What Is Shnongpdeng Famous For? The Village On The Banks Of A River That Separates India And Bangladesh
Shnongpdeng, known for the beautiful Umngot River and a tranquil ambiance, is now facing a decline in tourist footfall due to poor road infrastructure. Furthermore, of late, the strike called by the All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association has impacted the regular transportation flow to Shnongpdeng.
However, Shnongpdeng can really retain its reputation as one of the most visited regions of Meghalaya by promoting river tourism. The Umngot River is a popular must-see attraction in Guwahati and Shillong trips.
Furthermore, the natural abundance here sets the right platform to build and promote ecotourism and sustainable travel practices.
Also, to boost tourism in Shnonpdeng, there needs to be an active collaboration between the government and local private tour operators. Moreover, there has to be active community participation.
Nevertheless, setting aside the commercial aspects and the prospect of tourism, Shnongpdeng stands out with its unique charm and strategic location. The beautiful Umngot River works as the natural border between India and Bangladesh.
Hi, in this Dream and Travel Guide, we will discuss the location, transportation, specialty, activities, and more about Shnonpdeng.
Where Is Shnongpdeng?
Shnongpdeng is in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. Known for its scenic beauty, Shnongpdeng is also famous for adventure activities such as boating and river rafting.
Boating in the Umngot River is a lifetime experience. The emerald color water of the river is clean, and when you take photographs or watch someone boating from the banks, it feels like the boat is moving in the air.
How To Reach Shnongpdeng?
The easiest way to reach Shnongpdeng is by taking a shared taxi to Dawki. From Dawki, you will get taxis to Shnongpdeng.
The cost for Shillong to Dwaki taxis will be INR 200 to 400 per person, and from Dwaki to Shnongpdeng (8 km), the cab/car prices are between INR 2000 and 4000 based on the type of vehicle you choose.
Furthermore, you can take a direct taxi to Shnongpdeng from Shillong. The distance between Shillong and Shnongpdeng is 90 km. The journey by road takes 3-4 hours, and the taxi price is approximately INR 4000.
Why Is Shnongpdeng Famous For?
Shnongpdeng is famous for its adventure activities, such as scuba diving, ziplining, trekking, cliff jumping, and more. The water of the Umngot River is so clear that you can see the riverbed clearly, or even count the colorful stones there, during a boat ride.
Furthermore, Shnonhpdeng has lush forests, and the suspension bridge here offers wonderful photo opportunities.
What Are The Things To Do In Shnongpdeng?
Boating and other watersports are the best things to do in Shnongpdeng. However, for a unique cultural experience, you can also try fishing with the locals here.
1. Watersports And Adventure Activities In Shnongpdeng
Pioneer Adventure Tour is the only certified adventure tour operator in Shnongpdeng. Registered with the “Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI),” it offers a 2-day outdoor experience.
You can visit the www.pioneeradventuretour.com official website or contact them at +91 8787840554, +91 9856006437, +91 8132079703, and +91 9049442647. Furthermore, they allow 10 people in a group for the tour, and the timings for the outdoor activities are from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The watersports and adventure activities you can try here are kayaking, snorkeling, riverside camping, rock climbing, scuba diving, trekking, and ziplining.
2. Fishing With The Locals
Fishing with the locals here is a unique experience as they follow a distinct method. They lie on the boat (on their bellies) and remain still in the water. Then, when the fish approaches the boat, they use a small net to catch it.
Where To Stay In Shnongpdeng?
The riverside camping experience organized by the Pioneer Adventure Tour is the best accommodation you can think of in Shnongpdeng.
The cost for riverside camping will be INR 2,900/- per person for regular tents and INR 3900 per person for safari tents.
Boating, barbecue, three meals, and a bonfire are included in this package. However, for the adventure activities, there will be additional charges.
Where To Eat In Shnongpdeng?
You must try traditional Meghalayan food when you are in Shnongpdeng. You can try Jadoh or the Biryani of Meghalaya, Pumaloi, or a steamed rice flour dish, and Doh Neiiong, or a famous pork dish made with black sesame seeds.
However, if you are camping riverside, you can have barbecued meat and fish.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Shnongpdeng?
Though summer is the best time to visit Meghalaya in general, for Shnongpdeng, the ideal season is autumn to spring. So, plan your trip between late October and early April.
These months are ideal for outdoor activities due to less rainfall. Furthermore, the water of the river remains clean and shows its beautiful emerald green color in these months.
Be A Conscious Traveler When You Are In Shnongpdeng
Along with infrastructure issues and discords of the local transport operators, littering and irresponsible behaviors of the tourists have been two major concerns for tourism in Shnongpdeng.
A local friend of mine complained about how tourists are leaving plastic bags, packets, and water bottles by the beautiful Umngot River.
This is pathetic! We can be responsible as tourists and keep waste in a bag and carry it back for disposal.
Shnongpdeng: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Shnongpdeng.
Yes, Shnongpdeng is suitable for family camping. The riverside camping experience is seamless and peaceful. However, it may not be ideal for very young babies.
Shnongpdeng is a Khashi word, and it means a “Village between two hills.” The name justifies its location in the Jayanti Hills.
The distance between Shnongpdeng and Cherrapunji is close to 92 km. The journey by road takes approximately 3.5 hours, and the cab fare will be around INR 4,100 to 5,000.
The distance between Guwahati and Shnongpdeng is 209 km. The journey by road takes more than 5 hours, and the car cost will be around INR 3900.
Furthermore, you can contact tour operators such as NatureWings, which conduct “Kaziranga Shillong Cherrapunji Shnongpdeng Tour Packages.”
Jowai is just 58 km away from Shnongpdeng, and the journey by road takes close to 2 hours.
Jowai has beautiful waterfalls, Nartiang monoliths, and caves. It is also home to the Pnar people.
