Meghalaya is like a magical land of caves, and you don’t want to leave without exploring one of its most incredible ones — Krem Chympe! If you're planning your adventure, make sure Krem Chympe is part of your Meghalaya tour packages for a truly unforgettable experience.
This underground wonderland stretches about 19 kilometers and is packed with surprises at every turn. Inside, you’ll stumble upon over 50 natural limestone dams, some towering as high as 10 meters, along with crystal-clear pools and lakes that stretch up to 3.5 kilometers long and 10 meters deep!
Plus, if you look closely (and bravely!), you might even spot the world’s largest blind cave fish swimming in the dark waters. Now seriously, do you need any more reasons to visit this hidden gem? Krem Chympe River Cave is calling you and it's absolutely beautiful!
Best Time to Visit Krem Chympe
The best time to visit Krem Chympe is between November and March, when the weather in Meghalaya is cool, dry, and perfect for caving adventures. During these months, the water levels inside the cave are manageable, making it safer and easier to explore the stunning limestone formations, pools, and dams.
Avoid the monsoon season in Meghalaya (June to September), as heavy rainfall can flood the caves and make it risky to enter. So, if you want to experience this underground wonderland at its best, plan your trip during the pleasant winter months!
How to Reach Krem Chympe Cave
Location of Krem Chympe: East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India (approximately 120 km from Shillong)
Getting to Krem Chympe Cave is part travel, part adventure — and totally worth it! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you plan:
Step 1: Get to Shillong
First, you’ll need to reach Shillong, the charming capital of Meghalaya.
- By Air: Fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (Assam), which is about 120 km away.
- By Train: The nearest big railway station is Guwahati Railway Station.
- By Road: From Guwahati, you can hop into a taxi or a shared cab (Sumo/Bolero) and drive up to Shillong — it takes around 3–4 hours, with some beautiful scenery along the way. The road trip from Guwahati to Shillong is a bonus experience you wouldn't want to miss!
Step 2: Then, Shillong to Lumshnong
- Take a shared taxi/bus from Shillong (Ideal Point, Police Bazaar) to Jowai.
- From Jowai, continue towards Lumshnong (East Jaintia Hills).
- Alternatively, hire a private taxi directly from Shillong to Lumshnong.
Step 3: Lumshnong to Brishyrnot Village
- Just after the Lumshnong Toll Plaza, take the left diversion towards Brishyrnot village.
- The road is rough and steep—a 4x4 vehicle or SUV with good ground clearance is recommended.
Step 4: Brishyrnot to Khaddum Falls (Trek ~14 km)
- From Brishyrnot, start your trek towards Khaddum Falls.
- You’ll trek around 14 km, crossing the beautiful Khaddum Hanging Foot Bridge along the way.
- It's a scenic but moderately challenging hike, so make sure you're prepared with good shoes, water, and some snacks!
5. Khaddum Falls to Krem Chympe (Trek ~5 km)
- From Khaddum Falls, continue trekking for another 5 km through dense forest to reach Krem Chympe Cave.
- The trail is adventurous, passing through wild nature — it’s a real offbeat experience!
(Hot tip: Carry good trekking shoes, water, and a guide if you’re not familiar with the trail!)
Entry Fees of Krem Chympe
Krem Chympe doesn’t have a fixed entry fee.
Instead, you'll need to arrange transportation and a guide to access the cave.
A guide usually charges around ₹1000 per person to take you inside the cave. However, you don’t necessarily have to pay for a guide. You can swim to the entrance on your own and still enjoy the stunning view of the cave mouth and the light streaming in.
The only thing you really need to buy is a life jacket, which costs about ₹100. It's important for safety, especially if you’re swimming to the cave.
If you plan to explore a little deeper inside, make sure to carry a good torch because it gets very dark beyond the entrance.
For those who prefer a more comfortable and guided trip, a round trip with a guide and a 4x4 vehicle can cost around ₹1500. It's a good option if you want an easier and safer adventure.
Things to Do in Krem Chympe Cave
While exploring the cave is thrilling, make sure to check out other things to do in Krem Chympe cave for a complete adventure. Some of them are:
- Explore the Underground World
Step into Krem Chympe, India’s fifth-longest cave, and get ready to be amazed. You’ll walk through huge tunnels, big chambers, and see some really cool rock shapes that nature has created over thousands of years.
- Canoe Through Underwater Passages
One of the best parts? You can actually canoe inside the cave! Paddling through calm, clear waters underground is an experience you won’t forget.
- See the Golden Orchid Chamber
Make sure you check out the "Golden Orchid Chamber." It’s a part of the cave where the rocks shine in golden colors.
- Adventure Journey to the Cave
Getting to Krem Chympe is an adventure on its own. You’ll go off-roading in a 4x4 vehicle, trek to Krem Chympe through thick jungles, climb over slippery rocks, swim in natural pools, and wade through fresh streams — it's thrilling from start to finish!
While exploring, take a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet of the jungle, listen to the sounds of birds, and soak in the beautiful natural surroundings. It’s one of the must-visit hidden gems of Meghalaya.
Tips to Consider While Visiting Krem Chympe
- Safety First – Do Not Enter Without Experts
- Hire a local guide (mandatory): Only experienced cavers with proper gear should attempt Krem Chympe.
- Never enter alone: The cave has a 100+ meter deep vertical shaft (pit), requiring proper rappelling skills.
- Check weather conditions: Avoid visiting during or right after heavy rain due to the risk of flooding.
2. Physical & Mental Preparation
- Fitness level required: The trek to the cave is steep, and rappelling can be strenuous.
- Claustrophobia warning: Some parts of the cave are narrow, dark, and tight.
- Acclimatize to humidity: The cave is damp and slippery — be mentally prepared for tough conditions.
3. Gear Checklist
- Helmet (with headlamp + extra batteries)
- Harness, ropes, and rappelling gear
- Sturdy, waterproof shoes
- Gloves for better grip
- Waterproof backpack (for essentials)
- Energy bars, water, and a basic first-aid kit
Krem Chympe, located in the East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, is one of India’s longest and most fascinating river caves. The Trek to Krem Chympe takes you through lush forests, rough trails, and scenic waterfalls like Khaddum Falls, making the journey as exciting as the destination. Inside the cave, you’ll find a massive vertical shaft, underground streams, and crystal-clear pools.
There are many exciting things to do in Krem Chympe Cave, including swimming in the natural pools, exploring stalactite formations, and rappelling into the deep vertical pit (with expert guidance). It’s a challenging adventure that demands good fitness, proper planning, and the right gear, but the rewards are totally worth it for those seeking Meghalaya’s raw beauty and thrill.
