Walk to the double-decker root bridge
We leave Sohra after an early breakfast and reach Tyrna by about 7 am, where your registered guide meets you. The first section is the steepest, a long run of steps down through the village and into forest. After about an hour you reach the first suspension bridge over the Umshiang, a steel cable bridge that sways underfoot, and soon after a second. Along the way are single root bridges, including a long one on a side path, which most walkers visit on the way down.
Nongriat appears after 1.5 to 2 hours: a quiet village of houses among areca palms, a church and a small community entry point. The double-decker bridge spans the stream just beyond. Allow an hour or more here to cross both levels, look at how the roots have fused, and swim in the pools below if the season allows.
The climb back takes most people 2 to 2.5 hours, with rests. We stop at the stalls on the path for lime soda or fresh fruit, keep a steady pace and avoid the hottest part of the day. Your driver waits at Tyrna, and a hot bath back at the hotel is well earned.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How many steps are there to the Nongriat root bridge?
About 3,000 steps each way from Tyrna, though figures quoted range from around 2,500 to 3,500 depending on the starting point. The path is a well-built concrete stairway with some flat sections and two suspension bridges. The descent takes 1.5 to 2 hours and the climb back 2 to 2.5 hours.
How fit do I need to be for the double-decker root bridge?
You need reasonable fitness and healthy knees. The walk involves about 3,000 steps down and the same back up, taking 5 to 6 hours in total. Regular walkers manage it comfortably at a steady pace. It is not suitable for people with heart or knee problems, or for very young children who cannot walk it themselves.
Do I need a guide for the Nongriat trek?
Yes. Since mid-2025, East Khasi Hills requires registered guides for treks and many outdoor activities, and a local guide also makes the walk more interesting. We arrange the guide in advance through recognised local channels. The trail is reported to close on Sundays, so check current status before you travel.
Also in Nongriat
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