What Makes the Double Decker Living Root Bridge So Remarkable?
In the rainy valleys of the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, in one of the deep valleys, a two-level bridge constructed completely from living tree roots has been standing silently for more than 200 years. No concrete. No steel. No nails. Only the air roots of rubber fig trees ( Ficus elastica ), which the Khasi tribe had trained and directed over the centuries into a framework that could support 50 people simultaneously.
The twin-layered living root bridge at Nongriat village is just not a bridge. It is a living being that becomes stronger every year. And that is enough to add it to your travel list.
The bridge, unlike other bridges, symbolizes centuries of native engineering, patience, and admiration of nature. This bridge was not constructed in the normal way, as it was done by the Khasi people. They grew it. The roots of the Ficus elastica tree were young and flexible and were steered over hollowed-out trunks of betel nuts across the Umshiang river. These roots became thick, interwoven, and after 15 to 25 years they were able to create a structure that could be walked and loaded.
The double decker part has an interesting backstory. There was initially one root bridge across the river. However, in one monsoon season, it rise so high that the original bridge was completely submerged. Instead of beginning again, the community added a second layer of roots on top of the first. What has been formed is a two-level crossing that has gone through centuries of the legendary rainfall of Meghalaya.
Where Exactly Is the Double Decker Root Bridge Located?
The bridge is located in the village of Nongriat, a small Khasi village deep in the subtropical forest near Cherrapunji (also known as Sohra) in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Cherrapunji, as everybody is aware, is among the wettest locations on Earth.
The following is a breakdown of the distances:
From Shillong: About a 2.5 to 3-hour drive of approximately 65 km along SH5 to the village of Tyrna (where the trek commences).
From Cherrapunji town: Tyrna village is 12 to 15 km or a 30 to 45-minute drive.
From Tyrna to Nongriat: A 3km walk with some 3,500 stone steps.
There is no motorable road to Nongriat. The entrance has to be reached on foot, and that is a big reason as to why this place seems so untouched.
The Trek to Nongriat: What to Actually Expect
Let's just be straight to the point. There is no ordinary morning stroll. The road to Tyrna village has approximately 3,500 concrete and stone steps that pass through thick subtropical forest, iron suspension bridges, and flowing streams. The entire round trip is usually between 4 and 6 hours in case you are reasonably fit.
The descent is less difficult. You will pass through little Khasi villages, and you will cross two iron bridges, and at last come to a crossing in the path. One road leads to a single decker root bridge, with the other leading directly to Nongriat and the well-known double-decker root bridge.
The ascent is where most people feel burned. It is actually difficult to go back up those 3, 500 steps, even in the humidity of Meghalaya. Along the way, small shops exist that offer water, packets of ORS, and snacks, but the prices are, of course, higher due to the remote location.
Practical Tips for the trek:
Get going early, preferably before 7 AM, to beat the heat of the day.
Use sturdy shoes with solid grips. The measures are slippery, particularly after rain.
Bring at least 2 litres of water per person.
Pack light. All one needs is a daypack of essentials.
Poles can be of assistance during the climb.
In case you are not sure whether you can cover the round trip in a single day, you can stay in Nongriat village at homestays at affordable prices.
An overnight stay in Nongriat is highly advised for those families who have children or older travelers. It divides the walk into small parts and allows you to admire the bridge and its environment without rushing.
Best Time to Visit the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
The bridge is open all year round, although the conditions differ radically by season.
The peak window is between October and February. It is cool, dry, and pleasant weather. The steps of the stone are not so slippery, the visibility is brilliant and the conditions of the trek are at their best. It is also at this time that you will encounter the greatest number of fellow trekkers on the trail.
March to May is also warm, but it can be handled early enough. Trees offer adequate shading, and the paths are not very wet.
The period between June and September is the monsoon season. Meghalaya during these months received one of the heaviest rainfalls on earth. The paths get too slippery, rivers fill, and the journey is much more difficult. Nevertheless, when you are a more seasoned trekker and accustomed to wet weather, the monsoon turns the scenery into something unimaginable. The falls are in full blast, and the vegetation is in full bloom. It is just necessary to be ready for the conditions and carry rain gear.
The visiting time is usually between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and the bridge is also usually closed on Sundays.
Why the Living Root Bridges Matter Beyond Tourism
These bridges are not only Instagram worthy structures. They are one of the greatest manifestations of bioengineering in the world.
In 2022, the living root bridges of Meghalaya (locally called Jingkieng Jri) were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. In January 2026, India formally proposed the nomination dossier of the living root bridges to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre to be eligible to be nominated in the 2026 to 2027 evaluation cycle. With its approval, this would put the root bridges of Meghalaya in the same category as world heritage sites.
What makes them significant goes beyond engineering:
They become stronger with time. Living root bridges do not decay like traditional bridges, but the root grows thicker and therefore stronger. A full-grown bridge may be more than 500 years old.
They are fully sustainable. No material sources, no carbon footprint, no industrial production. The bridge is the tree and vice versa.
They support biodiversity. Research has discovered rare species of orchids, amphibians, and mammals inhabiting and around these root bridges.
