A Cherrapunji trip is incomplete without trekking to the awe-inspiring Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Though challenging, this adventurous trek through Meghalaya’s dense tropical forest is a lifetime achievement for any nature lover.
Experience the evergreen forest wrapped in clouds and rain, cross hanging bridges, spot unique plant species and butterflies, and enjoy the roar of waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. The ultimate seen awaits at Nongriat village—the stunning Double Decker Living Root Bridge. If you are capable, trek a little further to swim in a natural pool, followed by the exciting Rainbow Falls.
If you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, keep reading this detailed guide, crafted from our personal experience; hope this will help you plan the perfect trip to this exciting place.
What are living root bridges?
Living root bridges are man-made natural wonders, crafted by Meghalaya’s Khasi and Jaintia tribes using the aerial roots of ancient rubber trees. These durable, self-strengthening bridges are perfect for Meghalaya’s long monsoon seasons, far outlasting wooden alternatives.
Since building roads in Meghalaya’s steep hills is costly, locals train tree roots to grow across rivers, gradually forming solid, load-bearing bridges. With manual reinforcements, they take 13-15 years to become walkable and can last over 500 years.
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat—our focus here—is over 150 years old, though its exact age remains unknown.
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Tour Guide to Double Decker Living Root Bridge
1. The Starting Point
Your trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge starts from Tyrna village, which is about an hour’s drive from Cherrapunji (or Sohra). You can either:
- Start early from Cherrapunji to reach Tyrna by morning.
- Stay overnight at Tyrna and begin your trek by 8:00 AM to avoid the midday sun.
The trek takes 5-9 hours depending on your pace and stops. It’s not a typical mountain trail but involves steep stairs from the beginning, which can be challenging. Both tourists and locals use this route regularly, so expect some traffic.
💡 Tip: Prepare for the steep stairs—it’s tougher than regular trekking.
2. First Stopage: Ritymmen Root Bridge
Hiking through the dense forests of Meghalaya is a delightful experience, where you can appreciate the serene surroundings, enjoy the waterfall views, and listen to the soothing sounds of nature. You’ll witness the beauty of colorful butterflies fluttering over unknown plants and hear melodious bird songs.
After 50-60 minutes of trekking through lush forests, you’ll reach the Ritymmen Root Bridge at Nongthymmai village. Locally, it is also known as Single Root Bridge. If you prefer a shorter trek, this is a great place to visit, explore the root bridge, and return.
Nearby, you’ll also find an unstable root bridge, adding to the adventure.
3. Trek Further to Explore the Ultimate
The trek becomes steeper and more challenging as you descend further to Nongriat village, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from the Single Root Bridge. Though challenging, the journey offers a mesmerizing experience with:
- Several Bamboo and root bridges.
- Hanging wire bridge suspended over flowing rivers, adding a thrill to the journey.
- Picturesque Crystal-clear blue streams beneath your feet, far below.
- Beauty of the evergreen tropical forest.
At the entrance to the Double Decker Root Bridge, there is a small fee (INR 10/- per person). Extra charges apply for digital and video cameras, but smartphones are free to use.
💡 Tip: The trek is long and it’s normal to feel fatigued in the middle. In fact, one of our fellow trekkers decided to return from the Single Root Bridge. However, I strongly encourage you to keep going—the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a unique natural wonder, and the reward at the end is well worth the effort. Many visitors, including those over 50 years old, complete the trek every year with determination and patience.
If you need a break, take some time to rest and recharge at the Single Root Bridge. You can enjoy a quick snack or energy drink to restore your stamina before continuing the journey.
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4. Double-decker Root Bridge: The natural wonder
The famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village is a breathtaking 150+ year-old man-made natural marvel, offering you a unique and astonishing experience. While you’ll encounter several single-layer root bridges along the trek, this is the only one with two layers, and there’s an interesting reason behind it.
During the monsoon season, the water level of the stream beneath the bridge rises dramatically, often submerging the lower layer and cutting off access between the two sides. To overcome this challenge, the Khasi villagers constructed a second layer using the same aerial root weaving technique, ensuring a safe passage even during heavy rains.
Beyond the bridge itself, the scenic beauty surrounding it is nothing short of magical. You’ll find:
- Gushing waterfalls cascading beside the bridge.
- An incredibly clear water stream flowing underneath.
- Serene, lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape from city life.
Visitors often spend hours soaking in the tranquil atmosphere—taking bath beneath the waterfalls, wading through crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing and enjoying the calmness of nature. It’s a place where time seems to slow down; but your time is limited, so be sure to savor every moment of this extraordinary destination.
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5. Move forward: Explore Natural Swimming Pool
After spending 1-1.5 hours at the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge, you can either head back or continue towards the natural swimming pool, which is well worth the extra effort.
The trek to the Natural Pool takes about 40 minutes through a denser forest, offering a peaceful and untouched natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll cross two more bridges—one made of living roots and the other is a hanging wire bridge.
The natural swimming pool is a stunning sight. A waterfall feeds into a crystal-clear blue natural reservoir, creating a perfect spot to relax and swim. However, be cautious—the middle is deep and has strong currents.
Despite its beauty, only a few travelers visit this hidden gem—mainly foreign backpackers; unfortunately, most of the Indian tourists are unaware of this beautiful place. Nevertheless, this seclusion helps preserve its serenity, making it a perfect escape for those willing to explore the pure nature.
If time permits, spend an hour soaking in this tranquil atmosphere—it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss!
6. Discover More: Visit Rainbow Waterfalls
Discover More: Rainbow Waterfalls
For the final milestone of the trek, continue 1.2 hours further to Rainbow Waterfalls, a secluded gem that many skip due to the uphill climb or time constraints.
