About the Blog: Phe Phe Falls in Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. Located near Jowai town, this waterfall has gained quite a popularity among travellers. Read this blog to know more about this waterfall, how to reach Phe Phe Falls, where to stay and our experience at this waterfall.

Whenever I visit any waterfall in Meghalaya, I think that that one is by far the most beautiful one I have seen. Then I visit another one and the same thought comes to my mind. It is quite evident that the waterfalls in Meghalaya are all quite gorgeous on their own and I seem to admire all of them. So, when I visited the Phe Phe Falls, I was totally awestruck by the sheer beauty of the place. I understood why this waterfall is often called one of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls in Meghalaya!

A visit to the Phe Phe Falls in Meghalaya was long due. We had wanted to explore this waterfall in Meghalaya on our last trip, way back in 2018. During that time, this waterfall was relatively unexplored. Ever since, it has seen quite a rise in popularity and has become one of the most popular waterfalls in Meghalaya. Incidentally, we were not able to visit the waterfall on our 2018 trip. So, we did not want to miss this waterfall on our latest Meghalaya trip. However, we were warned that in January the waterfall will not be in its full glory. There will be less water compared to that during and post monsoon season. But the heart wants what it wants. And this time our wandering heart wanted Phe Phe Falls.

Where is Phe Phe Falls located?

Phe Phe Falls is located in Shkentalang Village near Jarain in West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on the Jowai-Dawki Road. The distance from Shillong is about 80 km. From Jowai, the headquarters of the West Jaintia Hills, the waterfall is at a distance of 20 km. You will have to walk for a little distance and then trek to reach the waterfalls.

Trip to Phe Phe Falls

After reaching Guwahati, this time we did not travel to Shillong. We drove directly to Jowai because this time our plan was to explore the Jaintia Hills and the Grao Hills. We reached Jowai around noon and then decided to head over to the waterfall.

Phe Phe Falls lies on the Jowai-Dawki Road and is located near Jarain town, about 20 km from Jowai. We followed the directions on Google Maps and occasionally asked for directions from the locals as well. We had learnt the hard way that Google Maps are not always accurate in these areas.

Road to the Waterfall

We drove on the Jowai-Dawki Road and after crossing a church, we took a diversion towards the left. This is a different route towards the Phe Phe Falls. If we had driven straight, then we would come across the a campsite and from there we would have to cross a river and then trek towards the falls. This is the common route which I had read about. But, we took this different route. We crossed a resort which looked quite deserted. Finally, we reached a rocky path and a very narrow stream that we had to cross.

After crossing the stream, we saw several pitcher plants on the way. I had previously seen pitcher plants at Mawlyngbna, another offbeat place in Meghalaya. A few kids were playing in the area and one of them went and drank the liquid that was inside the plant!

Finally, we arrived at a place that looked like a huge meadow and parked our car there.

Reaching there

It was time to explore the place. The meadow was quite huge and we could see the river flowing at a distance. I think if we came the other way, we would have to cross that river to reach the waterfall. We walked ahead and then got our first glimpse of the waterfall.

There was a winding downhill path to the base of the waterfalls. Like in majority of the waterfalls in Meghalaya, you have to hike down first to see the waterfalls in their full glory. We started our hike downhill.

There were steps cut out with bamboo fences at the side. We hiked for about 15 minutes through  bamboo plantations and soon came in front of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya. We got several glimpses of the waterfall on our hike downhill as well.

The cliff in the concave shape looked imposing and from the top of the cliff, dropped the beautiful Phe Phe Falls into a turquoise blue pool. Indeed it was a wonderful sight. For a moment, I could only look at the waterfall in awe.

The most Jaw-ropping Waterfall in Meghalaya

Phe Phe, also spelled as Phea Phea Falls, is simply stunning. And I understood why it is called one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya.

The Phea Phea Falls is a two-tiered waterfall. From the base of the fall, we could only see one of the tiers. In the local Jaintia dialect, the word “Phe Phe” translates to “Paradise”. The towering waterfall falling into the clear blue pool, the rocks and the surroundings indeed made the place a paradise. Once you are there, you will definitely have the urge to jump into the pool!

