7 Reasons why you should trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

“Meghalaya, ‘the Abode of Clouds’ nestled in the North Eastern part of India, is an elixir of sorts. If you want to doll up your holiday with sprinkles of romance, a pinch of luxury and dollops of adventure, “Cherrapunjee” is where you should head to.“

One of the Many Photo Opportunities we Encountered On our Way to Cherrapunjee!!!

From ravishing alpine scenery to quaint villages oozing storybook charm, it is hard to beat the lustruous beauty of Cherrapunjee. Be it the soaring hills of undulating green trying to fight the clouds, the glittering blue lakes in every nook and cranny, the emerald valleys stretching over miles, or the picturesque lakeside wood cottages, Cherrapunjee is sure to cast its spell on every kind of traveler there is.

Every Nook and Cranny of this place Oozes a Story-Book Charm!

The icing on the cake is however the fact that the jaw dropping scenery and the never ending scenic trails of the place provides for numerous trekking possibilities. Why is this an icing on the cake you ask? Well, the quaint travelers can spend days basking in the mild sun, soaking the beauty of the place while another category of travelers get to satiate their wanderlust souls by undertaking one or more of the many adventurous trek that the place has to offer.

If there is only one trek you wish to do, it should definitely be the trek to the double decker root bridge, the natural swimming pool and the rainbow falls.

Preparation for the Trek

Well, this trek would entail a lot of step climbing, braving steep rocks and walking long uneven surfaces. So, be sure to prepare yourself physically and mentally before that. Other than that:

• Wear comfortable clothes, preferably treks and sports shoes
• Carry a Cap and Shades
• Apply a lot of Sun-Block
• Carry a bottle of Water
• Drink a lot of fluids along the way
• Carry a change of cloth (for the natural swimming pool)
• Take Breaks in Between, have some Maggie or Jadoh
• Start Early for the trek, preferably at the break of dawn
• Hire a Tour Guide (on the spot)

About the Trek (Things to Know)

• Starting Point: Tyrna village (20 km from mainland Cherrapunjee)
• Encounters on the way: A Living Root Bridge (single decker), another one, a hanging bridge
• Destination: The Majestic Double Decker Root Bridge (Nonrighat Village[3500 Stairs/ 5500 Step Count])
• Bonus Trek: The Natural Swimming Pool, The Rainbow Falls
• Total Step Count to Rainbow Fall and back to the Starting Point : 23105 steps

7 Reasons to take the Trek

1. The Journey Matters More than the Destination

In words of Lao Tzu, “The Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with the First Step” and we could not agree more. As for us, sure we loved the Majestic Double Decker Root Bridge that stood mightily in all its glory.  But had it not been for the little brooks, the reverberating wildlife, the mild sunrays and the soothing breeze that accompanied us throughout, we would not have been half as enthused to complete the trek.

Let the adventure Begin!

This was just a beginning to the “Adventure of Thousands of Steps”

Oh the Reverberating Brooks and the little Waterfalls! Can you feel the Fresh Blue Waters?

That’s ‘Us’ Soaking the Mild Sunrays and letting little Fishes do their Pedicure thingy 😉

Another Important Highlight of the Trek, ‘The Rainbow Falls’!

Tanu, Enjoying the Gushing Soundscape of the Eclectic Rainbow Falls! Purely Magical. . .

Also encounters with smaller versions of root bridges here and there, rivers, crystal blue pools, hanging bridges and the gushing soundscape of the Rainbow Falls kept us engaged for the entire trek. We did not have even a single dull moment!!!

2. It tests your Determination, Stamina and Grit

“The Human Body has limitations but the Human Mind doesn’t”. Unless you are a trained athlete, you will surely gasp for breathe as you cross the stoned pathways, the big cemented stairs, the steep rock boulders and the unevenly distributed rocks sitting slyly on the rivers. That is when the strength of your mind will come into play. The end of the trek will give you a new perspective, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the discovery of this new dimension.

‘Us’ Braving the Steep Climb and Un-even Terrain!

The Journey through Dense Woods

3. You See Varying Shades of Nature

Be it the rippling streams  or the leaves’ murmur, vast stretches of the forest sky or the sound of chirping crickets in the corner, this trek has all the embodiments of nature neatly packaged into one.

As you Trek along, you Soak in the Varying shades of Nature!

One of your Pitstops could be a relaxed Fishing Adventure. . .

4. Presents Nature’s Marvel in the Purest Form

The sturdy Double Decker Root Bridge built by the villagers from generation to generation patiently guiding the roots of rubber trees across the river with the necessary supports. This natural bridge is over 200 years old and the structure just gets stronger with time unlike all other man-made bridges. It is two bridges stacked one over the other and it is one of its kind in the entire world.

The ‘Majestic Double Decker Root Bridge’ in all its Glory!

Tanu Getting a Natural Pedicure Right Below the Double decker Root Bridge

5. Experience Raw Khasi ethnicity (Cuisines to People)

This trek gives you ample opportunities to spark off casual conversation with the friendly locals. Chances are that you may get an invitation to try their local Jadoh straight from their ethnic kitchen. Relish on the delicacies to your heart’s content. You will need the energy for the remainder of the trek.

6. Wonderful Photo Opportunities

If you are a connoisseur of good photography like us, you may have just landed the jackpot!

Throughout the length and breadth of the trek, you will come across numerous photo opportunities. We will just let the pictures do the talking here!

7. It is Meditative

When you are walking through the tough terrain, after a while you will automatically start to tune to a breathing pattern that is invigorating and in synch with your pace. Your focus then shifts to your physical senses such as the breeze on your skin, the smell of the flowers, the sound of birds and the sight of the skies and trees. In the final stage of heightened senses, you will be completely tuned in to receive inputs from your environment.

Taking some chillin’ breaks in between Trek to rejuvenate. . .

This is the moment when ideas would start to effortlessly venture into your brain and you might just arrive back home with a masterpiece of an idea. Secrets out!(We did!!!) Well, we had our spiritual renaissance on our trek to the majestic Double Decker Root Bridge.

End of our very Exciting Trek, Seven hours and 23105 Steps Later! Adios Amigos . . .

Even if you are not a fan of trekking, the place is still great for a relaxed walking tour through the cobbled streets, quaint shoppes, cafes and boutiques. Venturing away from a busy life, and snuggled cozily amidst jagged peaks, sunbaked hills and cloudy mists, this place surely feature on your bucket list.