Meghalaya’s living root bridges: what to know before you climb
They are grown, not built, and some are centuries old. Here is how to see them without wrecking your knees or the bridges.
Imagine a bridge that gets stronger every year. That is the deal with Meghalaya’s living root bridges, called jingkieng jri in Khasi. Khasi and Jaintia communities guide the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) across streams and rivers, weaving and tending them over decades until they can carry people. Some are believed to be well over a hundred years old.
In 2022 the Jingkieng Jri living root bridge cultural landscapes were added to UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Which is a fancy way of saying: the rest of the world finally noticed what villages here have known for generations.
The famous one: Nongriat’s double-decker
The Umshiang double-decker root bridge near Nongriat village is the poster child, literally two bridges stacked on top of each other. Getting there means walking down from Tyrna village, near Sohra (Cherrapunji), on a stone staircase that people commonly put at around 3,000 to 3,500 steps. Down is fun. Up is character building.
- Time: plan a full day, or better, stay the night at a homestay in Nongriat.
- Bonus: the Rainbow Falls trail continues past the double-decker. Worth it if your legs agree.
- Shoes: proper grip, not fashion sneakers. The steps get slippery.
Easier options
Not up for thousands of steps? The single root bridge at Riwai, close to Mawlynnong village (often described as one of the cleanest villages in Asia), is a short and gentle walk. It makes a lovely combined day trip with the Dawki and Shnongpdeng riverside stretch.
When to go
October to April is the sweet spot: clearer skies and drier trails. Monsoon (roughly June to September) is spectacular because waterfalls go full drama, but the paths are slick and some streams swell fast. Sohra and nearby Mawsynram are among the wettest places on Earth, so “light rain” means something different here.
How to be a good guest
These bridges are not theme-park props. They are infrastructure people use every day, and living things that need care.
- Do not jump, swing or crowd the bridges for photos.
- Do not carve, pull or strip roots.
- Pay village entry or maintenance fees happily. That money keeps the bridges alive.
- Carry your plastic back out with you.
- Hire local guides; they know which bridges are safe and which are resting.
Visited recently? Send us your tips and photos (with credit, always) at contact@lifeinnortheast.com.
Quick answers
How are living root bridges made?
Khasi and Jaintia communities guide the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) across streams and tend them for decades until the roots are strong enough to carry people.
How many steps are there to the double-decker root bridge?
The trail from Tyrna village down to the Umshiang double-decker bridge at Nongriat is commonly put at around 3,000 to 3,500 steps.
What is the easiest living root bridge to visit?
The single root bridge at Riwai, near Mawlynnong village, is a short and gentle walk and can be combined with a day trip to Dawki.
When is the best time to see the root bridges?
October to April, when trails are drier and skies clearer. In the monsoon (roughly June to September) the steps are slippery and streams can rise quickly.