Riding a motorcycle from Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra) is a rite of passage for anyone visiting North East India. Unlike the chaotic traffic of mainland Indian cities, the roads here are carved through rolling hills, pine forests, and misty valleys.
Whether you are a solo backpacker looking for solitude or a couple seeking a romantic drive, this route offers everything: smooth tarmac, dangerous curves, roadside Maggi points, and waterfalls that seem to fall from the sky.
“The journey to Cherrapunji is actually better than the destination itself. The clouds literally walk with you on the road.”
1. The Route: What to Expect
The distance from Police Bazar, Shillong to Cherrapunji Main Market is approximately 54 Kilometers. While Google Maps might say 1 hour 45 minutes, a biker should budget at least 3 hours. Why? Because you will want to stop every 10 minutes to take a photo.
The Terrain Breakdown
- 00-10 km: Upper Shillong: Heavy traffic, especially near the Air Force base. Watch out for trucks.
- 10-25 km: Mylliem: The road opens up. Beautiful pine trees on both sides. This is a speed zone, but be careful of stray cattle.
- 25-40 km: Mawkdok Valley: This is the famous bridge section. The roads get twisty here. High probability of heavy fog.
- 40-54 km: Sohra Plateau: The landscape changes to barren, golden grass. The wind speed picks up significantly here.
2. Must-Visit Stops Along the Way
Don’t just rush to the hotel. The magic lies in these pitstops:
Stop A: Elephant Falls
A three-step waterfall. It gets crowded, so reach here by 9:00 AM.
Entry Fee: ₹50Stop B: The Mawkdok Dympep Bridge
You cannot miss this. A massive bridge connecting two hills. It is the entrance to the Sohra valley.
Things to do here:
- Ziplining: Costs ₹800. Highly recommended.
- Local Dress Photo: Rent traditional Khasi attire for ₹100.
- Eat: Have “Maggi & Red Tea” at the roadside stalls.
Stop C: Garden of Caves (Bri Ki Synrang)
Located 5km off the main highway near Laitryngew. It is a magical place with waterfalls inside caves. Very few tourists know about this.
3. Choosing the Right Machine
At Cloud City Wheels, we are often asked: “Can a scooty go to Cherrapunji?”
The short answer is YES. The road is paved well enough for a Honda Activa or TVS NTORQ. However, for the best experience, here is our honest comparison:
| Bike Type | Pros & Cons | Price/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Classic 350 | ✓ Stable in wind, great photos ✗ Heavy in city traffic | ₹1,200 |
| Himalayan 411/450 | ✓ Perfect suspension for waterfalls ✗ High seat height | ₹1,500 |
| TVS NTORQ (Scooter) | ✓ Easy to ride, storage space ✗ Small wheels in potholes | ₹700 |
4. Estimated Trip Cost (1 Day Return)
For a couple on one bike:
- Bike Rental (Standard): ₹1,000
- Fuel (approx 3 liters): ₹350
- Food (Lunch + Snacks): ₹800
- Entry Tickets (Falls/Caves): ₹400
- Total: ₹2,550
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to ride at night? ▼
We do not recommend riding after 5:00 PM. The fog becomes extremely dense (zero visibility), and there are no street lights on 80% of the highway.
Are there petrol pumps on the way? ▼
Yes, there is an Indian Oil pump at Mylliem (15km from Shillong) and another one just before entering Cherrapunji town. Fill up at Mylliem to be safe.
What documents do I need to rent? ▼
Just your original Driving License and one ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID). We keep the ID as security.