Finding a PG or hostel in Shillong: areas, weather and what to check

Where people usually stay

Shillong's roads are steep and traffic is slow at peak hours, so a short distance on the map can be a long trip. Time the route at the hour you will travel.

• Laitumkhrah — busy and central, close to several colleges, cafés and shops.
• Police Bazar and nearby — the commercial centre, good for transport but noisy and often costlier.
• Near NEHU (Mawlai, Mawkynroh and Umshing side) — quieter, practical for university students.
• Nongthymmai, Rynjah and Malki — residential areas with family-run rooms and smaller PGs.

Prepare for the weather

Winters are cold and the monsoon is long. Ask these before you agree on a room.

• Is hot water available, and when — geyser in the room or shared?
• Are heaters allowed, and how is that electricity charged?
• Does the room get damp in the rains? Look for patches on walls and ceilings.
• Is there a covered space to dry clothes?

Agree on everything in writing

Ask for house rules, rent, deposit and notice period in writing, and pay the owner directly with a receipt. Many owners also ask for an ID to verify tenants, which is routine. On PGkaro, your ID goes only to the owner of your PG.