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Double Decker Root Bridge Trailhead

Mawsynram, Meghalaya, India
The trailhead at Tyrna village is the starting point for one of the most famous treks in the world: the journey to the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge. This is not just a walk; it is a descent into a lost world. The trail consists of approximately 3,500 concrete steps that lead down into a deep, humid valley. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and thicker, and the sounds of the modern world are replaced by the buzzing of cicadas and the rush of hidden rivers. The trek takes you through tiny Khasi hamlets where life has remained unchanged for centuries. You will cross swaying steel suspension bridges over turquoise river pools before finally reaching the village of Nongriat. The living root bridges themselves are a marvel of bio-engineering, grown by the local people by training the roots of the Ficus elastica tree across rivers. The Double Decker bridge is unique because it features two levels of living walkways, one stacked above the other. This site represents the ultimate harmony between humans and nature. The return journey is a grueling uphill climb, making the trailhead at Tyrna a place of both anticipation and exhaustion for every traveler.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    5 to 7 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Trekking & Eco-Wonder
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    Entry Fees:
    Village Entry: Usually 30 INR for the trail. Camera fees may apply (approx. 20-50 INR). Guide fees are around 500-1000 INR. ...
    Village Entry: Usually 30 INR for the trail. Camera fees may apply (approx. 20-50 INR). Guide fees are around 500-1000 INR.
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    Timing:
    Early Morning Start: Ideally start by 7:00 AM to return by sunset. Most people prefer to stay overnight to avoid the midday heat. ...
    Early Morning Start: Ideally start by 7:00 AM to return by sunset. Most people prefer to stay overnight to avoid the midday heat.
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    Special Events:
    Community Cleaning: Occasionally, the villagers of Nongriat organize community cleaning and root maintenance days where tourists can observe traditional bridge-tending. ...
    Community Cleaning: Occasionally, the villagers of Nongriat organize community cleaning and root maintenance days where tourists can observe traditional bridge-tending.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Photo Spots:

    The Double Decker: The classic shot from the river bank showing both levels.

    Steel Bridges: The shaky bridges over the blue water are great for action shots. ...
    Photo Spots:

    The Double Decker: The classic shot from the river bank showing both levels.

    Steel Bridges: The shaky bridges over the blue water are great for action shots.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Stair Trekking: Test your physical endurance on the 3,500 steps.

    Swimming: Take a dip in the natural blue pools of the Umshiang river.

    Village Interaction: Stay overnight in a homestay in Nongriat.

    Photography: Capture the intricate patterns of the tree roots.

    Nature Observation: Spot rare butterflies and ferns along the trail.

    Bridge Crossing: Feel the springy, organic floor of the root bridges.

    Quiet Reflection: Sit by the river and listen to the forest sounds. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Global Icon: It is the only place in the world where you can see a two-tiered living bridge. It is a symbol of sustainable architecture and has been featured on numerous international travel documentaries. ...
    Global Icon: It is the only place in the world where you can see a two-tiered living bridge. It is a symbol of sustainable architecture and has been featured on numerous international travel documentaries.
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    Architecture:
    Bio-Engineering Marvel: The bridge is made of living roots. The span is roughly 20 meters long. The upper bridge was built when the lower one was flooded during extreme monsoons. The stairs at the trailhead are modern concrete, but the path transitions into ancient stone...
    Bio-Engineering Marvel: The bridge is made of living roots. The span is roughly 20 meters long. The upper bridge was built when the lower one was flooded during extreme monsoons. The stairs at the trailhead are modern concrete, but the path transitions into ancient stone steps as you go deeper. The architecture is a testament to the patience of the Khasi elders who "grow" these structures over 20 to 30 years.
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    How To Reach:
    By Road: Reach Tyrna by taxi from Sohra.

    By Air: Shillong Airport is the nearest.

    By Train: Guwahati is the main railhead.

    Local Transport: Shared taxis run from Sohra to T...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Rainbow Falls (3 KMS), Nongriat Village (0 KMS)

Tourism Tips

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    Bamboo Sticks: Buy or rent a bamboo stick at the trailhead for balance.

    Light Packing: Only carry essentials; every extra kilo feels heavy on the climb back.

    Knee Health: If you have knee issues, this trek...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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