Quick take: Winter is the Northeast's dry season, and that makes it a good time to ride: clear skies, no monsoon landslides, and festivals in Shillong and Kohima. The catch is the cold and the short days. Shillong and Kaziranga are easy winter rides; Kohima for the Hornbill Festival is a long two-day trip; Tawang means snow at Sela Pass and is for experienced riders only. Our bikes start at ₹999/day from Guwahati.
Why winter works on a bike
- Dry roads. The monsoon (roughly June to September) brings heavy rain, fog and the occasional landslide on the hill roads. From November the roads dry out and the views open up.
- Clear skies. October and November are among the clearest months in Meghalaya and Arunachal.
- Festivals. The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is in November, and the Hornbill Festival in Kohima runs from 1 to 10 December.
What changes in winter: it gets cold, especially in the evening and at altitude, and the days are short. On the hill roads, plan to arrive before dusk, which comes early in winter.
Where to ride, from easiest to hardest
| Route from Guwahati | Distance | Winter verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Kaziranga | 220+ km, 4–5 hours | Easy flat highway, and the park's open season (November to April). |
| Shillong | About 100 km, 3–4 hours | The best first winter ride. Cold nights in Shillong; dress warmly. |
| Cherrapunji (Sohra) | About 150 km via Shillong | Clear views after the monsoon; the waterfalls slow down as winter goes on. |
| Kohima | About 350 km, 8–10 hours | A two-day ride via Dimapur for experienced riders. Cold mornings and evenings in December. |
| Tawang | About 480 km, over 2 days | Snow at Sela Pass (13,700 ft). Beautiful, but the road can be hard going or briefly closed. Experienced riders only. |
Shillong: the easy one
About 100 km on NH6, climbing into pine forest after Nongpoh. In winter the ride up is crisp and clear, and Shillong itself is properly cold after sunset. Leave Guwahati by 8 or 9 AM so you're through the hairpins in daylight. If you're new to hill roads, start here.
Kohima for the Hornbill Festival
About 350 km, best ridden over two days with a night in Dimapur. Kohima is cold in December, especially in the mornings and evenings, and stays fill up early for the festival, so book first. Nagaland needs an Inner Line Permit, and we help you apply.
Tawang over Sela Pass
The big one: about 480 km over two days via Bhalukpong, Bomdila and Dirang, crossing Sela Pass at 13,700 ft. In winter there's snow at the pass, and the road can be slow or briefly closed. Only go if you've ridden mountain roads before, carry proper cold-weather gear, and keep a buffer day or two. Arunachal Pradesh needs an Inner Line Permit, and we help with that too.
Don't ride the mountain sections after dark in winter. It gets cold fast, and on the high roads there can be ice on shaded bends in the early morning. Start late enough for the road to warm up and finish well before dusk.
Which bike to take
- Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kaziranga: any of our bikes. The Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 (₹999/day) is a comfortable all-rounder, and the Honda SP 125 (₹999/day) is light and easy for first-time geared riders.
- Kohima and Tawang: take the most powerful bike you're comfortable on, ride with light luggage, and allow extra time. Ask us which bike is free for your dates.
- Scooty? Scooters are fine for Shillong in winter at a gentler pace. For Kohima and Tawang, take a geared bike or a car.
Our bikes
Picked up in Guwahati, helmet included
What to wear and carry
- Layers: a thermal base layer, a warm mid layer and a windproof riding jacket. It can be mild in Guwahati and freezing at Sela on the same day.
- Gloves and a neck warmer: cold hands are the first thing that slows you down.
- Rain gear anyway: winter is dry, but hill weather still changes fast.
- Documents: your driving licence (original and a photocopy), ID, and the ILP for Arunachal or Nagaland.
- Fuel: the bike comes with a full tank. Top up in every town on the mountain roads, where pumps are fewer.
FAQs
Is it safe to ride to Tawang in winter? For experienced riders with cold-weather gear and buffer days, yes. Snow at Sela Pass can slow the road or close it briefly, so check conditions before you cross and never ride the mountain sections after dark.
What's the best winter bike ride from Guwahati? Shillong: about 100 km on a good highway, with cold, clear days in winter. Add Cherrapunji if you have three days.
Can I take a rented bike to the Hornbill Festival? Yes. Our rentals are allowed in Nagaland, and we help you apply for the Inner Line Permit. It's about 350 km, best over two days.
How cold is it? Guwahati stays mild, Shillong is cold at night, and Kohima, Bomdila and Tawang get properly cold, with snow at Sela Pass. Pack for the coldest place on your route.
Contact / Book
Tell us your route and dates on WhatsApp and we'll keep a bike for you, and start the ILP for Arunachal or Nagaland if you need one.
