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Major city · India

CherrapunjiSohra

Give Cherrapunji 2 nights: one full day for Nohkalikai and Mawsmai, one for the Nongriat root-bridge trek. Skip it in Dec–Feb if you want waterfalls.

Not yet checkedSourcesWhat these labels mean

Cherrapunji, called Sohra by locals, is a plateau town in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills about 600 m above the valleys below. It is a scatter of villages, not one compact town: Upper Sohra holds the market and transport hub, Lower Sohra sits about 4 km south. Two nights covers the main falls, one cave and the Nongriat trek; add a night if you want the caves and swimming holes at an unhurried pace. Costs are low, roads are slow, and the weather decides what you actually see.

basic guide: no trip line yet
3 pages, for the metro and roaming-off days
Map
Google Maps Apple Maps Street View
More ways in
Print / PDF guide
Local time, weather, currency, airports
Weather
see forecast
Currency
INR
Best months
Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr (waterfalls still running, roads passable); Jun–Sep for maximum falls but heavy rain
avoid Dec–Feb if waterfalls matter (many run dry); Jun–Jul for anyone who dislikes constant rain
Airports
SHL · GAU
Nights
2
Rules in force · 6
  • South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
  • South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
  • India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
  • India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
  • India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
  • India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾

Not in this guide yet

  • Walking areas with bag rules
  • Day plans checked against opening hours
  • Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
  • Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cherrapunji112 ▾
  • All services (police, fire, ambulance)112
  • Tourist helpline (India, 24 h)1363

Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.

EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost

Essentials

Quick answers and what things cost

Quick answers

The questions people ask first about Cherrapunji, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

Show all 12 answers

Cost cheat-sheet

2026 desk estimate · check

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

  • Street or quick mealKhasi tea-stall meal (rice with a side)₹80–150 (≈ US$1–2)
  • Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Local taxi, short hopAgree the fare first.₹200–500 (≈ US$3–6)
  • SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₹500–1,200 (≈ US$6–14)
  • Budget bedHostel or guesthouse dorm bed, a night, per person₹500 (≈ US$6)
  • Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room₹2,800 (≈ US$35)
  • High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room₹6,000 (≈ US$70)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹3,200 (≈ US$40) · High ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works

Decide

What it is known for, and when the weather works

At a glance

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Nohkalikai FallsSeven Sister (Nohsngithiang) FallsMawsmai CaveDouble Decker Living Root Bridge at NongriatOne of the wettest places on Earth
Airports
SHL Shillong (Umroi) (Nearest airport, limited flights; most travellers fly into Guwahati (GAU) and drive.) · GAU Guwahati, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi (Main gateway; about 4–5 h by road to Cherrapunji via Shillong (check).)

Best months at a glance

From the guide's best and avoid lists

  1. Jan

    Avoid

    20°C (68°F)

  2. Feb

    Avoid

    22°C (72°F)

  3. Mar

    Best

    24°C (75°F)

  4. Apr

    Best

    25°C (77°F)

  5. May

    not flagged

    25°C (77°F)

  6. Jun

    Care

    24°C (75°F)

  7. Jul

    Care

    24°C (75°F)

  8. Aug

    Best

    24°C (75°F)

  9. Sep

    Best

    24°C (75°F)

  10. Oct

    Best

    24°C (75°F)

  11. Nov

    Best

    22°C (72°F)

  12. Dec

    Avoid

    20°C (68°F)

Best: Mar–Apr, Aug–Nov. Mixed: Jun–Jul. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →

Warmest Apr (25°C (77°F)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F) low), wettest Jul (27 rain days), driest Dec (1). Averages, not a forecast.

Weather and climate

Forecast from Open-Meteo · averages rounded

Cherrapunji: next 7 days

Loading forecast…

Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.

Air quality

Loading…

Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.

Jan

20°C (68°F)

5°C (41°F)

2 rd

Feb

22°C (72°F)

8°C (46°F)

3 rd

Mar

24°C (75°F)

12°C (54°F)

6 rd

Apr

25°C (77°F)

15°C (59°F)

14 rd

May

25°C (77°F)

17°C (63°F)

22 rd

Jun

24°C (75°F)

18°C (64°F)

26 rd

Jul

24°C (75°F)

18°C (64°F)

27 rd

Aug

24°C (75°F)

18°C (64°F)

24 rd

Sep

24°C (75°F)

17°C (63°F)

20 rd

Oct

24°C (75°F)

15°C (59°F)

9 rd

Nov

22°C (72°F)

10°C (50°F)

2 rd

Dec

20°C (68°F)

6°C (43°F)

1 rd

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Arrive & move

Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in

Getting around

There is no city bus network. Local taxis and shared Sumos run from Sohra Market and from Saitsohpen; agree the fare and the waiting time before you set off, since sights sit at the plateau edge, too far to walk. A taxi for a half or full day of sightseeing is the practical choice for two or more people. Roads are narrow and slow; allow more time than the distance suggests.

Nearest full guides

Straight-line distance, not travel time

See & doDay-trips, door to door

See & do

Day-trips, door to door

Day-trips

Door-to-door, not ride time

Mawlynnong

go

Door to door: 2–2.5 h

Taxi or shared Sumo via Pynursla, about 1.5–2 h

Village known for cleanliness and a living root bridge; pairs well with a night there.

Shillong

go

Door to door: About 2 h

Shared Sumo or taxi from Sohra Market, about 2 h

State capital and the road link to Guwahati; stop at Elephant Falls on the way.

