Wahrew Bridge Sohbar - A Hidden Gem in Meghalaya

Meghalaya, often called the “abode of clouds,” is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Among its many jewels are the enchanting rivers that crisscross the picturesque terrain, adding to the region’s allure. These rivers, flowing through lush green valleys and dense forests, not only contribute to the ecological balance but also hold cultural and spiritual significance for the local communities. Wahrew River is one such natural wonder that flows through the quaint village of Sohbar.

Chilling at Wahrew Arch Bridge in Sohbar

Built on the Wahrew River is an architectural marvel of modern times, the Wahrew Bridge in Sohbar. Wahrew Bridge is India’s longest steel arch bridge, inaugurated on January 22, 2023, by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. The bridge is 169 meters long and connects Bholaganj and Sohbar to Nongjri in East Khasi Hills, running over the Wahrew River.

The bridge was constructed for Rs 49.395 crore under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (M-DoNER). The bridge is expected to boost tourism and trade in Meghalaya. Standing tall against a background of emerald green forests and picturesque valleys, this can be viewed from afar.

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How to Reach

Sohbar is situated at a distance of 22km from Sohra or Cherrapunji and it takes about an hour to reach here. The roads are largely well-built except the last stretch where the roads are narrow and have some potholes. However, the approach is not as tedious or painful as reaching Dawki. Hence, it is an ideal location to visit with young children, the elderly, and senior citizen travelers.

To reach the Wahrew River and the Wahrew Bridge built on it, we need to travel down the hill for the last 5km of the 22 km distance. Once we start descending, we can spot the red arch bridge from afar. Also visible are the plains of Bangladesh, so this route is no less than a viewpoint in itself.

The Wahrew Arch bridge is built on the river, however, to reach the river banks and enjoy boating, you will need to climb down the stairs from the parking area. There are about 300 steps to climb down, and the steps are narrow.

Things to Do at Wahrew Bridge Sohbar

Wahrew River flows through the East Khasi Hills district. It is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, as well as being the site of India’s longest steel arch bridge, the Wahrew Bridge. The river also marks the Cretaceous-Palaeogene (K-Pg) boundary transition, which indicates a catastrophic event when a giant meteorite hit the earth. The river is a popular destination for trekking, camping, and boating by the locals and largely remains an unexplored and hidden gem for tourists from other states.

Boating

Known for its crystal-clear waters, the Wahrew River is a mighty competition to the Umngot River in Dawki. The riverbed, visible through the transparent water, creates a mesmerizing play of colors that range from emerald green to azure blue. Boating on the Wahrew River is a surreal experience, as the boat seems to float on air, giving visitors a unique perspective of the underwater world.

Trekking

There are waterfalls on the Wahrew River. One of the most scenic ways to see them is by doing the Mawrynkhang trek, also known as the bamboo trek. This trek starts from the Wahkhen village and takes you along the face of a gorge, crossing several rickety bamboo bridges over the river. As you climb higher, you will encounter hidden waterfalls at every corner. The trek ends at the Mawrynkhang Rock, which offers a stunning river valley view. The trek is about 3-5 hours long and requires a local guide. It is one of the most exhilarating and adventurous treks in Meghalaya. Check out more details here.

Fishing

You can also try your hand at fishing here. The locals rent out fishing lines which you can use to catch the lovely fishes visible from the surface.

Enjoy the Scenery

The views from the Wahrew Arch Bridge are simply mesmerizing. The Wahrew River in Sohbar forms a part of the India Bangladesh Border, so towards the south, you can view the vast plains of Bangladesh.

Towards the north, you can see the Wahrew River gushing out of beautiful rocky valleys.

Pro Tip

Wahrew in Sohbar is one of the less popular and hidden gems in Meghalaya. This place is mostly known to locals and hence you will find this a less crowded tourist spot. The river is spotlessly clean and there are fewer people to go boating as well. Hence, there is practically no waiting time to enjoy this activity.

Also, it is more accessible than Dawki. Hence, this location can be a wonderful replacement to visiting Dawki if you are short on time and/or energy.

Entry Fee at Wahrew Bridge Sohbar

The car parking near the arch bridge is free and so is visiting the bridge. You can click photos and walk across the length of the Wahrew Arch bridge without spending a penny.

The entry fee to the Wahrew River boat landing is Rs. 30 per person The cost of boating on the Wahrew River is Rs. 150 per person for 20 mins.

If you are looking for more places to visit in the northeast you can check my posts:

Umngot River

Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek

If you are looking for other options in Kashmir, check out my posts on Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Snowfall in Kashmir, and Best time to Visit Kashmir. If you are looking for options in Ladakh, check out Ladakh Weather, Nubra Valley, 5 Days Kashmir Itinerary, Best Packing tips for Ladakh & best tourist places in Ladakh.

If you are looking for places to visit in the Andaman Islands, please check my post on Radhanagar Beach & Ross Island.

If you are looking for other seaside options, check my posts on Murud Janjira, Kashid, Malshej Ghat and Kihim Beach in Maharashtra. Alternatively, if you are interested in some Religious tourism, please check my posts on Golden Temple, Kamakhya, Trimbakeshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath. If you are looking for North East Adventure tours, check my posts on Shillong, Meghalaya, Dawki, Double Decker Living Root Trek, and 7 Day North East Itinerary.