David Scott Trail
A historic British-era trade route in Meghalaya's Khasi Hills, now a scenic 16km trek through forests, villages, and rivers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for trekking
David Scott Trail
Best Time
Pleasant weather for trekking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic British-era trade route in Meghalaya's Khasi Hills, now a scenic 16km trek through forests, villages, and rivers.
"A truly beautiful trek, perfect for nature lovers, where the distance melts away."
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for navigation as there are no signboards. Guides also help with vehicle coordination. :bustsinsilhouette:
💧 Carry Ample Water & Snacks
No shops on the 16km trail. Stay hydrated and energized throughout your hike. :water_buffalo:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic British-Era Bridge
Mid-trail
Cross this relic of colonial times, a testament to the trail's historical significance.
Mysterious Folklore Hill
Mid-trail
Discover a hill with a hole, steeped in Khasi folklore about battles and vanishing children.
Scenic Mountain Summits
Various points
Reach breathtaking viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the lush Khasi Hills.
Charming Villages & Streams
Along the trail
Pass through quaint villages and cross refreshing river streams, adding to the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guide Up, Not Down
Pack Smart for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for navigation as there are no signboards. Guides also help with vehicle coordination. +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
💧 Carry Ample Water & Snacks
No shops on the 16km trail. Stay hydrated and energized throughout your hike. +1 :water_buffalo:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly stone-paved but can be uneven. Good grip is important. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Don't rush! The mesmerizing landscape is perfect for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for navigation as there are no signboards. Guides also help with vehicle coordination. +1 :bustsinsilhouette:
💧 Carry Ample Water & Snacks
No shops on the 16km trail. Stay hydrated and energized throughout your hike. +1 :water_buffalo:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly stone-paved but can be uneven. Good grip is important. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Don't rush! The mesmerizing landscape is perfect for photography.
🚗 Arrange Vehicle Transfer
Coordinate with your guide to move your vehicle from the start to the end point. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The David Scott Trail is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and manageable trekking difficulty. Visitors highlight the scenic landscapes, charming villages, and the unique folklore associated with the trail. While the lack of signage necessitates a guide, most find the experience incredibly rewarding and worth the effort. +2
"A very scenic and enjoyable trail at Mawphlang, about 26 kms away from Shillong. The trail is roughly 13 kms by the route that we took. You need to cross a stream and a suspension bridge on the way. A trail guide is recommended if you don't have experience with forest trails. The trail runs up and down the valleys through the forests. Carry your own drinks and food as there are no shops on the way."
Debojit Pal
"The Mawphlang David Scott Trail in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills District is a truly beautiful trek, perfect for nature lovers. This relatively easy 16km hike (with exit points at 8km and 12km) is so captivating that the distance seems to melt away as you traverse seven mountains, cross two rivers, and explore lush forests. Highlights include a historic British-era bridge and the chance to discover unique flora. Enjoying local treats like "Sophie nam" adds to the exhilarating experience. Reaching the mountain summit and reflecting on the distance covered provides a profound sense of accomplishment.
To fully immerse yourself in the forest's beauty and complete the trek before nightfall, an early start is essential – ideally no later than 8:00 am. Remember to pack ample water and snacks to stay energized throughout your journey. The scenic beauty of the trail makes it a truly unforgettable experience."
Raghu Sirsi
"The trail is suitable for all age groups and offers a moderate hiking experience. Starting early in the day allows ample time to rest and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you'll pass through a charming village where you can enjoy tea and snacks."
Manab Boruah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The David Scott Trail is located in Mawphlang, about 26 km from Shillong. You can hire a taxi or a private car to reach the starting point. Many visitors arrange for their vehicle to be transported to the end point with the help of their guide. +1
Public transport options are limited. Hiring a taxi or arranging a private car is the most convenient way to reach the trail.
The entrance is well-marked on Google Maps. However, due to the trail's length and potential for vehicle transfer, it's best to coordinate with a local guide.
Yes, you can drive to the starting point. However, you'll need to arrange for your vehicle to be moved to the exit point, which is often done with the help of a guide.
It typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach Mawphlang from Shillong by car, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets for the David Scott Trail itself. However, you will need to pay for a local guide, which is highly recommended. +1
The trail is generally accessible throughout the day. However, it's best to start early in the morning to complete the trek before sunset.
Yes, hiring a local guide is recommended and typically costs around ₹1500-₹1550 per team. +1
While technically possible, it's strongly advised against. The trail lacks signboards and route markers, making it easy to get lost. +1
There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned, but it's advisable to check with local authorities or your guide for any temporary closures or advisories.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trek is approximately 16 km long, though some visitors find it to be around 13-13.5 km. It generally takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. +1
It's considered a relatively easy to moderate trek, suitable for most age groups. The path is mostly stone-paved. +1
Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good grip. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, especially if trekking during warmer months. +1
Restroom facilities are not readily available along the trail. It's best to use facilities at the starting point or plan accordingly.
Expect lush green forests, rolling hills, river streams, charming villages, and historical landmarks like Camilla's tombstone and a British-era bridge. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a small tea stall about halfway through the trek where you can get Maggi noodles for around ₹50. It's best to carry your own food and drinks.
In Mawphlang village, you might find local eateries offering snacks and tea. Enjoying local treats like 'Sophie nam' is also recommended.
It's highly unlikely to find shops selling water on the trail. It's crucial to carry sufficient water for the entire trek.
Energy bars, nuts, fruits, and sandwiches are good options to keep you fueled during the hike.
You might find some basic food stalls or small eateries in Mawphlang village near the start or end points, but options are limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Every part of the trail offers stunning photo opportunities, from the lush forests and river streams to the historic bridge and panoramic mountain views.
Absolutely! The natural beauty and historical elements make it a photographer's paradise. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes.
Early morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination, while late afternoon can provide golden hour magic.
No specific photo restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the local environment and any villages you pass through.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or your guide before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options are limited. Consider trekking only a portion of the trail if younger children might find the full distance challenging. The scenic beauty and the chance to cross streams and bridges will likely captivate younger adventurers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Look for shared taxi options if traveling solo or in a small group to split transportation costs. Negotiate guide fees if possible, though the standard rate is quite reasonable for the service provided. The experience itself is priceless and offers incredible value for money.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Photography tips: Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Bring a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive scenery and a macro lens for detailed shots of flora. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll be tempted to capture every moment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the David Scott Trail
Today, the trail offers a glimpse into this colonial past, winding through picturesque landscapes that have remained largely unchanged. Hikers can still see remnants of its history, including Camilla's tombstone and a bridge constructed by the British government. The trail's significance lies not only in its historical context but also in its role in preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the East Khasi Hills.
The trek itself is a journey through time, allowing visitors to experience the same paths that were once traversed by traders, administrators, and locals. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the region's past while immersing oneself in its stunning natural environment.
+1Navigating the Trail: The Importance of Guides
Guides not only ensure you stay on the correct path but also provide invaluable insights into the local flora, fauna, and the history and folklore associated with the trail. They can point out hidden gems, explain the significance of landmarks like Camilla's tombstone, and share stories about the Khasi culture. Furthermore, guides can assist in arranging vehicle transfers between the start and end points of the trail, a logistical aspect that can be challenging to manage independently.
The cost of a guide is generally considered a worthwhile investment, typically ranging from ₹1500 to ₹1550 per team. This fee covers their expertise, navigation skills, and local knowledge, ensuring a smoother and more enriching experience. For those seeking to truly understand and appreciate the David Scott Trail, hiring a guide is a non-negotiable step.
Flora, Fauna, and Folklore
+1Beyond its natural beauty, the trail is steeped in Khasi folklore. One particularly intriguing spot is a hill with a mysterious hole, which is the subject of local legends. Some tales speak of it being created during ancient battles, while others tell eerie stories of children who vanished into the hill.
Visitors often mention enjoying local treats and the overall immersive experience of being surrounded by nature and local culture. The chance to discover unique flora and hear captivating stories makes the David Scott Trail a truly memorable adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit