A place that almost looks like it’s popped out of a painting, Nongkhnum Island is located in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and is also the largest river island in the state. Covering an area of around 20-25 sq. km., Nongkhnum Island remains mostly uninhabited with the exception of a few Khasi tribespeople residing here. It is one of the remotest tourist spots in the state, which only adds to the untouched and pristine beauty of the island. Most travellers visiting this part of Meghalaya combine their trip to Nongkhnum Island with the neighbouring town of Nongstoin and other villages in the vicinity. Tourism does not thrive here as it does in other commercial parts of Meghalaya; however, the solitary ambience of the Nongkhnum Island is what sets it apart from any other region you’ll visit here. Check out this travel guide for more details about visiting Nongkhnum Island.

By Air:

The nearest airport from Nongkhnum Island is the Umroi Airport in Shillong, about 120 km away from Nongstoin, which is the closest town from the island. Travellers prefer to travel to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam though, since it has better connectivity to various cities across India; this airport is located about 150 km away from Nongstoin. The distance between Nongstoin to Nongkhnum Island can be covered via road.

By Rail:

Those who prefer to travel via train can reach Nongkhnum Island by first catching a train to Guwahati Railway Station, since there are no rail services in Meghalaya, and then covering the remaining distance to the island via road. Trains to Guwahati are easily available from various major cities across India.

By Road:

After reaching either Guwahati or Shillong, travellers can hire a private cab or get into a shared taxi to Nongstoin and then to Nongkhnum Island. Some would prefer to drive themselves, but it should be kept in mind that the roads in this part of remote Meghalaya are in very poor condition and are not easily navigable. There are several scenic spots along the way though, all of which are sure to keep you mesmerized with its beauty.

Summer (April – May) & Monsoon (June – September):

Summers are warm and pleasant here with the temperature rarely exceeding 30⁰C during these months. During the monsoons though, there is very heavy rainfall almost every day, which may ruin most of your outdoor plans. It is best to avoid the monsoons for travelling to this part of the state and limit your trips to the early summer months.

Autumn (October – November) & Winter (December – March):

Autumn and winter months are a good time to visit for most people. The weather is very pleasant, clear and cool during the transition months of October and November, and gets progressively colder as winters approach. The temperature during peak winters can dip to sub-zero levels here, so make sure to carry enough warm clothes with you.

Boating on the Lakes:

Boat rides on the lakes of Nongkhnum Island are one of the best things to try here. The clear waters of the lake look especially exquisite during summer afternoons here, with several small country boats available throughout the year to take you around the crystal clear waters.

Hike up to the Waterfalls:

Weina Falls and Langshiang Falls are the two major attractions of Nongkhnum Island. Weina Falls is located near the Weina Bridge, which serves as the entry point to the island and is one of the most recognisable structures in the vicinity. Langshiang waterfall is located a few kilometres ahead of the island and is formed by the Kynshi river splitting into two and pouring into a deep gorge.

Enjoy the Sandy Beaches:

The cool sand of the Nongkhnum beaches is usually perfect enough to spend a warm sunny afternoon lounging around on it. During the cooler months, you can bring your favourite book and a nice picnic basket to enjoy the misty ambience of the beaches during the day. For those looking for a little more excitement, enjoy a fun game of football or volleyball with your friends here or spend a night camping under the stars.

Nongkhnum Island is a remote tourist location, so you won’t find any eateries or restaurants here. Nongstoin, located 14 km away from the island, is the closest town where you will find local dhabas for meals. Most travellers choose to carry their own food when planning their trip to Nongkhnum. Tourist agencies that help organise camping trips to the island will help you prepare with the right kind of food to carry with you, which is one of the most ideal ways to travel if you are looking to spend a night here.