Set in the dense forests of Meghalaya, the famous Double Decker Bridge is a UNESCO world heritage site formed by the entanglement of two tree roots. It's not just the bridge but it's the in-betweens. Located near Nongriat Village, the 8000-step trek to the bridge gives you sweet thrills and chills.
Start of Tyrna trek:
The trek starts from Sohra in Cherrapunji to Tyrna, a small village in the East Khasi hills district of Meghalaya. It takes around 45 mins to reach the village. I’d suggest starting around 7: oo AM since this isn’t an easy trek and takes 3 hours for an average person to complete one side of the trek.
Wear dry fit hiking clothes and shoes. Plastic zip lock bags to carry your phones and photographic equipment. **Do not Liter**
Book your vehicle to and from from your stay in Cherrapunji (if at all you're planning to return the same day) as you wouldn't find cabs on your return from Tyrna. Cost is around 400 INR one way.
You can trek without guide. There are clear directions all through the way. I preferred to take a local guide though. They charge you 1000 INR for the entire trek.
Carry a walking stick with you while trekking. It helps while walking in the water streams and up hills. As it's the wettest place, keep your raincoat and other accessories handy.
Journey towards Nongriat Village (where the Double decker bridge is):
If you are person who likes being isolated and enjoys staying amidst a jungle, Nongriat Village is a perfect place for you. It's the wettest place on earth with countless streams, wonderful metal bridges and the famous Double decker root bridge.
It's a home to a wide range of butterflies and moths. The most amazing thing about Khasi tribe is, they are smashing patriarchy norms and giving the urban lot some serious goals.
Khasi is a society which follows matrilineal practices. Their children inherit mother's last name.
Also, they follow eco-friendly lifestyle. The house they stay in are made of timber and their bathrooms have bamboo flooring which helps the bathe water drip down the floor going back to the ground water level. How amazing!
They have their own home garden of Coffee, pineapples, and tomatoes. Spices are their cash crops which are sold on everyday market. They harvest wild honey and it's so pure I couldn't resist from getting one for myself.
Home Stay at Nongriat Village:
Nongriat has multiple homestays that provide clean, eco-friendly, and comfortable bed with all required amenities in lap of the nature.
I'd recommend - Arnes Wooden Huts homestay. A cozy affordable cottage (not luxurious) with non-veg meals and dedicated washrooms. They serve amazing combination of Maggi and Real Italian style coffee. The hosts are very friendly that they let me inside their kitchen. I learned the way they make their coffee and Shakshuka.
Details:
Price of the stay - 500 INR for Single sharing and 350 INR on sharing basis.
Meals: 150 INR for Non-Veg and 100 INR for Veg meals
Signals: Jio and Airtel signals work fine.
Contact: +91 8014780255.
Other options: Rympeling Lodge, +91 9862058181.
Challey's Guest House, +91 8652225785.
Note: Camping is allowed. You can carry your own tent if you want to.
Double Decker Bridge:
Few minutes’ walk from the stay, you'd reach the Double decker bridge. I spent my time sitting there and indulging into the nature. A walk on to the bridge, soaking feet into the cold waters. There are abundant fishes in the waters, it feels great to watch them touch my feet.
Also, you could even dive in the waters and have a quick swim. Heavenly experience none can afford to miss.
Rainbow Waterfalls:
It's time to move forward to second part of the trek, which is reaching the Rainbow waterfalls. It's nothing but the foot of India's tallest plunge waterfall - Nohkalikai.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls.
The trek to reach the falls is covered with dense forest. You would come across other living root bridges which are no less beautiful than the double decker.
The trek to reach the falls is covered with dense forest. You would come across other living root bridges which are no less beautiful than the double decker.
It is one of the most picturesque hikes I have taken so far. The sight of the falls would take away the entire strain taken to reach there.
Sit there embracing the breath-taking view of these majestic falls. One of the most beautiful waterfalls I have visited in India.
While heading back to the stay or the starting point, take a little detour and reach to an accessible pool (local guide will be able to take you there) of these falls. Take a dip in to the blue lagoons and relax. Make sure to start back early before the light fades.
Since I was staying back in jungle that day, I started a while later. On my way back to the stay, I witnessed innumerable fire files hovering in dense forest. Such a spectacular view it is hard to explain it in words. We all ignored our cameras and were living in the moment. I wish I could show you what my eyes saw that day.
The last time I witnessed a thick blanket of stars like I did, while heading back, is none. It is not just the wettest place but one of the clearest skies anyone could find anywhere in India. Me along with my few friends sat on those root bridges, listening to the water gushing from below and starring at the stars in the sky. As it's dark already, it is the lights from the stars and torches which led our way back.
Additional Planning?
Take flight from Delhi to Guwahati. Try booking your flights prior (at least one month) to avoid sudden price surges. Use Sky Scanner app and Google flights to book flights for cheaper rates.
Head to Shillong from Guwahati on shared Jeep or Van via Umiam lake.
Plan to stay a day there to enjoy the city. It is also called as, the Scotland of the East.
Shillong Details:
Stay: The Golf Retreat, Shillong. 1500 INR per person. Decent stay with amazing golf view.
Places to Visit: Local Churches, Dylan Café, Police Bazar and Cycle tour around city.
From Shillong, head to Cherrapunji which is 54kms. Take a shared jeep from Cherrapunji Sumo Stand. I prefer a side window seat.
Cherrapunji Details:
Stay: Aisha Guest House, Cherrapunji. 1500 INR per person. Stay with an amazing view of Nohkalikai waterfalls.
Places to visit: While reaching to Cherapunji from Shillong you can cover - Mawdok Valley, Laitum Grand Canyon and Wei Sawdong Waterfalls.
From Cherranpunji, take a shared jeep to Tyrna only available before 10 am. You can also hire a private taxi, which costs 400 INR for Tyrna.
Tip: No ATMs in Tyrna. The best to withdraw money is in Cherranpunji.
Best time to visit:
Wet Season June to September.
The place is to be visited during rains as the water flows full and covered with lush green forests. However, avoid July since excessive rains make the trail slippery.
Dry Season October to May.
Essentials Packing:
Lighter backpack, Water bottle, Coffee/snacks, Medical Kit, Ponchos (monsoon), Mosquitos repellent, Torch light, Swimming suits and Garbage bag for your garbage. **Do not Litter**
Have a wonderful trip. Reach out in comments below or DM on Instagram handle '@the_geeks_diary' for queries :)