Among its most awe-inspiring gems is the breathtaking 100 Waterfalls Trek, a remote and lesser-known trail where waterfalls tumble out of forested cliffs like shimmering threads. For camping enthusiasts and nature lovers, this destination is the ultimate escape into raw, untouched beauty.
The Journey to the 100 Waterfalls
Located near Nongriat and Laitkynsew villages, the 100 Waterfalls Trail isn’t a typical sightseeing spot—it’s an experience woven into the folds of jungle canopies, hanging bridges, and echoing cascades. The trek demands some effort, as the trails involve steep descents, uneven stone paths, and occasional bamboo ladders. But every step rewards you with the thunder of distant falls, rare butterflies flitting overhead, and sudden openings in the jungle that reveal crystalline streams and sky-ripping cliffs.
The waterfalls themselves range from narrow ribbons slipping down mossy rock faces to roaring torrents that carve deep into the valley. Some are unnamed, secretive trickles, while others cascade dramatically, begging for a cool dip beneath their spray.
Setting Up Camp
Camping along this trail is an immersive adventure. Most travelers pitch tents near flat stretches of land beside a stream or near a larger waterfall that provides ambient lullabies through the night. Local guides from the Khasi villages often accompany campers, helping navigate the path, prepare meals, and share stories about the forest’s lore.
You’ll likely camp in areas with minimal development—so be prepared for a digital detox. No Wi-Fi, no traffic noise, no artificial lights. Just fireflies, stars, the crackling of your campfire, and the hushed roar of waterfalls in the distance.
What Makes It Unique
What sets the 100 Waterfalls experience apart is the sheer density and diversity of water features. Unlike many treks where you may encounter one or two waterfalls, here, you’ll feel as if the very hills bleed water. You’ll cross over suspension bridges swaying between cliffs, descend into deep forest hollows where humidity clings like fog, and wash your face in streams that seem drawn straight from the clouds.
Every spot along the route is postcard-worthy—especially during golden hour, when sunbeams slice through the forest canopy, illuminating mist into shafts of liquid gold.
Tips for a Safe and Memorable Experience
Hire a local guide: The terrain is beautiful but can be confusing and slippery. Locals know the safest routes, best camping spots, and how to respect the environment.
Pack light, pack right: Bring waterproof gear, quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, and sturdy trekking shoes.
Leave no trace: Carry back all non-biodegradable waste and follow eco-conscious camping principles.
Check the season: The monsoon months (June to September) can make the trail more treacherous. October to April is ideal for trekking and camping here.
A Soulful Escape
Camping at the 100 Waterfalls is not just an outdoor trip—it’s a soulful immersion into nature’s untouched symphony. It demands your attention, awakens your senses, and pulls you into a rhythm that’s far older and deeper than city life allows. It’s where you sit on a rock warmed by the afternoon sun, your feet in a cold stream, and realize that you’ve found something rare: stillness, wonder, and belonging—all at once.
So, if you’re ready to trade hotel beds for sleeping bags and roadside cafés for riverside fires, pack your tent and head toward Cherrapunji’s enchanted trail. A hundred waterfalls await, whispering stories only the mountains remember.
