The short answer
Nokrek National Park: what visitors should know first
Go if you want forest, not facilities. It is a day or overnight trip from Tura, entered through Daribokgre village with a local guide, and best in the cool dry season. Confirm permits and village rules before travelling, as access is regulated.
History and context
The story behind Nokrek National Park
Nokrek National Park was established in 1986 and covers about 47 sq km. It is the core of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, which UNESCO added to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Researchers identified the wild citrus Citrus indica here, which led to the establishment of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary within the reserve.
Useful facts
Nokrek National Park facts at a glance
- Location
- About 45 km from Tura via Asanangre and Sasatgre
- Experience type
- Forest trek and village visit
- Known for
- Hoolock gibbons, elephants, wild citrus gene pool
- Established
- 1986; biosphere reserve listed by UNESCO in 2009
- Area
- About 47.5 sq km (core park)
- Access
- Regulated permits; entry through Daribokgre village
Why it matters
Why Nokrek National Park is worth your time
Nokrek's importance is mostly invisible to a visitor. The park, established in 1986, is the core area of a biosphere reserve that UNESCO added to its list in 2009. Researchers found in these forests the wild citrus Citrus indica, locally called Memang Narang, which led to a national citrus gene sanctuary here, a genetic reserve for oranges and lemons grown across India.
It also forms the watershed for rivers of the Garo Hills, including the Simsang. Travelling here with a local guide and paying the community's fees supports forest conservation that is run, to a large degree, by the villages themselves.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Daribokgre village
The usual entry point is a community-managed village with homestays and a viewing deck over the Nokrek ridge.
- 02
The Citrus Gene Sanctuary
The reserve protects the wild ancestor of cultivated citrus, which makes it unusual even among Indian national parks.
- 03
Primates and birds
Seven primate species live here, including the hoolock gibbon, and the park is an Important Bird Area.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan Nokrek as an outing in its own right rather than a quick stop. The park lies roughly 45 km from Tura, reached via Asanangre and Sasatgre, and many visitors enter at the village of Daribokgre, where the community manages access. Arrange a local guide and a vehicle in Tura the day before, and leave early.
Guided walks lead through subtropical forest. The better-known routes go to Nokrek Peak and to the Citrus Gene Sanctuary, and Meghalaya Tourism also mentions a trek to the source of the Simsang river. The park holds seven primate species, including the hoolock gibbon, and camera traps have recorded elephants, leopards and pangolins, but sightings on a day trip are never promised. Birdsong and the forest itself are the realistic reward.
Bring water, rain protection and snacks, and respect the no-plastic rule. If you can, stay a night in a village homestay: it makes the long road worthwhile and gives you the quiet hours of the day.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Arrange a local guide and vehicle in Tura the day before
- Confirm permits and fees with the forest office or tourism helpline
- Do not carry plastic into the park
- Book a homestay in advance if you want to stay overnight
- Avoid the monsoon months because of landslides on the approach roads
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Nokrek range, about 45 km from Tura via Asanangre; entry usually through Daribokgre village
- Time needed
- Full day; an overnight stay is more relaxed
- Best time
- October to May; wildlife and trekking are best in the dry season
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Forest treks are uneven and humid, and the drive in is long on hill roads. Older travellers can enjoy the village and viewing deck areas, but the trek to the peak and the citrus sanctuary needs fitness and a guide. Homestays are simple, so check beds, bathrooms and access in advance.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is regulated by the State Forest Department with paid permits, and the community regulates entry to Daribokgre village. It is a no-plastic zone. Confirm fees and current rules with the forest office or Meghalaya Tourism helpline before you go.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Nokrek National Park
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Forest treks are uneven and humid, and the drive in is long on hill roads. Older travellers can enjoy the village and viewing deck areas, but the trek to the peak and the citrus sanctuary needs fitness and a guide. Homestays are simple, so check beds, bathrooms and access in advance.
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 Nokrek from Tura?
The district's tourism page puts the Nokrek reserve about 45 km from Tura via Asanangre and Sasatgre.
Do I need a permit?
Entry is regulated by the State Forest Department, and fees are paid. The community also regulates entry to Daribokgre village.
Will I see wildlife?
Possibly birds and, with luck and a guide, primates; large animals are recorded by camera traps and are rarely seen on day visits.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Nokrek National Park
- Meghalaya Tourism: Nokrek National Park
- West Garo Hills district: places of interest
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
