Caution
Nongriat in August
Meghalaya, India
August Nongriat is marginally less suicidal than July. The steps are still wet, the leeches are still hungry, and the pools still flash-flood.
The August story
If you must, go with a local Khasi guide and test every step before committing weight. Bring trekking poles.
Why August scores 2/5
Weather
Monsoon continues
Roads & Access
note: Trek from Tyrna village — 3,500 steps down, 2-3 hrs. Tyrna is 20km from Cherrapunji.. from nearest city: Cherrapunji 20km + 3500-step trek
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. note: No medical facility. Trek out to Tyrna for vehicle. Cherrapunji CHC. Shillong 80km for hospital.. rescue: Village volunteers + district admin. ambulance: None in village. nearest hospital: CHC Cherrapunji (20km + trek out)
Network
VI: No, JIO: No, BSNL: No, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: No. No signal in village. BSNL and Airtel at Tyrna/Cherrapunji.
Kids
Kid-friendly (2/5) — Incredible living root bridge experience
Elevation
800m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓experienced wet-weather trekkers only
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗families
- ✗casual tourists
- ✗solo travelers without guides
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 | January Nongriat is the root bridges at their absolute peak — 3000 stone steps down to emerald pools and living architecture that took centuries to grow. |
| February | 5/5 | Dry season continues |
| March | 4/5 | March Nongriat is the last comfortable dry month. |
| April | 3/5 | April Nongriat tests your commitment. The 3000 steps in 35-degree humidity separate the serious from the Instagram tourists. |
| May | 3/5 | May Nongriat is a sauna with stone steps. |
| June | 2/5 | Monsoon begins |
| July | 1/5 | Peak monsoon — dangerous |
| Augustviewing | 2/5 | Monsoon continues |
| September | 2/5 | Late monsoon |
| October | 4/5 | Post-monsoon sweet spot |
| November | 5/5 | Prime season returns |
| December | 5/5 | December Nongriat is the postcard month. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Cherrapunji 20km + 3500-step trek
Elevation
800m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
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