Tyrna is a village in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, India, located near Cherrapunji (Sohra) that serves as the starting point for trekking to Nongriat village, famous for its Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
The journey from Tyrna involves (3500+3500) 7000 stone stairs up and down through lush forests and smaller villages, offering a challenging but rewarding experience of the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
Nongriat is a remote village in India’s Meghalaya state, known for the famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge.
Reaching Nongriat requires a strenuous trek from the nearby Tyrna village, passing through lush forests and often featuring two steel suspension bridges.
This trekking involves roughly around 7000 (Down + up) stairs and 2 suspension bridges on the way before reaching Nongriat Living Root Double Bridge.
The village is a hub for nature lovers, offering access to natural pools, lagoons, and the breath-taking Rainbow Falls.
You will see numerous Living Root Bridges across this region. However Double decker root bridge is available only at Nongriat village.
The inhabitants of this area are called Khasi’s, who used to set up bridges across the rivers, using these longs roots.
They used clay and other substances to fill the gap between the roots, and thereby, made the bridges strong enough.
The living root bridges are the only thing that connects them to other communities. When the river floods during heavy rains, water engulfs the bridge.
What is a double decker living root bridge?
These living bridges are grown from a special type of rubber tree. As the roots grow, so the strength of the bridge increases. They take around 25 years to grow and operate, but can carry the weight of 50 people and go on functioning for 500 years.
The trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge involves going down around 3,500 steps to reach Nongriat village, where the bridge is. The steps at a few points are very narrow which makes it a little more difficult.
It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the bridge, depending on how fast you walk. If it’s rainy, the steps might get slippery, so it’s good to avoid rainy season and be careful.
unlike other treks where you generally hike first and later descend, here it’s the opposite. Coming back may be more time-consuming as one would need to climb all those 3500 stairs.
The return journey, a strenuous climb back up the steps, requires stamina and offers a chance to reflect on the symbiotic marvel of the bridge, a unique natural wonder that continues to grow stronger over time.
During the trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, network connectivity can be spotty, overall connectivity may be unreliable.
After crossing some iron bridges and smaller root bridges, one is rewarded with the sight of the ancient, two-tiered living bridge, a evidence to human creativity and nature’s power, where thick roots have been guided to form a strong, natural walkway.
This special bridge is tucked away in the hills of north eastern India, waiting for adventurers like us to find it. As we explore, we’ll be surrounded by lush green trees, sparkling waterfalls, and lots of exciting things to see.
Let’s go on this awesome journey together and uncover the secrets of the Double Decker Living Root Bridge!”
Guwahati railway station is the nearest railhead to Tyrna (Cherrapunji) which serves as the gateway to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
On reaching Guwahati the best way to reach Cherrapunji is to take a shared taxi to Shillong (300-400 INR) which takes around 2-3 hours and again a shared taxi to Cherrapunji which is about an hour drive.
On reaching Cherrapunji, you can hire a local taxi and ask him to drop you at Tyrna Village which is the start point of the trek. The village is approx. 10 km from the main town.
After reaching Tyrna Village we re-energised us with breakfast and warmed up with omelette , bread butter and warmed us with a cup of hot tea at nearby food stall.
Few boys were selling bamboo canes to be used as trekking poles, and a few locals were offering services as guides.
I bought a pole, ignored the guides and started the trekking. The starting stairs were descending down amides deep and thick woods.
The trail of steps plunged further and further down. I couldn’t see where I was going, apart from deeper into the forest. As I looked around, it seemed like paradise.
I was not alone on this trail of stairs, dozen stairs ahead and behind were other adventure lover trekkers too from Indonesia, Holland, France and a group of young Indian boys and girls.
After a short walk up on another flight of stairs, we arrived at Nongriat village.
The double-decker bridge in the middle of a thick jungle, set right across a echoing waterfall and over a gentle water stream, was a sight to observe. The double-decker root bridge Aaah! Like something from a fairytale.
The first view mesmerised me. It felt as though I had arrived in paradise, with chirping birds. The water was so clear, cool and fresh and it was enticing me for relaxing dip.
The root bridge was undoubtedly remarkable, its surroundings felt like a place where magic happens. There were waterfalls and natural swimming pools, clusters of huge brightly collared butterflies, mysterious sounds of the forest.
A small butterfly landed on my hand, and stayed there for a couple of minutes to relax. I was part of that miraculous alchemy of intoxication in lap of nature.
A small tea shop right next to the bridge was just perfect to have a cup of hot tea and steaming Maggi before I reluctantly winded my way up. Ahh, I so didn’t want to go back.
It is quite natural to feel like this in the middle of nature, completely off the grid, where one can unburden the stresses of daily life and try to find a rhythm between self & nature.
At the village, you could see two boards, one showing the way to the longest single Living Root Bridge and one to the double-decker. We decided to explore the longest single Living Root Bridge first. The entry fee was Rs 40 per adult.
As we reached the longest single-living root bridge, we couldn’t help but marvel at its beauty. It was like something out of a fairy tale, standing tall and majestic amidst the greenery.
“Wow, what a beauty!” we exclaimed, taking in the scene before us. And the best part? There was no one else around, so we had the bridge all to ourselves.
It was peaceful and quiet, allowing us to enjoy the moment and appreciate the bridge’s charm without any distractions.
After exploring the longest single-living root bridge, we continued our trek towards the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, located another 45 minutes away on the opposite side.
Despite the additional distance, our excitement only grew as we ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, eager to witness the marvel that awaited us.
As we got closer to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, we were super excited. The entry fee for this bridge was Rs 50 per adult. The bridge looked amazing like it was straight out of a storybook.
We stepped onto it and felt amazed by how the roots had grown together to make it. It was a bit crowded though.
I remained mesmerized the whole way. When I reached the top, it was just 4:30 p.m. I felt oddly alive, cleansed and purified.
The sweet odour of jackfruit and pineapple will lure you. You can see some small stalls annexed to houses, from where you can buy essentials like snacks, glucose, and water.
On your way, you can see multiple subways and passages that lead to other villages. Although root bridges are common in many villages, they are only single line bridges.
You will wonder when you see the abundance of crystal clear natural ponds in the region. “The hidden paradise…..
Finally, we reached the gateway of Nongriat. I was speechless when I saw the amazing thing, Double Decker Root Bridge! We took the bottom line of the bridge. I heard my heart throbbing as I stepped carefully along that living bridge.
I could see hundreds of small houses scattered across the region. A small grocery shop, a hotel, and an ‘Anganwadi’ are the maximum amenities luxury available there.
The hotel offers noodles, tea, and omelette people of the village welcomed us warmly. I was having tea from the ‘three star hotel’ of Nongriat village
Homestay is the only option available for accommodation. If you are fine with the limitations and enjoy living close to nature for some time, homestay is the best choice. You need not book your stay in advance since too many tourists do not come to this place.
The best time to trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is during the dry season, typically from October to April. This period offers favorable weather conditions, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer trekking experience.
The trails are also in better condition during this time, reducing the risk of slipping on muddy paths. It’s essential to avoid the monsoon season from May to September, as heavy rainfall can make the trails slippery and challenging to trek.
I remained mesmerized the whole way. It was more than just a trek; it was a journey of discovery, connection, and appreciation for the natural world.
In the end of trip, you will realize that two eyes are not enough to watch that scenic beauty, really amazing.
I bet that the Trekking 7000 Stairs: Cherrapunji Double Decker Living Root Bridge Nongriat village of Cherrapunji has created desire to travel within you. Let me start this travel to Nongriat village of Cherrapunji.
The End
