- Where
- Near Dainthlen Falls, about 12 km from Sohra
- Altitude
- About 1,300–1,400 m at the top
- Distance
- About 12 km from Sohra; 55–60 km from Shillong
- Timings
- Roughly 7am–5pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹50 per person; parking ₹20–50 (reported)
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- October–March for safe paths; July–September for the fullest flow
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
Wei Sawdong is a three-tiered waterfall near Cherrapunji, falling into a series of clear, blue-green pools. The name comes from Khasi: wei for a pool and sawdong for square-shaped, after the squarish rock basins the water collects in. A decade ago it was barely known; Instagram made it one of the most-asked-about falls in Meghalaya.
The trail down
Wei Sawdong is not a roadside waterfall. From the road near Dainthlen Falls a trail drops steeply to the viewpoint at the base:
- 15–20 minutes down, longer back up.
- Steps of stone, bamboo and wooden planks, with ropes and railings in places.
- Slippery when wet, which in Sohra is often.
Anyone with knee problems, small children or no grip on their shoes should think twice.
What you'll see
Three drops stacked one above the other, each with its own pool. The bluest water is in the dry season, when the flow is gentle and the light reaches the pools. In the monsoon it becomes a roaring white column, spectacular but best seen from the upper viewpoint.
How to reach Wei Sawdong
The trailhead is near Dainthlen Falls, about 12 km from Sohra and 55–60 km from Shillong. Most drivers know it now; it fits a Sohra sightseeing day with Dainthlen and Nohkalikai. See our Shillong to Cherrapunji cab and Meghalaya tour packages.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Sohra (Cherrapunji) | about 10 km | 30 min |
| Shillong | about 55 km | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Guwahati Airport | about 170 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Fees and timings
- Entry: about ₹50 per person, with parking about ₹20–50 by vehicle (reported; carry cash).
- Hours: roughly 7am to 5pm.
Weather and best time
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15°C | 5°C | Dry |
| Feb | 17°C | 7°C | Dry |
| Mar | 20°C | 11°C | Light |
| Apr | 21°C | 14°C | Wet |
| May | 22°C | 16°C | Wet |
| Jun | 22°C | 18°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 23°C | 18°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 23°C | 18°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 23°C | 18°C | Wet |
| Oct | 22°C | 15°C | Light |
| Nov | 20°C | 10°C | Dry |
| Dec | 17°C | 7°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1395 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- October–March: the safest trail, bluest pools; the best time.
- April–May: warmer, occasional storms.
- June–September: huge flow, dangerous trail; go only with a local and good shoes.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Bring water and snacks. There are no shops on the trail and mobile signal is patchy.
- Don't swim in the pools in the wet season; the currents are strong.
- Dainthlen Falls is next door, with its own legend of a giant serpent slain by the Khasi people. It takes 15 minutes extra.
Nearby
- Nohkalikai Falls, about 30 minutes away.
- Seven Sisters Falls and Mawsmai Cave, on the other side of Sohra.
- Things to do in Cherrapunji.
Wei Sawdong Falls: questions travellers ask
What does Wei Sawdong mean?
In Khasi, wei means pool and sawdong means square-shaped, after the square rock pools the falls drop into.
How difficult is the Wei Sawdong trek?
Short but steep: 15–20 minutes down on stone, bamboo and plank steps, slippery when wet, and harder coming back up.
What is the entry fee for Wei Sawdong?
About ₹50 per person, with parking about ₹20–50 by vehicle (reported).
How far is Wei Sawdong from Cherrapunji?
About 12 km, 30 minutes by road.
Can you swim at Wei Sawdong?
Some people do in the dry season, but there are no lifeguards. Don't swim in the monsoon.
When is the best time to visit Wei Sawdong?
October to March for a safe trail and blue pools. July to September for the biggest flow.
Is Wei Sawdong suitable for children?
Older children with good shoes manage. The steep trail isn't suitable for small children.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Wei Sawdong Falls
- Rexby (Wanderlustwithamit): 3-tiered waterfall in the middle of lush forest
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
