Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek (Nongriat)
A full-day private-cab trip to the trailhead at Tyrna for the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek down to Nongriat — Meghalaya's most iconic hike, with an optional Rainbow Falls extension. Cab and driver for the day; priced per cab, not per head.
- Duration
- 1 Day (~10 – 12 hours)
- Starts
- Cherrapunji
- Ideal for
- Reasonably fit travellers and adventure lovers; not for young children or knee issues
- From
- ₹4,560 per cab
Places covered
- Tyrna (trailhead)
- Nongriat
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge
- Rainbow Falls (optional)
Tour overview
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat is the bridge that put Meghalaya on the world map — two tiers of living tree roots over a stream, reached by descending roughly 3,500 stone steps from Tyrna village near Cherrapunji.
This is a strenuous full-day trek: about 1.5–2 hours down, time at the bridge (and an optional further hour each way to Rainbow Falls), then the steep climb back up. Your private cab drops you at Tyrna and waits, so transport is never a worry.
It is best for reasonably fit travellers; it is not ideal for those with knee problems, very young children or limited time. Start early. The price below is per cab for the day — the trek itself is self-guided (local guides available at Tyrna).
Trip plan
- Stop 1
Cherrapunji / Shillong → Tyrna
- Early pickup (start by ~7–8 AM)
- Drive to Tyrna village, the trailhead near Cherrapunji
- Driver waits at Tyrna for the day
- Stop 2
Trek down to Nongriat
- Descend ~3,500 steps through forest and steel hanging bridges
- Reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat
- Optional 1 hr each way extension to Rainbow Falls
- Rest / swim at a natural pool before heading back
- Stop 3
Climb back & return
- Climb back up to Tyrna (the hardest part — take it slow)
- Drive back to Cherrapunji or Shillong by evening
Inclusions
- Private AC cab for the full day
- Experienced local driver (fuel, tolls included)
- Pickup & drop at your Cherrapunji / Shillong hotel
- Driver waits at the Tyrna trailhead
Exclusions
- Trek entry, local guide & porter charges
- Meals & personal expenses
- Rainbow Falls extension time (plan accordingly)
- Hotel stay
Best time to visit
October to March (dry season) — steps get slippery and leech-prone in peak monsoon
Ideal for
Reasonably fit travellers and adventure lovers; not for young children or knee issues
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek?
It is strenuous — roughly 3,500 steps down to Nongriat and the same back up. Most reasonably fit people manage it with breaks, but it is tough on the knees and not advised for very young children or those with mobility issues.
How long does the trek take?
Plan a full day. The descent is about 1.5–2 hours, with time at the bridge and the climb back up; adding Rainbow Falls makes it longer, so start early.
How much does the Nongriat trek trip cost?
The private cab for the day starts from around ₹4,500 per cab (not per person), depending on vehicle and pickup point. Trek guide, entry and meals are extra.
Can I do it as a day trip from Shillong?
Yes, but it makes for a very long day. Many travellers prefer to stay overnight in Cherrapunji (or even at a Nongriat homestay) to do it at a relaxed pace.
Related cabs & planning
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