Living roots
Khasi and Jaintia people guide the aerial roots of the rubber fig across streams until they grow into bridges.
After the bridges · the almanac
The trek in four numbers
A trek that starts at the top: down to the river, and the hard part is the climb back.
3,000+
Steps from Tyrna
~200yrs
Age of the Double Decker
~3km
Each way to the Double Decker
9,498mm
Rain in a year
💪 Moderate to hard (the climb out)🧭 Guide recommended📍 Near Sohra, Meghalaya
The walk
Down, across, and back up
From Tyrna to the Double Decker and on to Rainbow Falls, then the same way back.
How high you are on each kilometre
- DownTyrna → the steps → root bridgesAbout 45 minutes to the foot of the staircase
- NongriatDouble Decker root bridgeTreks and Trails' package spends a night hereAbout 3 km from Tyrna🛏️ Nongriat
- BeyondNongriat → Rainbow Falls → backAbout an hour beyond the Double Decker
- UpBack up the steps to TyrnaThe hard part
Stories and nature
Bridges that grow
Jingkieng Nongriat
The Double Decker, two bridges stacked one above the other, is thought to be about 200 years old. It appeared in the BBC's Human Planet.
One of the wettest places
Nongriat gets about 9,500 mm of rain a year on average.
When to go
Between the rains
Meghalaya Tourism recommends October to March.
Oct–Mar
Drier steps and clear pools.
Sundays
Entry is closed on Sundays.
Cost
₹3,200 for 1 night with Treks and Trails.
Plan your trip
Getting to Tyrna
Nongriat is about 15 km from Sohra (Cherrapunji); the steps start at Tyrna village.
- Sohra🚙 By road
- Tyrna🪜 Down the steps
- Nongriat
Guides
A local guide is advisable, and a 2025 district order reportedly makes one mandatory in East Khasi Hills.
Save your legs
Pace the descent: the climb back up is the hard part.
Good to know
The small things
Cash, signal, water, permits and help on the way. Checked October 2026; confirm with your operator.
Bring cash
Don't count on an ATM or card payment in the valley. Carry cash for the guide, fees and homestay. Discover with Dheeraj
Weak signal
Phone signal is weak in the valley. Tell your hotel where you'll stay and when you'll be back. Discover with Dheeraj
Fees
About ₹20 a person at the Double Decker, plus a small camera fee. Guides charge about ₹700–1,500 per group. Agree the rate at Tyrna. Discover with Dheeraj
Getting to Tyrna
Tyrna is 30–45 minutes by taxi from Sohra. A small cab for the day costs about ₹3,500–4,500. Self-drive rental cars for tourists are banned since June 2025. Discover with Dheeraj
Water and snacks
Carry 2–3 litres of water. Villagers sell water, chips and snacks along the trail. Treks and Trails India
Pack lunch for Rainbow Falls
There are no shops on the trail beyond Nongriat. Take lunch and a guide. Muddie Trails
Homestays
Nongriat homestays are basic, with home-cooked meals. Hosts must register you on the state tourism app, so carry ID. Discover with Dheeraj
Start early
Be on the steps by 8 a.m. on a day trip. Never climb out after dark. Discover with Dheeraj
Pools
Swim only where your guide says. Streams rise fast after rain upstream. Discover with Dheeraj
Tourism helpline
Meghalaya Tourism: toll-free 1800 599 2026, WhatsApp +91 76400 03050. Meghalaya Tourism
What to pack
Your checklist
Tick items as you pack. Your ticks stay saved on this device.
Clothing
Shoes
Gear
Papers and money
Health
List from Treks and Trails India: things to carry.
Rent or buy
Where to get gear
Many operators lend tents, sleeping bags and spikes. Ask yours before you rent.
Guwahati before you leave
Decathlon AzaraBuy · trekking shoes, rain jackets, raincoats, activewear, hiking gearDag No. 656, Goalpara–Guwahati Road, near Rani Gate, Azara · Website
Shop details are from each shop's own page. Phone to confirm prices and stock.
Who runs it
Choose an operator
We found 4 companies selling a Nongriat trek in October 2026. Most Meghalaya tours fold Nongriat into a longer road trip, and a registered local guide is now required anyway.
Prices are base prices from each operator's own page (October 2026); most add 5% GST. Ratings are what each operator shows, not an independent audit. Names marked † show last season's price or one seen only in a search snippet.