Treks & Walks
Cherrapunji lends itself to numerous nature treks especially in the dry winter months from November to February. For those who would prefer a relaxed holiday, there are nice nature walks by soft gradient roads winding through scenic valleys.
Double Decker Root Bridge- Nongriat
Duration: This activity needs a day as it takes 6-9 hours depending on a person’s speed & stamina.
Start Point: Tyrna Village
Season: Open from Monday-Friday through the year. Trek is closed on SUNDAYs
Note: This trek is not recommended for people with heart problems, respiratory disorders & hip and/or knee problems.
A gist about the trek: A unique Living root Bridge owing to its two-tier nature, to visit this one must trek 6-8 hours (3 +3 kms). The trek involves climbing down 2500 feet of steps down the hill, through villages in the valley, tropical rain forests, steel wire rope bridges over rivers & beautiful landscape. A short detour on this trek can also take you to one of the Longest Living Root Bridges–spanning 95 feet.There are several other Living Root Bridges enroute. The location of the Double Decker Root Bridge– is itself picture perfect. Do take a dip in the refreshing mountain stream flowing below the bridge, before you head back. For fitter persons, we recommend a trek of 3 kms further to the Natural Swimming Pools & Rainbow Waterfall.
Living Root Bridge, Ummunoi
Duration: This activity needs a day as it takes 3-4 hours depending on a person’s speed & stamina.
Start Point: Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, Laitkynsew
Season: Open all the days of the week, all through the year.
Note: This trek is not recommended for people with heart problems, respiratory disorders & hip and/or knee problems.
A gist about the trek: One of the most well formed & about 450 years old bridge, is 2kms away and this trek takes about 4 hours. The trek involves climbing down about 1400 feet of steps down the hill and up on your return. Taking you through a village & then mostly through the rainforest until you reach the bridge. After seeing the bridge you move ahead to a naturally formed Dolomite archway. Notice how the villagers tap the water from the stream by bamboo pipes running long distances to drip irrigate the betel leaf creepers during the dry season in winter.
Living Root Bridge, Umkar, Siej
Duration: This activity is recommended for light walkers.
Start Point: Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, Laitkynsew
Season: Open all the days of the week, all through the year.
A gist about the trek: : Located in a serene little village of Seji, set against a backdrop of betelnut plantations, at a distance of 3.5kms from the resort, one can drive 3 kms and then take a leisurely walk of about 15 mins upto the bridge. Two documentaries have been shot here by the BBC, as this bridge is a perfect example of how Living Root Bridges are grown. After realizing that the Double Decker Root Bridge is a big hit with tourists, the villagers of Seij intend to build–grow rather– another 2 tier bridge to rival the now famous Double Decker Root Bridge; this would take a decade or two!
Nohkalikai Crest
Duration: This activity needs a day as it takes 3-4 hours depending on a person’s speed & stamina.
Start Point: 100m before Nohkalikai Falls Toll Gate
Season: Open only during winter months (Nov-Feb)
A gist about the trek: : The path starts from an open grassland field and quickly descends through thick forest shrubs to reach the rocky river bank. Traverse along the flat rock surface downstream. You will have to navigate a few tricky boulders along the way to reach the mouth of the Nohkalikai Waterfall. On the return take a swim in the clear pools or under a waterfall, further upstream from the point where you first reach the river bed.
Note: The water will be cold. Only swim in the streams if your are experienced swimmer, there are under currents in these streams.