Guwahati to Shillong Road Trip Guide | Route, Stops & Itinerary
Distance
approx 100 km
Travel Time
2.5 to 3.5 hours
Route
NH6
The Guwahati to Shillong road trip is one of Northeast India's most popular short drives, and it is easy to see why. In just approx 100 km, you go from the flat riverine plains of Assam to the cool, pine-scented highlands of Meghalaya. The journey is smooth, the views are gorgeous, and there are enough interesting stops along the way to make the drive itself part of the adventure.
Itinerary Ideas
Day Trip
Depart Guwahati at 7 AM → Stop at Umiam Lake for photos (30 mins) → Arrive Shillong by 10:30 AM → Explore Ward's Lake, Elephant Falls, and Police Bazar → Drive back to Guwahati by 6 PM.
2-Day Weekend Trip
Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong, explore city sights. Day 2: Drive to Cherrapunji (55 km further), visit Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and Living Root Bridge viewpoints. Return to Guwahati.
3-Day Extended Trip
Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong. Day 2: Shillong to Cherrapunji full day. Day 3: Shillong to Dawki (Umngot River) and Mawlynnong Village (Asia's Cleanest Village), then return.
Highlights Along the Way
Umiam Lake (Barapani)
📍 approx 75 km from Guwahati
A stunning blue reservoir lake. Great photo stop. Boating available.
Ward's Lake, Shillong
Beautiful colonial-era lake garden in the heart of the city.
Elephant Falls
Three-tiered waterfall just 10 km from Shillong city center.
Police Bazar
Shillong's main shopping area. Great for local handicrafts and street food.
Shillong Peak
Highest point in the city at 1962 m with panoramic views.
Travel Tips
- 1
The best time for this road trip is October to June. Monsoon (July–September) can make driving tricky with occasional landslides.
- 2
Fill up your fuel tank in Guwahati — petrol stations are less frequent on the NH6 highway stretch.
- 3
If you are driving yourself, note that roads become steeper and windier after Nongpoh, so reduce speed accordingly.
- 4
Carry some Assamese or Meghalayan snacks from Guwahati for the road — local laru, tel pitha, or just some good biscuits go a long way.
Plan This Trip with Rupali Travel
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