This tall waterfall gets its name from the rainbow that forms when sunrays hit the water mist at a specific angle—an awe-inspiring sight.
To witness this natural wonder, arrive before sunset on a sunny day. The best time to visit is during winter or spring, when the skies are clear and the rainbow is most visible. This hidden beauty is well worth the extra effort!
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Returning back
The return trek to Tyrna is challenging, especially after a full day of hiking. The return journey from Rainbow Waterfalls takes around 3-4 hours to reach Tyrna village, depending on your pace. If you find the full-day trek too exhausting, you can pre-book a basic homestay in Nongriat village and return the next day.
For your note, the return journey becomes even harder if you’re traveling with an infant or child without extra support. If you’re trekking with a baby, consider hiring a porter—especially for the return journey. We did the trek with our 2-year-old babies and found the porters extremely helpful and polite. Your child may not llike staying with an unknown person for a long time, but it offers much-needed relief during the steep uphill climb during the return journey.
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Life of the local villagers near Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Root bridges are very common in Meghalaya, while the double-decker Root Bridge is the most popular and beautiful. For tourists, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a natural wonder, but for local villagers, it’s a lifeline. These living root bridges connect them to the main market, and they navigate the steep trails regularly.
While building roads through the hills could ease their daily struggles, it hasn’t happened—possibly to preserve the trekking route. Tourism and homestays remain key sources of income for the villagers.
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Who should choose to visit Double Decker Root Bridge
If you’re visiting Meghalaya, especially Cherrapunji, don’t miss the Double Decker Root Bridge—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However unfortunately, certain physical conditions may not allow you to attend this trek.
- Physically Fit Visitors: Highly recommended—you’ll love the adventure!
- Older Travelers: With inner strength and determination, you can reach the bridge. If unsure, visit the Single Root Bridge instead and return back.
- Those with Health Issues: If you have conditions like asthma or hysteria, it’s best to avoid the trek; instead, explore other scenic spots in Meghalaya.
If you’re fit and adventurous, the Double Decker Root Bridge is a must-visit destination!
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Best Time to Visit the Double Decker Root Bridge
The ideal time to visit is November to April when the weather is dry and trekking conditions are favorable. October and May are also popular due to festivals and vacations, though the bridge remains less crowded because of the challenging trek.
Visiting in peak winter offers clear blue water at the natural swimming pool and rainbow views at Rainbow Waterfalls, though some other waterfalls in Meghalaya may dry up.
Avoid June to September due to heavy monsoon rains, which limit outdoor activities. However, if you enjoy rain and lush greenery, the monsoon can offer you a unique experience in Meghalaya. Still, it is advisable to exclude Double Decker Root Bridge trekking plan during the monsoon season due to slippery path, overwhelming rivers and waterfalls, and appearance of unwanted insects and snakes.
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How to Reach the Double Decker Root Bridge
The Double Decker Root Bridge is located in Nongriat village, near Cherrapunji in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. The trek begins from Tyrna village.
- By Train:
- No direct trains to Meghalaya.
- Reach Guwahati Railway Station (Assam) and hire a cab to Shillong, followed by Cherrapunji and then to Tyrna Village.
- By Air:
- Guwahati Airport: Well-connected to major Indian and international airports. From there, take a cab to Shillong.
- Shillong Airport: Limited to a daily flight from Kolkata. Be cautious of frequent delays or cancellations due to bad weather.
From Shillong, hire a cab to Tyrna, the starting point for the trek. You can either:
- Stay overnight at Tyrna and begin your trek the next morning.
- Drive early morning from Cherrapunji to Tyrna and start trekking.
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Where to stay?
You have three options:
- Stay in Cherrapunji (Sohra)
- Comfortable resorts and homestays are available.
- 1-hour drive to Tyrna (trek starting point) if you leave early morning.
- Stay at Tyrna (Recommended)
- Closest point to start the trek.
- Basic homestays with limited comfort, but ideal for resting before your trek.
- Stay at Nongriat Village
- Located near the Double Decker Root Bridge (2-2.5 hours trek from Tyrna).
- Great for exploring nearby spots like the Natural Swimming Pool and Rainbow Waterfalls.
- Basic but clean homestays—perfect for experiencing local village life.
Note: The homestays in Nongriat are basic but clean, as the village is in a remote location. Many adventure enthusiasts prefer staying overnight to explore the Double Decker Root Bridge, natural pools, and Rainbow Waterfalls more comfortably.
Pro Tip: Stay at Tyrna for the first night and Nongriat for the second night after visiting Rainbow Falls to avoid a tiring return trek.
Have a nice hike! If you have any questions, feel free to ask—I’d love to help.
If you enjoyed this guide, sharing it and leaving a comment would be highly appreciated.
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Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
Hi thinking of doing this trek with my 2 year old. Your’s is the only article that I found encouraging!! Is it easy to get a baby porter on the return journey?
Definitely, you’ll get a porter for trekking towards Double Decker Living Root Bridge with your 2 years old baby; you can book for both ways or only for the return journey.
Eventhough you need a porter only for the return journey, still, you have to hire him from Tyrna village (contact your homestay owner). He’ll free-handedly go with you up to your destination, and carry your baby on your return journey.
Best wishes for your upcoming journey!
Hi Suvankar,
Thank you for sharing this wonder of nature the Living root bridge. I never had heard of this before, but it looks like it would be a wonderful get-away to enjoy hiking in the beauty of nature. I think that the Covid has stopped a lot of travel, but it should get better in the future. Next year, I would pack up for the journey if possible. Can you book the travelers stay year round?
Hi, presently I don’t take the bookings, but I can suggest you where to stay/ how to plan for your trip to the double-decker living root bridge.