The Riding Soldier: Ride from Guwahati to Nongpoh & Shillong

 

                                                                     Dhannu

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Signals—the bike of my dreams, whom I affectionately call 'Dhannu'. Since purchasing this machine, I have embarked on many rides, both big and small. But the story I am about to share with you today is not just mine alone; it is the ultimate dream of thousands of bike riders around the world. Yes, today I will tell you the unforgettable tale of riding through the Abode of Clouds, Meghalaya, and the Queen of Hills, 'Shillong

Like every rider, I carried a sky-high dream in my heart—to twist the throttle of my bike along the winding mountain roads of Meghalaya. But in reality, I am a soldier serving the nation. Our lives are strictly bound by the rules of duty, making it incredibly hard to carve out time for oneself. However, they say if your desire is pure and strong enough, the universe finds a way. Eventually, that long-awaited opportunity knocked on my door—I was granted leave for Shillong!

Even after getting the leave, a major challenge arose. I was posted in the remote terrains of Manipur, while my 'Dhannu' was far away at my home. Traveling back home first and then riding all the way to Meghalaya was impossible within such a short vacation. But being a soldier, I refuse to back down. I booked my Dhannu through the railways and had him transported directly from home to Guwahati, Assam. Later, when I arrived from Manipur and finally gripped the handlebars of my Dhannu at the Guwahati station, a wave of pure emotion and excitement rushed through my chest. Our much-anticipated Shillong had officially begun!

GUWAHATI 

Leaving the flat plains of Guwahati behind, the moment I steered my Dhannu into the mountainous roads of Meghalaya, a magical transformation began in the surrounding nature. The familiar warm air of the plains vanished in a flash, turning into a cool, crisp, and refreshing breeze. The scenery before my eyes shifted dramatically, framing endless layers of lush green mountains.

As we rode along National Highway 40 (NH 40), the road snaked its way higher and higher, carving right through the heart of the mountains. Pine trees lined both sides of the highway, while white clouds played hide-and-seek across the deep blue sky. Honestly, this highway isn't just a stretch of pitched asphalt; it feels like a living canvas painted by Nature's own hands! Every sharp turn and every kilometer of this route seemed to hold a new natural wonder waiting to surprise us. The heavy, rhythmic thump of my Dhannu’s engine blended perfectly with the whistling mountain wind, creating a beautiful symphony of the road.

 After riding for hours, we reached 'Nongpoh', a vibrant mountain town located right midway between Guwahati and Shillong

NONGPOH 

By then, my body was slightly exhausted, and my stomach was roaring with hunger pangs. Parking Dhannu safely by the side, I stepped into a simple local hotel to rest and grab some lunch.

The food at this modest Meghalayan eatery literally made my mouth water. There was no artificial sophistication or modern luxury there. In a completely homely setting, a hot, steaming plate of rice and fresh local fish curry was served on a wide steel platter (Thali). Though the restaurant also offered traditional mountain delicacies like pork and chicken, I chose to feast on my familiar, comforting Bengali-style fish and rice. The extraordinary taste of that simple Thali and the warm hospitality of the mountain people deeply touched my heart.

                                                                     LOCAL DISH 

With that wonderful afternoon meal, all the exhaustion of the journey evaporated into thin air. With my stomach full and my heart content, I twisted the throttle of my Dhannu once again. Stretched out before me were the boundless mountains, the veil of mist, and the dream destination—Shillong city.

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 **From the Fouji's Diary:** 

A soldier by profession and a solo moto-blogger by passion. Balancing the rigorous discipline of serving the nation with an endless love for the open highway, I love exploring the unseen corners of India on my Royal Enfield Classic 350, 'Dhannu'. Through this blog, I share raw, authentic travel guides and offbeat motorcycle expeditions across India from a soldier's perspective. The journey never ends... Jai Hind! 🪖🏍️🇮🇳