Nongjrong village is a gleaming work of art created by mother nature herself, hidden in the luxuriant hills of Meghalaya, tucked far away from the chaotic cities and busy urban lives. The captivating landscape of Nongjrong village is completely undeniable.
The authentic atmosphere, the vibrant local culture and the breathtaking sight of the sun breaking through the clouds is going to be a utopian experience for the travelers who embark on their journey to these Hills of Meghalaya.
Nongjrong is a village situated in the Mawkynrew Tehsil of the East Khasi hills district in the state of Meghalaya.
This village is indeed a rare destination that has a lot to offer for the travelers looking forward to divulge into the scenic beauty of nature, engulfed by pristine waterfalls and the tranquil lush greenery that envelops this idyllic village.
This village is approximately 30 kilometers away from the Mawkynrew Town and Subdivision of the East Khasi Hills.
Shillong, which is the Scotland of the east and serves as the capital of Meghalaya, is only around 60 kilometers away from it.
This village is most famous for its magnificent sunrise that will get you feeling awestruck, refreshing your mind weighed down by several obstacles.
The vantage point reveals a picturesque tapestry of rolling hills, mist-kissed valleys and the cascading sun gleefully rising through the floating clouds is truly a sight to behold.
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Contents
The locals and customs of Nongjrong village
The residents of Nongjrong village are extremely active and gregarious, and when it comes to friendliness, they are the most kind people you will ever meet.
Nongjrong has a population of 1500 or so, and as English is also the majority language spoken there, the locals are accustomed to using it in conversation.
The actual jewel of this valley is the kind and inviting Khasi population that lives in this settlement.
As well as giving you a look into their way of life, interacting with them will also provide you the chance to sample the incredibly appetizing traditional khasi food.
In addition, this community is renowned for preserving their traditional practices. So you can get a chance to experience the authentic culture and rich heritage of the people here, acknowledging their warm traits and customs.
Additionally, if you are fortunate enough, you may be able to attend some of the village residents’ traditional dances and festivals.
Nongjrong viewpoint
The viewpoint is the main attraction of Nongjrong hamlet, which is obviously well-known for its gleaming sunrises. It is the actual paradise on earth from where you get to witness the break of dawn.
This viewpoint is at the hilltop of the village and the moment you reach this point, you will experience a soul soothing vibe along with a mesmerizing view of the mountains which almost seems like floating amidst the clouds.
.One of the remarkable aspects of Viewpoint is the tranquil ambiance it offers. A symphony of serenity is created when you inhale the clean mountain air, with the rhythmic singing of the birds and the gentle breeze rushing against you.
This is the ideal location you were hoping for, all you nature lovers out there. This viewpoint is also a photographer’s paradise. If you have a passion for photography, this viewpoint will leave you spoilt for choice.
Every viewpoint offers a chance to get breathtaking shots, whether it’s framing the movement of light and shadow on the landscape or catching the mystical mist covering the hills.
For all the content creators out there, this viewpoint offers endless possibilities for creating stunning visuals.
Best time to visit Nongjrong
The climate of this village is seemingly amiable throughout the year. The summer months include mild rainfall and temperatures that range from 16 to 26 degrees Celsius.
The monsoon season has temperatures ranging from 14 to 23 degrees Celsius and appears to have significant rain.
In contrast, winters are often cooler, with temperatures between 6 and 14 degrees Celsius.
In order to see the lovely clouds grabbing against the joyous hills and the sun slowly peeping through them in what one can only assume to be an aphrodisiac, the optimum time to visit this enchanting location would preferably be in the month of November through March.
During the monsoons it would be an ideal time to visit this valley because there are a few treks to indulge in here and so heavy rainfalls might make it difficult for that to happen.
How to reach Nongjrong?
If you are directly traveling from Guwahati airport or railway station, then you can book a taxi to Nongjrong from there. The distance from Guwahati to Nongjrong is almost 144 Km, so your estimated time of arrival might take 5 hours.
If you wish to travel from Cherrapunji, then the distance between the two would be around 70 km which would take you 3 hours to reach the village.
You can also reach the city of Shillong via Guwahati or Shillong airport where you can get a taxi to hire. From Shillong airport the distance is about 80 km so it might take you a minimum 3 and half or 4 hours to reach there.
The best way to travel to Nongjrong village would be from Shillong city as it is more or less 60 km away from Nongjrong. The ideal means to travel would be to book a taxi from Shillong and it will primarily take you to the village with ease.
But the catch here is that in order to experience the breaking dawn, you will need to leave from Shillong around 2:30 AM or latest by 3 AM as it will take around two hours to reach the viewpoint.
