The short answer
David Scott Trail: what visitors should know first
A good choice for steady walkers from October to April. The 16 km stretch can be walked in a long day or split over two days with a riverside camp. The path is mostly gentle but rough in places, with stream crossings. Parents who prefer not to walk far can visit the Mawphlang Sacred Grove at the end.
History and context
The story behind David Scott Trail
The trail is named after David Scott, a British administrator in the region in the early 19th century. It follows part of a mule track built in the 1800s on a longer trade route between the Khasi Hills and the plains of present-day Bangladesh.
Useful facts
David Scott Trail facts at a glance
- Location
- Lad Mawphlang to Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills
- Altitude
- About 1,536 to 1,829 m
- Experience type
- Heritage trail walk
- Known for
- British-era paving, river crossings and the Sacred Grove
- Time or schedule
- 16 km; a long day or 2 days; best October to April
Why it matters
Why David Scott Trail is worth your time
The David Scott Trail is one of the oldest colonial routes in Meghalaya, and one of the few places where a 19th-century mule track can still be walked end to end. Monoliths along the way, raised by Khasi communities to mark graves, victories or sacrifices, show how long these hills have been settled.
Ending at Mawphlang links the walk to one of the Khasi people's most revered sacred forests, said to be at least 800 years old. Going with a local guide brings in the stories and keeps money in the villages along the route.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Colonial stone paving
Sections of the old mule track still show stones laid by the British nearly two centuries ago.
- 02
Umiam river valley
The trail drops to the river, crossed by small bridges and stepping stones, with a riverside campsite.
- 03
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
The walk ends at the Khasi sacred forest, with monoliths near its edge.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Meghalaya Tourism suggests starting at Lad Mawphlang, a short drive from Shillong, so that the colonial stretches come first and the walk ends at the Sacred Grove. The trail passes old stone paving laid by the British, the village of Laitsohma and a series of valleys, with the Umiam river crossed on small bridges and stepping stones. Elevation stays between about 1,536 and 1,829 m.
As a two-day trek, the first night is spent at a riverside campsite beyond Laitsohma. The second day passes a broken British-era stone bridge and views towards the Mawphlang dam before reaching the Sacred Grove at Mawphlang. Strong walkers cover the 16 km in a single long day.
Shared taxis to Mawphlang leave from near Bara Bazar in Shillong, and taxis can be hired for the drop at Lad Mawphlang and pick-up at Mawphlang. Carry water, rain gear and good shoes for wet rock. Mobile signal is reported to be fair on the main networks.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start from Lad Mawphlang to end at the Sacred Grove
- Hire a local guide; taxi drivers often double as guides
- Wear shoes with grip for wet stones and stream crossings
- Carry water and rain gear
- Arrange a pick-up at Mawphlang before setting off
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- East Khasi Hills, between Lad Mawphlang and Mawphlang, about 25 km from Shillong
- Time needed
- A long day, or 2 days with 1 night camping
- Best time
- October to April, when the trail is dry and cool
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The trail is not high or technical, but 16 km over uneven old paving, grassy slopes and stream crossings is a long day. Older travellers who walk regularly can manage a short out-and-back section from either end. Those who should avoid long, uneven walks can visit the Mawphlang Sacred Grove with a village guide while others walk the trail towards it.
- Tickets and access
- Meghalaya Tourism lists no trek fee, but a ticket kiosk stands at the Mawphlang trailhead. A local guide is advised for navigation and language. Confirm current charges locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near David Scott Trail
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The trail is not high or technical, but 16 km over uneven old paving, grassy slopes and stream crossings is a long day. Older travellers who walk regularly can manage a short out-and-back section from either end. Those who should avoid long, uneven walks can visit the Mawphlang Sacred Grove with a village guide while others walk the trail towards it.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How long is the David Scott Trail?
The walked section between Lad Mawphlang and Mawphlang is about 16 km.
Can it be done in one day?
Yes, by steady walkers starting early. Meghalaya Tourism also offers it as a two-day walk with a riverside camp.
Which direction is best?
Starting at Lad Mawphlang means the walk ends at the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, which Meghalaya Tourism recommends.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
