Quick take: Yes, you can ride to Cherrapunji (Sohra) in the monsoon on a scooty or bike, and it's when the waterfalls are at their best. Ride only in daylight, go slowly on the wet bends, carry a proper rain suit, and plan for clouds to hide the views for part of the day. We were there on 1 August and 2 September 2026, and these are our photos and notes. Rentals start at ₹799/day in Guwahati, helmet included.
Is it worth going in the monsoon?
If you're coming for the waterfalls, yes. Sohra is one of the wettest places on Earth, and from June to September every cliff on the plateau has water pouring off it. Nohkalikai, Kynrem and Wah Kaba are at full power, and dozens of seasonal falls appear that you won't see in winter.
The trade-off is the view. On 1 August, just before noon, we stood at a viewpoint south of Sohra and saw nothing but cloud below us. About ten minutes later it lifted, and the cliffs and their waterfalls were there across the valley. That's the monsoon in Sohra: the views come and go, so give yourself time to wait for them.
Is it safe to ride a scooty or bike to Sohra in the rain?
It's safe if you ride for the conditions. What to watch for:
- Wet bends. The Shillong–Sohra road winds along a ridge. Brake before the bend, not in it, and keep to your side.
- Fog. It often settles on the plateau from late afternoon. Plan to be at your stay before dusk. Don't ride the hill roads at night.
- Loose stones and mud after heavy rain, where small slips come down onto the road. Slow down wherever the road surface changes.
- Wet rock at the falls. Honestly the bigger risk. The paths at Wah Kaba, Kynrem and Dainthlen are slippery. Wear shoes with grip.
If it's pouring hard, wait it out at a tea stall. Monsoon rain in Sohra often comes in bursts.
What it looked like in August and September
Nohkalikai in the clouds (1 August)
At Nohkalikai, around 2 PM, clouds were pouring over the cliff above the fall, and the view changed every few minutes. Give it time: the gorge rarely stays hidden for long.
The plateau, green from end to end
In the monsoon the open grassland around Sohra turns completely green. The roads across it are some of the best riding in Meghalaya: quiet, with wide views on every side.
Dainthlen Falls on a clear afternoon (2 September)
A month later, early September gave us a blue-sky afternoon. Dainthlen's river was running across its flat rock shelf, and the pools reflected the clouds. September is the sweet spot: the falls are still strong, and you get more clear spells than in July and August.
What to pack for a monsoon ride
- A two-piece rain suit, not a poncho. A poncho flaps and catches the wind on a bike.
- Zip bags for your phone, wallet and licence.
- Shoes with grip, and a spare pair of socks.
- A small bag you can wear or strap down tight. Less weight makes the bends easier.
- Cash for entry fees and parking at the falls.
Every rental comes with a helmet. A full tank at pickup gets you to Shillong comfortably; fuel up there, since there are fewer pumps beyond.
Scooty or bike in the rain?
Both are allowed to Sohra. In the monsoon, choose the one you're most comfortable controlling on a wet road.
- Scooty: easy, light and gearless, so you can focus on the road. The TVS NTorq 150 (₹899/day) is our strongest scooty for the climbs. The Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally starts at ₹799/day.
- Bike: steadier for two-up riding and long wet days. The Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 starts at ₹999/day.
Not riding in the rain? Our Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater is a self-drive car from ₹2,799/day, with room for the family and dry seats.
Our rentals in Guwahati
Helmet included with every bike and scooty
Self-drive · CarSuzuki Ertiga 7-seaterFamilies · Groupsfrom ₹2,799/day
Self-drive · BikeYamaha FZ-S FI V2Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeHonda SP 125Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeBajaj Pulsar N160Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,199/day
Self-drive · ScooterYamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street RallyCity exploration · Short local tripsfrom ₹799/day
Self-drive · ScooterTVS NTorq 150City rides · Couplesfrom ₹899/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Scram 440Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,999/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹2,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 200 4VSolo riders · Off-road trailsfrom ₹1,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 210Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,699/dayHow to plan the trip from Guwahati
- Day 1: Guwahati to Shillong, about 100 km. Leave by 9 AM to arrive well before dusk.
- Day 2: Shillong to Sohra in the morning, while the views are clearest. Wah Kaba on the way in, then Nohkalikai and Dainthlen. Stay in Sohra.
- Day 3: Kynrem Falls and Thangkharang Park in the morning, then back towards Shillong or Guwahati.
Our Cherrapunji waterfall ride by bike or scooty has all five stops in order, and the Guwahati to Cherrapunji route guide has the road. Kynrem has its own guide, with the entry fee: Kynrem Falls by bike or scooty.
FAQs
Is it safe to ride to Cherrapunji in the monsoon? Yes, if you ride in daylight, slow down on wet bends and wear proper rain gear. Avoid the hill roads after dark, when fog is common.
Which month is best for Cherrapunji's waterfalls? June to September, when they're at full flow. September often gives more clear spells than July and August.
Will I see Nohkalikai Falls in the rain? Usually, but not all the time. Clouds can hide the gorge for a while. Go before noon, and be ready to wait 15 to 30 minutes for it to clear.
Can I ride a scooty from Guwahati to Cherrapunji in the monsoon? Yes, scooters are allowed. Break the trip with a night in Shillong and don't ride the hill roads at night.
Do you give rain gear with the rental? A helmet comes with every bike and scooty. Bring your own rain suit.
Contact / Book
Riding to Sohra this monsoon? Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, and we'll have your scooty or bike ready at our Maligaon pickup.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
