About this North East Tour
A gentle, scenic walk through Khasi country
The David Scott Trail is a historic 16 km bridle path laid in the 1820s, winding through the rolling Khasi hills - meadows, pine groves, streams, waterfalls and old stone monoliths - from Mawphlang to Ladmawphlang. Pair it with the sacred forest of Mawphlang and the sights of Shillong.
An easy-to-moderate day trek that is more scenic walk than mountain climb, ideal for nature lovers and gentle trekkers.
Trip Highlights
Meadows, waterfalls and a historic path
The historic David Scott Trail (16 km)
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Meadows, streams & waterfalls
Old Khasi stone monoliths
A gentle, scenic day trek
Shillong sights & Umiam Lake
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Four days around the David Scott Trail
- Arrive at Guwahati; drive to Shillong via Umiam Lake.
- Briefing; evening at Police Bazaar.
- Guided walk in the Mawphlang Sacred Forest.
- Learn about Khasi sacred-grove traditions and monoliths.
- Trek the ~16 km David Scott Trail through meadows and forest.
- Cross streams and pass a waterfall and an old British-era bridge.
- Optional Elephant Falls/Shillong Peak, then drive to Guwahati.
- Onward flight.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- All arrival & departure transfers (Guwahati/Shillong)
- 3 nights hotel/homestay stay (Khasi Hills)
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- All sightseeing & transfers by private vehicle
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls & parking
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Air/train fare to Guwahati
- Lunches & personal expenses
- Boat rides, entry tickets & activity charges
- Camera fees & optional experiences
- GST as applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to Carry
Trek & rain-forest essentials
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Fitness: The living-root-bridge treks involve long stone stairways — the Nongriat double-decker is around 3,500 steps down and back up. A reasonable level of fitness makes it far more enjoyable; take the climb slow.
Rain & Leeches: Trails get slippery when wet. In the monsoon, wear grippy shoes and leech socks; we start early to beat the afternoon rain.
Stays: Villages like Nongriat offer simple, clean homestays — basic but wonderfully authentic, right by the root bridges and pools.
Guide: A local guide accompanies the trek for safety and stories. Carry water, snacks and a torch; some pools are perfect for a refreshing dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
It is a historic 16 km trekking route through the Khasi hills - part of an old bridle path built under British administrator David Scott in the 1820s to link Assam with Bangladesh (then Sylhet). Today it is a beautiful, gentle heritage walk.
It is easy-to-moderate - long (about 16 km, 5-6 hours) but mostly gentle, following a graded old path with only modest climbs. Good fitness for a long walk is enough; there is no technical difficulty.
Rolling meadows, pine and oak groves, streams and a waterfall, an old British-era stone bridge, sacred monoliths and sweeping Khasi-hills views - a lovely cross-section of Meghalaya's countryside.
Mawphlang is one of Meghalaya's revered sacred groves, protected for centuries by Khasi tradition. It is rich in ancient trees, orchids and monoliths, and by custom nothing - not even a fallen leaf - may be removed.
October to April, when the weather is clear and the ground is firm. In the monsoon the trail is muddy and slippery with leeches, so we avoid peak-monsoon trekking.
Yes - it is one of Meghalaya's most beginner-friendly treks, as long as you are comfortable walking 5-6 hours. Families with older children and first-time trekkers do it regularly.
Yes - a local guide accompanies you for navigation, safety and the historical and cultural stories that bring the trail to life. It is included in the package.
Yes - the trail pairs naturally with Cherrapunji, Dawki and Mawlynnong. We can extend the trip to add the waterfalls, caves and the crystal Umngot river.
