaya. Photos make it look adventurous but manageable. What’s rarely discussed is what the trek actually feels like—especially when you’re doing it with kids.
This blog shares our real, on-ground experience, without romanticizing the trek or discouraging it unnecessarily.
(For overall trip flow and where this trek fits in the itinerary, see the complete guide:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/meghalaya/assam-meghalaya-trip-guide/)
Planning the Night Before
Before starting, we were clear about a few things:
- There are two bridges
- Single Root Bridge (~2,000 steps)
- Double Decker Root Bridge (~3,500 steps)
- After the Double Decker Bridge, there are additional points like a waterfall and caves
- We were travelling with:
- One 4-year-old
- One 10-year-old
- No prior trekking experience
Instead of committing mentally to everything, we decided to start the trek and see how far we could comfortably go.
(This approach helped us avoid common planning mistakes discussed here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/meghalaya/assam-meghalaya-trip-mistakes/)
Reaching the Starting Point & Hiring a Guide
From Cherrapunji, it took us about 1.5 hours (18–19 km) to reach the trek starting point.
Once there:
- Guides approached immediately
- Standard guide charge quoted: ₹1,000
- With a young child, we finalised at ₹1,500
A guide is not mandatory for navigation—the path is clearly laid with steps. However, with kids, the guide’s physical help during the climb back becomes extremely useful.
(Exact activity costs for this trek are detailed here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/meghalaya/assam-meghalaya-activities-cost/)
The Descent: Easier Than Expected
The downward walk was smoother than we anticipated.
- Our younger child walked comfortably for nearly an hour
- Stairs are well built and safe
- Knees don’t feel the pressure yet
We skipped stopping at the Single Root Bridge while descending and continued further.
Reaching the Double Decker Root Bridge
It took us around 2 hours to reach the Double Decker Root Bridge.
- Total steps covered: ~3,500
- The setting is calm and beautiful
- Most people rest, take photos, eat snacks, and watch fish
We spent about one hour here.
Let’s be honest:
- There’s no activity beyond enjoying the place
- The real achievement is reaching there, not staying long
(A detailed day-wise account of this trek is available here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/meghalaya/assam-meghalaya-trip-day-4-double-decker-root-bridge-experience/)
Washrooms, Food & What Parents Must Know
Washroom Reality
- Washrooms are available till the Single Root Bridge
- Between the Single and Double Decker Bridge, facilities are very limited or unreliable
👉 Carry extra clothes or diapers for young kids.
Do not assume washroom access deeper into the trek.
Eateries on the Route
- Small local stalls are available throughout the trek
- You’ll find:
- Maggi
- Tea / coffee
- Biscuits and basic snacks
This makes energy management easier, especially with kids. Still, carry light snacks as backup.
(For broader vegetarian food planning during the trip, refer here:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/meghalaya/vegetarian-food-northeast-india/)
The Real Challenge: The Climb Back Up
The return climb is where reality hits.
- Continuous uphill walking is exhausting
- Steps are steep and mentally tiring
- Our younger child became sleepy and couldn’t walk throughout
The guide helped support and carry the child for parts of the climb.
We moved slowly, took breaks, and avoided rushing.
Is This Trek Suitable for Kids?
✔ Possible If:
- Kids are reasonably active
- You take a guide
- You move slowly and plan for a 5–6 hours window
❌ Difficult If:
- Kids are very young
- You expect it to be easy or quick
- You’ve already done heavy walking the previous day
Final Verdict
The Double Decker Root Bridge trek is worth doing, but it’s not casual sightseeing.
With kids:
- It demands patience
- Physical effort is real
- Planning for basics (food, washrooms, rest) matters more than speed
If you’re prepared to slow down and support your children, the trek is achievable and rewarding.
Just don’t underestimate it.
(For overall cost impact of activities like this trek, see:
👉 https://lazyatra.com/blog/meghalaya/assam-meghalaya-trip-cost-family/)
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