Nohkalikai Falls Trek: Hike to the Edge of India's Tallest Waterfall

Trek deep into Meghalaya’s untouched rainforest to reach the very mouth of Nohkalikai Falls—the tallest plunge waterfall in India. This offbeat jungle hike takes you through dense jungle, streams, and hidden waterfalls, stunning views, ending at a breathtaking cliff edge where legend and nature meet.

About this tour

Tour Guide : Yes

Trek Difficulty: Moderately Difficult

Total Trek Distance: 7.5 kms

Trek Duration: 6 Hours

Highest Altitude: 4,232 ft

All Types : Adventure, Trekking

Location : Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya

Group Type : Private

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive at Cherrapunji by 9:00 AM and meet your local guide for a trek briefing and safety instructions

Drive to the starting point near Nohkalikai Viewpoint (15–20 minutes)

Begin the trek through forest trails, riverbeds, and jungle terrain toward Tlai Falls (1.5 hours)

Take a break at Tlai Falls, enjoy the scenery and take a dip into the pool

Continue the trek to the mouth of Nohkalikai Falls, explore the edge and hear the legend of Ka Likai (1 hour)

Enjoy a packed lunch or snacks with a view near the waterfall Activity 6: Trek back to the starting point via the same route and return to Cherrapunji by 3:00 PM (2–2.5 hours)

Highlights

  • Stand at the edge of India’s tallest plunge waterfall for a heart-pounding view.
  • Trek through untouched jungle trails filled with lush greenery and ancient roots.
  • Discover hidden gems like Tlai Falls and fossil-lined caves along the way.
  • Cross boulders, rivers, and wooden log bridges on a truly wild adventure.
  • Hear the haunting legend of Ka Likai at the very site it was born.
  • Capture stunning views of cliffs, mist, and take a dip at the surreal turquoise pool.

What is Included

Professional guided trek of Nohkalikai Falls Mouth Trek, offering authentic insights into the culture and traditions of the Khasi Tribe.

Meals – Lunch and Snacks

All Nohkalikai trekking-related fees: entry permit, and ticket fees

Safety briefing and basic first-aid support

24×7 on-call support from Team Travespert for any assistance during your trip

GST (5%) is applicable extra.

Costs resulting from unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, landslides, road closures, or any other factors beyond our control, as well as any emergency evacuation services.

Any items or services not specifically mentioned under the head ‘inclusions’

Description

Trek to the Mouth of Nohkalikai Falls – A Journey Above the Clouds

Hidden deep in the lush rainforests of Meghalaya, the Nohkalikai Falls Mouth Trek is a raw, immersive adventure that leads you to the very edge of India’s tallest plunge waterfall. This isn’t your usual viewpoint visit—it’s a journey through ancient landscapes, tangled roots, mossy rocks, hidden waterfalls, and echoing silence, ending at a surreal, roaring abyss where the earth seems to fall away beneath your feet.

The tallest plunge waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls is more than just a natural wonder. It is steeped in sorrowful legend. The name Nohkalikai literally translates to “the leap of Ka Likai”, a tribute to a tragic tale passed down by the local Khasi people.

Long ago, a young widow named Ka Likai lived in the village of Rangjyrteh upstream of the waterfall. After the death of her husband, she remarried, hoping to build a better life for herself and her daughter. Likai took over her late husband’s profession as a porter, transporting loads of iron to Shylet, and spent the majority of her day working. What little time she had at home was spent giving her young daughter her full attention and love. The new spouse was envious and resentful that Likai paid more attention to the child than himself. One day, while she was away working, he killed the child and according to legend, cooked her flesh into a meal. When Likai returned, unaware of the horror, and tired she ate what had been prepared. After she finished her meal, noticing the absence of her daughter, Likai decided to go look for her only to discover her daughter’s severed fingers in a betel nut basket. She realized she’d eaten her own child. Likai, overcome with grief and dismay, dashed out of the house, waving a wait (hatchet) to keep others from stopping her as she ran to the edge of the cliffs and leapt to her death, forever giving the falls their haunting name.

Even today, locals say you can feel the weight of her grief in the mist that rises from the plunge.

FAQs

Information

  • Not Suitable For: The Nohkalikai Falls Mouth Trek features uneven jungle trails, slippery boulders, steep descents, and exposed cliffside sections, making it moderately to physically demanding. It is not suitable for individuals with knee or joint problems, respiratory or heart conditions, severe vertigo, or those uncomfortable with navigating rocky, unstable terrain. The route includes narrow log bridges, riverbed crossings, and sections without railings near the waterfall’s edge, requiring surefootedness and a strong sense of balance. Trekkers must be able to hike for several hours in humid conditions and handle basic rock scrambles safely.
  • Due to the remote nature of the route, there are no motorable roads or emergency exits beyond the trailhead, so trekkers must be prepared to complete the full hike.
  • We do not recommend this trek for young children (below 10 years) or elderly travellers (above 60 years) unless they have high fitness levels and prior trekking experience. Proper physical fitness, balance, and mental readiness are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Meeting Point: Cherrapunjee or Nohkalikai Fall View Point Google Map Location will be sent to you once your booking is confirmed by our tour consultant.
  • WhatsApp Contact: Please leave your WhatsApp number when booking. We will contact you prior to the tour to confirm details and provide updates regarding the trek.
  • Cancellation and Refund: We offer free cancellation up to 72 hours before the trip starts.
    Full refund if cancelled 72+ hours before departure. 50% refund if cancelled between 72 to 24 hours prior. No refund for cancellations within 24 hours of the trip. No questions asked—we keep it simple.
  • Guests can either come directly to the meeting point or request a convenient pickup from their accommodation in Cherrapunjee or Shillong.
  • If you wish to stay overnight near the pickup point of the trek (Cherrapunjee Area), please inform us in advance. We can assist you or make your arrangements at a local homestay or coordinate your luggage transfer and transport plans accordingly.
  • We’re here to make your trekking experience as smooth and personalized as possible. Feel free to reach out if you have any special requests! 

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