Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trail Trek ~ Meghalaya ~ India

Located in the remote virgin wilderness of the East Khasi Hills of the State of Meghalaya in India are what people describe as the ‘Eight Wonders of the Modern World!’ These wonders constructed by Humans with the assistance of Mother Nature are termed as the ‘Living Root Bridges’ of Meghalaya. Not to be found anywhere in the World, these Living Root Bridges are a form of tree handmade from the aerial roots of Rubber Trees by the Khasi and Jaintia Tribes of Meghalaya. The Roots of each tree are made to grow through betel tree trunks which have been placed across rivers and streams until the figs’ roots attach themselves to the other side. Bamboo Sticks and Stones are used to stabilize the growing bridge. This process can take up to 15 years to complete and these root bridges last for many hundreds of years.

Jinkieng Nongriat Root Bridge, Root Bridge Trek, Nongriat Village, Meghalaya — **Welcome to the Jinkieng Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge ~ Nongriat ~ Meghalaya ~ India**

These Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya were invented by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya primarily because these is abundant rainfall across Meghalaya and the normal bamboo and wood bridges couldn’t last long because of the heavy rains. The permanent solution to cross streams and rivers across the villages of Meghalaya were these Living Root Bridges that only become stronger with more rains.

These Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya are literally grown by hands by using the aerial roots of the Rubber tree which are later merged with the Betel nut tree trunks finally to form a horizontal path. These Living Root Bridges take around 15 to 20 years to be fully operational and keep getting stronger with age. Once grown, these bridges last more than 500 years and have a long life span. Normally, these Root Bridges are around 50 – 100 feet long and can hold around 50 people at a time providing a safe and stable path across streams and river crossings. Stony pavements along these bridges make the Living Root Bridge all the more stable and stronger.

The State of Meghalaya has many Living Root Bridges at the vicinity of the top tourist destinations in the State at Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Pynursla. Most of these living Root Bridges are Single Decker Living Root Bridges. The most noteworthy among all of these Living Root Bridges is the ‘Jingkieng Nongriat’ which is better known as the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at the vicinity of the Nongriat Village near Cherrapunji.

The Jinkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a one of a kind in the World. The Jinkieng Nongriat has been grown in a process by allowing the roots of the Rubber tree to grow across hollowed out Areca Nut tree trunks. The root are then guided to grow cross Betel tree trunks that are placed across the stream near the Jinkieng Nongriat. The roots attach themselves to the betel trees and the Betel tree provide the roots with adequate nutrients to help them grow stronger. In about 15 years these roots grow into a Living Root Bridge. The Jinkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge is indeed a majestic sight to behold!

Located in perhaps one of the most naturally blessed places in the World of Nongriat Village, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge can be reached by embarking on a Trek from Cherrapunji to Nongriat Village. A long Flight of stairs amidst the Lush Greens Forests, Blue Hills, Clear Water streams and Hanging Bridges await to welcome you on this trek for you to mark your Status in Social Media as ‘The Eight Wonder of the World… CONQUERED!’

We welcome you to the State of Meghalaya. The jewel in the crown of the Seven Sister States of India, Meghalaya is State bestowed with the bounties of Mother Nature. From pristine landscapes unadulterated by the developments of the Modern World, Meghalaya offers you a relaxed retreat from the hustle and bustle of the modern life.

Our trained local guides will take you on a journey of Meghalaya as never seen before spotting the Tallest Plunge Waterfalls in India of Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sisters, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trail Trek at Cherrapunji, the Longest Living Root Bridge Trail Trek at Pynursla, the Asia’s Cleanest Village Trail Trek at Mawlynnong, the Border of India and Bangladesh at Dawki and much more..

Please find below the Itinerary for your Visit ~

DAY 1 ~ Guwahati – Cherrapunji (5 – 6 Hrs. Drive)

Arrive at Guwahati Airport. Upon your arrival, you’ll be met by our representative. We directly hit the road to Cherrapunji. The roads are good, so enjoy the lovely drive through the lush green hills. Lunch/Snacks on way, depending upon the flight timings. Check in to a Hotel/Homestay at Cherrapunji.

Night Stay: Sai Mika Resort/Sohra Plaza Homestay at Cherrapunji.

Meals Included: NA

DAY 2 ~ Cherrapunji ~ Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sister Falls, Mawsmai Caves, Jinkieng Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge Trek (Duration of Trek ~ 6 Hrs. (Complete))

After Breakfast, we will visit the Tallest Plunge Waterfalls of India ~ the Nohkalikai and the Seven Sister Falls at Cherrapunji. Also visit the Mawsmai Caves at Cherrapunji. Later in the day we will kick start the Double Decker Root Bridge Trek to reach Nongriat Village. On your way you will spot the first Root Bridge of your tour at Tyrna Village. Check into a Homestay at Nongriat Village.

Night Stay: Basic Homestay with Khasi Tribes at Nongriat Village.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3 ~ Nongriat Village ~ Jingkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawsaw Bridge, Rainbow Waterfalls and Daithlen Falls

Spend the first half of your day admiring the Wonder of the Jinkieng Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge at Nongriat Village. Trek further from the Jinkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge to reach the Mawsaw Bridge and the Rainbow Waterfalls near Nongriat Village. Trek back to Cherrapunji at the trek start point. Later in the day visit the Daithlen Falls.

Night Stay: Sai Mika Resort/Sohra Plaza Homestay at Cherrapunji.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 4 ~ Longest Root Bridge Trail Trek ~ Pynursla (Drive 2 Hrs. & Trek Duration 2 Hrs.)

Today after breakfast, we’ll drive to Pynursla. From there we kick start our trek to the longest Root Bridge accessible in the East Khasi Hills

Highlights of the Trek:

Longest Living Root Bridge
Virgin Wilderness
Picturesque Views
Lunch can be arranged as time suitable. After Lunch we can go to Mawlynnong for stay overnight

Night Stay: Homestays at Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village).

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5 ~ Mawlynnong & Dawki

Today is our day in the beautiful village of Mawlynnong, settled in the wilderness of East Khasi Hills.

Morning after breakfast we visit the Living Root Bridge of Mawlynnong. You spend the day simply enjoying the nature of the place. Get your camera out, make notes of the place, read a book or anything that unwinds you.

For Sightseeing Options are