Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a land where rare species and unique landscapes coexist? A land where you can trek through the rainforests, witness spectacular waterfalls, encounter endangered apes, and experience the culture and lifestyle of the local tribes? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, a hidden gem in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, India.
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is one of the 18 biosphere reserves in India, and the only one in Meghalaya. It covers an area of 820 sq km, and encompasses the Nokrek National Park, which is the core area of the reserve. The reserve is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world, such as the hoolock gibbon, the red panda, the Asian elephant, and the citrus indica, which is the oldest citrus fruit species.
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is also a paradise for adventure seekers, as it offers multiple trails, routes, and points of interest to explore. You can trek to the Nokrek Peak, which is the highest point in the Garo Hills, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. You can also descend to the base of the three stunning waterfalls that are the hidden gems of the East Garo Hills: Kilsik Dare, Dareng Dare, and Rongbang Dare.
These waterfalls are accessible by steep and slippery trails, and require local guides to navigate. You can also visit the Chandigre Village, which is a place of interest on the fringes of the reserve, and stay at the Chandigre Resort, which offers traditional huts, tea gardens, coffee plantations, and local cuisine. You can also learn about the Garo culture, history, and traditions, such as the festivals, the dances, the music, and the crafts.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed guide on how to plan, prepare, and enjoy your trip to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to make your trip to the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve a memorable and enjoyable one. Whether you are a family, a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, you will find something that suits your interests and preferences. So, let’s get started!
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve: A Hotspot of Biodiversity
Before we dive into the details of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, let’s first understand what a biosphere reserve is and how it differs from a national park or a wildlife sanctuary.
A biosphere reserve is a special category of protected area that aims to conserve the biodiversity and the cultural diversity of a region, while also promoting sustainable development and human well-being. A biosphere reserve consists of three zones: the core, the buffer, and the transition. The core zone is the most protected area, where no human activity is allowed, except for research and monitoring. The buffer zone surrounds the core zone, and allows limited human activity, such as tourism, education, and research. The transition zone is the outermost zone, where human activity is allowed, such as agriculture, forestry, and settlement.
A national park or a wildlife sanctuary, on the other hand, is a protected area that focuses mainly on the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. A national park or a wildlife sanctuary does not have the three zones of a biosphere reserve, and has stricter regulations and restrictions on human activity.
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve was declared as a biosphere reserve in 2009, by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. It is also a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, since 2018. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 820 sq km, and encompasses the Nokrek National Park, which is the core area of the reserve. The Nokrek National Park covers an area of 47.48 sq km, and was established in 1986.
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is about 45 km from Tura, the headquarters of the district, and about 320 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is situated in the Garo Hills, which are part of the Eastern Himalayas. The Garo Hills are one of the most biodiverse regions in India, and have a unique geological and climatic history. The Garo Hills are composed of ancient rocks, dating back to the Precambrian era, and have a tropical and subtropical climate, with high rainfall and humidity.
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world. The reserve has a variety of ecosystems, such as tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical coniferous forests, and grasslands.
The reserve has more than 300 species of plants, including orchids, ferns, medicinal plants, and the citrus indica, which is the oldest citrus fruit species, and the ancestor of all citrus fruits. The reserve also has more than 200 species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Some of the notable animals found in the reserve are the hoolock gibbon, the most endangered apes in India, the red panda, the Asian elephant, the tiger, the leopard, the clouded leopard, the golden cat, the marbled cat, the barking deer, the wild boar, the macaque, the hornbill, the peacock pheasant, the python, the cobra, and the butterfly.
The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is also a place of great significance for the conservation of biodiversity and the livelihood of the local communities. The reserve is a part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, which is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world, and one of the most threatened by human activities. The reserve is also a part of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), which is a network of sites that are critical for the conservation of birds and their habitats. The reserve is also a part of the Elephant Corridor, which is a network of habitats that are essential for the survival and movement of elephants. The reserve is also a source of water, food, fuel, and income for the local communities, especially the Garo tribe, who are the indigenous people of the region. The Garo tribe has a close relationship with the nature, and has a rich culture, history, and tradition.
Nokrek National Park: A Treasure Trove for Nature Lovers and Hardcore Adventurers
Now that we have learned about the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, let’s focus on the Nokrek National Park, which is the core area of the reserve, and the main attraction for the visitors. The Nokrek National Park is a treasure trove for nature lovers and hardcore adventurers, as it offers multiple trails, routes, and points of interest to explore.
