The Trek to Meghalaya’s Double-Decker Root Bridge and Blue Lagoon
Getting there is easy. But getting back… oh, that’s where the story begins.
Nestled deep within the misty rainforests of Meghalaya lies a marvel that’s on many travel bucket lists — the famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge of Nongriat. But what most Instagram reels won’t show you is the real story — the sweat, the steps, the surprises, and a hidden paradise called the Blue Lagoon.
Let me take you there.
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3,500 Steps Down to Nature’s Marvel
The journey begins in the village of Tyrna, about 2 hours from Shillong. This is where you leave behind the comfort of roads and descend into a different world — quite literally. The path to Nongriat starts with 3,500 concrete steps, winding down through lush greenery, echoing bird calls, and distant waterfalls.
At first, the descent feels like a breeze. You’ll pass small houses with tin roofs, kids playing, and cheerful locals selling fresh pineapple and bottled water. Every step feels like an adventure. But then the real trek begins.
After around halfway, the regular stairs end — and the trail becomes more raw and wild. Rocky paths, muddy curves, and confusing forks test your patience. One moment you’re sure you’re on the right track, the next moment, you’re standing at a junction, unsure where to turn.
A few helpful signs and locals guide the way, and finally, you reach a small village with a signboard: “Welcome to Nongriat. Double-Decker Living Root Bridge ahead.”
First Sight: The Double-Decker Root Bridge
Crafted by generations of the Khasi tribe using tangled roots of rubber trees, the Double-Decker Living Root Bridge is both engineering and art in harmony with nature. It’s not just a bridge — it’s alive, growing stronger year by year.
As you walk across its mossy curves and pause to feel the cool water flowing beneath, you realize this isn’t just a tourist spot — it’s a quiet, breathing symbol of resilience.
But for me, the root bridge, though beautiful, wasn’t the highlight. The real gem was still an hour deeper into the forest.
The Hidden Gem: The Blue Lagoon
Most trekkers stop at the Double-Decker Bridge, but if you keep walking — a bit blindly, a bit bravely — you’ll stumble upon something magical. The trail narrows, winds along forest streams, and suddenly opens up into a natural pool of the clearest blue water you’ll ever see.
The Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by giant boulders and thick forest, the lagoon looks unreal — like someone poured a pot of turquoise paint into a mountain stream. You don’t think twice. You just throw off your bag, dip your feet, and all the exhaustion disappears.
The water is icy cold, but it soothes every tired muscle and aching joint. For those who go the extra mile (or hour), this spot is the real reward.
The Climb That Tests Your Spirit
Now, remember the 3,500 steps we happily skipped down in the beginning?
Yes, they’re still there. Waiting. And now, they’re uphill.
Let me tell you — this part is brutal. With the sun beginning to dip, we found ourselves gasping for breath, questioning every life choice that led us here. Every turn feels like déjà vu. Every 100 steps feel like a kilometer.
“Are these stairs never-ending? Will we make it before dark?”
There are no rest stops, no cool breeze, no forgiving slopes. Just vertical pain. At one point, I asked my friend to film a short clip for memories, but she could barely hold the phone. “I can’t do it. Just cut it!” she said, half-laughing, half-crying.
Some trekkers give up and spend the night in the homestays near the root bridge, while others, shockingly, are carried back in makeshift stretchers by local porters (yes, it’s a service!).
We? We pushed on, one step at a time, and finally made it — hearts racing, legs trembling, but faces glowing with the joy of survival.
So, Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. Because that’s what Meghalaya does to you. It breaks you a little, only to rebuild you with moments of pure wonder.
The Double-Decker Root Bridge is a marvel, but it’s the journey — the sweat, the jungle silence, the Blue Lagoon — that makes the story unforgettable.
So, dear traveler — are you ready for 3,500 reasons to love, curse, and remember Meghalaya forever?
Pack light. Walk slow. And don’t forget to carry a bottle of ORS.
How to Reach Meghalaya’s Double-Decker Root Bridge
Destination: Double-Decker Living Root Bridge, Nongriat village, Meghalaya
Starting Point: Shillong or Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Step-by-Step Travel Guide:
1. Reach Shillong (Meghalaya’s Capital)
- By Air:
Fly to Shillong Airport (Umroi) or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati (Assam). Guwahati is better connected and about 3 hours (100 km) from Shillong by road. - By Road:
From Guwahati, hire a taxi or take a shared sumo to Shillong.
2. Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra)
- Distance: 60 km | 2–2.5 hours by taxi or shared cab
- Enjoy scenic waterfalls, caves, and viewpoints en route.
3. Cherrapunji to Tyrna Village
- Tyrna is the nearest motorable point to the root bridge.
- Take a local taxi from Cherrapunji to Tyrna Village (12 km).
- This is where your trek begins.
4. Begin the Trek: Tyrna to Nongriat Village
- The trail: Around 3,500 steps downhill through forests, small villages, and hanging bridges.
- It takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach Nongriat depending on your pace.
- You’ll reach the ticket counter near the Double-Decker Root Bridge.
- Optional: Trek another 45 minutes–1 hour beyond to reach the magical Blue Lagoon.
Travel Tips:
- Start your trek early in the morning (around 7–8 AM).
- Carry light snacks, water, and a raincoat — the weather can change quickly.
- Wear good grip trekking shoes.
- If you’re not confident about the return trek, consider staying overnight in one of the homestays in Nongriat.
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