Cherrapunji (Sohra) is only 54 km from Shillong, but how you get there decides how much you see. Here is each option with what it costs, where it leaves from and what it means for your day.
Quick answer
Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra) is 54 km, about 1.5–2 hours by road. The cheapest way is a shared Sumo from the Sumo stand at Iewduh (Bara Bazar), roughly ₹100–150 a seat; they run from about 6:30 AM and leave when all seats fill, and you still need local transport to the waterfalls. The Meghalaya Tourism (MTDC) Sohra tour bus leaves Police Bazar around 8–8:30 AM and costs about ₹600 a person for a fixed sightseeing loop. A private cab costs ₹2,800 one way or ₹4,560 for a full-day Cherrapunji sightseeing trip in a Dzire (whole car, up to 4 people), which is the only option that reaches every viewpoint at your own pace.
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At a glance
Key facts at a glance
| Distance | 54 km · 1.5–2 hours |
|---|---|
| Shared Sumo | About ₹100–150 a seat, Iewduh (Bara Bazar) stand |
| MTDC tour bus | About ₹600 a person, from Police Bazar ~8–8:30 AM |
| Cab, one way | ₹2,800 for the whole car |
| Cab, full-day sightseeing | ₹4,560 (Dzire) · ₹5,760 (Ertiga) · ₹6,600 (Innova) |
| Back to Shillong | Shared Sumos till mid-afternoon · cab ₹2,800 |
All the options compared
The sights in Cherrapunji are spread over about 15–20 km of plateau (Nohkalikai, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Arwah Cave, Wei Sawdong), so the cheap options get you to Sohra market but not around it.
| Option | Cost | Leaves from | Covers the sights? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Sumo | ~₹100–150 a seat | Iewduh (Bara Bazar) Sumo stand | No, Sohra market only | Solo, staying overnight in Sohra |
| MTDC tour bus | ~₹600 a person | MTC terminus, Police Bazar | Fixed loop, fixed times | Solo on a budget, day trip |
| Private cab, one way | ₹2,800 per car | Your hotel | Stops on the way | Moving your base to Sohra |
| Private cab, full day | ₹4,560 per car (Dzire) | Your hotel | Yes, all of them | Couples, families, groups |
By shared Sumo from Bara Bazar
Shared Sumos to Sohra leave from the multi-storey Sumo stand at Iewduh, Shillong's big market (Bara Bazar); the Sohra vehicles park on an upper floor. Ask for "Sohra". They start around 6:30 AM and leave when all seats are sold, so mornings are quickest. Expect roughly ₹100–150 a seat; fares quoted online range from ₹70 to ₹160, so confirm at the counter.
The Sumo drops you at Sohra market. From there you need a local taxi for the viewpoints, which adds a lot for a single day. Return Sumos to Shillong leave Sohra market until about mid-afternoon; do not count on one late in the day.
- Good for: one person staying a night or two in Sohra.
- Not good for: seeing everything in one day, or carrying luggage.
By MTDC tour bus
Meghalaya Tourism runs a Sohra sightseeing bus from the MTC terminus at Police Bazar, leaving around 8–8:30 AM and returning in the evening, for about ₹600 a person. Book at the MTDC counter opposite the MTC complex a day ahead. Stops and time at each place are fixed, and the bus may not run every day in the off season.
By private cab
A full-day Cherrapunji trip costs ₹4,560 for a Dzire (up to 4 people), ₹5,760 for an Ertiga (up to 6) or ₹6,600 for an Innova, with fuel, parking and driver included. The usual loop is Mawkdok Dympep Valley, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Arwah Cave and Wei Sawdong, back in Shillong by evening.
A one-way drop is ₹2,800, useful if you are moving to a hotel in Sohra for the root bridge trek. For four people, a full-day cab is about ₹1,140 each.
Tips for the Shillong–Cherrapunji road
- Leave Shillong by 8 AM: cloud often fills the Sohra gorges from late morning.
- Carry cash: ATMs in Sohra are few, and entry and parking fees are cash.
- For the Double Decker root bridge, stay a night in Sohra and start from Tyrna by 8 AM.
- Many Khasi villages treat Sunday as a rest day, so some smaller sights may be quieter or closed.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cherrapunji from Shillong?
About 54 km, 1.5–2 hours by road through the Mawkdok Dympep Valley.
How much is a shared taxi from Shillong to Cherrapunji?
About ₹100–150 a seat in a shared Sumo from the Iewduh (Bara Bazar) Sumo stand. They leave when full, from about 6:30 AM.
Is there a bus from Shillong to Cherrapunji?
Yes, the MTDC Sohra tour bus from Police Bazar, around 8–8:30 AM, about ₹600 a person, with fixed sightseeing stops. Book a day ahead at the MTDC counter.
What is the taxi fare from Shillong to Cherrapunji?
₹2,800 one way, or ₹4,560 for a full-day sightseeing trip in a Dzire, for the whole car with fuel and driver.
Can I do Cherrapunji as a day trip from Shillong?
Yes. Leave by 8 AM and a cab covers Nohkalikai, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls and Arwah Cave, back by evening. The Double Decker root bridge trek needs its own day.
Up nextPlaces to Visit in Cherrapunji (Sohra): Falls, Caves & Root BridgesPlaces to visit in Cherrapunji (Sohra): Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai & Arwah caves, Wei Sawdong and the Double Decker root bridge, with fees and a 1-day plan.Read next (6 min) Keep reading
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Tour Meghalaya runs private cabs and tour packages across Meghalaya. Book directly with a local operator.