Nongkhnum Island is the quiet, sandy river island in West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, formed where the Kynshi river parts around a wedge of meadow and pine about 14 km from the town of Nongstoin. Most travellers skip it, which is exactly why it rewards the ones who make the drive. This guide covers what the island is, the much-repeated ranking claim, how to get there, when to go, and how to camp lightly on it.
Nongkhnum Island, in West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, is a river island roughly 14 km from Nongstoin, formed where the Kynshi river splits into the Phanliang and Namliang branches. Meghalaya Tourism calls it the state’s largest river island. It is best visited between October and April, with open sandbanks, meadows and waterfalls nearby.
Key takeaways
- Nongkhnum Island lies in West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, about 14 km by road from Nongstoin, the district headquarters.
- Meghalaya Tourism describes it as “Meghalaya’s largest river island”; the oft-repeated “second-largest in Asia after Majuli” tag is a tourism claim, not an official ranking, and Wikipedia disputes it.
- Wikipedia gives the island’s area as 21 km²; Meghalaya Tourism puts it at roughly 20–25 km².
- The best season is October to April; in the monsoon the Kynshi runs high and the river crossing can be cut off, so avoid June to September.
- No entry fee or permit is listed on official pages as of October 2026, but seek local permission before camping overnight and carry out all waste.
- Reach it by road via Nongstoin; Shillong is about 82 km away on NH106, and the nearest airports are Umroi (Shillong) and Guwahati.
About Nongkhnum Island and quick facts
Nongkhnum Island is a river island in West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, formed where the Kynshi river divides into two branches, the Phanliang and the Namliang, according to Meghalaya Tourism. The two channels wrap around a wedge of grassy meadow, pine stands and open sandbanks before dropping into a gorge downstream.
The island is unusually quiet. Wikipedia notes that “tourist footfall remains low, primarily owing to poor infrastructure in the area.” That same roughness is its character: no ticket counters, little signage, and a landscape you share mostly with birds, grazing cattle and the occasional picnic group from Nongstoin.
It sits at the heart of a high plateau. Nongstoin, the district headquarters 14 km away, stands at about 1,409 m, so days are mild and evenings cool even outside winter. The island itself is a lowland of sand and meadow framed by forested slopes.
| Location | West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Nongstoin, about 14 km (district headquarters) |
| Formed by | Kynshi river splitting into the Phanliang and Namliang branches (Meghalaya Tourism) |
| Area | 21 km² (Wikipedia); roughly 20–25 km² (Meghalaya Tourism) |
| Features | Sandbanks, grassy meadow, pine, foot-suspension bridge, nearby waterfalls |
| Best season | October to April |
| Entry fee | None listed on official pages as of October 2026 |
| Nearest airports | Umroi (Shillong) and Guwahati |
The “largest in Meghalaya, second in Asia” claim
Nongkhnum is the largest river island in Meghalaya, but the popular “second-largest in Asia” tag is a tourism claim rather than an official ranking, and it is disputed. The West Khasi Hills district administration and one Meghalaya Tourism page call it “the biggest river island in Meghalaya” and “the second biggest river island in Asia, after Majuli Island in Assam.” A separate Meghalaya Tourism page is more cautious, calling it “Meghalaya’s largest river island and one of Asia’s biggest.”
Wikipedia pushes back. It says the island is “often erroneously claimed to be the second largest river island in Asia,” adding that “there are numerous other river islands in Asia much bigger in size.” So treat the Majuli comparison as a widely repeated local shorthand, not a verified fact. What is not in dispute is the island’s size within Meghalaya and its character as a broad, braided river island.
The area figures are modest by Majuli’s standards. Wikipedia lists 21 km²; Meghalaya Tourism gives roughly 20–25 km². For context, this is a day’s worth of sandbank, meadow and riverbank to explore, not an inhabited island the size of Majuli in Assam.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Nongkhnum Island is October to April, the dry, clear-sky months when the Kynshi runs low and the sandbanks are wide and walkable. Meghalaya Tourism recommends October to March for clear skies and easier access, and lists winter as the busy season. Nongstoin’s climate is the subtropical highland type (Köppen Cwb), so even the warm months stay mild on the plateau.
