Nokrek National Park - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya

Cherrapunji, MeghalayaWILDLIFE

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya's Garo Hills, home to the Red Panda and the ancestral wild orange.

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Info

WILDLIFE

Info

Half day (3-4 hours)

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Nokrek National Park, the core area of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, is a significant biodiversity hotspot located in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The park covers a rugged terrain of hills and valleys, with Nokrek Peak being the highest point in the Garo Hills. The landscape is dominated by lush, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, crisscrossed by streams and rivers, including the Simsang River which originates here. Visitors can expect an immersive experience in a dense, wild environment. The main activities are trekking and wildlife observation. The trails can be challenging, taking you through thick vegetation where you might hear the calls of Hoolock Gibbons. The park is especially known for being a natural habitat for a progenitor species of citrus, the Memang Narang (Citrus indica), which grows wild here. While animal sightings are a matter of luck, the park is home to Red Pandas, Asian Elephants, Marbled Cats, and a variety of birdlife, making it a key destination for serious nature enthusiasts and researchers.

Why This Place is Special

• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status
• Habitat of the rare Red Panda and Hoolock Gibbon
• Natural home of the ancestral wild orange (Citrus indica)
• Nokrek Peak, the highest point in the Garo Hills
• Pristine evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
• Rich birdlife including hornbills and pheasants
• Origin of the Simsang River

Ideal For

Nature loversAdventure seekersPhotographersSolo travelersGroupsResearchers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Guide services
• Information center
• Restrooms

Visitor Tips

• Visit between October and May for pleasant weather and dry trekking trails.
• Hiring a local guide from the Forest Department office in Tura is mandatory and essential for navigation.
• Wear sturdy trekking shoes with good grip as paths can be steep and slippery.
• Carry insect and leech repellent, especially during the post-monsoon months.
• Obtain all necessary permits from the Divisional Forest Officer in Tura before your visit.
• Pack sufficient water and light snacks, as there are no food stalls inside the park.
• Start your trek early in the morning for the best chance of spotting birds and wildlife.
• Be prepared for a physically demanding experience
• the terrain is rugged.

Rules & Restrictions

• Do not litter
• carry all your trash back with you.
• Loud music and creating noise are strictly prohibited.
• Feeding or disturbing wildlife is a punishable offense.
• You must stay on the designated trails and always be accompanied by a guide.
• Smoking and lighting fires are forbidden within the park premises.
• Entry without a valid permit is not allowed.
• Camping inside the core area is restricted without special permission.

Safety Information

• Always trek with a certified guide
• do not venture into the forest alone.
• Inform someone in Tura about your trekking schedule and expected return time.
• Trails can be slippery and steep
• watch your step and use a walking stick for support.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit with antiseptic, bandages, and medication for common ailments.
• Do not approach or provoke any wild animals you might encounter. Maintain a safe distance.
• Mobile network connectivity is poor to non-existent inside the park. Be prepared to be offline.
• Ensure you are physically fit for strenuous trekking before embarking on longer trails.

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Location & Address

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, West Garo Hills District, Garo Hills, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Nokrek National Park is from October to May. During these months, the weather is dry and pleasant, making trekking more manageable and enjoyable. The post-monsoon period from October to December offers lush green landscapes. The summer months from March to May can be warm but are still suitable for visits. It is highly recommended to avoid the monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rainfall makes the trails extremely slippery, dangerous, and infested with leeches.
Peak Crowd: December-January and major holidays, when tourist inflow to Meghalaya is highest.
Moderate Crowd: October-November and February-March, offering a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
Low Crowd: April-September, due to summer heat followed by heavy monsoons which make access difficult.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, which is approximately 210 km from Tura (about 5-6 hours by road).

Train

Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the nearest major railhead, well-connected to all parts of India. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Tura.

Road

Tura is well-connected by road to Guwahati and Shillong. Shared sumos and government/private buses run regularly. From Tura, you need to hire a private vehicle to get to the national park entrance, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.

Local Transport

Within Tura, auto-rickshaws and local taxis are available. To reach Nokrek National Park, hiring a private vehicle, preferably a 4WD/SUV, is the only practical option. These can be arranged through local travel operators or hotels in Tura.