While we did not jump into the cold waters, we stayed there for an hour, looked awestruck at the waterfall, took pictures and stored the beautiful memories of the waterfall in a corner of our minds. We started our hike back towards the meadow. By the time we reached the top, we could see the sun going down.

As I mentioned before, the waterfall is two-tiered. To visit the upper tier, you have to hike for some another 15-20 minutes. We could see the upper tier of the waterfall from a distance.

Now, we had a dilemma – first, there was the other part of the waterfall beckoning us to take a look. But the sun would have set by the time we reached there. And then there was the gorgeous sunset. It was the time to make a choice. On a split-second decision, we decided to stay back where we were and watch the beautiful sunset. Well, sometimes it is not possible to do everything and we have to make a better choice! We could not see a part of the waterfall, but the sunset made us very happy!

We watched the sunset and then returned back to our hotel in Jowai. It was the first day of our trip and Phe Phe Falls was just breathtaking. I was quite sure that this Meghalaya trip would be a wonderful one.

Phe Phe Falls Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

How to Reach Phe Phe Falls?

Phe Phe Falls is located about 80 km from Shillong and 20 km from Jowai town. You can hire a car either from Shillong or Jowai to visit Phe Phe Falls. Usually, a visit to the Phe Phe Falls is combine with Krang Suri Waterfalls.

If you are relying on public transport, then you have to first reach Jowai. You will get shared cabs from Anjali Taxi Stand in Shillong towards Jowai. Phe Phe falls lie on the Jowai-Dawki Road near Jarain, a small town on the way towards Dawki. From Jowai, look for shared cabs going towards Jarain and get down there. There is a campsite located near the main road at Jarain. The waterfall is a short walk and a downhill hike from the campsite.

How to reach the waterfall from Paradise Adventure Camp?

After a short walk from Paradise Adventure Camp, you will reach the top of the Phe Phe Falls. From here, you have to cross the stream on a bot. It is hardly a 10-15 seconds boat ride. There is a marked trail that you have to follow after that. The trail will take you downhill towards the waterfall.

There is another way to reach the Phea Phea Waterfall that does not involve river crossing. We had taken this route. This route will bring you to the other side of the river to a huge meadow. Here also, you have to hike downhill for about 15 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall. To visit the upper tiers, you have to hike again.

How long is the trek to Phe Phe Falls?

The trek to the waterfall is about 15 – 20 minutes. It takes almost the same time both ways.

Where to stay?

There is a campsite near the Phe Phe Falls at Jarain. The Paradise Adventure Camp is located near the petrol pump at Jarain.

We also saw another resort, Loomkyntoor Resort about 2 km from the Phe Phe Falls.

Phe Phe Falls can also be done as a day trip.

Is Guide required?

Now, the trails are quite well-marked. So, a guide is usually not required. However, you can always take the help of a local guide.

What can you do at Phe Phe Falls?

Apart from admiring the beauty of the waterfall, you can do a lot of activities near this waterfall. You can take a swim at the clear pools below the waterfall. But venture into the water only if you are proficient at swimming. You can also kayak in the river and enjoy camping.

What else can you see near the Waterfall?

There are a number of places that you can visit near the Phe Phe Falls. Near Jowai, you can visit Sua Ludong Waterfall near Jarain, Ialong, Nartiang, Tyrshi Falls and the Thadlaskein Lake. You can also visit Krang Suri Waterfall on the way towards Dawki.

Phe Phe Falls is undoubtedly one of the most jaw-dropping waterfalls in Meghalaya. The place is peaceful and the surroundings are quite beautiful. We had a nice time at the waterfall. It was worth the wait!

Know about our experience at the waterfalls in this video.

Video of Phe Phe Falls, Meghalaya

Have you visited the Phe Phe Falls? How was your experience there? Let us know in the comments below. If you have not visited the falls, when are you planning to go there?

If you liked this blog, please share this with your family, friends and neighbours.

Pin it for a later Read!