25.434391.7560Shillong, Meghalaya

ADVENTURE

David Scott Trail - A Historic Trek in Shillong, Meghalaya

A historic 16 km trekking route near Shillong, offering scenic views of Khasi villages, rivers, forests, and colonial-era bridges.

Shillong, MeghalayaHalf day (3-4 hours)6:00 AM – 6:00 PM₹100No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to undertake the David Scott Trail trek is from October to April. During these post-monsoon and winter months, the weather is dry and pleasant, with clear skies. The landscape is lush green from the recent rains. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rainfall makes the trail extremely slippery and treacherous. Summer (May) can be a bit warm but is still manageable for an early morning start.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):₹100

Entry (Foreign):₹100

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit David Scott Trail?

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.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

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Winter

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Monsoon

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Monsoon

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

October-December and March-April, especially on weekends and public holidays when tourist footfall in Meghalaya is high.

Moderate

January-February and weekdays during the peak season.

Low Season

June-September, during the monsoon season, as the trail conditions are challenging.

Entry Fees & Timings

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.

Location & Directions

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

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

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...

By Train

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...

By Road

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...

Local Transport

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 ...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

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 section was part of that ambitious project. The construction faced strong opposition from U Tirot Sing, the chief of the Khasi people, who saw it as an intrusion into their sovereign territory. This led to the Anglo-Khasi War (1829-1833). Today, the trail stands as a reminder of that colonial history and the resistance of the local tribes.

Significance

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 groves and pine forests to sprawling grasslands. The trail is also significant for its recreational value, attracting trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs who want to experience the region's unique environment and culture on foot.

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