Shnongpdeng is the riverside village about 8 km upstream of Dawki where the clear Umngot River turns into Meghalaya's favourite spot for camping, kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping. Here is what a night by the river and each activity cost, when to go, and how to get there.
Quick answer
Riverside camping at Shnongpdeng, near Dawki, costs roughly ₹400–₹800 per person for a basic tent and bedding, about ₹1,200–₹1,500 with dinner and breakfast, and ₹2,000 or more for a private camp. Kayaking, snorkelling and cliff jumping are each about ₹300–₹700 per person, and bundles with camping and activities run about ₹2,500–₹3,500. Go November to April, when the water is clear and calm; camps close or scale down in the monsoon. Shnongpdeng is about 3.5 hours (around 100 km) from Shillong by car.
At a glance
Key facts at a glance
| Where | Shnongpdeng, ~8 km upstream of Dawki, West Jaintia Hills |
|---|---|
| Basic tent | ~₹400–₹800 per person |
| Tent + dinner & breakfast | ~₹1,200–₹1,500 per person |
| Private camp | ~₹2,000+ per person |
| Kayaking / snorkelling / cliff jump | ~₹300–₹700 each, per person |
| Best season | November – April (clear, calm water) |
| Monsoon | June – September: high water, most activities stop |
| From Shillong | ~100 km, about 3.5 hours by cab |
Camping at Shnongpdeng: what you get and what it costs
Camps line the riverbank on both sides of the Shnongpdeng suspension bridge. Most are run by village families and small operators, and the setup is simple: a dome tent with a mattress or sleeping bag, shared toilets, and meals cooked at the camp. Prices below are what camps and operators usually quote; they change with the season and are higher on long weekends.
Book ahead for Saturdays and holidays from December to February, when the riverbank fills up. On weekdays you can often find a tent on arrival, but you get a better spot by booking.
| Option | Typical price | Usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic tent | ~₹400–₹800 per person | Tent and bedding, shared toilets |
| Tent with meals | ~₹1,200–₹1,500 per person | Tent, dinner, breakfast, sometimes bonfire |
| Private camp | ~₹2,000+ per person | Own area, meals, bonfire |
| Camp + activities bundle | ~₹2,500–₹3,500 per person | Tent, meals, kayaking, snorkelling, cliff jump |
Kayaking, snorkelling, cliff jumping and more
The same clear water that makes the Dawki boat photo famous is what makes Shnongpdeng good for water sports. Local operators rent kayaks by the half hour, run guided snorkelling over the riverbed, and supervise jumps from the rocks into a deep pool. Ziplining across the river and boating are also on offer.
Each activity is usually priced per person, roughly ₹300–₹700, with life jackets and a guide included. Agree the price and the duration before you start, and only do cliff jumps at the marked spots with a guide watching.
- Kayaking: ~₹300–₹700 for about 30–45 minutes
- Snorkelling: ~₹500 with mask and guide
- Cliff jumping: ~₹200–₹500, guided, at marked spots only
- Ziplining and boating also available
- Life jackets are provided: wear one even if you can swim
When to go to Shnongpdeng
November to April is the season. The river runs clear and slow, the evenings are pleasant for a bonfire, and all activities run. December to February has the clearest water but cold nights, so carry a warm layer.
From June to September the Umngot rises, turns muddy and flows fast. Most camps close or move up the bank, and water sports stop for safety. May and October are shoulder months that depend on the rain.
How to reach Shnongpdeng
Shnongpdeng is reached from the Shillong–Dawki road: about 3.5 hours (roughly 100 km) from Shillong via Pynursla, with the last stretch down a narrow village road to the river. There is no public transport that suits a camping trip, so most visitors come by private car.
A good plan is a two-day trip: drive from Shillong via Mawlynnong and the Riwai root bridge on day one, camp at Shnongpdeng, do the Dawki boat ride and water sports the next morning, and drive back in the afternoon. Your driver can stay overnight nearby and take you back.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much does camping at Shnongpdeng cost?
Roughly ₹400–₹800 per person for a basic tent and bedding, about ₹1,200–₹1,500 with dinner and breakfast, and ₹2,000 or more for a private camp. Prices rise on long weekends, so confirm with the camp when you book.
Is Shnongpdeng the same as Dawki?
They are on the same Umngot River. Dawki is the border town with the main boating point; Shnongpdeng is a quieter village about 8 km upstream where the camps and water sports are.
How much is kayaking at Shnongpdeng?
Usually about ₹300–₹700 per person for 30–45 minutes, with a life jacket and guide. Snorkelling and cliff jumping are priced similarly.
Can I camp at Shnongpdeng in the monsoon?
Generally not. From June to September the river rises and flows fast, most riverside camps close or scale down, and water activities stop for safety. Go between November and April.
Do I need to know swimming for snorkelling or kayaking?
Not for kayaking or snorkelling with a life jacket and guide, though being comfortable in water helps. Cliff jumping is best left to confident swimmers.
How do I get to Shnongpdeng from Shillong?
By private car, about 3.5 hours (roughly 100 km) via Pynursla and the Dawki road. Many travellers combine it with Mawlynnong and the Riwai root bridge on the way.
Local operator
Plan & book your trip
Tour Meghalaya runs private cabs and tour packages across Meghalaya. Book directly with a local operator.
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