Quick take: Yes, you can ride a scooty from Guwahati to Shillong, and on to Cherrapunji (Sohra), as long as you break the trip with a night in Shillong and ride in daylight. A geared bike is more comfortable on the long, winding days to Dawki and Mawlynnong. Below are nine places worth riding to, with our honest verdict for each. Scooties start at ₹799/day and bikes at ₹999/day.
Can you take a scooty to Shillong?
Yes. Our scooters are allowed to Shillong, and many riders do it. It's about 100 km on NH6: flat for the first hour, then a steady climb through hairpins and pine forest after Nongpoh. On a scooty, especially two-up, the climb is slow but steady. Start by 8 or 9 AM and you'll still reach Shillong by early afternoon. The full route is in our Guwahati to Shillong guide.
Is Cherrapunji possible on a scooter or bike?
Yes, on both. Cherrapunji (Sohra) is about 55 km past Shillong, about 150 km from Guwahati in all. On a bike it's a great ride; on a scooty, do it as an overnight trip via Shillong rather than one long day from Guwahati. Either way, ride the Shillong–Sohra ridge road in daylight, take the bends slowly when it's wet, and carry rain gear in every season: Sohra is famous for its rain. See the Cherrapunji route guide.
9 places to ride to
| Place | From | Scooty | Bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umiam Lake | On the way to Shillong | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shillong town | About 100 km from Guwahati | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls | Around Shillong | ✅ | ✅ |
| Laitlum Canyons | Near Shillong | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mawphlang Sacred Forest | Near Shillong | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cherrapunji (Sohra) | About 55 km past Shillong | ✅ as an overnight trip | ✅ |
| Mawsmai Cave, Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters Falls | Around Sohra | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mawlynnong | Via Pynursla from Shillong | Long day: we'd take a bike | ✅ |
| Dawki | 180+ km from Guwahati | Long day: we'd take a bike | ✅ for experienced riders |
1. Umiam Lake
The big reservoir just before Shillong, and the first proper stop after the climb. Pull over at the viewpoints for the view over the water and the hills.
2. Shillong
Ward's Lake and Police Bazaar are easy first stops after you check in. Parking around Police Bazaar is tight, so leave the scooty or bike at your stay and walk.
3. Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls
The classic morning in Shillong: the view from the peak, then the falls, both short rides from town. Good on any two-wheeler.
4. Laitlum Canyons
Huge views over deep valleys, a short ride from Shillong. Go on a clear morning: when the clouds roll in, the canyon disappears. More on our Laitlum page.
5. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
A sacred grove the local community protects by tradition, seen on a guided walk. An easy half-day ride from Shillong. See Mawphlang.
6. Cherrapunji (Sohra)
The ridge road from Shillong is one of the best rides in Meghalaya, with the Mawkdok valley viewpoint early on. Fuel up in Shillong: there are fewer pumps beyond.
7. Mawsmai Cave, Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls
All around Sohra: an easy lit cave walk, India's tallest plunge waterfall, and a multi-stream fall you can see from the road. The Nongriat double-decker root bridge is a hard trek of about 3,500 steps each way, so leave a whole day for it.
8. Mawlynnong
The village known as one of the cleanest in Asia, with a single living root bridge a short walk away. It's a long, winding ride from Shillong via Pynursla, which is why we'd take a bike rather than a scooty.
9. Dawki
The Umngot river at Dawki is so clear that the boats seem to float. It's 180+ km from Guwahati, best over two days with a night in Shillong, and a ride for experienced riders. Truck traffic near Dawki means taking it slow. Our Dawki and Mawlynnong guide has the plan.
Our scooties
Allowed to Shillong and Cherrapunji
Scooty or bike: how to choose
- Pick a scooty for Shillong, Laitlum, Mawphlang and an overnight to Sohra, with light bags. It's the cheapest way to ride, from ₹799/day, and easy if you've never ridden a geared bike.
- Pick a bike for Dawki and Mawlynnong, for riding two-up on long climbs, or if you want to see everything in one trip. Bikes start at ₹999/day.
- Not sure? The TVS NTorq 150 (₹899/day) is our most powerful scooty, and easier on the climbs than a smaller scooter.
Our bikes
For Dawki, Mawlynnong and the long days
Riding tips for Meghalaya
- Daylight only on the hills. Fog often rolls in on the upper sections from late afternoon.
- Rain gear, every season. Especially for Sohra and Dawki.
- Pack light. A day bag is easier on the bends than strapped-on luggage.
- Helmets are compulsory, and ours come with every bike and scooty.
- No permit needed for Indian nationals in Meghalaya.
FAQs
Can I ride a rented scooty from Guwahati to Shillong? Yes, scooters are allowed to Shillong. Expect a slow, steady climb after Nongpoh, start early, and plan to arrive in daylight.
Can I do Cherrapunji on a scooty in one day from Guwahati? We wouldn't. It's about 150 km each way, plus the climbs and the sights. Stay a night in Shillong and do Sohra the next morning.
Can I take a scooty to Dawki? It's allowed, but it's a long, winding day and we'd recommend a geared bike, or a car if you're travelling with family.
Do I need a deposit to rent a scooty? No security deposit on the vehicle. We take a deposit for the full tank of fuel, settled when you return it.
Contact / Book
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and the places you want to ride, and we'll suggest a scooty or bike for the trip.