The roads are completely safe. And once you arrive, the cab would drop you off a short distance ahead from the summit.
Therefore, it might be necessary to make a little ascent of the hill to get to the viewpoint from where you can take in the breathtaking view. Arriving at the destination when it is still somewhat dark and before dawn should be the first objective.
However, after you get there, you can discover that there is a small problem with the internet connection. So,if you want to make the entire trip here just relying on the navigation of your mobile device, things may get a bit challenging for you.
The navigation system may give you erroneous instructions at some point, which might cause you trouble and possibly cause you to arrive later than expected.
Things to do while visiting Nongjrong
For adrenaline junkies, Nongjrong offers a plethora of thrilling adventures. As soon as the cab drops you to your destination, prepare for a short hike—barely a 10- to 15-minute walk—to the peak, from which you may witness the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Make sure to carry a few essential things along with you like a jacket or a shawl as it might be chilly up there, comfortable shoes, a raincoat also might come handy and pack essential comforts, such as water or snacks, in a strong, lightweight bag.
As soon as you stand at the peak, the sun will begin to slowly peek through the clouds, providing you with a breathtaking vista. An aesthetic to savor forever in your memories.
The entire mountain range will be obscured by clouds, giving you a view that resembles something out of a fairy tale.
You may even descend the slope farther to get a closer look at the clouds. You just can’t resist the soul-pleasing vibe as you start your descent down the hill with the soft dawn air brushing against your face and the warmth of the rising light on your skin.
It nearly seems as though the mountains of Nongjrong are just floating in the clouds as you descend since the clouds seem to come closer to you as you descend down the valley.
You may also embark on a short, comprehensive trek along the valley that might lead you to a tiny village and a river that are situated just below these mountains. The trek is suitable for beginners, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.
They are gearing up for a few more hikes for visitors to do in this picturesque valley since it is a recently found jewel of Meghalaya, which was accessible for travelers due to lack of information.
Accommodation and Restaurants Nearby Nongjrong Village
There are a few good eateries nearby where you can indulge in the authentic tribal cuisine of the hills. These eateries would be around in a radius of 6 to 7 km and you can find quite affordable and hefty meals.
In some of the restaurants nearby, you could even have the choice of entirely vegetarian meals.
As for the stays in this village, there are only a few options but mostly are a little far away from the main attraction.
You might find decent inns in the East Khasi Hills region which would be around 9 to 10 km away or in the West Jaintia Hills region which would be around 10 to 12 km away.
Ideologically, though, Nongjrong might also be accomplished in a single day, allowing you to take in all the sightseeing and other activities you like.
And then travel to the next stunning location in the area, since this community is bordered on all sides by breathtaking natural beauty. Additionally, you get to enjoy the stunning locations close to Nongjrong that you would regret missing out on if you did not do it this way.
Laitlum is one such breathtaking area, located almost 48 kilometers from Nongjrong and about an hour and a half by car. The Laitlum Canyons are a magnificent panoramic environment and one of the greatest places to see beautiful sunsets. You can even explore the nearby waterfalls and other such sight worthy locations nearby.
Concluding views on Nongjrong Village
Nongjrong village stands as a true testament to the resolute spirit and irrevocable beauty when it comes to scenic landscapes.
Delving into the captivating essence of this village, uncovering its unique traditions, rich cultural heritage and the remarkable bond shared by its inhabitants is something that is truly undeniable.
There is nothing else that can compare to Nongjrong Valley for the stunning sight of the sun rising while being enveloped by misty clouds.
It is more than a geographic location, it is truly a paradise on earth tucked in the hills of Meghalaya and you should most definitely not pass up the chance to see this recently discovered Meghalayan gem.
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FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
1.Q: What is the distance between Shillong and Nongjrong?
Nongjrong is approximately 60 kilometers away from the city of Shillong.
2.Q: What is the sunrise timing in Nongjrong?
The sun rises between 5 to 5:30 AM in this valley.
3.Q: Is Nongjrong safe to travel?
Yes it is completely safe to travel to this village, even for kids.
4.Q: Best time to visit Nongjrong?
The months of November through March are the ideal times to visit Nongjrong.
5.Q: Where is Nongjrong village located?
Nongjrong is a village situated in the Mawkynrew Tehsil of the East Khasi hills district in the state of Meghalaya.
6.Q: What is the distance from Guwahati to Nongjrong village?
The distance from Guwahati to Nongjrong is almost 144 Km.
7.Q: What is the distance between Nongjrong and Laitlum?
The distance from Nongjrong to Laitlum is 49 km, almost 1 hour 50 minutes ride away.