Shillong Peak — the highest point in Meghalaya
What it is
Shillong Peak is the hill above Shillong that Wikipedia names the highest point in Meghalaya, at 1,966 m and about 10 km from the town. It is a picnic spot with a wide view over the countryside and the city.
Photos: Rachit (CC BY-SA 4.0) — via Wikimedia Commons, resized.
The name and the deity
Wikipedia says the city takes its name from Lei Shyllong, or U Shyllong, a powerful deity believed to live on the peak. Each spring the priest of the Khyrim and Mylliem state pays obeisance at the sanctum on the summit. Three hills are revered in Khasi tradition around the town.
The view
The town lies below the viewpoint in the valley, with the plateau's hills beyond. Cloud and haze often cover the view, and it clears most reliably in the dry season.
Getting there
Our measured road time to the viewpoint is in the quick facts. A signboard near the peak marks the small road to Elephant Falls, so the two are visited together. We have no verified entry rules or opening hours.
Combine it with
Elephant Falls is on the same road, and the one-day plan takes both. Read when to visit Shillong.
Plans that include this
All 2 plans that stop here →
Nearby places
All of Shillong →
Nearby destinations
All destinations →
Questions people ask
What is Shillong Peak?
A hill about 10 km from Shillong, 1,966 m above sea level, which Wikipedia calls the highest point in the state and a picnic spot with a wide view of the countryside. It overlooks the town. Our own measured road time to the viewpoint, which is a little longer than Wikipedia's straight distance, is in the quick facts.
Who is U Shyllong?
A powerful deity believed to live on the peak, from whose name the city's name is derived. Wikipedia says the religious priest of the Khyrim and Mylliem state pays respects to U Shyllong at the sanctum on the summit every spring. This is a living tradition, so treat the summit with respect and ask before you photograph rites.
Is Shillong Peak worth the trip?
On a clear day, yes: the view over the town and the plateau is the reason to come, and it is only a short drive beyond Elephant Falls on the same road. Cloud and haze often hide the view, so watch the sky before you set out. We have no verified entry rules or opening hours.