Self-drive route guide · 150 km from Guwahati
Guwahati to Cherrapunji (Sohra) by self-drive car, bike or scooty
Cherrapunji, or Sohra, sits on a ridge about 55 km past Shillong: waterfalls, limestone caves and living root bridges in one of the wettest places on Earth. The drive there from Shillong is half the reason to go.
- Distance
- 150 km
- Drive time
- 4–5 hours, via Shillong
- Route
- Guwahati → Nongpoh → Shillong → Mawkdok viewpoint → Sohra
The route and where to stop
From Guwahati it's about 150 km in total. We recommend splitting it with a night in Shillong. Here's the route, the stops worth making, and which rental suits it.
Guwahati (Maligaon)
Pick up your rental at our Maligaon location, about 2 km from Kamakhya station.
Shillong100 km
Stay the night here and continue fresh in the morning. See our Guwahati to Shillong guide for the first leg.
Mawkdok Dympep viewpoint
A valley viewpoint on the Shillong–Sohra road, and the first of many places you'll want to pull over.
Mawsmai Cave
An easy, lit limestone cave walk: a good warm-up before the bigger sights.
Nohkalikai Falls
India's tallest plunge waterfall, a short walk from its own viewpoint.
Seven Sisters Falls
A multi-stream waterfall you can see from a roadside viewpoint: no trek needed.
Nongriat (Double Decker Root Bridge)
Around 3,500 stone steps down from Tyrna, and the same back up. Allow most of a day and only go if you're reasonably fit.
What the road is like
The Guwahati–Shillong leg is a well-paved highway. From Shillong, the road to Sohra runs along a ridge with long valley views. It's winding, with sudden fog and rain at any time of year.
Drive with headlights on in fog, take the bends slowly, and carry rain gear whatever the season.
Which rental for Guwahati to Cherrapunji?
By self-drive car
Our pick for Cherrapunji, especially with family.
- Suzuki Ertiga (7-Seater)₹2,800/day
- Handles the winding ridge road comfortably, and keeps everyone dry when it rains.
- Room in the back for wet shoes and clothes after the root bridge trek.
- Start from Shillong by 8 AM to fit in both the waterfalls and the trek.
By bike
A great ride if you don't mind the rain.
- Yamaha FZ₹1,000/day
- Honda SP 125₹1,000/day
- Bajaj Pulsar N160₹1,200/day
- Do it as an overnight loop via Shillong rather than one long day from Guwahati.
- Wear proper rain gear: Sohra's weather changes fast.
- Go easy on the ridge road's bends when it's wet or foggy.
By scooter (scooty)
Allowed, best as an overnight trip.
- Yamaha RayZR 125₹800/day
- Break the trip with a night in Shillong.
- Ride the Shillong–Sohra road in daylight, and give yourself time for the climbs.
Real photos
Our vehicles, as you'll get them
Best time to go
- March to May
- A good middle ground: decent waterfall flow and clearer skies.
- June to September
- Peak monsoon: the waterfalls are at their mightiest, but roads are wet and views can disappear in fog.
- October to November
- After the monsoon: falls still flowing and the clearest skies.
A three-day Cherrapunji trip from Guwahati
Day 1
Guwahati to Shillong (100 km). Settle in and rest for the next day.
Day 2
Leave Shillong by 8 AM. Mawkdok viewpoint, Mawsmai Cave, Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls. Stay in Sohra, or return to Shillong.
Day 3
Early start for the Nongriat root bridge trek if you're up for it, then drive back to Guwahati via Shillong, off the hills before dusk.
Fuel, permits and what to carry
- Fuel up in Guwahati and again in Shillong: there are fewer pumps beyond Shillong.
- Indian nationals don't need a permit for Meghalaya. Carry your driving license and an ID; foreign nationals should check current entry rules before travelling.
- Carry rain gear in every season. Sohra's reputation for rain is well earned.
- Wear good grip shoes for the caves and the root bridge steps.
Guwahati to Cherrapunji: questions & answers
How far is Cherrapunji from Guwahati?
About 150 km via Shillong: roughly 100 km to Shillong and another 55 km to Sohra, so 4 to 5 hours of driving before stops.
Can I do Guwahati to Cherrapunji and back in a day?
You can, but it's 4 to 5 hours of driving each way before any sightseeing. A night in Shillong turns it into a proper trip.
How hard is the Nongriat root bridge trek?
It's about 3,500 steep stone steps each way, with no vehicle access. It suits reasonably fit adults. The waterfalls and caves are easy alternatives.
When are the waterfalls at their best?
June to September, during the monsoon, though roads are wetter and fog can hide the views. March to May and October to November balance flow and visibility.
Rental terms (documents, deposit, km limit, late returns) are on the self-drive rentals page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Destination guides
From our blog
Pick up in Guwahati
Every rental starts and ends at our Maligaon location, about 2 km from Kamakhya station and 10 km from the airport.
RedPanda Travels — Bike and Car Rental
Jonaki Path, Bylane 3, Sati Jaymati Nagar, Maligaon, near Basundhara Apartments, Guwahati, Assam 781011