Meghalaya
outdoors
The David Scott Trail is famous for being one of the oldest trekking routes in Northeast India. It stretches 16 kilometers through the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The trail passes through pine forests, rolling grasslands, small streams, and Khasi villages. It is a proper trek. Not a walk in the park.
The trail starts near Mawphlang and ends at Ladmawphlang village. Both points are easily reachable from Shillong, around 25 kilometers away. The drive takes 45 minutes. If you are already booking Meghalaya tour packages, ask your operator to add this as a day trek. Most operators are happy to customise it on request.
David Scott Trail was originally part of a trade route built during the British colonial period. It was named after David Scott, a British administrator who helped develop road connections between Assam and Bangladesh through the Khasi Hills.
Local villagers once used this route for transporting goods between settlements. Over time, road transport reduced its practical use, but the pathway remained important as a historical trekking route. Today, the trail attracts travellers interested in Meghalaya’s landscape, colonial history, and village-based trekking experiences.
The best time to visit is from October to April. The sky is clear, and the grass looks beautiful and golden. It is best to start your walk between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM to get an early start. Avoid going during the rainy season because the paths get very slippery, and crossing the small rivers becomes dangerous and unsafe.
The David Scott Trail starts near Mawphlang, located around 25 km from Shillong. The drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour by road. The trek route is around 16 km long and usually takes 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on pace, weather, and stopping time during the walk. Cab charges from Shillong range between ₹1,000 and ₹4,000, while local bus fares usually cost around ₹80–₹150 per person.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Usually, trekking starts from
Closed on: Open all days
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
Mawphlāng, Synrang Kaban, Meghalaya 793121
Essential Information
Point of Interest for David Scott Trail
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Protected forest area known for ancient trees and Khasi traditions.
Khasi Heritage Village
Cultural site showing traditional Khasi houses and local lifestyle.
Camilla's Tombstone
Historic memorial stone linked to local colonial-era stories nearby.
Suspension Bridge Crossing
Old-style bridge crossing over flowing river sections during the trek.
Forest Trail Sections
Walking routes passing through dense forest and shaded paths.
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Nikhil Joshi
Reviewed: Dec 14, 2025Shreya Banerjee
Reviewed: Jan 13, 2026
