Meghalaya - Part 5 - Double Decker Root Bridge Trek and Sacred Groove
Day 6 – [8-Sept-22] – Double decker root bridge trek, Sacred Groove, head to Shillong and overnight stay at Treebo (Shillong)
We woke up at 5 am today to get ready for an adventurous trek and when we came out of the hotel we were surprised to see the view in front of us. It was like 6 am in the morning - total sunrise and amazing views around.
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| View in front of Labana hotel at 5:30 am in the morning |
It took almost 45 minutes for us to reach Tyrna village which is also the parking lot of Double decker root bridge trek.
Our driver had already spoken to a local guide to help us in the trek. He was already waiting for us there with natural wooden trekking poles in his hand.
We asked our guide before we began our trek what is the trek difficulty? He just gave one line answer – this trek comprises of climbing up and down along 3500 steps that takes you to this yet another magnificent natural wonder.
With that brief from our guide, we started our trek. We also had a god’s personal tour guide with us – dog named “Brownie”. It was our guide’s pet dog and he was there with us throughout the trek.
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| Our friend - Brownie |
Double Decker Root Bridge
Getting down those 3500 steps was easy. But as we were getting down we were also equally worried about how our return journey would be climbing the same amount of steps back up. Phew.
After getting down some 1000 steps, there was a signboard showing directions to single root bridge. So, we took a small detour and decided to see this since it was on the way. There is a ticket counter and we had to pay a fee for us and camera as well.
We clicked some pictures and then started descend down the steps.
After crossing around 2000+ steps we reached Nongriat village. This is the place where the local Khasi tribes live. You will find lot of homestays here.
Now we reached our first milestone - cross first suspension bridge.
We climbed some more steps up and reached second milestone - one more suspension bridge.
We climbed some more steps up and reached our third milestone - longest iron suspension bridge.
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| Turquoise green water stream flowing below this bridge |
We climbed some more steps up and reached Nongriat village. We saw lot of homestays till we reached double decker.
Finally, we reached ticket counter of Double decker. Here also we had to pay an entry fee for us and camera. There is a restroom as well behind the ticket counter which you can use for Rs. 10. It was clean and well maintained.
We started walking towards double decker and our excitement was building up.
We didn’t realize the beauty of this wonderful creation while we were on the bridge. But the moment we got down and went to the other side near the waterfall we could see this wonder completely and we were awe stuck.
This bridge is special unlike single root bridges since here you will find two root bridges stacked one above the other just like a double-decker. Hence the name 
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This entire place was so calm and beautiful. We were lucky that this place was not crowded. Just some villagers passing by the bridge.
We were hungry by now. There is a food stall here. We ordered Maggie and tea, took off our shoes, soaked our legs in water and sat by the waterfall. Our driver had told us to take the natural fish spa here which was so relaxing after our tiring one-way trek to this place. It was such a soothing natural healing therapy.
After savoring yummy Maggie and tea we sat there for some more time enjoying the natural foot spa. In fact, we were so lost in this tranquility that we almost forgot that it was time to head back now. It was 8:30 am and we thought better to start our climb before it gets too sunny which might make our climb hard.
Usually, people decide to stay back in homestays at the Double decker root bridge so that they can cover rainbow falls, relax for a day, and start ascending next day since it might be tiring for the legs to climb up and down steep steps same day. But we were told that trek to rainbow falls had been closed due to rains. So, we decided to climb back same day and trust me it was not easy. But the amazing views at each milestone served as energy boosters to us😊.
As we would stop by after every 20-30 steps to take a break, these steep steps would look like stairway to heaven. Never ending steps and just leading us to the sky. This part of the trek was too tiresome. I gave my trekking backpack to our tour guide to carry throughout the trek. This made my climb easy.
Also there are too many stalls along this whole trekking path so you can take a pit stop for some refreshing drinks to energize yourself.
Finally, we made it to the top at around 11:30 am. It felt like an achievement for us. Here you will find some shops selling fruits and juices which was quite refreshing.
Your legs will not forgive you for torturing them for this, but your heart will thank you for the awesome memories and experience in nature’s abode
After relaxing here, we bid adieu to our tour guides and then hopped onto our cars. We stopped enroute for lunch and then headed to Sacred Groove.
Sacred Groove
Sacred grooves are protected forests dedicated to local deities.
There is a small ticket counter open in the vast field. After taking the ticket, a guide will give you a tour of the sacred groove. The duration was around 30-45 minutes. At the entrance of the groove, you will find some monoliths here.
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| Our guide who took us inside the sacred groove |
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| Entrance to sacred groove |
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| Monoliths outside the groove |
During our walk this guide explained us about the animal sacrifices done as part of the various religious practices that take place here to please the deity. One cannot take anything from this forest – not even a leaf or twig. They believe that the local deity will punish them.
He also enlightened us about the rare species of flora that are found here which are rich in medicinal properties.
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| Wild mushroom |
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| This is Rudraksh |
After this forest walk, you can then head over to the Khasi heritage walk. But after the thrilling and exhaustive double decker root bridge trek, my legs had started screaming now to give them some rest.
So, we headed back to our car and drove straight to Shillong .
Pages from my Meghalaya Travel Diary
Meghalaya - Part 1 - Latlum Canyon and Nartiang Monolith
Meghalaya - Part 2 - Krang Suri Falls and Dawki
Meghalaya - Part 3 - Mawlynnong : Asia's Cleanest Village
Meghalaya - Part 4 - Cheerapunji Local Sightseeing
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