Maximum altitude: 2400 feet
Grade: Easy
Duration: 3 days
Trekking distance: 6 kilometers
Rail head: No rail head
Airport: Shillong Airport
Service from: Tyrna Village
Base camp: Tyrna Village
Best season: September to November
Region: Meghalaya
Arrive at Tyrna Village
The first day of your Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek begins with your arrival at Tyrna village which is the base point for your trek.
Check into your home-stay and get settled.
In the afternoon you will head towards the Double Decker Root Bridge which is a 3.5 km hike from Tyrna village. The path has over 3000 stairs that descend down to the root bridge.
At the Double Decker Root Bridge enjoy the beautiful natural pools with clear refreshing water ideal for a quick dip.
You can also get a free fish pedicure by putting your feet in the water.
After exploring the beauty of this place to your heart's content, return to the homestay in Nongriat for overnight stay.
Living Root Bridge and Rainbow Falls
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the homestay then head out on your trek to the Single Living Root Bridge.
On the way you will come across other Living bridges as well as the metal Bridge across Mawsaw river.
Visit the stunningly beautiful Rainbow Falls which makes for a two hour trek one way.
The afternoon sunlight breaks out into an enchanting rainbow as it hits the cascading water of the falls.
The unique beauty of this place makes the trek an incredible experience.
There are several natural pools where you can enjoy a refreshing evening or take a swim near the waterfalls.
After your explorations head back to your homestay for the night.
Today is the end of your Living Root Bridge Trek
After breakfast, get ready to start the climb back up to the top of the steps where there is the parking lot and the vehicle that will take you on your journey ahead.
Backpack - Backpacks are necessary for every trek and be sure to get one that is comfortable and has the capacity of 50-60 liters at least.
Refillable Water bottles - Bring a water bottle along with you on this trek as this will save you a lot of money and you can refill it at a few stops.
Hiking Shoes - Comfortable hiking shoes are very important to make this trek smooth and will take a lot of pressure off your heels.
Basic tools - Carry a torch with extra batteries and a multipurpose pen knife.
Essentials
First Aid Kit with medication for common cough and cold along with painkillers. Also bring ointment for bruises and sprains.
Light fleece jackets if traveling in summer and heavy winter clothes in winter.
Stock up on snacks as the area is quite remote and it will also help you save a lot of money.
Carry valid ID proof with yourself on this trek at all times.
By Car - If you want to travel to the root bridges by road you can book a cab from Shillong that will take you directly to the Mawlynnong Village where you can see all the root bridges on foot. You can also drive to the root bridges using your own car or a rental one, from Shillong city center you can drive for approximately 80 km to Dawki Main Town from where you can drive to Mawlynnong Village which takes a few hours at most. Tyrna is the last stop for any kind of vehicle. From here you will need to hike to your destination.
By Air - The nearest airport is Umroi airport which is in Shillong. However, you can get more regular flights to Guwahati from any part of the country. From the airport you can rent a cab to Shillong and then onwards to Cherrapunjee then Mawlynnong village where you can see the famous Living Root Bridges.
By Bus - You can get on a bus from Barra Bazaar in Shillong that will take you to Nongriat from where you can either trek to the root bridges or book a cab.
By Train - The closest railway station to Mawlynnong village is the Guwahati railway station from where you will have to book a cab either to Shillong city center or Cherrapunjee then to Mawlynnong village itself.
Keep a light raincoat for sudden showers since you will be traveling to the place with the highest rainfall.
Start this trek early in the mornings to get the best views on your way to the Living Root Bridge.
Stock up on packaged snacks either from Nongriat or Cherrapunjee as the bridge area is quite remote and there are only basic essentials available. Cooked food, however, is easily available.
Do not carry heavy woolens such as jackets, gloves, socks or mufflers for the trek as the route is quite demanding and you will start feeling quite hot very soon.
Do not go trekking at night as the paths are not lit at all and you can either get lost or lose your footing.
Carry a valid ID proof which you will need while checking in.
Where is the living root bridge located?
The living root bridges are located within the east Khasi Hills district, the West Khasi Hills district and a few other areas within Meghalaya. Most of them are located in the Nongriat village while the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is located in Umshiang, Cherrapunjee.
How difficult is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek?
The Living Root Bridge trek is categorized as difficult because of the terrain as well as the 3000 odd steps that you will need to descend and ascend to complete the trek. The trek is not recommended for those with weak knees or any kind of joint problems. You will need good stamina to cover this trek as the paths are strenuous as well as unpaved.
What is the best time to do Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek?
The best time to do the Living Root Bridge trek is just after the end of the monsoon season which is between September to November. During this time the rivers and waterfalls are full with clear and cascading water making for the perfect trekking environment. Cherrapunjee has high rainfall and during the monsoon seasons the paths can get slippery as well as dangerous. December to March are winter months and ideal to tour the various attractions of Cherrapunjee but the waterfalls and rivers will be reduced to a very thin trickle of water. Although, weather wise, this is the perfect time for trekking in these parts.
What is the highest altitude of the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek?
The highest altitude of the living root Bridge trek is 2400 feet. It is the Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge - the most popular root bridge. It is 3 km long and begins from Village Tyrna Village.