Avoid the southwest monsoon, roughly June to September. Meghalaya is among the wettest places on earth, and in these months the river rises, the sandbanks shrink, and the crossing to the island can be cut off. Official pages describe road conditions near the island as rough at the best of times; rain makes the last stretch slow and uncertain.
| Period | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| October–November | Dry, clear, mild days | Best light, wide sandbanks, camping |
| December–February | Cold mornings, crisp sun | Peak season, birdlife, picnics |
| March–April | Warming, still mostly dry | Quiet shoulder season, green meadow |
| May | Pre-monsoon showers begin | Variable; river starting to rise |
| June–September | Heavy monsoon | Avoid; high river and cut-off risk |
How to reach Nongkhnum Island
You reach Nongkhnum Island by road via Nongstoin, then a short local drive and a walk across a foot-suspension bridge. There is no railway or airport nearby, so the journey is a road trip through the West Khasi Hills plateau. Our wider Meghalaya travel guide sets out the regional routes in more detail.
By air: The nearest airports are Umroi (Shillong Airport), about 119 km from Nongstoin, and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati, about 153 km from Nongstoin, per the West Khasi Hills district page. Guwahati has far more flights; most travellers land there and drive.
By rail: The nearest major railhead is Guwahati, about 184 km from Nongstoin per the district page. From the station, hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle towards Nongstoin.
By road: Shillong to Nongstoin is about 82 km on National Highway 106, per Wikipedia’s NH106 entry; taxi operators quote a little more and a drive of roughly 2.5 hours. From Nongstoin, continue the final 14 km by hired taxi or motorbike to the island; the last stretch is rough. If you are coming from the capital first, see our Shillong travel guide for getting there and onward transport.
| From | To | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nongstoin | Nongkhnum Island | ~14 km | Taxi/bike; rough final stretch |
| Shillong | Nongstoin | ~82 km (NH106) | ~2.5 hrs by taxi |
| Umroi (Shillong) airport | Nongstoin | ~119 km | Nearest airport |
| Guwahati airport | Nongstoin | ~153 km | Most flight options |
| Guwahati railway station | Nongstoin | ~184 km | Nearest major railhead |
Things to see and do
The main thing to do on Nongkhnum Island is slow down: walk the sandbanks, cross the suspension bridge, and picnic in the meadow where the Kynshi divides. Meghalaya Tourism and the district page describe sunbathing on the sand beach, boating, fishing and camping as the core activities, with the river split and the downstream gorge as the scenic set-pieces.
- The river split and sandbanks: The island’s signature sight is the point where the Kynshi parts into the Phanliang and Namliang channels, leaving broad sandbanks that are at their widest in the dry season.
- Foot-suspension bridge: A hanging footbridge over the river is the usual way onto the island and a photogenic spot in its own right.
- The meadow and pine: Grassy flats dotted with pine make natural picnic and camping ground; this is where most day-trippers settle.
- Boating and fishing: Calm pools along the river edge suit gentle boating and angling; arrange any boat locally in advance, as there is no formal operator.
- Birdlife: The quiet riverine setting is good for casual birdwatching, especially early morning.
| Spot / experience | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| River split and sandbanks | Where the Kynshi divides; wide seasonal beaches | 1–2 hrs |
| Suspension footbridge | Hanging bridge onto the island | 20–30 min |
| Meadow picnic/camp ground | Grassy, pine-dotted flats | Half to full day |
| Shadthum (Weina) Falls | Waterfall associated with the island | 1–2 hrs |
| Langshiang Falls (near Sangriang) | Tall Kynshi-river falls, ~24 km from Nongstoin | Half day with trek |
Langshiang and Shadthum falls nearby
Two waterfalls anchor the scenery around Nongkhnum: Shadthum (also called Weina) Falls, which Wikipedia lists among the island’s attractions, and the far taller Langshiang Falls on the Kynshi river. Both are fed by the same river system that forms the island, and both are at their most powerful just after the monsoon.
Langshiang Falls lies near the village of Sangriang, about 24 km from Nongstoin, where two streams of the Kynshi meet before the plunge. Its height is commonly quoted at about 337 m (1,106 ft), but Wikipedia flags this figure as needing confirmation, and different sources rank the falls very differently. Reaching the base involves a short drive to Sangriang and then a steep trek; go with a local guide, as the path is demanding.
