The short answer
Rainbow Falls, Nongriat: what visitors should know first
Only for fit walkers ready for a full, tiring day, or better, a night in Nongriat. From the double-decker bridge it is a further steep walk of one to two hours or more each way, after the long descent from Tyrna, and every step has to be climbed back. Go from October to March.
History and context
The story behind Rainbow Falls, Nongriat
Rainbow Falls lies in the forested valley below Sohra, beyond the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat. Its name comes from the rainbows that form in the spray on sunny days.
Useful facts
Rainbow Falls, Nongriat facts at a glance
- Location
- Beyond Nongriat, below Tyrna, near Sohra
- Altitude
- Valley floor, well below Sohra; about 3,000+ steps down from Tyrna
- Experience type
- Waterfall trek
- Known for
- Turquoise pool and rainbows in the spray
- Time or schedule
- Full day of 7–8 hours, or overnight in Nongriat; October to March
Why it matters
Why Rainbow Falls, Nongriat is worth your time
Rainbow Falls rewards those who go beyond the famous double-decker bridge, with fewer people and a quieter forest. The walk passes through the valley where Khasi villagers have grown living root bridges from rubber fig trees for generations.
Nongriat depends on visitors who walk down, but numbers have grown quickly. Stay on the marked path, bathe only where locals say it is safe, and carry all litter back up to Tyrna.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Double-decker root bridge
The famous two-tier living root bridge at Nongriat lies on the way.
- 02
Turquoise pool
A clear blue pool at the foot of the falls.
- 03
Night in Nongriat
Staying in a village homestay makes the falls a relaxed morning walk.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The walk starts at Tyrna village, 30 to 45 minutes by taxi from Sohra, and drops on about 3,000 to 3,500 stone steps through forest, past suspension bridges, to Nongriat and the double-decker living root bridge. Rainbow Falls lies beyond the bridge: the path continues on steep steps and forest trail through the valley for roughly one to two hours or more, depending on pace.
The falls drop into a clear, turquoise pool, and on sunny mornings the spray catches rainbows. Rest here, then allow plenty of time for the return; the climb from Nongriat to Tyrna is the hardest part of the day. A full round trip from Tyrna to the falls and back has been reported at around seven and a half hours.
Many walkers stay a night in one of Nongriat's simple homestays and visit the falls in the morning, which makes the day far less rushed. There is no lighting on the trail and it gets dark early, so start at dawn if going in one day. Carry cash, water and snacks; mobile signal is weak in the valley.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start at dawn from Tyrna if going in one day
- Consider a night in a Nongriat homestay
- Carry cash, water and snacks; shops are few
- Wear shoes with grip for wet steps
- Avoid the trail during or just after heavy rain
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Beyond Nongriat village, below Tyrna, East Khasi Hills, about 30 to 45 minutes by taxi from Sohra
- Time needed
- A full day of 7 to 8 hours from Tyrna and back, or 2 days with a night in Nongriat
- Best time
- October to March; avoid the monsoon and the weeks just after it
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- This is one of the harder walks around Sohra: thousands of uneven, often wet steps down from Tyrna, then more steep steps to the falls, and the same climb back. Older travellers should not attempt it, and many will find even the double-decker bridge too much. Parents can enjoy the Sohra viewpoints and falls by road while fitter family members walk.
- Tickets and access
- Small local fees are commonly collected in Nongriat, and a local guide is strongly advised. A mandatory registered-guide rule for East Khasi Hills has been reported; confirm current fees and rules locally or through the Meghalaya Tourism helpline.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Rainbow Falls, Nongriat
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
This is one of the harder walks around Sohra: thousands of uneven, often wet steps down from Tyrna, then more steep steps to the falls, and the same climb back. Older travellers should not attempt it, and many will find even the double-decker bridge too much. Parents can enjoy the Sohra viewpoints and falls by road while fitter family members walk.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Rainbow Falls from the double-decker bridge?
Estimates vary from about one and a quarter hours to three hours or more each way, depending on pace and conditions.
Can it be done in a day?
Yes, by fit walkers starting early, but it is a tiring seven to eight hours. A night in Nongriat is more comfortable.
Can you swim at Rainbow Falls?
Many people paddle in the pool. Ask locals first and stay out after heavy rain.
Sources and further reading
- Meghalaya Tourism: Nongriat
- Kiran Abhat: The living root bridges trek in Meghalaya
- Wikipedia: Living root bridges
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
