The little town of Nongpoh situated in the lower region of the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya is one of the most underrated destinations in the state. The town is situated at an altitude of almost 500 metres and features numerous local attractions ranging from historical and religious sites, stunning lakes, cascading waterfalls and local markets. Tourism is a major contributor to the economy in this part of Meghalaya, which is mostly known for its serene beauty and is popular among those looking to get away from the humdrum of routine life. Find out what else is in store for you in Nongpoh with the help of this travel guide.

By Air:

Umroi Airport in Shillong is the nearest airport from Nongpoh, located 46 km away. However, most travellers fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati instead, which is situated 75 km away, as it has more connections to cities across India. Visitors have access to both taxis and buses from both airports to reach Nongpoh directly.

By Road:

Road routes to Nongpoh from Guwahati and Shillong are pretty direct. The National Highway 40 allows travellers to enter Meghalaya with Nongpoh situated on the way. Both private and government buses are available to reach Nongpoh from either city, but for a more comfortable and convenient journey, travellers are better off journeying by taxi. There’s also the option of shared taxis available for those looking for a cheaper alternative.

Summer (April – June):

The temperature during the summer season in Nongpoh ranges between highs of around 32⁰C and lows of around 22⁰C. While the weather is predominantly warm and wet, a lot of travellers visit Nongpoh during the summers to make the most of the relatively dry season compared to the monsoon months.

Monsoon (July – September):

The monsoon weather in Nongpoh witnesses very heavy rainfall – more than 3000 mm annually. Since a large amount of rainfall can make the region quite treacherous and unsuitable for travelling, tourists are usually advised to avoid the monsoon season when planning a trip to Nongpoh.

Winter (November – March):

The temperature during winters in Nongpoh remains within a pleasant range of 15-18⁰C even during January, which is supposed to be the coldest time of the year. Tourists visit in large numbers during this time to enjoy the rain-free weather and the cool misty ambience of Nongpoh’s landscapes.

Watch the Sunrise at Umiam Lake:

Umiam Lake is a pristine water body spread over an area of more than 200 sq. km. that was originally built as the reservoir for a dam. The beauty of the surroundings around Umiam Lake is breath-taking in itself, but the true charm of enjoying the lake lies in idling by its shores and finding the perfect opportunity to watch the sunrise over the horizon of the lake.

Shop at the Road Side Market:

All of the region’s local produce that is cultivated on the hills can be purchased at the roadside market, which includes indigenous fruits and vegetables that can be bought at very low rates here. Nongpoh is also known for its orchids, which is one of the favourite items tourists love to bring home from the roadside market.

Visit the Holy Site of Lum Sohpetbneng:

The region of Lum Sohpetbnang has long been a sacred site for the locals and has immense historical and religious significance. The locals believe that the first seven Khasi tribes were the original settlers of the earth and that this is the spot where they first resided. They also believe that a golden vine perched at the top of the hill here is the bridge that connects the earth to heaven.

Contrary to other regions in Meghalaya, Nongpoh mainly features restaurants specializing in vegetarian food. The top eateries in the town include the Drive Inn Café, Amrit Restaurant, Makhan Bhog and Woodland Café. The south-Indian food at Amrit Restaurant is highly recommended, whereas Indo-Chinese and north-Indian cuisine are the specialities in the other restaurants.