Up from the plains
From Guwahati, the truck heads south-east along GS Road and the Khanapara side to Jorabat, where the highway leaves Assam and starts to climb into Meghalaya. It's a four-lane road for much of the way, but it winds and climbs steadily through forest, past Nongpoh and the Umiam lake, to Shillong at about 1,500 metres. Trucks climb slowly, and fog or rain can slow them further.
Leaving Guwahati
If your Guwahati home is on a hill or a narrow lane, the truck may need to wait on the main road. Apartment societies want the move registered and a lift booked. Start loading early so the hill section is driven in daylight.
Into Meghalaya
The road crosses from Assam into Meghalaya at Jorabat, and there may be checks at the border. Keep the signed packing list, the mover's invoice and your ID in the truck.
Where in Shillong
Coming up from Umiam, the truck reaches Mawlai and the northern side of the city first. Police Bazaar, Laitumkhrah, Laban and the older areas are further in, with steep, narrow roads and heavy traffic. Upper Shillong, Happy Valley and Mawpat have defence and newer housing. Give the exact address, a map pin and how the house is reached.
Carrying in the hills
Where a truck can't reach the door, goods are moved to a smaller vehicle or carried up or down steps. Tell your mover how many steps there are, whether furniture will fit through the doors, and ask for any carrying charges to be in the quote.
Why people make this move
Government postings, Shillong's schools, colleges and institutes, defence postings and families returning home account for many moves on this route. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Rain and fog
From May to September, heavy rain can cause landslides and slow the climb, and fog can cut visibility near the top. Ask for waterproof covers on every piece and keep a spare day. October to April usually suits this route best.
Colder at the top
Shillong is much cooler than Guwahati, especially from November to February. Unpack warm clothes and bedding first, and check the heater and geyser before the first night.
Festivals
Christmas and New Year fill Shillong with visitors and traffic, and Bihu and Durga Puja crowd Guwahati. Choose a date clear of them.
Students
A student moving to NEHU, IIM Shillong or a Shillong college usually needs only a few-items move. Check the hostel's dates first.
Packing for damp and curves
Ask for extra padding on furniture and electronics for the winding road, mattresses and fabrics in waterproof covers, and moisture absorbers in cartons of books and clothes.
Umiam and Nongpoh
Some moves on this route end at Umiam, Nongpoh or the institutions near the lake instead of Shillong. Give the exact address and a landmark.
Settling in
In Shillong, ask how the water supply works and whether there's a storage tank, check the heating, and book internet early. Your vehicle registration may need updating after an interstate move. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the official records to update.