Double bridge
Of roots.
PJeganathan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · PJeganathan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · PJeganathan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · PJeganathan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Elbowmacaroni — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Double-Decker Root Bridge at Nongriat is two stacked bridges made of living tree roots, spanning a small river in dense, damp forest. Thick tangled roots covered in moss arch over clear water that runs between rocks and spills into blue pools. The Khasi and Jaintia peoples make these bridges from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees, guiding them across rivers until they strengthen. As long as the tree lives, the bridge grows thicker and stronger and can last for centuries, carrying 50 or more people once mature. Most grow on forest slopes in the southern Shillong Plateau, and a 2017 study located 75 living bridges. You walk down to the village on a long stone stairway of thousands of steps, cross the bridge and swim in the nearby pools. Some visitors stay overnight in simple village guesthouses. It is about 6 km in a straight line west of Sohra. The stairs are steep and the climb back is tiring, so start early and bring water and sturdy shoes.
Of roots.
Below it.
Around it.
Nongriat village, near Sohra, Meghalaya
Yes, a long, steep stairway.
Yes, in simple guesthouses.