Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 From Guwahati: Getting There and a 2-Day Plan
Quick take: The 2026 Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is on 20–21 November at the New Shillong Highland Grounds, Mahmawdkuk. From Guwahati it's about 100 km, 3–4 hours. Go for two days: chase the pink blossom around the city by day and catch the music in the evening. A scooty (₹799/day) or bike (₹999/day) is the easiest way to get around, and our 7-seater (₹2,799/day) suits families. Dates, venue and line-up are on the festival page.
Why go on your own wheels
The festival has a fixed venue, but the blossom is all over the city: wild Himalayan cherry trees along the roads, around Ward's Lake and in the parks. Taxis and parking get tight on the festival weekend. With a scooty or bike you can stop wherever the trees are pink and park where a car can't.
Getting there from Guwahati
About 100 km on NH6 via Nongpoh and Umiam Lake, 3–4 hours. Leave Guwahati by 8 or 9 AM: you'll stop at Umiam Lake for the view and reach Shillong with the afternoon free. The full road, stops and fuel tips are in our Guwahati to Shillong route guide.
| How you go | Per day | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally or TVS NTorq 150 | from ₹799 | Couples hopping between blossom spots |
| Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 | ₹999 | Two-up on the hill road, longer day trips |
| Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater | ₹2,799 | Families and groups of up to 7 |
| Private car with a driver | from ₹4,200 | No driving or parking in festival traffic |
A 2-day plan
Day 1 (Friday 20 November):
- Guwahati to Shillong in the morning, with breakfast at Nongpoh and a stop at Umiam Lake.
- Check in, then spend the afternoon around Ward's Lake and Lady Hydari Park, two easy places to see the blossom.
- In the evening, head to the festival grounds in New Shillong. They're outside the city centre, so leave extra time for traffic.
Day 2 (Saturday 21 November):
- A morning ride on the hill roads around the city while the light is soft and the roads are quiet; the pink trees are easiest to spot from the road.
- Shillong Peak or Laitlum Canyons if the sky is clear.
- Then either the festival's second evening, or back down to Guwahati before dusk.
Staying longer? Add a day for Cherrapunji (Sohra), about 55 km from Shillong.
Our scooties
Allowed to Shillong, helmet included
Tips for the festival weekend
- Book your stay early. Hotels in Shillong fill up for the festival weekend.
- The bloom shifts with the weather. The wild cherry flowers around Shillong through November; treat peak timing as approximate.
- Dress warm. November evenings in Shillong are cool, and colder on two wheels.
- Park smart. Leave your scooty or car at your stay for evenings in Police Bazaar, and allow extra time to and from the festival grounds.
- Ride the hill road in daylight. Fog settles on the upper section in the late afternoon.
FAQs
When is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026? On 20 and 21 November 2026, at the New Shillong Highland Grounds, Mahmawdkuk.
How far is Shillong from Guwahati? About 100 km on NH6, usually 3–4 hours.
Can I ride a rented scooty from Guwahati to the festival? Yes, scooters are allowed to Shillong. Start early, take the climbs after Nongpoh slowly, and plan to arrive in daylight.
Where can I see the cherry blossom in Shillong? Around Ward's Lake, Lady Hydari Park and along the hill roads in and around the city. The trees flower through November.
Contact / Book
Book early for the festival weekend: message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we'll keep a scooty, bike or car for you.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
