Peak Season
Nongriat in January
Meghalaya, India
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.
The January story
Go midweek. Weekend crowds from Shillong make the narrow paths feel like a pilgrimage. Tuesday to Thursday, the double-decker bridge is yours.
Why January scores 5/5
Weather
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.
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
- ✓trekkers
- ✓photographers
- ✓nature lovers
- ✓couples
- ✓adventure families
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗those with knee problems
- ✗anyone who cannot handle 3000 steps
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 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 |
| August | 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
Nearby in Meghalaya scoring high in January
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