When is the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026?

It runs on 20 and 21 November 2026 at New Shillong Highland Grounds, the festival’s new permanent venue in New Shillong.

Where is the Cherry Blossom Festival held now?

At New Shillong Highland Grounds in New Shillong, a permanent ground allotted by the state government. Earlier editions were held at Ward’s Lake and the Polo Ground in central Shillong.

How much are Cherry Blossom Festival tickets?

Single-day passes started at roughly ₹2,500 including taxes for the 2026 edition, sold through the official organiser Rockski. Prices rise closer to the dates, and two-day passes are usually offered.

Where should I stay for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival?

Stay in New Shillong if you can, because it is the same township as the Highland Grounds venue and avoids late-night traffic back into the city. XTSY Travellers Hostel has dorm beds from ₹399 a night and a King Double at ₹2,399, all inclusive, with TAB Bistro on site.

Do the cherry blossoms actually bloom during the festival?

Usually, yes. Shillong’s Himalayan cherry trees flower in November, which is why the festival is held then, but the exact peak shifts by a week or two with the weather.

How far in advance should I book a stay for festival week?

Several weeks at least. Festival weekend is the busiest of the Shillong year and beds, rooms and cabs all sell out. Book direct to avoid booking-site mark-ups.

Seasonal guides · Updated October 2026

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2026

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The details

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. India’s only cherry blossom festival takes place on 20 and 21 November 2026 at its new permanent home, New Shillong Highland Grounds. XTSY Travellers Hostel is in the same township, New Shillong, so you are minutes from the ground rather than driving in from the city. Dorm beds start at ₹399 a night, all inclusive.

Dates, venue and tickets

The 2026 edition runs across two days in late November, when Shillong’s Himalayan cherry trees bloom. The festival moved to a permanent government-allotted ground in New Shillong, which is a change from the earlier Ward’s Lake and Polo Ground editions.

✓ Dates: 20-21 November 2026
✓ Venue: New Shillong Highland Grounds, New Shillong
✓ Tickets: sold through the official organiser, Rockski; single-day passes started at about ₹2,500 including taxes
✓ First-wave headliners announced: Khalid, Swae Lee and Boys Like Girls
✓ Check the official Meghalaya Tourism page before booking travel, as line-ups and timings change

Why staying in New Shillong matters this week

On festival nights, central Shillong traffic backs up and cabs become scarce and expensive after the last set. XTSY is in New Shillong Township, the same side of the city as the Highland Grounds, near NIFT and IIM Shillong, so getting back after the show is short and simple.

✓ Same township as the festival ground
✓ Dorm beds ₹399, 6-bed ₹499, women-only 4-bed ₹599, King Double ₹2,399, all inclusive
✓ TAB Bistro on site for late dinner after the music
✓ Check-in from 11 AM, check-out strictly 10 AM
✓ Book early: festival week is the busiest of the Shillong year

Getting to Shillong for the festival

Most travellers fly or take a train to Guwahati, then drive 3 to 3.5 hours to Shillong. Shared taxis leave Guwahati’s Paltan Bazar through the day; a private cab can be arranged by the XTSY desk. Umroi airport near Shillong has limited flights. Book transport well ahead for festival weekend, as seats sell out.

What else to do while the blossoms are out

Late November is the best travel window of the year in Meghalaya: waterfalls still run, skies are clear, and the Umngot River at Dawki has turned glass-clear. Pair the festival with a few days on the road.

✓ Sohra (Cherrapunji) waterfalls and caves, about 2 hours away
✓ Dawki and Shnongpdeng on the Umngot River, about 3 hours
✓ Mawlynnong and the Riwai living root bridge
✓ Laitlum Canyons at sunrise, about an hour from New Shillong
✓ Wangala, the Garo 100 Drums festival, falls in the same month in West Garo Hills

Why Travellers Pick XTSY

XTSY is a Northeast Indian independent hospitality brand — Shillong-born, traveller-built, and having hosted 10,786+ guests through owned properties, curated tours, weddings, catering and rentals.

✓ NEITA 2025 nominee — Best Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Northeast India
✓ Experience by XTSY — India's first stargaze glamp
✓ Rated 4.7★ on Google from 248 reviews
✓ Pluxee India partner — corporate stays via employee-benefit vouchers accepted
✓ 24/7 WhatsApp booking & on-trip support — +91 88373 17070
✓ Owned operations in Shillong + vetted partner network across NE India and Sikkim

Frequently asked questions

Written by the XTSY travel team, New Shillong TownshipWe run XTSY Travellers Hostel and plan Northeast India trips every day. Prices on this page come from our live booking engine; drive times are checked against our own trips. Last reviewed October 2026.

Go further in Northeast India

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