Even though the distance between Shillong and Cherrapunjee is just 50 km, due to the mountainous terrain it takes around 1.5 hours to travel between the two cities. Most tourists take this drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee to enjoy the viewpoints and places of interest that fall along the way.

Day trip from Shillong to Cherrapunjee

The day trip from Shillong to Cherrapunjee normally costs between INR 2000 to INR 3500 depending on the type of car and time of the year. You can also opt for a shared taxi from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, which costs between INR 70 to INR 100 per person. However, there are some disadvantages when it comes to travelling in a shared taxi: (1) some of the taxis can charge a bit more for your luggage, (2) Sumos from Shillong to Cherrapunjee start only when they reach full capacity, and (3) driving time is 1.5-2 hours to get from Shillong to Cherrapunjee.

On a regular trip from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, you will only get to see tourist points that fall on the way and not be able to stay longer at any place to appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty of the place.

Meghalaya Tour Packages

Aerial view of Shillong, Meghalaya

Between Shillong & Cherrapunjee there are a number of places of interest; their distance from Shillong is listed below:

• Elephant falls – 12 km from Shillong
• Mawphlang Sacred Grove – 27 km from Shillong
• Duwan Sing Syiem – 30 km from Shillong
• Sky view point – 36 km from Shillong
• David Scott trail exit – 38 km from Shillong
• Wah Shora view point – 38 km from Shillong
• Wah Kaba Falls – 46 km from Shillong
• Llyngngai Falls – 44 km from Shillong
• Mawsawdong Falls – 46 km from Shillong
• Lyngksiar falls – 48 km from Shillong
• Janailar Falls – 48 km from Shillong
• Mawsawa Falls – 50 km from Shillong
• Arwah Cave – 50 km from Shillong
• Umstew View Point – 46 km from Shillong

There are alternative routes you can take for a trip from Shillong to Cherrapunjee. One of the adventurous and off-beat routes is the David Scott Trail that starts from the village of Mawphlang on the outskirts of Shillong (Mawphlang is famous for its sacred grove and is 25 km from Shillong). The 16 km long trail takes you back to the Shillong – Cherrapunjee road, approx 15 km short of Cherrapunjee. Shared taxi can be availed from this point to reach either Shillong or Cherrapunjee town. David Scott Trail is named after David Scott, a British officer, who commissioned the making of the mule track for travelling from Assam to Bangladesh. This trail is over 100 km long and takes around 5 days to cover on foot. A part of this trail between Mawphlang and Cherrapunjee is the most famous one.

Cherrapunjee is known for its waterfalls

To know more about Shillong & Cherrapunjee

Blog posts:

In and around Shillong

Shillong in a day!

Trip to Shillong with a crazy bunch

Picture perfect Shillong

My blissful weekend in Shillong

Places to visit in Guwahati and Shillong with a happy group

Shillong holiday packages top tourist destinations

Places to Stay in Shillong

Pine Hill Homestay Shillong

Pine Air Shillong

Cafe Shillong B&B Shillong

Kaizun Shillong

Bo Ville Shillong

Hotel Highwinds Shillong

White Orchid Guesthouse Shillong

Summit Guesthouse Shillong

Aesthetic Homestay Shillong

Winnie's Lodge Shillong