Shillong travel guide: getting there, when to go and what to see
Meghalaya6 min read
The short answer
Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati, a three to three-and-a-half hour drive by road. October to April brings the clearest weather. Two or three days covers the city, Umiam Lake and Laitlum, and one more is needed for Sohra.
Getting there from Guwahati
There is no train to Shillong, and flights to Shillong's Umroi airport are few. Almost everyone drives up from Guwahati on the four-lane highway via Jorabat and Nongpoh.
Allow three hours, more on weekends when traffic slows at the edge of Shillong. Leave Guwahati by mid-morning to arrive with daylight to spare.
When to go
October to April is clear and cool, with cold nights from December to February. March to May is mild and green. The monsoon, June to September, is very wet but quiet, and the waterfalls are at their fullest.
What to see
- Umiam Lake, about 15 km before the city, best in the morning.
- Laitlum Canyons, a ridge-top view over deep valleys, about an hour from the centre.
- Ward's Lake and Police Bazaar for an evening walk and food.
- Don Bosco Museum, seven floors on the cultures of the Northeast.
- Elephant Falls, a short drive from the city.
Things that catch visitors out
Traffic inside Shillong is slow, especially in the evening; keep sightseeing to one side of the city each day. Many shops and offices close on Sundays. And the sun sets early, so plan viewpoints for the morning.
Last updated 17 October 2026. Roads, permits and opening dates change; check official sources before you travel.
Planning this trip? Ask us.
Tell us your dates and we will suggest a route, a cab and a stay. A person replies.