They represent intergenerational thinking. The Khasi people, who began cultivating a bridge, realized that they would never be able to cross the completed bridge in their lifetime. Such a long-term vision is not common and should be valued.
Over 100 known extant root bridges exist in the East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya, in about 70 villages. The most renowned and most frequented is the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat.
What Else to Do Near Nongriat Village?
After you are down at Nongriat, you might as well explore what else the area offers.
Rainbow Falls is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours on foot from the double-decker bridge. The cascade flows into a blue pool, and during sunny mornings, a natural rainbow would appear in the mist. It is a true reward to those who are ready to go a bit further. It is an adventure trail that cuts through thick forest and other suspension bridges.
There are natural swimming pools just like the one at the double-decker bridge and the trail to Rainbow Falls. The water is cool and invigorating, and swimming here after a long walk is among the most rewarding things that Meghalaya has to offer. Bring some swimwear in case you want to swim.
Life in the village of Khasi in Nongriat is worth admiring. The village is small, serene and lives mostly without modern infrastructure. Homestays are simple in terms of food, typically rice and local curries, and the hospitality is warm and sincere.
Other root bridges in the region are the single-decker bridge at Nongriat, and the Mawsaw root bridge, some 20 to 30 minutes down the road from the double-decker bridge. The Mawsaw bridge boasts a natural swimming pool that draws visitors.
How to Plan Your Trip to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Reaching Cherrapunji: The majority of visitors fly to Guwahati and drive to Shillong (approximately 3 hours) and then 2 to 2.5 hours to Cherrapunji. Alternatively, you can fly to the Umroi Airport of Shillong, but the flights are not frequent.
Local transport: To Cherrapunji, there are shared taxis and individual cabs avilable to Tyrna village. It is advisable to employ a local guide at Tyrna, particularly when visiting the place for the first time. Guides are familiar with the route, can slow or speed up the walk to your ability and are usually good narrators of the history and culture of the area.
Where to stay: You can stay based in Cherrapunji and do the trek as a day trip, or stay over in Nongriat to do it more leisurely. There are various hotels and guesthouses in Cherrapunji with different rates, and Nongriat has basic yet comfortable homestays.
What to carry:
A good pair of trekking shoes (no bargain)
Rain jacket or poncho (even during the non-monsoon season, it is necessary)
Refillable water bottles
Energy bars and snacks.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
A mini-first-aid kit.
Bathing suit in case you want to swim at the Rainbow Falls or the natural pools.
Cash, because there are no ATM in Nongriat.
Yes Tourism focuses on designing the perfect Meghalaya tours that feature the Nongriat trek at an appropriate pace, local guide, and comfortable stay. When you do not want to go through the hassle of logistics planning yourself, using an experienced operator does make a difference when you want to experience the double-decker living root bridge.
Responsible Travel: Keep Nongriat Worth Visiting
This is important. The increased popularity of Nongriat has come with a literal litter problem. Tourists have complained that they can see trash littering the forest trail, and this is discouraging as well as preventable.
Carry your waste away with you. All wrappers, bottles, and tissues.
Use single-use plastics when it is necessary.
Adore the village and people. Request permission to take pictures of people.
Use marked trails to prevent forest ecosystem disturbance.
Encourage local enterprises by shopping in the village shops and staying in homestays.
Yes Tourism believes in responsible, sustainable travel, and this type of responsible tourism is what the delicate ecosystems of the Meghalaya region require out of all the visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps are there in the trek to the double-decker living root bridge?
The walk between Tyrna village and the living root bridge, which is double-decker in Nongriat, has an estimated number of 3,500 stone steps per side. The hike down the mountain requires approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and the hike back up the mountain requires around 2 to 3 hours based on fitness and weather conditions.
When is the best time to visit the double-decker root bridge in Meghalaya?
The best time to visit is between October and February. The climate is dry and cool, which makes the expedition less hazardous and more comfortable. March to May is not hard either and is warmer. The wet season between June and September is very rainy, and the paths are slippery, which should be avoided by inexperienced climbers.
Can beginners or families do the Nongriat trek?
Yes, but with preparation. The hike is a moderate to difficult one because of the number of steps taken and the humid weather. Families with children above 8 to 10 years and reasonably fit adults can handle it, although they should plan to have an overnight stay in Nongriat so that they can divide the trek into two days.
Is there an entry fee fro the double deckere living root bridge?
Bridge maintenance is billed at a nominal fee of approximately Rs 20 to 50. The charge is collected locally and used to maintain the trail and the bridge location.
How old is the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat?
The Umshiang living root bridge, which is double-decker, is estimated to be more than 200 years old. Other sources indicate that it might be even nearer to 250 years. The bridge is further increasing and strengthening as the roots of the Ficus elastica tree become thicker over time.
Are the living root bridges of Meghalaya a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The living root bridges remain on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List (added in 2022). India has formally filed a nomination dossier in the 2026 to 2027 evaluation cycle. UNESCO is still awaiting a final decision.
Can I stay overnight near the double decker root bridge?
Yes. There are several simple homestays in Nongriat village which provide clean rooms and basic meals. It is actually advisable to stay overnight, as you can experience the bridge at a slow pace and see other attractions in the area, such as Rainbow Falls, without rushing the trek.