Nohkalikai Falls
A tall waterfall near Sohra. Stop here on your first afternoon, after the drive from Shillong.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
2 daysHow long to stay
Budget to luxuryRough cost
Couples, Friends, SoloWho it suits
MeghalayaNortheast India
Is this for you?
Come here if you like to walk. The main outing is about 3,000 to 3,500 stone steps down to a double-decker living root bridge, grown by guiding the roots of living trees across a stream, near the village of Nongriat. The climb back up is the hard part, so skip it if you have knee or mobility problems. The dry months make it far more pleasant.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Go in the coloured months. The black ones are best avoided.
What to do
Mawsmai Cave
A cave near Sohra. Add it to the same afternoon as the waterfall.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
Double-decker root bridge
The main walk: about 3,000 to 3,500 steps each way from Tyrna down to Nongriat and a two-layer living root bridge. Allow 4 to 6 hours round trip; a guide is advised. Not for anyone with knee or mobility problems.
Rainbow Falls
A waterfall near Nongriat. One source says most people add it to the root bridge walk.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
A night in Nongriat
Sleep in Nongriat and you get the bridges early, before day visitors arrive. There's a community guesthouse with four basic rooms, so book ahead.
What to eat
You come here to walk, and most food is simple fuel. Hotel kitchens and small roadside places do the job, and Khasi pork dishes turn up alongside momos and noodles. Hikers to Nongriat should plan on homestay meals.
Doh khlieh
A salad of boiled pork with onion, chilli and ginger. A cold side after a long walk.
Jadoh
Rice cooked with pork and local spice, the everyday Khasi plate. Some places do a vegetarian version, so ask.
Vegetarian thali
A set plate of rice, lentils and vegetables, the easy lunch on the road if you skip pork.
Vegetarian
Where to go
Orange RootsSohra-Shella Road, Khliehshnong
Clean vegetarian thalis and dosas. The one reliable stop. Not a Khasi menu.
Cheap eats, vegetarian
Getting there
Sohra, also spelled Cherrapunji, is about 60 to 65 km from Shillong, 2 to 2.5 hours by road. Guwahati airport is about 177 km away. For the root bridge, take a taxi from Sohra to Tyrna, 30 to 45 minutes, where the steps start. Nongriat is about 15 km from Sohra.
Where to stay
Central Sohra Homestays and guesthouses for less. Food outside hotels is limited and you'll usually need a taxi.
Mawsmai and Nongthymmai Hotels and resorts near the falls and caves. Easy for the sights, but it costs more than central Sohra.
Tyrna and Nongriat Basic trek stays, best for the root bridge, including a four-room community guesthouse. Book ahead, as many places have no reception desk.
Worth knowing
Safety
The UK government warns of sudden flare-ups on inter-state borders including Assam and Meghalaya, skirmishes on the India-Bangladesh border, and protests and blockades that can disrupt highways. Check with local people before travelling near a border. The US lists the Northeastern States at Level 3, reconsider travel, and we could not confirm whether that includes Meghalaya.
Rules
No Protected Area Permit is listed for Meghalaya under India's 2025 Order. Keep your passport with you; Dawki sits on the Bangladesh border, so follow local security instructions. If in doubt, the state tourism helpline is 1800 599 2026.
Safety
Skip the root bridge with knee or mobility trouble: about 3,000 to 3,500 steps each way. One source: trek October to March; June to September has landslide warnings: pack grippy shoes and rain gear.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
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