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A historic 16 km trekking route near Shillong, offering scenic views of Khasi villages, rivers, forests, and colonial-era bridges.
Discover what makes this destination truly special
The David Scott Trail is a historic 16-kilometer trekking route that connects the villages of Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang. This well-defined path was originally part of a horse-cart track built by British administrator David Scott in the 19th century. The trek is a journey through diverse landscapes typical of the Khasi hills, taking you through dense forests, across wide-open meadows, and alongside clear streams. The route roughly follows the Umiam River, offering constant views of its valley and the surrounding hills.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
October-December and March-April, especially on weekends and public holidays when tourist footfall in Meghalaya is high.
January-February and weekdays during the peak season.
June-September, during the monsoon season, as the trail conditions are challenging.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹100
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹100
Per person
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 6:00 PM
This is a day trek. It is strongly recommended to start no later than 11:00 AM to ensure you complete the trail before sunset. Trekking after dark is not safe or advisable. There are no official opening or closing times as it's an open trail.
A nominal entry or registration fee is often collected by the local village community at the starting point in Mawphlang. Guide charges are separate and typically range from ₹1500 to ₹2500 per group. Prices can vary, so it's best to confirm on-site.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Starts from Mawphlang village, ends near Lad Mawphlang on the Shillong-Cherrapunji road
Coordinates
25.4343, 91.7560
Nearest City
Shillong
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (SHL) at Umroi, around 55 km from the trail's starting point. However, the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airp...
Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the nearest major railway station, located approximately 120 km from Mawphlang. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a s...
Mawphlang is located 25 km south of Shillong and is easily accessible by road. Taxis can be hired from Shillong to reach the starting point of the trek. Shillon...
From Shillong city, hiring a dedicated taxi for the day is the most convenient option. This allows for a drop-off at Mawphlang and a pre-arranged pickup at Lad ...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
The trail is named after David Scott, a British officer who served as the Agent to the Governor-General on the North-East Frontier during the 1820s. He initiated the construction of a 100-kilometer road connecting Assam with Sylhet (in present-day Bangladesh) for trade and communication. This 16 km ...
The David Scott Trail holds both historical and natural importance. It is one of the oldest and most popular trekking routes in Meghalaya, representing a tangible piece of the region's colonial past. For nature lovers, it showcases the beautiful and varied topography of the Khasi Hills, from sacred ...
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