Overview
About Wari Chora
Wari Chora is a gorge cut by the Rongdik River in South Garo Hills district, in western Meghalaya. Sheer, moss-covered rock walls rise on both sides of a narrow channel of deep blue-green water, and the only way through the canyon is by boat. Local guides take visitors in from Emangre village, near the district headquarters of Baghmara. The canyon is far from the usual Shillong and Sohra circuit and has only recently drawn regular visitors, so it remains quiet compared with better-known sites. Getting there is part of the trip: a long drive to Baghmara, a rough off-road stretch, and a steep walk down to the river on locally built bamboo steps. On the water, guides use inflatable kayaks, rafts or canoes, and in places carry the boats over rocks between sections of the gorge. The river is reported to be about 45 feet deep in places, and life jackets are provided. Boating runs only in the dry season, roughly November to April; the canyon is closed when the river rises during the monsoon.
On the day
What to expect at Wari Chora
Trek: A walk of roughly 1.5–4 km (sources differ) through forest, ending in a steep descent on bamboo steps; the climb back is uphill. Boat ride: Inflatable kayaks, rafts or canoes paddled by local guides through the narrow canyon; expect to remove shoes and step into water at points. Guides: A local guide is needed, as the trail is poorly marked and the site is not reliably shown on map apps. Stays: Basic homestays and camping at Emangre, and more options in Baghmara. Packing: Quick-dry clothes, trekking shoes, drinking water and a waterproof phone pouch.
Before you go
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
November to April; closed during the monsoon
November to April is the season, when the Rongdik runs low and calm enough for boating; some visitors go into early May if rains are light. The canyon is generally closed from about June to October, when monsoon water levels rise. December to February brings cool, dry weather. Start the trek early in the morning: boating usually wraps up by early afternoon, and sunlight reaches the inner canyon around midday.
Getting There
Wari Chora is about 285 km from Shillong by Meghalaya Tourism's estimate, a full day's drive.
Wari Chora is about 285 km from Shillong by Meghalaya Tourism's estimate, a full day's drive. From Guwahati, the drive to Baghmara is roughly 230–260 km and takes about 7 to 9 hours via Boko, Dudhnoi and Siju. From Baghmara, it is about 2 hours to Emangre village, then roughly 8–15 km of rough off-road track to the trailhead, best done in a 4x4. A forest trek and steep bamboo steps lead down to the river, where the boats start. Most travellers stay the night in Baghmara or Emangre before visiting. A private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya.
Entry & Duration
Wari Chora is usually done as a 2–3 day trip, with a full day of driving each way from Guwahati or Shillong and one day for the trek and boat ride. The trek and boating together take roughly half a day.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wari Chora located?
Wari Chora is in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, near Baghmara. The trek to the canyon starts near Emangre village.
How to reach Wari Chora from Guwahati?
Drive about 230–260 km to Baghmara, roughly 7 to 9 hours, then continue about 2 hours to Emangre and take a 4x4 to the trailhead. Most people stay overnight in Baghmara or Emangre before the trek.
Is Wari Chora open during monsoon?
No. The canyon is generally closed from about June to October because the Rongdik River rises too high for boating. The season usually runs from November to April.
How many days are needed for Wari Chora?
Plan for 2 to 3 days, as the drive from Guwahati or Shillong takes most of a day each way.
Is the Wari Chora trek difficult?
It is moderate. The forest walk is mostly easy, but the final descent on bamboo steps is steep, and the return is uphill.
Where to stay near Wari Chora?
Baghmara has government tourist cottages and homestays, and Emangre has a few basic homestays and campsites.
