Guwahati to Cherrapunji Road Trip | Route, Waterfalls & Complete Travel Guide
Distance
approx 148 km via Shillong
Travel Time
4 to 5 hours
Route
Guwahati → NH6 → Shillong → Mawkdok → Cherrapunji
The road trip from Guwahati to Cherrapunji is a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Northeast India. You start in the flat, sprawling city of Guwahati, climb into the highlands of Meghalaya via Shillong, and then descend into the misty, waterfall-draped plateau of Cherrapunji. The approx 148 km road trip takes around 4 to 5 hours including a stop in Shillong, and it packs enough natural beauty to make your camera memory card beg for mercy.
Itinerary Ideas
2-Day Trip (Recommended)
Day 1: Guwahati → Shillong (100 km) → afternoon explore Shillong (Elephant Falls, Ward's Lake, Police Bazar) → overnight in Shillong. Day 2: Shillong → Mawkdok Valley viewpoint → Cherrapunji (55 km) → full day: Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Eco Park, optional Root Bridge hike → return to Shillong/Guwahati.
1-Day Rush Trip
Depart Guwahati by 6 AM → skip Shillong sightseeing → reach Cherrapunji by 10:30 AM → 4–5 hours sightseeing → return by 7 PM. Only recommended if you have already seen Shillong.
Highlights Along the Way
Mawkdok Dympep Valley viewpoint (approx 25 km from Shillong)
Nohkalikai Falls — India's highest plunge waterfall at approx 340 m
Mawsmai Cave — accessible limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites
Double Decker Living Root Bridge (3–4 hr trek from Nongriat village)
Seven Sisters Falls (also called Nohsngithiang) — stunning during and after monsoon
Views of the Bangladesh plains from Eco Park viewpoint
Travel Tips
- 1
Cherrapunji is wet even outside monsoon. Carry a raincoat and waterproof footwear always.
- 2
The Nohkalikai Falls is most dramatic between July and November. During March–May it can be thin.
- 3
Mawsmai Cave is short (approx 150 m walkthrough) but very popular — visit right when it opens at 9 AM to avoid crowds.
- 4
The Double Decker Root Bridge trek is strenuous but absolutely worth it. Start early and carry water and energy bars.
Plan This Trip with Rupali Travel
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