Best Road Trips from Guwahati with a Self-Drive Car
Northeast India shows off its beauty through these amazing Road Trips. On one road – we see mountains, forests, waterfalls and wildlife during our travels. The road trips all have a common starting point – Guwahati. All of the Northeast States connect through Guwahati and to all of the other states by open roads.
With self-drive travel, we are free to stop where we want. When we are driving in the Northeast, we can stop to see whatever catches our eye. No one ever gets rushed or is feeling pressure while discovering remote villages, awesome views and beautiful hidden waterfalls.
At Zoomera, we strive to make every trip enjoyable and adventurous at the same time. Using our self-drive cars, travellers can experience and create memories of Northeast India at whatever pace they desire.
Here are some of the best and most popular road trips from Guwahati to enjoy the Northeast Nature.
⦁ Guwahati to Shillong – The Classic Hill Drive
Distance: ~100 km
Driving Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
The Guwahati and Shillong trip is a great way to experience hill travel. The trip from Guwahati starts out on the plains of Assam and finishes in the green hills of Meghalaya.
Our day usually starts out early in the morning. We leave early to try to beat the traffic and to enjoy the amazing sunrise view.
Route
Guwahati → NH6 → Nongpoh → Umiam Lake → Shillong
Highlights Along the Route
Umiam Lake (viewpoints)
Pine trees near Shillong
Elephant Falls
Viewpoint from Shillong Peak
The highway from Guwahati to Shillong is well-maintained and the road is easy to navigate due to gentle curves and plenty of scenic views.
We suggest that you take several breaks. There are many places to stop and take pictures from the viewpoint of the lake.
⦁ Journey From Guwahati to Cherrapunji - The Land of Waterfalls
Distance: 148 km
Estimated Travel Time: 4-5 Hours
Cherrapunji is truly breathtaking with its beautiful landscapes of clouds drifting over steep valleys and waterfalls spilling off the edges of cliffs.
You will experience scenery that is even more beautiful once you get past Shillong. This is due to the fact that the road will take you through forests and mountainous vantage points.
Route:
Guwahati – Shillong – Mawkdok – Cherrapunji
Some Of The Must See Places While You’re There:
Nohkalikai Waterfall
Seven Sister Fall’s
Mawsmai Caves
Living Root Bridge
The ride from Shillong to Cherrapunji is approximately 54km of mountain roads.
We suggest you stay overnight in Cherrapunji. The fog in the morning creates an incredible view, and it’s worth staying long enough to see it!
3. Journey From Guwahati To Kaziranga National Park - Wildlife Road Trip
Distance: 200-217 km
Estimated Travel Time: 4-5 Hours
This road trip takes you into the heart of Assam, known as ‘The Land Of The One-Horned Rhinoceros’, where there are currently more than any other place in the world.
The travel route will take you through tea estates, rural villages and river views.
Route:
Guwahati – NH27 – Nagaon – Kaziranga
Kaziranga is located approximately 217km from Guwahati, and the travel time typically is around 5 hours. In Kaziranga you will have the following experiences:
Jeep safari in the National Park
Elephant safari at sunrise
Visit to nearby tea plantations
We recommend booking a safari early on in the “peak” season!
4. Guwahati to Tawang – The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure
Distance: ~530 km. Travel Time: 2-3 days.
Considered to be among the most beautiful mountain drives in India, Tawang is located through high-altitude mountain passes and village communities. The journey will take you into the depths of Arunachal Pradesh.
Route
From Guwahati to Tezpur to Bomdila to Dirang to Sela Pass to Tawang, the Journey is approximately 532 km from Guwahati.
Attractions Sela Pass at 13,700 ft. Tawang Monastery, War Memorial, Sangestar Lake.
Weather can change quickly in the mountains so we suggest driving during the day and having an adequate plan.
Drivers with experience and confidence in off-road driving are advised to use this route.
Self-Drive Road Trip Tips
The team has put together some simple tips regarding safety on self-drive road travels.
Plan for fuel stops (there is not a lot of places to buy fuel in remote areas,)
Start every morning at least one hour before you are expected to be driving
Mountain roads can really slow your travel time.
Bring offline maps with you (although you can receive a single cellphone reception in many areas, cellphones do not work in some rural parts of Arunachal Pradesh.)
Check weather predictions as heavy rain and/or fog can significantly limit your visibility on the road.
Make sure you have your documents in order as you must have the necessary permits for your trip on some of the roads in Arunachal Pradesh.
Why You Should Rent From Zoomera Excess mileage on long road trips constantly adds new km to your rental vehicle because our fleet of self-drive vehicles are designed for travelling on the very long, rocky, and off-road surfaces common to the Northeastern region of India.
When you rent from Zoomera:
You will receive a clean, reliable rental vehicle that has been thoroughly inspected prior to you taking delivery of it (only after your rental is delivered).
Flexible rental terms (we work with you to create a plan that fits your needs).
Fast and friendly booking (we will work to provide you with exceptional customer service.)
Reliable support while you are driving (in India, we have a fully staffed 24-hour-a-day customer support department to help you when you need assistance).
All of our vehicles are designed to make your road travel smooth and memorable.
Start Your Northeast Road Adventure Today
Northeast India offers some of the most scenic drives in the country. Every route reveals waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain landscapes.
A self-drive journey gives freedom to explore hidden places and local culture.
With Zoomera, we make these adventures easy and comfortable.
Visit Zoomera. in today and start planning your next unforgettable road trip from Guwahati.