- Where
- On the Umngot river, West Jaintia Hills, upstream of Dawki
- Altitude
- About 80 m
- Distance
- About 8 km from Dawki; 74 km from Shillong
- Timings
- Activities in daylight; camps overnight
- Entry fee
- Pay per activity
- Permit
- Not needed for Indian citizens
- Best time
- November–March (clear water)
- Time needed
- 1 night
Shnongpdeng is a Jaintia village on the Umngot river a short drive upstream from Dawki. Where Dawki is a boat ghat busy with day-trippers, Shnongpdeng has a wide pebble beach, riverside camps and a menu of adventure activities. It's the best place on the Umngot to stay the night.
Things to do at Shnongpdeng
Prices are what travellers and operators reported in 2024–26. There's no fixed tariff, so confirm on the day.
| Activity | Reported price |
|---|---|
| Boat ride | about ₹600–1,000 per boat |
| Cliff jumping | about ₹300–500 per person |
| Kayaking | about ₹500 per boat |
| Riverside camping (basic tent) | about ₹400–800 per person, or ₹1,000–3,000 per tent with meals |
| Zipline | ask locally |
How to reach Shnongpdeng
Drive from Shillong to Dawki (see our Shillong to Dawki cab), then take the side road upstream to Shnongpdeng. Meghalaya Tourism gives the distance from Shillong as 73.8 km.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Dawki | about 10 km | 20–30 min |
| Shillong | about 74 km | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Guwahati Airport | about 200 km | 5–6 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
When is the water clear?
November to March. In the monsoon the river turns brown and fast and most activities stop. In late 2025 the Umngot was also muddied by silt from highway construction upstream; check our Dawki clear-water guide for the latest.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°C | 11°C | Dry |
| Feb | 25°C | 13°C | Dry |
| Mar | 29°C | 17°C | Light |
| Apr | 29°C | 20°C | Wet |
| May | 30°C | 22°C | Wet |
| Jun | 30°C | 24°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 31°C | 25°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 31°C | 25°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 31°C | 24°C | Wet |
| Oct | 30°C | 21°C | Light |
| Nov | 28°C | 16°C | Dry |
| Dec | 25°C | 12°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 77 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
Where to stay
Riverside camps of every level line the beach, from basic tents to cottages with attached bathrooms. Book ahead for weekends and the Christmas–New Year weeks.
A sample plan
Leave Shillong after breakfast, stop at Mawlynnong (not on Sundays), reach Shnongpdeng by 2pm for a boat ride and cliff jumps, and camp by the river. Next morning, kayak early before the crowds and drive back via Dawki.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Life jackets: ask for one for every activity, and wear it.
- Go early. Mornings are calmer and the light on the water is better.
- The border is close. Don't cross the line of buoys or wander onto the Bangladesh side.
Nearby
Shnongpdeng: questions travellers ask
Where is Shnongpdeng?
On the Umngot river in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, about 8 km upstream from Dawki.
How far is Shnongpdeng from Shillong?
About 74 km, 2.5–3 hours by road.
How much is boating at Shnongpdeng?
Reported at about ₹600–1,000 per boat. Rates aren't fixed, so confirm on the spot.
Can I camp at Shnongpdeng?
Yes, riverside camps range from basic tents to cottages.
Is cliff jumping safe at Shnongpdeng?
With a life jacket and the local operators' supervision in the dry season, yes. Don't jump when the river is high.
When is the water clear at Shnongpdeng?
November to March.
Shnongpdeng or Dawki: which is better?
Dawki is a quick boat ride; Shnongpdeng is better for staying overnight and for activities.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
