Self-drive route guide · 100 km from Guwahati
Guwahati to Shillong by bike, scooty or self-drive car
The Guwahati–Shillong road is the most popular self-drive trip in the Northeast, and one of the easiest: about 100 km on a well-paved highway, climbing from the Brahmaputra plains into the pine-covered Khasi Hills.
- Distance
- 100 km
- Drive time
- 3–4 hours
- Route
- Guwahati → Jorabat → Byrnihat → Nongpoh → Umiam Lake → Shillong (NH6)
The route and where to stop
Here's the route, where to stop, which of our rentals suits it, and a simple two-day plan. Everything picks up and drops off at our Maligaon location in Guwahati.
Guwahati (Maligaon)
Pick up your rental at our Maligaon location, about 2 km from Kamakhya station.
Jorabat
Where the Shillong highway leaves Guwahati. Expect trucks and slow traffic here, one more reason to start early.
Byrnihat
The industrial town at the Assam–Meghalaya border. Often congested with trucks; ride or drive through patiently.
Nongpoh60 km
The natural breakfast stop, with roadside fruit stalls. The real climb, with its hairpin bends and pine forest, starts after this.
Umiam Lake (Barapani)
The big reservoir just before Shillong. Pull over at the viewpoints for the classic photo of the lake and hills.
Shillong100 km
Ward's Lake and Police Bazaar are easy first stops after you check in. Parking around Police Bazaar is tight, so leave the vehicle at your stay where you can.
What the road is like
The first hour out of Guwahati is flat and straight. After Nongpoh the road climbs steadily through hairpins and pine forest. The climbs are steady rather than steep and the surface is good almost all the way, which makes it a good first hill road.
Fog often rolls in on the upper section in the late afternoon, and the monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain and the occasional landslide. Plan to be off the hill section before dusk, and avoid riding or driving it at night.
Which rental for Guwahati to Shillong?
By bike
The classic way to do this route.
- Yamaha FZ₹1,000/day
- Honda SP 125₹1,000/day
- Bajaj Pulsar N160₹1,200/day
- Leave Guwahati by 8 or 9 AM so you're through the hairpins before the evening fog.
- Take the climbs after Nongpoh slowly and keep a good gap to the trucks.
- Pack light: a day bag and rain gear. Bulky luggage makes the bends harder work.
By scooter (scooty)
Allowed and doable, at a gentler pace.
- Yamaha RayZR 125₹800/day
- Expect a slow, steady climb after Nongpoh, especially riding two-up.
- Start early and plan for a few extra breaks; you'll still reach Shillong by early afternoon.
- If you're going on to Cherrapunji or Dawki, a geared bike is more comfortable.
By self-drive car
The easy, comfortable option for families and groups.
- Suzuki Ertiga (7-Seater)₹2,800/day
- A comfortable highway drive with room for everyone's luggage.
- Shillong makes a good base for day trips to Cherrapunji, Laitlum or Dawki.
- Park at your stay rather than in the busy Police Bazaar area.
Real photos
Our vehicles, as you'll get them
Best time to go
- March to June
- Pleasant weather, clear views and comfortable riding temperatures.
- September to November
- Fresh after the monsoon, with clear skies; the best time for the views.
- June to September
- Monsoon: heavy rain and fog on the hill section. Ride carefully and allow extra time.
- December to February
- Cold nights in Shillong; dress warmly, especially on two wheels.
A two-day Guwahati–Shillong trip
Day 1
Leave Guwahati by 8–9 AM, stop at Nongpoh for breakfast and at Umiam Lake for the view, and reach Shillong by early afternoon. Evening at Ward's Lake and Police Bazaar.
Day 2
Morning at Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls. Head back by early afternoon so you're off the hill roads before dusk. Staying longer? Add Laitlum Canyons or continue to Cherrapunji.
Fuel, permits and what to carry
- Fuel up in Guwahati before you leave: pumps get sparser past Nongpoh.
- 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.
- Helmets are compulsory on bikes and scooters; ours come with one.
- Carry rain gear in any season, and download offline maps for patchy network spots.
Guwahati to Shillong: questions & answers
How far is Shillong from Guwahati by road?
About 100 km on NH6, usually 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic at Jorabat and Byrnihat.
Can I do Guwahati to Shillong on a rented scooter?
Yes, scooters are allowed to Shillong. It's a steady climb after Nongpoh, so start early and take it slow. For longer trips beyond Shillong, a geared bike is more comfortable.
Can I do Guwahati to Shillong and back in one day?
You can, but 200 km of hill riding plus sightseeing makes for a long day. Two days lets you enjoy Shillong and stay off the hill roads after dark.
Is it safe to ride to Shillong at night?
We'd avoid it. Fog on the upper section and heavy trucks make the hill road harder after dark. Plan to arrive, or be back down, before dusk.
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