A crisp, people-first guide to plan a Shillong trip: how to reach from Guwahati, a Shillong trip plan for 3 days, trip cost, top tourist places, and road-trip add-ons to Cherrapunji and Dawki.
Why Shillong pulls you in
Some hill towns are quiet. Shillong is alive—pine-scented air, music in small cafés, waterfalls that don’t ask for attention yet hold it anyway. If you’re planning a Shillong trip for the first time, this guide gives you everything you need: how to reach, the Shillong trip cost, a Shillong trip plan for 3 days, plus extensions to Cherrapunji and Dawki.
How to reach Shillong (incl. Guwahati–Shillong trip)
Gateway: Guwahati (Assam) → Shillong (Meghalaya) via NH6, ~98–100 km, typically around 3 hours by road depending on traffic and weather.
- Bus (budget): Frequent ASTC services from Guwahati; seats cost roughly ₹135–₹200.
- Shared cab / Sumo: Common option from airport/city; usually ~₹500 per seat.
- Private cab: Best value for 3–4 people; door-to-door and time-efficient.
- Guwahati to Shillong bike trip: Scenic NH6 ride; stop at Umiam Lake for sunrise/late afternoon views.
Shillong trip cost (practical ranges)
Use this to budget a 3-day Shillong trip. Prices are indicative; actuals vary by season, availability, and comfort level.
| Expense head | Budget (₹) | Mid-range (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay (per night) | 900–1,800 | 2,500–4,500 | Homestays vs boutique stays |
| Meals (per day) | 500–900 | 1,200–1,800 | Cafés + local Khasi thalis |
| Local transport (per day) | 600–1,200 | 1,800–3,000 | Shared vs private cab for sightseeing |
| Guwahati ⇄ Shillong transfer (one-way) | 135–500 | 2,800–4,500 | Bus/shared cab vs private cab |
Rule of thumb: Backpackers: ₹1,200–1,800/day; Comfort: ₹2,500–4,000/day; Premium: ₹6,000+/day.
Shillong trip plan for 3 days
Day 1: City & Lakes & Easy Walks
- Umiam Lake stop-over when you arrive (golden hours are best).
- Ward’s Lake stroll and paddle boats; evening garden vibes near Police Bazar.
- Café crawl (Laitumkhrah/Police Bazar): live indie music and bakes.
Day 2: Viewpoints & Waterfalls
- Elephant Falls (multi-tier cascade; easy access).
- Shillong Peak for panoramas (go early/late when skies are clear).
- Don Bosco Museum (7-floor galleries + rooftop skywalk).
Day 3: Laitlum Canyons + Leisure
- Laitlum Canyons for raw, open vistas (daylight hours).
- Slow lunch, souvenir run at Police Bazar/Lewduh (Bara Bazar).
Extend to Cherrapunji & Dawki (5–6 days)
Days 4–5: Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Nohkalikai Falls — India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
- Mawsmai/Arwah caves, Dainthlen viewpoints.
- Optional trek: Nongriat double-decker living root bridge (start from Tyrna; stay a night).
Day 6: Dawki & Shnongpdeng
- Crystal-clear Umngot River boating and riverside chill.
Top Shillong tourist places
- Umiam Lake (Barapani) — lake views, boating, picnic lawns.
- Elephant Falls — easy waterfall walk; go off-peak.
- Shillong Peak — highest viewpoint near town.
- Laitlum Canyons — wind-swept edges and valley vistas.
- Ward’s Lake — central green pause with paddle boats.
- Don Bosco Museum — one-stop cultural deep-dive.
Best time to visit Meghalaya
- Oct–Apr: clear views, drier treks, festivals; most popular.
- Jun–Sep: dramatic waterfalls; expect heavy rain & road delays.
Shillong from Guwahati: One-day & road-trip ideas
One-day trip from Guwahati to Shillong
Start by 6:00 am → Umiam viewpoint → Elephant Falls → Ward’s Lake → café stop/Police Bazar → return by 8:30–9:00 pm.
Guwahati to Shillong road trip
Smooth highway (NH6), frequent tea stalls, bike-friendly. If you’re riding, the Guwahati to Shillong bike trip is a favorite.
FAQs
What is a good travel itinerary for Northeast India?
For a week: Guwahati (arrival) → Shillong (2N) → Cherrapunji (2N) → Dawki (1N) → return via Guwahati.
How is Shillong to visit as a tourist?
Welcoming, café-rich, easy to navigate, with waterfalls & viewpoints close to town.
Can you plan a three-day itinerary at Shillong?
Yes—follow the plan above: Umiam, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco, Laitlum + cafés.
What is the best time to visit Meghalaya and why?
October–April for clear skies; June–September for peak waterfalls. ( verified by Meghalaya tourism )
What are the top tourist places in Shillong?
Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Laitlum Canyons, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum.
Time-saving tips
- Start early for viewpoints; clouds move fast.
- Monsoon buffers: add time for weather & roads.
- Shared taxi seats fill quickly—book ahead.
- Respect local norms in markets & villages.
- Cash + UPI: ATMs are in town, not at trailheads.
Plan your trip
A Shillong trip isn’t about ticking sights. It’s about catching your breath—between a pine breeze, a guitar riff, and the hush of a canyon. Want a custom Shillong 3N/4D or Meghalaya 6N/7D plan matched to your budget? Tell us your dates.