Shadthum/Weina Falls is the gentler, closer stop, tied to the island itself. Treat waterfall viewpoints with caution: rocks near the lip are slick, and flows are strongest and most dangerous in and just after the monsoon, which is also when the island is hardest to reach.
A suggested two-day plan
Two days is enough to pair the island with its waterfalls without rushing the rough roads. This works well as a weekend loop from Shillong.
- Day 1: Drive from Shillong to Nongstoin (~82 km, NH106), settle into a Nongstoin stay, then continue the 14 km to Nongkhnum for an afternoon on the sandbanks, the footbridge and a meadow picnic. Return to Nongstoin before dark, or camp on the island with prior local permission.
- Day 2: Drive out towards Sangriang for Langshiang Falls (about 24 km from Nongstoin) in the morning light, allow time for the steep trek with a guide, then return via Shadthum/Weina Falls before heading back to Shillong.
If you only have a day, make it a long day trip from Shillong: leave early, spend late morning to mid-afternoon on the island, and drive back with daylight to spare.
Where to stay and camping
The practical base for Nongkhnum Island is Nongstoin, 14 km away, with camping on the island itself for those equipped and permitted. There are no hotels on the island, and official pages list no built accommodation there, so plan either a day trip or a self-sufficient overnight.
- Nongstoin town: Small guesthouses, lodges and a few homestays serve the district headquarters. These are basic, budget-to-mid-range places; book ahead in winter, the busiest season.
- Camping on the island: The meadow is the natural camping spot. Carry your own tent, water and food, tell someone your plan, and seek permission from local residents or the village authority before pitching, as the land is community-held.
- Shillong: For more choice across budgets, stay in Shillong and day-trip; our Shillong travel guide covers options there.
| Type | Where | Indicative per night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse / lodge | Nongstoin | ₹800–₹1,800 |
| Homestay | Nongstoin area | ₹1,200–₹2,500 |
| Mid-range hotel | Shillong (day-trip base) | ₹2,500–₹5,000 |
| Camping | Nongkhnum meadow | Own gear; local permission |
These bands are planning estimates, not quotes; reconfirm current rates directly with the property before you travel.
Budget breakdown
A simple two-day trip from Shillong costs most travellers in the low thousands of rupees per person, driven mainly by the hired vehicle on rough roads. The figures below are planning estimates for two people sharing, as of October 2026; reconfirm locally, as fuel and taxi rates change.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared taxi / car with driver (2 days) | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | Per person, sharing; the main cost |
| Stay (1 night, Nongstoin) | ₹500–₹1,200 | Per person, sharing a budget room |
| Food | ₹400–₹800 | Simple local meals, carry snacks |
| Local guide (Langshiang trek) | ₹300–₹700 | Per person, split in a small group |
| Fuel/sundries buffer | ₹300–₹600 | Cash for incidentals |
| Approx. total | ₹3,500–₹6,800 | Excludes travel to Shillong |
Assumptions: two people sharing one vehicle and one room, a budget stay in Nongstoin, and self-catering snacks. Solo travellers and those wanting private transport should budget more.
Permits, rules and responsible travel
No entry fee or special permit is listed on the official Meghalaya Tourism or West Khasi Hills district pages for Nongkhnum Island as of October 2026, and Indian tourists need no Inner Line Permit for Meghalaya. The responsibility, instead, is to tread lightly on an unmanaged, community-held landscape.
- Carry out all waste: There are no bins or cleaning crews. Pack out every wrapper, bottle and scrap; single-use plastic is a growing problem across Meghalaya’s rivers.
- Seek permission to camp: Land here is community-owned. Ask local residents or the village authority before pitching a tent or lighting a fire.
- Respect residents and farmland: Cattle graze the meadow and people use the river; keep noise down and do not treat the local community as part of the scenery.
- Visit in daylight: Official guidance is to visit during the day and arrange any overnight stay in advance; there is no lighting or help on the island after dark.
- Mind the water: Currents strengthen quickly after rain. Do not wade or swim where the channels are fast.
