Umiam Lake
A lakeside stop on the broader Guwahati-Shillong travel corridor. It works better as part of an arrival or departure route than as a rushed Laitlum add-on.
A reservoir on the Guwahati road
Umiam Lake formed when a dam was built across the Umiam River in the early 1960s for a hydroelectric project. It lies in Ri-Bhoi district, about 15 km from Shillong, beside National Highway 6 on the road between Guwahati and Shillong.
Combining it with Laitlum
The lake is on the Guwahati side of Shillong and Laitlum is on the far side of the city, so the two make an awkward pair for one short day. Stop at Umiam on your way in or out, and keep Laitlum for a day based in Shillong. Meghalaya Tourism mentions parking at the lakefront and at nearby resorts.
Boats and the best season
Boat rides and water sports are offered on the lake. Choose an operator with life jackets for everyone, follow their safety instructions and skip it in poor weather. Meghalaya Tourism recommends October to March, for cool weather, clearer skies and sunsets over the water.
Fitting it into your trip
Allow enough time for your onward journey. Ask operators about current conditions before any water activity.
Before you go
Confirm current access, opening arrangements and any charges locally. Directions and travel time can change with road conditions, so leave some slack in your day.
Find Umiam Lake on Google Maps
Sources: Meghalaya Tourism: Umiam Lake. Checked on .