Nongriat Double Decker root bridge

caution

Door to door: 5–6 h round trip

Taxi to Tyrna, then the staircase trek, about 2 h each way

A full day with a steep climb back; not for weak knees or heavy rain.

Wahrew Bridge

caution

Door to door: Half day

Taxi down the mountain toward the Bangladesh border

Clear-water river and swimming in the dry season; check road conditions first.

Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in

Eat & sleep

Which area to sleep in

Where to sleep

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

Upper Sohra (Khliehshnong, around Sohra Market)

Main commercial centre, Sumo stand and taxis; best if you have no car.

Lower Sohra (Saitsohpen, Lad Thanad)

Smaller hub about 4 km (2.5 mi) south; closer to some falls and caves.

Mawsmai village

Guesthouses and a few restaurants within walking distance of Mawsmai Cave and the Seven Sisters viewpoint.

Laitkynsew and Nongriat

Remote stays near the root bridges; basic, quiet, book ahead by phone.

PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Practical

What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card

Cost per day

2026 estimate, excluding the bed unless stated
Budget
₹1,500–2,500 (≈ US$18–30) excl. bed
Mid
₹2,500–4,500 (≈ US$30–55) excl. bed
High
₹4,500 (≈ US$55)+ excl. bed

Trip budget

2026 estimate · converts to your currency
Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × ₹2,800₹5,600
Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹3,200₹12,800
Shared Sumo, Shillong–Cherrapunji, one way2 × ₹150 · check₹300
Local taxi, half day of sightseeing1 × ₹1,500 · check₹1,500
eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800₹1,600
Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge₹2,180
Trip total≈ ₹6,000 per person per day, bed included₹23,980≈ US$300

2026 estimate in rupees; flights and long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.

Prices of common things

Khasi tea-stall meal (rice with a side)₹80–150 (≈ US$1–2)
Restaurant main dish₹150–350 (≈ US$2–4)
Bottle of water (1 L)₹20–40 (≈ under US$1)
Local taxi, short hopAgree the fare first.₹200–500 (≈ US$3–6)
Shared Sumo seat, Shillong–Cherrapunji₹150–200 (≈ US$2–3) (check)
Guesthouse double room₹1,200–3,000 (≈ US$14–35)
eSIM or data SIM, about a week₹500–1,200 (≈ US$6–14)

2026 estimate; check locally.

Watch out

Safety

Cherrapunji is a small, low-crime hill town and safe for tourists. The real risks are the weather and the terrain: slick steps, landslides, leeches in the wet season and unlit roads after dark. Do not trek alone in heavy rain.
  • Monsoon landslides and washed-out roads can close the Shillong road and the Nongriat steps: check locally before setting out.
  • The Nongriat trek is roughly 2 h down and 2 h back up a long staircase; the return is the hard part. Start early and carry water.
  • Many guesthouses have no reception desk — confirm your arrival by phone in advance.
  • Some waterfalls are dry from about December to February; do not plan a falls trip on winter photos.
  • Cash is king outside the bigger resorts; carry small rupee notes.

Emergency numbers

All services (police, fire, ambulance)
112
Tourist helpline (India, 24 h)
1363

Pocket card

One page · print or save as PDF

Fill in, then print or save as PDF

Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.

CherrapunjiSohra

Pocket card · Voykit

My bed tonight

—

—

—

Leit sha kane ka jaka, sngewbhaTake me to this address, please

Emergency

  • All services112
  • Tourist helpline (24 h)1363

Embassy

No embassies in Cherrapunji or Shillong; the nearest are in Guwahati (consulates) and New Delhi (embassies). Check your own country's list.

My embassy: —

Fare anchors (2026 estimate)

  • Shared Sumo, Shillong → Cherrapunji: about ₹150 (≈ US$2) per seat, about 2 h (check)
  • Shared car, Shillong → Cherrapunji: about ₹200 (≈ US$3) per seat (check)
  • Local taxi, half day of sights: about ₹1,500 (≈ US$18) per car (check)

Say or show

  • Khublei — Thank you (khoo-blay)
  • Katto ka dor? — How much is it? (kat-to ka dore)
  • Hangno ka ïew? — Where is the market? (hang-no ka yew)
  • Sngewbha ïarap ia nga — Please help me (sngew-bha ee-rap ya nga)

Khasi and English are both widely spoken in Sohra; English will get you through most of the day.

Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources

Deep dive

What this guide covers so far, and its sources

Not a trip line yet

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cherrapunji. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

What we know, and what is coming

On this page

  1. Best months: Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr (waterfalls still running, roads passable); Jun–Sep for maximum falls but heavy rain · avoid Dec–Feb if waterfalls matter (many run dry); Jun–Jul for anyone who dislikes constant rain · month by month →
  2. 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
  3. Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
  4. Cost per day in 3 bands
  5. 4 day-trips, door to door
  6. 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers

Coming as the guide grows

  1. Airport-to-bed contract for GAU and SHL: drive times, last daylight arrival, taxi fallback.
  2. Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Sohra Market, Saitsohpen, Mawsmai village, Laitkynsew.
  3. Place pages with verified cutoffs (Nohkalikai, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters viewpoint, Nongriat) and eat pages with last orders.
  4. Monsoon closure and landslide fixtures so gates A–D can go green.

Meanwhile

Back to India

Sources