Deep in the East Khasi Hills, below the misty plateau of Cherrapunji, sits one of the most extraordinary structures built by human hands — except no one really built it. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village is grown, not constructed, its two stacked spans woven from the roots of rubber fig trees by the Khasi tribe over generations. Getting there takes real effort. Here’s exactly what to expect.
How Hard Is the Trek, Really?
Let’s answer the question upfront: the trek to Nongriat is rated moderate to challenging, depending on your fitness level and how you pace it. Sources differ slightly — some call it moderate and beginner-friendly with enough breaks, others rate it a genuinely hard hike — but the consistent thread is this: it’s not the distance that gets you, it’s the stairs.
Key numbers:
- Around 3,000-3,500 stone steps, one way, cut into the hillside
- Roughly 3 km one way / 6 km round trip
- 4-6 hours round trip, not including time spent at the bridge itself
- Elevation loss/gain of roughly 1,500 feet each way
The descent to Nongriat feels deceptively easy at first — you’re going downhill, and the surrounding forest and streams make for pleasant walking. The return climb is where the trek earns its difficulty rating. Steep stone steps, humidity, and narrow footing mean the ascent is genuinely tiring even for reasonably fit trekkers.
Who Can Do This Trek
Despite the difficulty rating, this isn’t a technical climb — it’s stairs, essentially, just a lot of them. Beginners with average fitness can complete it comfortably by taking regular breaks and staying hydrated throughout. That said, it’s not recommended for anyone with knee issues, small children who tire easily, or travelers not prepared for several hours of sustained stair descent and ascent.
Where the Trek Starts
The trailhead is at Tyrna village, about 20-30 minutes by taxi from Cherrapunji (Sohra) and roughly 65 km from Shillong. Note that the Double Decker Bridge itself is often marketed as being “in Cherrapunji,” but it’s actually in Nongriat village, a separate settlement reached only on foot — no road runs directly there.
Getting to Tyrna:
- From Cherrapunji, a private taxi costs a few hundred rupees one way
- From Shillong, most travelers arrange a taxi directly to Tyrna as part of a day trip or overnight plan
- If relying on public transport, note that shared taxis to Tyrna aren’t frequent, and you may be dropped a few kilometers short of the actual trailhead
What You’ll See Along the Way
The descent passes through dense forest, small streams, and local farmland, with occasional viewpoints back across the valley. Many trekkers encounter a single root bridge partway down before reaching the famous Double Decker structure near the river at the bottom. The bridges themselves are remarkable up close — grown from rubber fig tree roots over roughly 25 years, strong enough to support dozens of people at once, and known to last for centuries while continuing to grow stronger with age.
Once at Nongriat, there’s a natural pool near the bridge where fish nibble at your feet — a popular, if slightly ticklish, way to cool off after the descent.
Should You Stay Overnight?
Given the round-trip length, many trekkers choose to break the journey with an overnight stay in a Nongriat homestay rather than attempting the descent and ascent in a single day. This has real advantages: you avoid rushing before nightfall (a genuine concern in winter when it gets dark by around 4 PM), you get to explore Nongriat itself at a relaxed pace, and it opens up the option of extending your trip to Rainbow Falls.
Rainbow Falls: The Optional Extension
A further 1.5-2 hours beyond the Double Decker Bridge lies Rainbow Falls, a turquoise-pooled waterfall known for the natural rainbows that form in its spray on sunny days. It’s an additional, more adventurous stretch of trail through rainforest and suspension bridges — well worth it if you have the time and energy, but it does add meaningfully to an already long day.
Best Time to Visit
October to April is the recommended window, when weather is more predictable and the trail conditions are safer underfoot. Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places on Earth, so trekking during peak monsoon months (June-September) means dealing with slippery stone steps and significantly reduced visibility — manageable for experienced trekkers, but a harder experience overall.
Trek Day Tips
- Start before 8 AM — mornings are cooler, the trail is quieter, and you’ll likely have the bridge mostly to yourself for a while
- Pack light — heavy bags make the return climb considerably harder; carry only water, snacks, a light rain layer, and essentials
- Wear proper grip footwear — the stone steps get slick, especially after rain
- Carry cash — small shops along the trail sell water, snacks, and fruit, useful for refueling on the way back up
- Budget for a full day if not staying overnight — this isn’t a quick detour, treat it as the main activity for the day
- Arrange your return taxi in advance if day-tripping — public taxis back to Cherrapunji from Tyrna aren’t frequent, especially later in the day
Final Thoughts
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek isn’t a casual walk, but it’s also well within reach of anyone with reasonable fitness and a bit of patience on the stairs. What makes it worth the effort is arriving at a structure that’s genuinely one of a kind — a living, growing bridge shaped by generations of Khasi knowledge, set in one of the most biodiverse corners of Northeast India. Pace yourself, start early, and consider the overnight stay if you can spare the extra day.