Embark on an exhilarating single-day adventure from Shillong to the heart of Meghalaya's living root bridges and cascading waterfalls. This journey demands an early start and a good level of fitness, but promises unforgettable natural beauty.
Begin your day with an early morning departure from Shillong, heading towards the Cherrapunji region. The drive from Shillong to Tyrna Village, the starting point for the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek, is approximately 65 km and takes around 2.5 hours.
En route, you may catch glimpses of:
- Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge: A prominent bridge offering scenic views of the surrounding valleys.
- Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint: A popular stop for panoramic vistas of Meghalaya's lush landscape.
Upon reaching Tyrna Village, prepare for the challenging but rewarding trek down to Nongriat Village. This involves descending around 3,500 steps, a journey that typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
In Nongriat Village, you will discover:
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Jingkieng Nongriat): Marvel at this incredible feat of bioengineering, where Ficus Elastica tree roots have been meticulously guided to form a strong, two-tiered bridge across the stream. Spend time admiring its unique structure and the surrounding natural pools.
For the truly adventurous and if time and energy permit, continue your trek from the Double Decker Bridge to the majestic Rainbow Falls. This further trek involves another 1.5 to 2 hours (one way) of walking through dense jungle and across more root bridges, culminating in a stunning waterfall known for its vibrant rainbows on sunny days. Please be aware that adding Rainbow Falls makes for an extremely strenuous and long day trip.
After soaking in the wonders of the bridges and falls, begin the arduous climb back up the 3,500 steps to Tyrna Village, which can take 2 to 3 hours. Your vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to Shillong, concluding a long but immensely rewarding day of exploration.