The Nokrek National Park is named after the Nokrek Peak, which is the highest point in the Garo Hills, at an elevation of 1412 m above sea level. The Nokrek Peak is also the highest point in the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. The Nokrek Peak is one of the most popular destinations in the Nokrek National Park, and can be reached by a 16-km trek from Tura, or a 10-km trek from Daribokgre, a village near the park. The trek to the Nokrek Peak is challenging, but rewarding, as it passes through the countryside, the forest, and the grasslands, and offers scenic views of the landscape and the wildlife. The trek to the Nokrek Peak also requires a local guide, a permit from the forest department, and a camping gear, as there are no accommodation facilities near the peak.
Another attraction in the Nokrek National Park is the waterfalls, which are the hidden gems of the East Garo Hills. There are three spectacular waterfalls that can be seen on the trek: Kilsik Dare, Dareng Dare, and Rongbang Dare. These waterfalls are not very well-known, and are often overlooked by the tourists, but they are worth a visit for their beauty and charm.
Kilsik Dare is the most beautiful waterfall in India, according to some travellers who have seen it. It is also the most difficult to reach, as it requires a 12-km trek from Daribokgre, or a 6-km trek from Rongrenggre, another village near the park. The trek to Kilsik Dare is steep and slippery, and passes through dense forests, bamboo groves, and rocky terrains. The waterfall is about 100 m high, and cascades down in multiple streams, creating a misty and magical atmosphere. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and has a pool at the bottom, where you can take a dip and relax.
Dareng Dare is a three-tiered waterfall, which is about 8 km from Daribokgre, or 4 km from Rongrenggre. The trek to Dareng Dare is also steep and slippery, and requires a local guide to navigate. The waterfall is about 80 m high, and has three levels of cascades, each with a different shape and size. The waterfall is also surrounded by greenery, and has a pool at the bottom, where you can swim and enjoy.
Rongbang Dare is a wide and powerful waterfall, which is about 6 km from Daribokgre, or 2 km from Rongrenggre. The trek to Rongbang Dare is relatively easy, and does not require a guide. The waterfall is about 60 m high, and has a single stream of water, which falls with a great force and creates a loud roar. The waterfall is also surrounded by greenery, and has a pool at the bottom, where you can splash and have fun.
The waterfalls are best visited during the monsoon season, when they are at their full glory and volume. However, the trekking during this season is also more challenging and risky, due to the slippery and muddy conditions. Therefore, you should be careful and prepared, and follow the instructions of the guides and the locals. You should also carry enough water, food, and clothing, as there are no shops or facilities near the waterfalls. You should also respect the nature and the culture of the region, and avoid littering, damaging, or disturbing the environment and the people.
Chandigre Village: A Glimpse of the Garo Culture and Lifestyle
If you want to take a break from the trekking and the waterfalls, and experience the culture and lifestyle of the local tribes, you should visit the Chandigre Village, which is a place of interest on the fringes of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. Chandigre Village is about 10 km from Tura, and can be reached by a car or a bike.
Chandigre Village is a small and peaceful village, where you can stay at the Chandigre Resort, which is a small resort that offers traditional huts, surrounded by tea gardens and coffee plantations. The resort is run by a local family, who are very hospitable and friendly, and will make you feel at home. The resort also provides delicious and authentic Garo food, such as dokhla, a rice cake, nakham bichu, a fish soup, and sakkin gata, a chicken curry. The resort also has a bonfire and a cultural program, where you can enjoy the Garo dances, music, and stories.
Chandigre Village is also a good base to explore the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, as it is close to the Rongbang Dare waterfall, and the Nokrek National Park. You can also visit the nearby villages, such as Daribokgre, Rongrenggre, and Rombagre, and interact with the locals, and learn about their history, culture, and traditions. You can also visit the local markets, where you can buy some souvenirs, such as bamboo baskets, cane mats, wooden carvings, and Garo jewellery.
Chandigre Village is a place where you can experience the Garo culture and lifestyle, which is one of the oldest and most unique in India. The Garo tribe is one of the few matrilineal tribes in India, where the lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother, and the women have a prominent role in the society. The Garo tribe also has a rich and diverse culture, which is reflected in their festivals, dances, music, and crafts.
Some of the major festivals of the Garo tribe are Wangala, the harvest festival, Den Bilsia, the new year festival, and Rongchu Gala, the spring festival. Some of the famous dances of the Garo tribe are Chambil Mesara, the bamboo dance, Do’Kru Sua, the war dance, and Ajea, the dance of joy. Some of the popular music instruments of the Garo tribe are Chigring, a bamboo flute, Adil, a drum, and Nangorere, a string instrument. Some of the exquisite crafts of the Garo tribe are Dakmanda, a hand-woven cloth, Gitchi, a cane basket, and Nokpante, a wooden mask.
Chandigre Village is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the nature and the culture of the region. It is a place where you can enjoy the simple and serene life of the Garo tribe, and appreciate their hospitality and warmth.
It is a place where you can create some unforgettable memories and stories to share with your friends and family.