Deep in the heart of Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills lies a village that feels like it belongs to another world. Nongriat isn’t a place you simply visit but it’s a place you earn your way into, one careful step at a time. Your journey begins in the quiet village of Tyrna, where paved roads fade into stone stairways, and every step down into the valley takes you closer to something extraordinary.
The path winds through dense forests, shaded by ancient trees and alive with birdsong. As you make your way deeper into the hills, you’ll cross gently swaying suspension bridges stretched over the Simtung and Umkyrsan rivers. These rivers don’t just flow with water—they carry the spirit of the forest and the stories of the people who’ve lived here for generations.
Soon, you’ll arrive at the single living root bridge of Nongthyiemmai, a stunning 95-foot structure woven from the roots of ancient rubber trees. Not far ahead, a smaller root bridge welcomes you quietly, a gentle prelude to the grand marvel that lies beyond. Just a few minutes further is Nongriat’s iconic Double-Decker Root Bridge, where two layers of living roots form a passage unlike anything else in the world. It’s the kind of place that holds your gaze and quiets your thoughts. During the monsoon months, the nearby pools fill up with fresh rainwater, creating perfect spots for a refreshing dip.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. If you’re up for it, the trail continues to the enchanting Blue Lagoon, a natural pool so vivid it seems unreal. From there, it’s just a short walk to Rainbow Falls—a secluded waterfall where the mist sometimes catches the sunlight just right, creating soft rainbows that hang in the air like whispered secrets.
On the way back, the climb back up to Tyrna is a slow and steady challenge, but it’s made sweeter by local vendors offering fresh fruits and snacks along the trail. And once you return, a simple, home-cooked Khasi lunch in Tyrna village is waiting to warm and refuel you.
This experience is more than just a trek. It’s a full day of wonder, connection, and discovery where roots become bridges, rivers become companions, and every step tells a story.
