Nongjrong is a relatively unexplored village situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. It is a very small village with approximately 1,440 inhabitants. With a small, close – knit population, the community remains united and they live a very simple life following their age-old traditions and customs. The locals mostly speak Khasi while English is commonly understood. You will certainly be amazed by the spectacular view of the landscape of Nongjrong. Visitors arrive early in the morning just to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the clouds. The climate here is cool and temperate with frequent rainfall. One of the most captivating features is its hilltop viewpoint where clouds can be seen floating. The river Umngot flows below the valley and the lush greenery over the mountains make this place a must visit for people traveling to Meghalaya. The serene surroundings, cool breeze and breathtaking scenery create a magical experience for travellers especially nature lovers and photographers. Watching the first rays of the sun slowly lighting up the valley covered with clouds is truly an unforgettable sight. Nongjrong offers a perfect escape for everyone seeking calm and natural beauty. The charming village, green rolling hills coupled with the spanning viewpoints together make Nongjrong one of the greatest and worth exploring gems of Meghalaya that deserves a visit. Overall, Nongjrong offers breathtaking natural beauty combined with a peaceful, slow- paced life.
Overview of Nongjrong
Nongjrong is a village belonging to Mawkynrew Tehsil, East Khasi Hills district and is a part of the state of Meghalaya in India. The first language of the Nongjrong dwellers is English and most of them speak only English. Their population is just 1440. It is located approximately 30 km away from the sub-district headquarter Mawkynrew and around 60 km away from the district headquarter Shillong.
At the base of the hillock, you will be able to see the clouds as a vast spread of a white sea floating endlessly over the beautiful green hills and the valley. At the horizon, especially, it will be a sight to behold. The scenic beauty of Nonjrong is so mesmerizing, making you forget all your worries for a while and giving you a rejuvenating experience. If you venture till the corner of the hillock to get a closer sight of the clouds, you won’t be disappointed.
Nongjrong View Point
Nongjrong View Point is at the hill top of the Nongjrong Village from the view of the valley covered with clouds is mesmerizing. The real beauty of the Nongjrong Village can be seen from its view point Inorder to get the best view one have to reach Nongjrong before sunrise. At sunrise when the sunrays touches the valley the floating clouds makes the entire view captivating.
Shillongto Nongjrong
From Shillong to Nongjrong the distance is 49-50 km and it takes around two hours to reach Nongjrong once you start from Shillong, assuming that there is little or no traffic. You can hire a taxi from Shillong to Nongjrong with us at the best and cheapest fare.
How to Reach Nongjrong?
You can reach Nongjrong either from Guwahati or from Shillong. Since there is no direct airport or railway station to Nongjrong, travellers can reach there in the following way. Travellers can either reach Guwahati Airport or Railway Station and can hire a cab to reach Nongjrong from there. Travellers can also reach Shillong City from Guwahati or Shillong Airport from where you can get a cab to Nongjrong. The distance from Shillong City to Nongjrong Village is about 50 km.
✦Via Guwahati Airport ( Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) : This is the most preferred airport because it is well-connected to all the major cities of India. After reaching Guwahati Airport, you can hire a private cab to reach Nongjrong. The distance between Guwahati and Nongjrong is about 148 km and it will take 4-5 hours via cab. The route is very scenic passing through hills, greenery and valleys.
✦Via Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport) : After reaching Shillong Airport, the journey to Nongjrong covers about 80 km and approximately 3 hours. You can pre-book our Shillong Airport Taxi and reach the destination in ease. The road is very scenic with picturesque landscapes, greenery and fresh air.
✦Via Guwahati Railway Station : The nearest railway station to Nongjrong is Guwahati Railway Station. So, after reaching there, book a cab to Nongjrong which is located at a distance of about 146 km and the drive will take around 4-5 hours. Your travel will be a mix of city views to picturesque scenic landscapes. You will experience a major transition while travelling from Guwahati to Nongjrong.
✦Via Road : Travellers can hire private or shared taxis to reach Nongjrong from either Guwahati or Shillong. Nongjrong is at a distance of about 148 km from Guwahati and 47.9 km from Shillong. Travelling via road is a completely distinct experience and will include smooth and scenic travel. If travellers want, they can take a bus from Guwahati to Shillong, then a cab to Nongjrong from Shillong via our Shillong taxi services.
Nongjrong offers a lot to its visitors as this place is a perfect blend of nature, adventure and culture. Below listed are some of the things or activities travellers can engage in while in Nongjrong:
✦Chase a Magical Sunrise: A visit to a sunrise view point should top your list when you visit Nongjrong. Reach as early as possible in the morning and witness the sunrise over a blanket of clouds.
✦Nature Walks around the Village: Walks through the green valleys, hills and village paths of Nongjrong will refresh you.
✦Photography: Nongjrong offers many photography opportunities and is a boon for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can engage in clicking beautiful pictures of the spot and themselves too.
✦Discover Breathtaking Waterfalls: Nongjrong is home to several stunning waterfalls, each offering an ideal escape into nature. Whether you are a photographer, a nature enthusiast or simply want some peace from chaotic and busy lives, these falls are essential to your Nongjrong experience.
✦Trekking: Trekking in Nongjrong is one of the most exciting and enriching activity for tourists. The trekking paths are generally suitable for beginners as well as moderately experienced trekkers. The terrain includes gentle slopes and narrow pathways. As you move along the trails, you will witness breathtaking views of the hills.
