Double Decker Living Root Bridge

Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Jingkieng Umshiang) is a two-tiered living root bridge located in Nongriat Village near Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, at 380 meters above sea level. Grown by the indigenous Khasi community over 150 years, it is currently nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.

As you descend deep into the humid Nongriat gorge, the air cools and becomes thick with the scent of damp moss, wild orchids, and evergreen broadleaf forest. The roar of the Umshiang River echoes off the steep stone walls. Walking onto the lower tier, the cool, textured wood of the grafted roots feels incredibly solid, vibrating slightly with the force of the rushing river below.

Bio-engineering and Grafting over Generations

The bridge represents an extraordinary feat of indigenous Khasi bio-engineering. Instead of building static structures, local ancestors guided the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree) through hollowed-out Areca catechu (betel nut) palm trunks split and placed across the river. Over decades, the roots anchored themselves on the opposite bank.

Khasi builders continuously weave and bundle these roots, reinforcing the pathway with rocks and clay. Over 150 years, the root fibers have grafted together through a process called inosculation, becoming stronger with each passing year. A third level is currently being trained above the existing two tiers to prepare for future river swells.

Trekking the 3,500-Step Gorge

Reaching the village of Nongriat requires a strenuous trek down a steep limestone ridge. Starting from Tyrna village (12 km from Sohra), the trail consists of approximately 3,500 concrete steps that drop 730 meters in altitude over a 3 km path.

Along the way, the trail crosses two narrow, high-altitude steel-wire suspension bridges over the Umshiang and Umrew rivers. These bridges sway considerably and require steady footing. The return climb back up the steps typically takes 4 to 6 hours and is highly physically demanding, making it unsuitable for individuals with mobility challenges or heart conditions.

What NOT to Expect

Do not expect a quick, casual walk; this is a demanding wilderness trek that will test your knees and stamina. There is no mobile network coverage or vehicle access in Nongriat. During the peak monsoon (June to September), leeches are extremely common along the damp paths, and the stone steps become slick with green algae. Additionally, because of its global fame, the bridge can feel crowded on winter weekends, detracting from the remote atmosphere.

When Is the Best Time to Visit?

• October to April (Dry Season): The best months for trekking. The Umshiang River is a clear, striking turquoise, and the weather is cool and dry (daytime temperatures of 15°C to 22°C).
• May to September (Monsoon): The river becomes a roaring, mud-brown torrent, occasionally touching the lower tier. The gorge is lush and green, but high humidity, slippery steps, and heavy rain make the climb very exhausting.

A Photographer's Guide

To capture both tiers clearly, walk down to the downstream rock pools and shoot looking slightly upward. The morning light (before 9:00 AM) is softest and helps avoid the harsh shadows cast by the deep canyon walls. For a culturally resonant photo, local guides can share stories of the specific Ficus mother trees on either bank that sustain the bridge.

Getting There

The journey begins with a road trip from Shillong (65 km, 2.5 hours) or Sohra town center (12 km, 30 minutes) to Tyrna village. From the Tyrna parking lot, the trek is the only way to reach Nongriat. Most travelers opt to spend the night in one of Nongriat's basic homestays to break up the hike and enjoy the quiet evening in the village.

You can explore this waterfall and other natural wonders of Sohra on our Meghalaya Waterfalls & Living Roots Journey.