Things to Do in Shnongpdeng: Meghalaya’s Water Sports Capital

The picturesque village of Shnongpdeng in Meghlaya is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterised by crystal-clear river waters, lush greenery, and scenic landscapes.

Shnongpdeng, Meghalaya | India

The first time I heard about Dawki, I was sitting in a 3 by 3 office cubicle. A colleague had just returned from a holiday in Meghalaya and she couldn’t stop gushing about the scenic beauty of the state. In the photograph on her phone, she was sitting in a kayak that seemed to be suspended in thin air above exquisitely clear, emerald-green waters. The shadow of the boat rippled on the riverbed. So clear was the water, one could count the pebbles and nuripathor! As she gushed about the many thrilling things to do in Shnongpdeng, I looked at image after image of boats afloat on the crystal-clear river and longed to be a part of that magical fantasyland.

Months later, when we visited Meghalaya, Dawki was on our list of must-visits. We did not know about Shnongpdeng until Uttam da, whose car we had rented, mentioned it as we drove out of Shillong in the swirling fog on a December morning. His description was enough for us to include it in the day’s itinerary, a relaxing day after trekking to the magnificent double-decker root bridges.

Shnongpdeng, pronounced shnawng–preng, is about 8 kilometres northwest of the border town of Dawki. Dawki enjoys the perks of being the popular twin but it is to Shnongpdeng where the laid-back and adventurous go. Like at Dawki, the waters of the Umngot River at Shnongpdeng are emerald and clear as glass. The surrounding hillside is densely forested. It reminded me of Rinchenpong, a small village in West Sikkim that I am absolutely in love with. On a less busy day in Shnongpdeng, you can float downstream on the Umngot River with the melody of oars hitting the water and the occasional birdcall serving as the background score.

In our travel guide to Shnongpdeng, we let you into the secrets of Meghalaya’s water sports capital. Find out about the best time to visit, places to stay, things to do in Shnongpdeng, and more!

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Where is Shnongpdeng

Shnongpdeng is a village located in the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India. It is situated in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya and is known for its scenic beauty, especially its crystal-clear river waters and adventurous activities like river rafting and boating.

When to Visit Shnongpdeng

The best time to visit Shnongpdeng is from October to April. The Umngot River is the clearest in the winter. The water is a transparent, emerald-green colour in this season. During the monsoon, the water turns muddy. If you are visiting during the rains, you will miss the clear waters of the Umngot.  

TIP: Shnongpdeng is a popular picnic spot for locals and can get busy during the weekends. Visit on a weekday, if you can. During the off-season, you can mostly have the river bank to yourself.

How to Reach Shnongpdeng

You can get a shared taxi from Shillong to Dawki. Shared taxis also run from Dawki to Shnongpdeng and back. We recommend it if you are travelling solo because you can get to interact with locals. Also, it is cheaper than renting a car but if travelling in a group, the most cost-effective way to reach this slice of paradise is by hiring a vehicle from Shillong (90 km, 2-3 hrs depending on road conditions).

Where to Stay in Shnongpdeng

There are cottages and campsites such as those run by Bright Star that you can rent if you are interested in staying overnight. If you bring your own tent, you can also camp on the banks of the Umngot. (Please inquire with locals about camping areas and charges.) Listening to the river flow in the darkness as you huddle in front of a bonfire or waking up to the first rays of the sun in this isolated valley is something that should not be missed. If you are unable to find accommodation in Shnongpdeng, consider staying at Dawki.

There are some food stalls along the main road. You can find rice and curry, and other local food similar to the street food in Shillong. Maggi and other snacks are available too.

Things to Do in Shnongpdeng

Because of the clear waters of the Umngot, Shnongpdeng is emerging as an attractive destination for water sports in India. The primary attraction in Shnongpdeng, as in Dawki, is boating.

Water Sports in Shnongpdeng

Kayaking, cliff jumping, snorkelling, and scuba diving are increasingly becoming popular as more and more tourists show interest in adventure sports. In fact, Pioneer Adventures offers the only river scuba diving in India at Shnongpdeng! However, note that some of these activities at Shnongpdeng are seasonal. Kayaking and boating are available from 10 am to 4 pm.

We rented a four-person kayak for INR 800. The guys that rent that gear are usually nice and you can take your time cruising on the river. It took us about an hour to explore the available boating area. You start in shallow waters and paddle up to a rapid. From there, the emerald Umngot makes its way towards Dawki and further into the flat plains of Bangladesh.

You can also trek in the woods around the Umngot River. Cross the rickety bridge that spans the river and you can find hiking trails. We suggest hiring a guide.

Boating in the Umngot River is certainly the top thing to do in Shnongpdeng. The water is truly crystal clear; it is transparent! No words can describe the sheer beauty of the Umngot River. The emerald colour can be attributed to two things. First, the current at Shnongpdeng isn’t strong and naturally occurring moss and algae are abundant on the riverbed. Second, the surrounding mountainside is thickly forested and the water reflects the greenery. The calm waters and the rich aquatic plant matter in the riverbed mean that the Umngot is a natural habitat for many types of fish. From your kayak, you can see them swimming deep in the water. So clear is the water, you would probably be able to count the scales on a fish if it were stationary! There is also a rickety bridge spanning the Umngot in Shnongpdeng. It sways dramatically if you walk fast across it or if the wind is strong! If acrophobia isn’t your problem, watch the glowing emerald river from the bridge. It makes for a fantastic photo-op!

Fishing in the Umngot River

We also saw fishermen using a unique fishing technique in the Umngot. The fishermen lie on their bellies in their fishing boats. They so still that their boats remain motionless and after a while, when the fish swim closer to the boats, they scoop them up one by one with the help of a small fishing net. Watching them was a lesson in the art of perseverance. Their fishing technique is a testament to their dedication to their craft. If you are sporty enough, try out your hand at fishing with the locals. 

Keep Shnongpdeng Clean!

We were disappointed to see numerous plastic and glass bottles, beer cans, wrappers, empty packets of chips, etc. littering the river bank. This is not what we, as responsible travellers, should do. If you are reading this and you know that you are one of the many who leave traces in places they travel to, stop doing it. It’s not that difficult; carry your own trash bag, collect all your trash, and dump it in a garbage can. Buy a reusable water bottle and stop using plastic bottles. A little more awareness and a little more sensitivity to the environment will keep these exquisite locales exquisite forever.

IMPORTANT: According to Section 102 of the Meghalaya Police Act 2010, you can be arrested if caught littering and causing harm to the sanctity of the environment.

Have you visited Shnongpdeng? What are your favourite things to do in Shnongpdeng?