David Scott
Born in Scotland in 1786, Scott was the Governor-General's agent on the North-East Frontier. He died at Cherrapunji in 1831; a stone obelisk there marks him.
After the trail · the almanac
The trek in four numbers
An easy walk on a road the British laid nearly two centuries ago.
16km
Lad Mawphlang to Mawphlang
100km
The old route it was part of
800+yrs
Age of the Mawphlang grove
1,829m
Highest point of the walk
💪 Easy🌤️ Oct–May⛺ 1 night, or 4–5 h in a day🧭 Local guide advised📍 25 km from Shillong
Day by day
Two days, or one long one
Meghalaya Tourism's plan takes two days and starts at Lad Mawphlang. The district's page and most walkers do it in one day, from Mawphlang.
How high you are on each kilometre
- Day 1Shillong → Lad Mawphlang → riverside campThrough Laitsohma villageMost of the 16 km⛺ Tents by the river
- Day 2Riverside camp → MawphlangStone bridge, dam views, the sacred groveThe climb out🚙 Shillong, 25 km
- One dayMawphlang → Lad MawphlangThe East Khasi Hills district's version16 km · 4–5 h🚙 Back to Shillong
Stories and nature
A road, a war and a grove
Tirot Sing's war
After the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826 the British wanted a road from Guwahati to Sylhet through the Khasi Hills. On 4 April 1829 Khasi fighters under Tirot Sing attacked the British at Nongkhlaw, starting about four years of war.
Law Lyngdoh
The Mawphlang grove covers about 80 hectares and holds about 450 kinds of trees and plants. Cutting even a branch is forbidden.
Megaliths
Mawphlang is named after its stones. Megaliths along the trail mark victories, sacrifices and graves.
When to go
The dry months
Meghalaya Tourism says the trek can be done all year, but is best from October to May.
Oct–Apr
Dry and cool: the best time.
May
Still good, before the rains.
Jun–Sep
Heavy rain and landslides. Take rain gear and anti-slip shoes.
Winter
Cold mornings. Warm layers, and book stays early.
Plan your trip
Getting to Mawphlang
Shillong is the base. Mawphlang is about 25 km away, roughly 45 minutes by road.
- Shillong🚙 25 km, about 45 min; shared taxis leave from near Bada Bazaar
- Mawphlang🥾 16 km on the trail
- Lad Mawphlang🚙 By road back to Shillong
Nearest airport: Shillong, about 63 km from Mawphlang. Guwahati airport is about 151 km away. Nearest railhead: Guwahati.
Guide
Hire a local guide who knows the trail. Taxi drivers often double as guides.
Cost
Unexplored Northeast charges ₹6,800 a person (groups of 8) for 3 days from Guwahati, with stays, meals and a guide.
Entry
There is a small ticket kiosk at the Mawphlang trailhead.
Signal
Jio and Airtel work best on the trail.
Good to know
The small things
Cash, signal, water, permits and help on the way. Checked October 2026; confirm with your operator.
Bring cash
Carry enough cash for the entry ticket, the guide and food. AllBlogs trek guide
Book a guide
Guides come from the Mawphlang Guide Committee. A full trek costs ₹1,550. Call +91 88374 56191 a day ahead. Rangers of Mountains
Patchy signal
One walker found Jio signal only on the hilltops. Tell someone your plan and return time before you start. AllBlogs trek guide
Water
Carry your own bottles. You can refill at a water tap in Mawsahep. Holidify
Pack lunch
There are almost no shops on the trail. Small stalls near the start and end sell tea and biscuits. Bring snacks and lunch. AllBlogs trek guide
Getting to Mawphlang
Shared sumos leave from near Bara Bazaar in Shillong in the morning, about ₹70–120 a person. A private taxi for drop and pickup costs about ₹1,500–2,500. AllBlogs trek guide
Getting back
Transport is limited at Lad Mawphlang. Expect to wait for a shared vehicle. Holidify
Leeches and high water
Leeches are out in the monsoon, and the river runs high and is hard to cross. Take precautions if you go after the rains begin. Holidify
Medical help
Medical help on the trail is limited. Pharmacies and proper care are in Shillong. AllBlogs trek guide
Tourism helpline
Meghalaya Tourism: toll-free 1800 599 2026, WhatsApp +91 76400 03050. Meghalaya Tourism
What to pack
Your checklist
Tick items as you pack. Your ticks stay saved on this device.
Clothing
Shoes
Gear
Papers and money
Health
List from Hey Himalayas: what to pack for the David Scott Trail.
Rent or buy
Where to get gear
Many operators lend tents, sleeping bags and spikes. Ask yours before you rent.
Shillong before you leave
PUMA Store GS RoadBuy · sportswearOpposite Hotel Center Point parking, GS Road, Police Bazar, Shillong 793001 · +91 79427 25566 · Website
Guwahati if you fly or train in
Decathlon AzaraBuy · trekking shoes, rain jackets, backpacks, tents, activewearDag No. 656, Goalpara–Guwahati Road, near Rani Gate, Azara · Website
Shop details are from each shop's own page. Phone to confirm prices and stock.
Who runs it
Choose an operator
We found 9 companies selling the David Scott Trail in October 2026: 3 as a day trek, 2 as a short trip from Guwahati, and 4 inside longer Meghalaya tours. None publishes fixed dates. If you go on your own, a Mawphlang Guide Committee guide costs about ₹1,550.
Prices are base prices from each operator's own page (October 2026); most add 5% GST. Ratings are what each operator shows, not an independent audit. Names marked † show last season's price or one seen only in a search snippet.