Riverside Camping in Shnongpdeng: A Day in the Life

Are you looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life?

There is no better way to do this than a day of riverside camping at Shnongpdeng.

This picturesque town in Meghalaya is situated right on the banks of the Umngot River and offers a serene atmosphere and breathtaking views.

Whether you are a novice or a pro when it comes to camping, you will find plenty to love about a day of riverside camping at Shnongpdeng.

Packing for Riverside Camping

one of the most important things to remember when packing for a camping trip is to ensure you have the right clothing.

Even if it is summer, be sure to pack a few extra layers. The weather on the riverside can be unpredictable and you do not want to find yourself unprepared if there’s a sudden chill in the air. Pack clothes that can easily layer on top of each other, such as long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Depending on the time of year, it can also be a good idea to pack a few pairs of gloves and a hat or scarf.

Arriving and Setting Up Camp

we brought our own tent and sleeping bags, so setting up camp was easy. I found a great spot to set up our tent, with a view of the river.

My friend found some wood for a fire, and soon enough, we had a campfire crackling away.

We decided to have dinner on the riverbank, so one of our friends went off to catch some fish.

He had some luck, catching four small trout, which he cooked over the fire.

We feasted on freshly caught trout, accompanied by a cold beer. Afterward, as night began to fall, I made sure to spray us down with mosquito repellent before getting into our sleeping bags.

It had been a perfect day of camping on the river, and I was looking forward to a restful night’s sleep under the stars.

Cooking dinner over the fire

We brought a barbecue grill set up so that we can prepare our dinner over a campfire.

We marinated some chicken and vegetable skewers with our favorite spices and started grilling them over the fire.

While the food was getting cooked, everyone gathered around the fire, grilling chicken, and telling stories.

As dusk arrived, we enjoyed our delicious dinner under the starry sky with soothing music playing in the background.

Everyone was really satisfied with our meal after a tiring day of camping and sightseeing. After dinner, we spent time talking about our favorite memories from the day.

As it grew darker, we settled into our tents for a good night’s sleep. Before dozing off, I took one last look at the stars twinkling overhead, feeling grateful for such a wonderful day of camping by the river.

Relaxing by the River

In the morning we had planned to go and swim in the river. I was so excited as I have never done this before. The water was so cool and refreshing, and the sun glinted off of its surface. We swam for a while, then decided to explore some of the nearby trails.

We hiked through dense foliage, admiring the scenery around us.

We eventually stopped for lunch at a small waterfall, eating our sandwiches and watching the water flow down. Afterward, we took a dip in the nearby pool, cooled by the cold mountain water.

After our excursion, we headed back to camp, content with our day’s adventure. As night set in, the stars began to twinkle above us, reminding us of the vast beauty of nature. What a wonderful day spent exploring riverside camping in Shnongpdeng!

How to reach Shnongpdeng

You can get shared taxis from Shillong to Dawki and from Dawki you can get again shared taxis to Shnongpdeng

Or you can hire a taxi from Shillong to Shnongpdeng

From Shillong to Dawki is around 85km it might 2 to 3 hrs depending on the traffic conditions

The Best Time to Visit

The river is clearer and more transparent during winter the month of October to May

During monsoon, the river becomes muddy so the river will not be clear and transparent