Ultimate Safety Guide for
Camping in Meghalaya

Camping by the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River is a bucket-list experience for adventure seekers. In our 5+ years operating Frankenstein Adventure Camp in Darrang, we've safely hosted over 1,000 campers while prioritizing safety at every step. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy your adventure worry-free.

Is the Umngot River Safe for Swimming?

Why it's safe: The Umngot River near Shnongpdeng and Darrang has calm, shallow sections ideal for swimming. The water visibility often exceeds 15 meters, allowing you to see the riverbed clearly. However, currents can be deceptive even in calm-looking waters.

How we ensure safety: At Frankenstein Adventure Camp, we enforce a strict Life Jacket Mandatory policy for ALL water activities—no exceptions, regardless of swimming capability. Our trained local guides accompany every group and know the riverbed topography intimately.

• Always wear a life jacket, even if you're an expert swimmer
• Never swim alone or after dark
• Avoid swimming during monsoon (June-September) when currents are stronger
• Listen to local guides—they know hidden underwater rocks and current patterns
• Stay within designated swimming zones marked by our team

All water activities at Frankenstein Adventure Camp require life jackets

What to Do in a Water Emergency

While emergencies are rare at our campsite, being prepared is essential. Here's our step-by-step emergency protocol:

Emergency Contacts

• Frankenstein Camp Emergency: +91-800-555-1234
• Dawki Police Station: +91-364-250-2233
• Dawki Primary Health Centre: +91-364-250-2100
• National Emergency Number: 112

Medical Facilities & First Aid

What we provide: Our campsite is equipped with standard First Aid kits containing bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and basic medications for allergies and stomach issues.

Medical facilities nearby:

• Dawki Primary Health Centre - 15-20 minutes (basic care, minor injuries)
• Jowai Civil Hospital - 1.5 hours (intermediate care)
• Shillong Civil Hospital - 2.5 hours (comprehensive care, specialists)

We maintain direct contact with local boatmen unions and emergency responders for rapid evacuation if needed. Our guides are trained in basic wilderness first aid and CPR.

Weather Considerations for Safe Camping

Meghalaya's weather significantly impacts camping safety. Understanding seasonal patterns helps you prepare better:

Flash Flood Awareness

During monsoon months, the Umngot River can rise rapidly after upstream rainfall. Warning signs include:

• Sudden change in water color (clear to muddy)
• Debris floating downstream
• Unusual sounds from upstream
• Rapidly rising water levels

Our protocol: If any warning signs appear, we immediately evacuate guests to higher ground and suspend all water activities.

Common Camping Injuries & Prevention

In our experience, most camping injuries are minor and preventable. Here's what to watch for:

Essential Gear: What to Pack?

Starting from just ₹600 per night, Darrang camping cost at Frankenstein Adventure Camp includes all basic equipment. Here's what you should bring:

Meghalaya Camping Permit Requirements

For Indian Citizens: No camping permit required. Simply book with us and arrive!

For Foreign Nationals: You need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Meghalaya. Apply online atmeghalayaonlineservices.gov.inor obtain one at Guwahati Airport, Shillong checkpoints, or the Foreigners' Registration Office.

Wildlife and Environment

Darrang is a biodiversity hotspot with diverse birdlife, butterflies, and small riverside creatures. Large predators are not common in the camping zone, but standard precautions apply:

• Keep food secured - Don't leave food inside your tent; use designated storage areas
• Respect wildlife - Observe from a distance; don't feed animals
• Watch for snakes - Rare but present; stick to cleared paths, especially at night
• Leave No Trace - Pack out all trash; we're committed to eco-friendly camping