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David Scott Trail Overview

The David Scott Trail is one of Meghalaya's earliest trails and an exciting journey through time and natural beauty. It is a 16 km long trek winding its way through majestic mountains, historic sacred groves, verdant meadows, stunning valleys, pristine rivers, natural pools, and bridges as it passes through the Eastern Khasi Hills.

The David Scott Trail, at 4,892 ft altitude, runs between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang, two well-known Khasi villages famed for their heritage, traditions, and legends. Along with being breathtakingly beautiful, the trek also has significant historical importance because it is a section of a 100-km trade route that dates back to the early years of British colonialism in India. It bears the name of the British administrator David Scott stationed in northeastern India in the early 1800s.

The David Scott trail is a lovely one-day hike starting from Mawphlang village, allowing you to take in the surrounding beauty of hills and valleys and feel refreshed amidst nature. Stop for a rest at the Ka Kor Ka Shonmai rest area, capture the beauty of Camilla's tomb, unwind by the hanging bridge over the River Umain, and visit a few Khasi villages along the way to learn about their folklore. The David Scott trail is suitable for people of all ages, including beginners, children, and senior citizens.

Quick Facts of David Scott Trail

David Scott Trek

Maximum Altitude: 4892 ft

Grade: Easy to moderate

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

Trekking Distance: 16 km

Trail Type: Moderate to Difficult

Rail Head: Guwahati Railway Station is easily accessible by shared cabs and private taxis.

Airport: Guwahati Airport easily accessible by road.

Service From: Shillong, approx. 25 km from Mawphlang.

Base Camp: Ka Kor Ka Shonmai.

Best Season for David Scott Trail: Winter from November to February for being the sunniest and driest season.

Region: Shillong, Meghalaya.

Who Can Participate: Anyone who loves nature and adventure, as well as novice to experienced trekkers

David Scott Trail Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
David Scott Trek

Guwahati to Mawphlang (3 h 6 min / 145.9 km)

  • Meet our representative on the first day of your David Scott Trail at either Guwahati railway station or the airport, where you will be greeted warmly and then driven to Mawphlang in a comfortable vehicle.

  • Enjoy the approximately three-hour scenic drive while learning about the area's history from your knowledgeable driver.

  • Arrive at the sacred Mawphlang Sacred Forest's trekkers huts, located 25 km from Shillong.

  • The forest is one of the most striking aspects of the Khasi Hills, which has long been protected by traditional religious laws.

  • Check-in and rest in your cosy hut for the night.

Know Before You Go for David Scott Trail

How to Reach
Trekking routes
Important tips for trekkers
David Scott Trek

  • By Air: Guwahati Airport is about 140 km and Shillong Airport is about 53 km from the trek. You can take shared taxis or private cabs from there to reach Shillong or the start point of the trek.

  • By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest railhead at 117 km from the trail. There are shared taxis available from here that travel to Shillong every day and take almost 3 hours to get there.

  • By Road: The best way to get to Mawphlang, the starting point of the trek, is by a shared vehicle from Bada Bazaar. Even taxis can be reserved through regional tour operators. Since the David Scott Trek is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Shillong, cab/taxi drivers know about the start point and will leave you comfortably there. The distance between Shillong and Mawphlang is approx. 25 km and takes about one hour, and the journey is amazingly breathtaking.

What to pack for David Scott Trail?

David Scott Trek

Essentials:

  • Trekking Footwear as you will cross several incline and lengthy stretches.

  • A sturdy backpack (40–60 litres) with strong straps, a sturdy frame, and a rain cover.

  • Two sets of hiking pants, one set extra in case one gets wet.

  • Two lightweight, long-sleeved, quick-dry t-shirts to

  • Thermals (optional in summers) as the temperature drops at the night.

  • Sun hat and sunglasses for protection from the UV rays.

  • Hand gloves and balaclavas/woollen scarves to protect from the night chill.

  • A lightweight warm jacket if its get cold after the rain.

  • Two pairs of trekking socks and a pair of warm socks for the evening.

  • Headlamp or LED torch.

  • Trekking pole to navigate the steep sections.

  • Toiletry kit with moisturiser, sunscreen, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, light towel.

  • Sanitary Ziplock bag to store soiled napkins that you can take home with you and discard once you get there.

  • Cutlery kit with a coffee mug, spoon, and lunch box.

  • Two 1-litre water bottles.

  • Raincoat/Umbrella as it can rain anytime in Meghalaya.

  • Plastic covers to store wet clothes and compartmentalise items.

Mandatory Personal Medical Kit

  • 1-inch medical tape

  • 6 packs ORS

  • Analgesic spray

  • Antiseptic Liquid

  • Antiseptic powder

  • Band-aids

  • Cotton roll & Bandage

  • Crepe Bandage

  • Knee Cap

  • Micropore tape

  • Scissor

  • Tablet for motion sickness, acidity, mild pain relief

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FAQs of David Scott Trail

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