Nongriat Trip ( February 2014) - Double Decker Living Root Bridges Trek

After our 10mins stop at the little shop, we reached Nongriat village exactly at 2pm.

And finally the awe-inspiring Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridges

Now since we had already reached the Double Decker Root Bridges at 2.30pm, we figured it was too early to return back. And well me being the smarty pants always in the group, decided to go and search for the Natural Swimming Pools, which I came to know from one of the villagers was another 20 mins walk away. And well the rest had to follow. Now the place between the Double Decker and the Natural Swimming Pools was actually a Sacred Forest. And well to my surprise there were butterflies of all shapes and colours. It was like the Garden of Eden. I guess I did not realise the distance of the walk since I was too preoccupied with the butterflies.

Now we were told that the Swimming Pools were upstream of the next suspension bridge. We went searching for it but finally found an Englishman who had been staying at Nongriat for the past two weeks, taking a nap on the soft blades of grass, under the shade, since he had gotten tired of looking for the pools. But we did not give up and went on searching for the elusive pools.

And well we struck gold and one of us, actually found them. So he led the way. The pools were hidden behind massive boulders which could not have been seen from the pathway. However, this arrangement meant that we actually had privacy to do our thing.


The way to the pools:

Here are pics of the Natural Pool and boy did we have so much of fun.

Some more pool pics

After having our share of fun in the water, we decided to return back. We stopped by the Tea Stall and had a bowl of maggi with tea. Then exactly at 4pm we left the stall and proceeded uphill. I was the last one, behind everyone. One of my friend pushed me all the way up till we reached Tyrna. Oh by the way, the second suspension bridge was around 300meters above sea level on the altimeter. Anyway what amazed me was that even though I was pushed till the top and was still the last in the group, I actually reached Tyrna exactly at 5pm. It was quite a feat to accomplish for me. We rested for about 15minutes and decided to go and have lunch at Cherra Holiday Resort (yes lunch). We finally got our lunch at 7pm. And headed back to Shillong. We reached Shillong almost close to 10pm.

Very Late Lunch being served at Cherra Holiday Resort

Hi karikor,

I had heard that there is an inspection bungalow near the bridge where we can stay. Is it true ? And if yes, is it necessary to book in advance ? I'm visiting meghalaya this October and would love to visit this place... but due to a ligament injury in my leg, I won't be able to do the round trip in one day... a nights rest would be required. Hence was curious to know about the accommodation facilities available close to the bridge.

Thanks,
Edward

Hi karikor,

I had heard that there is an inspection bungalow near the bridge where we can stay. Is it true ? And if yes, is it necessary to book in advance ? I'm visiting meghalaya this October and would love to visit this place... but due to a ligament injury in my leg, I won't be able to do the round trip in one day... a nights rest would be required. Hence was curious to know about the accommodation facilities available close to the bridge.

Thanks,
Edward

Edward,

I am not aware of the Inspection Bungalow, but I do know that there are a couple of local homestays available. Besides I also insist that you stay so that you find time to explore the place and also visit the Rainbow Falls.

Just noticed this thread. Excellent trip report & pictures. Thanks for sharing. Will go through other trip reports as well.

Ronak.

I also have only just seen this trip report. Great pics and writing, Karikor. Thank you.

Thank You both.

Hi Karikor,

Which are the local home-stay which you recommend for us near to this place.

Thanks/vinay