Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Pink Himalayan cherry blooms across Shillong, plus two days of international music.
Photo: Ahe Phucho / Unsplash
The wild Himalayan cherry blooms around Shillong through November; peak timing shifts with the weather.
About the event
Every November the wild Himalayan cherry trees around Shillong flower in soft pink, and the city celebrates with the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. The 2026 edition is a two-day music and culture event at its new permanent home at the New Shillong Highland Grounds in Mahmawdkuk.
The festival is the main draw, but the blossom itself is free and citywide. Drive or ride between Ward's Lake, Lady Hydari Park and the hill roads in and around Shillong, and add Umiam Lake on the way up from Guwahati.
That mix — a fixed festival venue plus roads and viewpoints to explore — is why this trip works well with a rented vehicle.
How to reach Shillong
By road from Guwahati
About 100 km · 3–4 hours
Guwahati → Umiam → Shillong via NH6
Nearest airport
Guwahati (LGBI) is the practical choice, about 100 km from Shillong; Shillong Airport is small with limited flights
Nearest railway station
Guwahati Railway Station
Permits
No permit is needed for Indian tourists. Carry a valid photo ID.
Planning tips
- Hotels in Shillong fill up over the festival weekend, so book early.
- The festival ground is outside the city centre; leave extra time for traffic on the way in and out.
- November evenings are cool — bring a jacket.
- The bloom window shifts with the weather, so treat the blossom timing as approximate.
Get there your way
Drive yourself or let a local driver take you. Same regular pricing, no event surcharge.
Drive it yourself
Guwahati to Shillong is a comfortable 100 km ride or drive, and the blossom spots are spread across the city and hill roads, so your own wheels let you chase the bloom. Bikes and scooters are great for the roads; take the Ertiga for groups.
Suzuki Ertiga (7-Seater)
Car · 7 seats
₹2,800/day
Yamaha FZ / similar
Bike · 2 seats
₹1,000/day
Honda SP 125
Bike · 2 seats
₹1,000/day
Yamaha RayZR 125 / similar
Scooter · 2 seats
₹800/day
Pickup and drop in Guwahati only. The event is about 100 km from Guwahati.
Sit back, we'll drive
Let a local driver deal with festival-weekend traffic and parking, while you enjoy the show. Good for families and anyone heading to the festival grounds in the evening.
5-Seater Sedan
1-4 passengers (driver included)
₹2,900/day onwards
7-Seater
1-6 passengers (driver included)
₹3,650/day onwards
Experienced local driver included. Final price depends on route and trip length.
Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026: frequently asked questions
When is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026?
The 2026 Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is on 20 and 21 November at the New Shillong Highland Grounds in Mahmawdkuk.
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Shillong?
The wild Himalayan cherry blossoms flower around Shillong in November. Exact peak timing varies from year to year with the weather.
How far is Shillong from Guwahati?
Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati, roughly a 3 to 4 hour drive.
Can I rent a bike or car in Guwahati for the Shillong trip?
Yes. RedPanda Travels offers self-drive bikes, scooters and an Ertiga 7-seater, all picked up and dropped off in Guwahati, plus chauffeur-driven trips.
More events
View all events
Durga Puja in Guwahati 2026
Five nights of pandal hopping, lights and Assamese hospitality in the Northeast's biggest city.
Tawang Festival 2026
Monpa culture, masked dances and mountain scenery at 10,000 feet.
Hornbill Festival 2026
Ten days of Naga tribal culture, music and food — the Festival of Festivals.