The living root bridges around Cherrapunji are one of the few genuinely unique attractions left in Indian tourism — bridges grown over generations by training the aerial roots of rubber fig trees across rivers, some still in use after more than a century. The most famous, the Double Decker Root Bridge near Nongriat village, draws trekkers from across the world. Here's what to actually expect.
The Trek: Steps, Not Distance
The Nongriat trek is measured in steps, not kilometres, for good reason — the trail from Tyrna village descends roughly 2,000–3,500 stone-and-concrete steps into the valley (estimates vary by exact route), crossing several suspension bridges along the way. Getting down is relatively easy on the knees but deceptively tiring on the way back up, since every step down is a step you'll climb again on the return. Budget 3–4 hours down and up combined for a comfortable pace, longer if you're stopping to swim.
The reward at the bottom is the Double Decker Root Bridge itself — two root bridges grown one above the other — along with several single root bridges en route and a stunning natural swimming pool (Rainbow Falls) accessible via a further short, steep climb.
Difficulty: Moderate, Not Extreme — But Respect It
You don't need mountaineering experience, but you do need reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear with good grip. The steps are uneven, often wet, and there's no shortcut once you're committed — turning back halfway means the same steps either way. We don't recommend this trek for young children, anyone with knee problems, or in flip-flops, regardless of how fit you otherwise are.
Best Time to Go
As covered in our Meghalaya seasonal guide, October to March is by far the safest window — the steps are dry, river crossings are calm, and the swimming pools are clear rather than a churning brown. During monsoon (June–September) the same steps become slick with algae and rain, and the river at Nongriat can rise fast enough to make crossings genuinely dangerous. We actively discourage this trek during peak monsoon unless you're an experienced trekker travelling with a local guide who knows current conditions.
Practical Tips
- Start early — aim to begin the descent by 8–9 AM to avoid doing the steep return climb in the afternoon heat.
- Stay overnight in Nongriat if you can — several basic homestays let you split the trek across two days and catch the valley in early morning light.
- Carry cash — there are no ATMs in the valley, and small tea stalls en route only take cash.
- A local guide isn't strictly required for the main trail, but is genuinely useful for finding the lesser-known single root bridges nearby and for river-crossing conditions after rain.
We build the Nongriat trek into our Assam & Meghalaya Classic itinerary with a local guide and the right seasonal timing already worked in.