Practical tips
Treat Nongkhnum as a remote rural outing: carry cash, fuel up in Nongstoin, and do not rely on a mobile signal. The plateau is mild but exposed, so plan for sun by day and cool evenings.
- Cash and UPI: Draw cash and refuel in Nongstoin; ATMs and reliable UPI are scarce beyond the town, and the island has no shops.
- Network: Expect patchy to no mobile coverage on and around the island. Download maps offline and tell someone your plan.
- Medical: The nearest hospital and reliable pharmacies are in Nongstoin; carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines.
- Solo and women travellers: The area is quiet and generally calm, but it is remote with little infrastructure; prefer daytime visits, travel with a known driver, and avoid camping alone.
- What to pack: In the dry season, sun protection, layers for cool evenings, sturdy shoes for sand and rough ground, water and food. If you must visit near the monsoon, add a dry bag and rain gear, and be ready to turn back if the river is high.
Nearby places
Nongkhnum pairs naturally with Nongstoin, the Langshiang falls and the Mawthadraishan heights, with Shillong the obvious gateway city. The table below suggests how to extend the trip.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Nongstoin | ~14 km | District headquarters; stays, fuel, cash and the trip base |
| Langshiang Falls (near Sangriang) | ~24 km | Tall Kynshi-river falls with a steep trek |
| Mawthadraishan range | Between Nongstoin and Mairang | High ridge (~1,924 m) with panoramic plateau views; now in Eastern West Khasi Hills district |
| Shillong | ~82 km (NH106) | State capital and gateway; see our Shillong travel guide |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Nongkhnum Island located?
Nongkhnum Island is in West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya, about 14 km from Nongstoin, the district headquarters. According to Meghalaya Tourism, it is formed where the Kynshi river splits into the Phanliang and Namliang branches. The nearest airports are Umroi (Shillong) and Guwahati, and Shillong is about 82 km away on National Highway 106.
Is Nongkhnum the second-largest river island in Asia?
Nongkhnum is the largest river island in Meghalaya, per Meghalaya Tourism, but the “second-largest in Asia after Majuli” tag is a popular tourism claim, not an official ranking. Wikipedia says the island is “often erroneously claimed” to hold that rank, noting many Asian river islands are much bigger. Treat the Majuli comparison as local shorthand, not verified fact.
What is the best time to visit Nongkhnum Island?
The best time to visit Nongkhnum Island is October to April, the dry season when sandbanks are wide and roads are passable. Meghalaya Tourism recommends October to March for clear skies and easier access, with winter the busiest. Avoid the monsoon, roughly June to September, when the Kynshi runs high and the river crossing can be cut off.
How do I reach Nongkhnum Island from Shillong?
Reach Nongkhnum Island from Shillong by road: drive about 82 km to Nongstoin on National Highway 106, around 2.5 hours by taxi, then continue the final 14 km to the island by hired vehicle or motorbike. The last stretch is rough. There is no railway or airport at the island; the nearest airports are Umroi (Shillong) and Guwahati.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Nongkhnum Island?
No entry fee or special permit for Nongkhnum Island is listed on the official Meghalaya Tourism or West Khasi Hills district pages as of October 2026, and Indian tourists need no Inner Line Permit for Meghalaya. However, the land is community-held, so seek local permission before camping overnight, and carry out all your waste.
Can you camp on Nongkhnum Island?
Yes, you can camp on Nongkhnum Island’s meadow, and Meghalaya Tourism lists camping among its activities. There are no facilities, so bring your own tent, water and food, and seek permission from local residents or the village authority first. Official guidance is to visit by day and arrange any overnight stay in advance, as there is no lighting or help after dark.
Last updated and sources
Go to Nongkhnum if you want an unhurried river island with sandbanks, meadows and waterfalls rather than crowds and facilities. Best visited between October and April, it suits day-trippers from Shillong and self-sufficient campers alike.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Meghalaya Tourism — Nongkhnum River Island (explore); Meghalaya Tourism — Nongkhnum River Island; West Khasi Hills district administration — Nongkhnum River Island; Wikipedia — Nongkhnum River Island; Wikipedia — Langshiang Falls; Wikipedia — National Highway 106 (India); Wikipedia — Nongstoin; Eastern West Khasi Hills district administration — Mawthadraishan Range. Accessed October 2026.
