Experience a Unique River Side Camping at Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya

Our discovery of Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya was a serendipity of sorts. Two days before our departure, as we sipped our cappuccino, and gushed about the numerous exotic places that we would experience on our planned offbeat vacation, we chanced upon an extra-ordinary image.

A Boat suspended in the exquisitely clear emerald waters of Umngot River! Isn’t it magical???

This was enough to invigorate us to accommodate this hidden treasure of Meghalaya in our two day off beat iterinary. Little did we know that this place, so unheard of, would be one of our most cherished escapade.

Modified Iterinary

So our iterinary to Meghalaya was finalized as: Mawlynong ->Dawki ->Shnongpdeng ->Krang-Suri

Map of Shnongpdeng adorned with scores of Campsites. Go for a tent that opens to the river!

Brief Trivia of Shnongpdeng

Shnongpdeng is situated around 8 km to the North-West of Dawki, Meghalaya. While the same crystal clear Umngot river flows through Dawki, the over commercialization and the hustle-bustle has shifted the appeal to its less popular twin, Shnongpdeng! 

A heaven for adventure enthusiasts and solace seekers alike, an offbeat exotica such as this definitely presents a rare opportunity to sample a completely different feeling.

An aerial view of the Shnongpdeng Campsite bedecked with crystal clear blue waters and surrounded by lush green hills

So, “If you want to come out from the cozy comforts of a luxurious stay, and steer your adventurous nerves for a day, head straight to the River-Side Camping Site of Shnongpdeng.” Marvel at the emerald glass waters, count the fishes and pebbles underneath. . .

All you need to know about Camping at Shnongpdeng

The camp at Shnongpdeng are makeshifts that accommodates two persons. One can also carry one’s own tent. The tents are very basic. They have a mat like cot, two pillows, and two sets of blankets/rugs each for two people. A wired electric bulb is also accommodated inside the tent.

A Series of Makeshift Tents that opens to the River

The permanent toilets and washrooms are a little further away (around 100 metres) from the campsite.

Make sure to carry extra sets of sheets and pillow covers to the tent. Also it is best to carry your day’s clothing in a backpack and leave the rest of the luggage in your vehicle or with the camp owner.

Although the tent is well shielded from the outside furor and denies entry to insects or any such unwarranted nuisance, it is never a bad idea to carry some mosquito repellant, just in case.

The tent with bon-fire, dinner and breakfast cost us Rs 2500 /- for two people. They said that is their peak season price. But you can always negotiate for a better deal.

Adventure Water Sports at Shnongpdeng

The adventure water sports are slotted from 10 am to 4 pm everyday and we could not agree more with the timing.

The early morning, sunset time and nights should be spent in soaking the calmness and serenity of the place. Late mornings and afternoons should be reserved for the adrenaline rush!

A Unique Boating Experience in the Crystal Clear Waters of Umngot, Shnongpdeng!

Or Feel the Adrenaline Rush by Zip-Lining Across the Hills above the River!

That’s Maddy in his First Attempt at Cliff Jumping. Why so Straight Man???

The wide range of water sports includes boating, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff jumping and fishing. Interestingly, it is one of the few rivers that allow scuba-diving. On-spot booking is available for almost all the adventure activities.

The Hanging Bridge

One major attraction of Shnongpdeng is the suspended hanging bridge running through the breadth of the crystal blue Umngot River.

The Hanging Bridge gave us a 360 degrees Panoramic View of the Entire Place!

We were amused to find quite a number of people were flocked around either edges of the bridge. This was because the bridge allowed the weight of only 15 adults at a time. We patiently waited for our turn.

Once on the bridge, we marveled at the 360 degrees panorama of the exquisite place – lush green hills of undulating green, sparkling emerald blue waters and camps elegantly pitched to the mighty boulders besides the river.

Early Morning Experience at Shnongpdeng

We opened the tent and what lay before our eyes was the view of the crystal clear Umngot River and a multitude of different coloured boats anchored to the shore. Indeed, it was a sight to behold!

Waking Up to a View like This. . .Bliss!!!

We sat on a rock and spent some time watching the ebb and flow of the pristine Umngot river. The emerald waters made mild tiny ripples by the stones that lay along its way.

Early Morning Tales. . .We sat on a rock and watched the ebb and flow of the pristine Umngot River!

We eventually stepped into the river. So clear was the water that we could literally count the pebbles and nuripathor that lay quietly on the river-bed.

So clear was the water that we could literally count the pebbles and nuripathor that lay on the river-bed!

They say that on a less busy day, you can float downstream with the melody of oars hitting the water and the occasional bird calling serving as the background score.

The Sunset Saga at Shnongpdeng

We could never be on a river side and not experience the sunset!

A Capture just before the Sun had began its Descend!

By 17:15 hours we could see the sun poised delicately over the ripples created by the mild river waves. Soon enough, it was dipping into the horizon. As we sipped our coffee, the sky exploded into variegated shades of blue, orange and pink.

It was purely magical!

The Star Studded Night Sky

As the evening transitioned into night, we could see the skies adorned with thousands of sparkling stars and the elusive Milky way assumed a unique pattern.

We could feel the chilly vibes of the gentle breeze brushing against our face as the stars played peek-a-boo with one another in the night sky. We thus spent a long time contemplating the eclectic soundscape of the gushing river beneath the starry night sky!

The Bon-Fire

The Bon-Fire, which was a part of the package arrived at around 8 pm. Strum the chords of your guitar or tune in to some soft melodious music; sip on your favourite beverage and munch on your choice of snacks as you enjoy the perfect evening in this gem of a place.

Listening to the flow of the river in the darkness as you huddle in front of a bon-fire or waking up to the first rays of the sun in this pristine valley is something that you just cannot miss!

Some Common FAQs on Shnongpdeng

Q1. When is the best time to visit Shnongpdeng?

A1. November to March is generally the best time to visit Shnongpdeng when the waters are emerald blue and the weather is pleasant.  Monsoons make the water muddy and camping during the summer months is often not the best plan.

Q2. How can I reach Shnongpdeng?

A2. Shared Cabs are often not available from Guwahati, Assam directly. So you can take a hired vehicle.

But we would suggest halting at Mawlynnong the first day. And then continuing your journey to Shnongpdeng the day after.

Q3. How can I book a riverside camp?

A3. Bookings can be made by a call to Tyndle (+918119068332), our friend at Mawllynong or through any other source online. Do tell him about your requirements of a camp in front of the river for an undisturbed view.

Q4. Do I need to carry food and beverages to the camping site?

A4. It is desirable to carry a few munchies, some cold coffee or booze (if you want) to the camping site.

Food is available, but you need to order hours before for a simple snack. Also the network connectivity is not the best. Buying Booze there would cost you a bomb! However you don’t have to worry about breakfast and dinner as it is directly served to you. For lunch you can explore the eateries near the parking lot.

Q5. How should I pack for the trip?

A5. Light woolens, a comfy dress or trek, shades, sports shoes and a cap should complete your look for the trip. It is a good idea to carry a lot of sun-block, a few toilet papers, sanitizers, a hand towel, bed-sheets/pillow covers and a few tissues.

Parting Thoughts

Well, what can I say. . . Flocks of monochrome migratory birds hovering over the sparkling emerald waters, colourful fishes bobbing up and down from the river, beguiling treasure hub of the surrounding hills and the persistent air of magic shrouding the place is all I see when I shut my eyes now.

Offbeat places often hold a raw charm for they have their serenity preserved in the purest form.

Words of Heraclitus do resonate quite a bit here:

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

Go experience the magic for yourself and do share your feelings!