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Descend 3,500 stone steps through one of the world's last subtropical rainforests to reach the Double Decker Living Root Bridge — grown over centuries by the Khasi people and found nowhere else on Earth.
Deep in the War-Khasi Hills of southern Meghalaya, the Khasi tribe discovered centuries ago that the secondary roots of the Ficus elastica rubber fig tree could be guided across rivers using betel nut trunks as channels — and over decades would grow into living, self-strengthening bridges.
The result is extraordinary: bridges that are alive, that grow stronger each year, that self-repair when damaged, and that have spanned the same rivers for 500 years. The Double Decker at Nongriat — two bridges stacked vertically — is the most spectacular example, and accessing it requires one of the most dramatic walks in all of India.
This is not just a trek — it is a visit to a living civilisation that learned to work with nature rather than against it, centuries before the word "sustainability" was coined.
Two living root bridges stacked on top of each other — grown over 500 years by the Khasi people from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees. There is nothing else like it on Earth.
A crystal-clear natural pool formed where the river meets the base of the bridge. After 3,500 steps, diving in is one of the great small pleasures of any trek in India.
A powerful multi-tiered waterfall with a resident rainbow in its mist. The 1.5-hour trek from Nongriat through old-growth forest is itself the experience.
Spend two nights as a guest in Nongriat — a village accessible only on foot. Your host family's cooking, stories, and hospitality are the true heart of this trip.
Drive from Shillong through the misty highlands to Cherrapunji (Sohra) — the wettest place on Earth. Stop at Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint (India's tallest plunge waterfall) and Seven Sisters Falls before descending to Tyrna, the trailhead for Nongriat. Evening briefing and early dinner.
The main event. Begin the legendary descent through dense subtropical forest — 3,500 hand-cut stone steps winding between ferns, orchids, and waterfalls. At the bottom: the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Cross it, explore the natural swimming pool beneath, and spend the night in a Khasi village homestay listening to the forest.
Full day in Nongriat. Morning trek to the stunning Rainbow Falls — a multi-tiered cascade named for the permanent rainbow formed in its mist. Afternoon at leisure: swim, photograph the bridges, or walk with your Khasi guide through the village learning about the 500-year cultivation tradition of the living roots.
The climb back — harder than the descent, but equally beautiful in the morning light. Depart Tyrna and drive back through Cherrapunji for a final stop at Mawsmai Cave before returning to Shillong.
3,500 stone steps down (and back up) over steep, sometimes slippery terrain. Good knee strength and trekking poles are strongly recommended. Not suitable for those with knee problems.
Oct–Mar is ideal — lush but drier. The bridges are beautiful year-round but trails are slippery in peak monsoon (Jun–Sep). We do run monsoon treks for the experienced.
Nongriat has no vehicle access and limited mobile signal. The homestay has electricity and running water, but this is genuinely off-the-grid living for two nights.
Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support are essential. Flip-flops or sandals for the swimming pool. The steps are wet and mossy year-round.
4 Days · 3 Nights
Max 8 guests · Khasi village homestay · Rainbow Falls included
Free cancellation up to 15 days before departure · Secure Stripe checkout