✦Cultural Experience: Exploring the Khasi culture in Nongjrong offers a deep insight into the most unique and well preserved tribal cultures of Meghalaya. You can dive into the lifestyle of the Khasi people which is very simple and closely connected to nature. They lead a very eco-friendly lifestyle by using natural resources carefully and maintaining ecological balance.
Best Places to Stay in Nongjrong
When travelling to Nongjrong, accommodation is quite different from typical tourist destinations. Therefore, pre-booking is advised. Here is a list of the top places where you can stay in Nongjrong:
1) Pamela’s Mountain View Homestay
This homestay is situated inside Nongjrong around 10 minutes walk to the viewpoint. This homestay offers clean rooms with bonfire in the evening. It is a highly recommended homestay for travellers.
This homestay is the cheapest and closest to viewpoint being perfect for a night’s stay. It is the best option for viewing the sunrise.
Location Details: Approximately 1-2 minutes walk from viewpoint.
3) Ritz Homestay
This homestay is situated inside Nongjrong village and provides home cooked local meals and simple Khasi meals. It is very affordable with spacious rooms.
Location Details: Kharang, Meghalaya 793015
4) Ribha Homestay
This homestay is situated inside Nongjrong village about 1-2 km away giving authentic local experience. It is a budget-friendly and comfortable option for staying in.
Nongjrong itself does not have many restaurants. Most visitors eat at homestays or small local food stalls. Here we have curated a list of the top 5 eateries nearby-
1) Veg Hotel
It is located at Moodymmai; Meghalaya 793151 at a distance of 9.4 km.
2) 5 Star Dhaba
It is in the West Jaintia Hills region; Meghalaya 793151 and to reach here you will have to travel a distance of 11.2 km.
3) Choice Dhaba
Another famous eatery in West Jaintia Hills; Meghalaya 793151 is around 12 km away.
4) Hill Top Dhaba
This dhaba is also approximately 12.1 km away in the region of West Jaintia Hills; Meghalaya 793151.
5) Dukan Jadoh
It’s location is at Jowai Civil Hospital Rd; Meghalaya 793150 which is 14.8 km far.
Best Time to Visit Nongjrong
✦Summers (March to May) : March and April are actually very popular months for Nongjrong because the sky is clear before the heavy rain starts. May is the month to avoid due to the pre- monsoon showers. This time of the year is considered to be the ideal time to explore the destination and engage in trekking and sightseeing conveniently.
✦Monsoon (June to September) : No doubt Nongjrong looks exceptionally green and beautiful during the monsoon, continuous rainfall and thick fog can make sightseeing less comfortable. The main attraction of Nongjrong is the sunrise view above the sea of clouds, however, during the rainy season, the sky is covered by heavy mist all the time. Also the thick fog reduces the visibility and hides the scenic landscapes. The road conditions can get difficult during this time and trekking path can be slippery.
✦Winter (October-February) : The best time to visit Nongjrong is during the winter because the sky and the weather is pleasantly chilly, averaging around 14°C to 22°C during the day time and dropping to 4°C to 8°C during the night time. The road conditions are also good, with no risk of landslides or road blockages. It is also an excellent time to explore the place nicely and engage in activities as well.
Travel Tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting Nongjrong
Here is a list of the items that you should be carrying when traveling to Nongjrong
✦Toiletries (if you have any special requirements)
✦Avoid heels; instead ,wear sturdy sneakers and trekking boots.
✦Jacket (because it gets really cold there)
✦Carry a sturdy backpack with you in which you can keep all your essential items as you roam around
✦Carry an umbrella or raincoat with you as weather conditions in Nongjrong can change suddenly.
✦Avoid playing loud music or shouting at viewpoints. Maintaining a peaceful atmosphere is part of the culture.
✦It’s polite to ask permission from the villagers before taking their photographs.
✦Always follow the instructions of the local guides. Some areas may be restricted for tourists.
✦Carry a fully charged power bank.
✦Carry sufficient cash as there are no ATMs in the village and digital payments may not work because of weak network connectivity.
✦Any other necessary items that you may need
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Nongjrong village special?
Nongjrong is famous for its cloud covering sunrise views, untouched beauty, preserved Khasi culture and traditions and breathtaking views, landscapes and sunrise.
2. What is the pin code of Nongjrong?
The pin code of Nongjrong is 793015.
3. What is the temperature in Nongjrong usually?
The temperature here is usually between 6-18 degrees celsius in general. It is usually 6°C during winter nights to 30°C on warm summer days.
4. Is Nongjrong safe to travel?
Yes, Nongjrong is absolutely safe to visit for children, old people, couples, or even solo travelers.
Mobile network coverage in Nongjrong is limited and can be unstable in some areas.
7. Is drone photography allowed in Nongjrong?
Yes, but travellers are advised to fly it carefully without disturbing the peaceful environment of the village nd the locals.
8. Do I need a permit to visit Nongjrong?
Indian nationals generally do not need a permit to visit Nongjrong. However, foreign tourists should register as they arrive and may require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) as well. Visitors can carry valid identification documents to be on a safe side.
9. Is visiting Nongjrong suitable for families?
With its peaceful environment, nature walks and cultural richness, Nongjrong offers an excellent family setting. It’s an ideal destination for families.
10. Is Nongjrong safe to visit?
Yes, Nongjrong is absolutely considered safe for every kind of tourist, though visitors should be cautious while travelling on hilly roads, especially early morning.
Our Nongjrong Taxi Services
Travellers can book Shillong to Nogjrong Taxi with Travenjo in ease. Enjoy the scenic view throughout the way and reach to view the mesmerising scenes at this amazing destination.
