If you’re craving an experience in Meghalaya that goes beyond waterfalls and crowded viewpoints, the David Scott Trail might just be your perfect escape. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t boast Instagrammable cafés or tourist boards. But it quietly offers something far more rewarding—a walk through time, nature, and silence.
This 16-kilometre trail begins in the misty village of Mawphlang, known for its Sacred Grove, and winds its way through pine forests, rolling grasslands, hidden Khasi hamlets, and gentle streams, before ending near the Cherrapunjee route. Once part of an old horse-cart road built in the 1800s by British officer David Scott, this trail now stands as a peaceful reminder of a different era—one that unfolds step by step beneath your feet.
The Landscape Whispers to You
The beauty of the David Scott Trail is not dramatic—it’s quiet, layered, and full of surprises. You’ll start by descending through open meadows where grazing cows lift their heads to watch you pass. Forested patches appear out of nowhere, where sunlight filters softly through pine needles. Small, sleepy Khasi homes dot the landscape, smoke curling from kitchen fires. A rickety hanging bridge crosses a stream so clear, you’ll want to sit and do nothing but watch the water move.
There are no shops, no vehicles, no sounds of the modern world—just wind, birds, footsteps, and your own thoughts.
Not Just a Hike, But a Feeling
What sets this trail apart is how it makes you feel. It’s not a physically demanding trek. But it slows you down in the best way. You’ll find yourself pausing often—not to catch your breath, but to take in the stillness. To listen. To notice.
And somewhere along the way, without even realising it, the trail begins to shift something inside you.
Offbeat Meghalaya at Its Best
In a state known for lush beauty, the David Scott Trail feels like one of its most underrated experiences. It’s not on every tourist’s itinerary—and that’s exactly what makes it special.
If you want to explore offbeat Meghalaya, connect with nature, and feel like you’ve briefly stepped out of time, this trail will stay with you long after your hike ends.
Our Offbeat Meghalaya Tour covers the David Scott Trail, in case you don’t want to go through all the hassles of planning and leave it all to us who are from here, feel free to drop us a word 🙂
Planning Your Hike on the David Scott Trail
Start Point: Mawphlang village (approx. 25 km from Shillong)
End Point: Near Lad Mawphlang, en route to Cherrapunjee
Distance: ~16 km
Time Required: 4–6 hours (depending on pace and stops)
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Time to Go: October to April (pleasant weather, dry trails)
What to Carry:
- Water & snacks
- Light jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Sunscreen, cap, and basic first aid
- 1–2 litres of water
- Energy bars or a packed lunch
- Rain jacket or poncho (weather can be unpredictable)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Fully charged phone (no network on the trail
- Good walking/trekking shoes
- Lightweight backpack
Also, to know more about things to carry when traveling to North East India, do have a detailed blog post here – Things To Carry
