- Where
- Near Shkentalang village, West Jaintia Hills
- Altitude
- About 1,200 m
- Distance
- About 20 km from Jowai; 75–85 km from Shillong
- Timings
- About 8am–5pm reported
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 reported
- Permit
- Not needed for Indian citizens
- Best time
- October–April
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
Phe Phe Falls, near Shkentalang village in the West Jaintia Hills, is a waterfall that pours into a round, clear pool ringed by rock. Meghalaya Tourism lists it among the state's "majestic waterfalls", and it ranks at the top of Google for its name, but it still sees a fraction of the visitors of the Sohra falls.
What to expect
- A short walk down from the parking area: Meghalaya Tourism says 15–20 minutes; other guides say 25–40 minutes to the pool. It's steep in places.
- The pool at the base, deep and cold. Swimming is common in the dry season, but there's no lifeguard.
- A second viewpoint partway down, good for photos of the whole fall.
How to reach Phe Phe Falls
Drive from Shillong to Jowai on NH-6 and continue to Shkentalang. Meghalaya Tourism puts it about 22 km from Jowai and roughly 85 km from Shillong.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Jowai | about 20 km | 30–40 min |
| Shillong | about 70 km | 2–2.5 hrs |
| Guwahati Airport | about 190 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Weather and best time
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | 7°C | Dry |
| Feb | 19°C | 9°C | Dry |
| Mar | 22°C | 12°C | Light |
| Apr | 23°C | 16°C | Wet |
| May | 24°C | 18°C | Wet |
| Jun | 24°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 24°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 25°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 25°C | 19°C | Wet |
| Oct | 23°C | 17°C | Light |
| Nov | 21°C | 12°C | Dry |
| Dec | 18°C | 9°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1212 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- October–April: clear water and a safe trail. The best time.
- June–August: powerful flow, slippery rocks; not safe to go down to the pool.
Where to stay
Stay in Jowai, or do Phe Phe as a day trip from Shillong with Nartiang Monoliths or Krang Suri Falls.
What to carry
Shoes with grip, water, a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to swim, and cash for the entry fee.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Go before noon. The gorge gets shade in the afternoon and the water loses its colour.
- Take a local guide if you're unsure of the trail; Meghalaya Tourism recommends it.
- The climb back up takes longer than the walk down.
Nearby
- Krang Suri Falls, another turquoise pool in the Jaintia Hills.
- Nartiang Monoliths.
- Krem Chympe, further east.
Phe Phe Falls: questions travellers ask
Where is Phe Phe Falls?
Near Shkentalang village in the West Jaintia Hills, about 22 km from Jowai.
How far is Phe Phe Falls from Shillong?
About 75–85 km, 2–2.5 hours by road.
What is the entry fee for Phe Phe Falls?
About ₹50 is reported. Confirm at the gate.
How long is the walk to Phe Phe Falls?
Meghalaya Tourism says 15–20 minutes from parking; allow 30–40 minutes to the pool.
Can I swim at Phe Phe Falls?
Many people do in the dry season, but there's no lifeguard and the pool is deep.
When is the best time to visit Phe Phe Falls?
October to April. Avoid going down to the pool in the monsoon.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
