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Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Please note that this is a special trek. The trek fee is Rs 5000 more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 14 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:
1. Your chances of getting a confirmation are high, but not certain. 
2. You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.
3. We close the movement of WL 15-20 days before the start of the trek.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are known for our safety

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are pioneers of treks in India

More than 30,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow. 

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

For us, sustainability is not just writing on the wall. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Sustainability is at the heart of our operations

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

We are looking to enrich this  documentation with more photos. Pictures  go a long way in explaining the trail, more than words ever can. If you  have done this trek, can you share your photos with us? We will  include   them on this page, with due credit to you. Click here to contribute.

Can You Help Us With Photographs Of This Trek?

One of the oldest trails of Meghalaya, David Scott trek is an adventure-filled ride through history. It is a part of a 100-kilometre trade route constructed during the British administration in India. 

Passing through the Eastern Khasi Hills, this trek spans a distance of 16 kilometres winding through mountains, valleys, forests and rivers. Dating back to the dawn of British colonialism in India, it is one of the rare preserved beauties of Meghalaya. 

At an altitude of 4,892 ft, David Scott trek passes through deep valleys with River Umiam flowing alongside. The trail stretches between two famous Khasi villages of Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang.

It is named after the British administrator David Scott posted in north-eastern India during the early 1800s. Today, it is one of the oldest trekking routes in Meghalaya. 

The trail passes through quaint Khasi villages, ancient sacred groves, lush green meadows, sparse fields, rolling mountains, rushing streams, stone bridges, and natural pools.

The beauty of the trek lies in the fact that it can be done by people of all ages simply as a wonderful nature hike. Even beginners, children & old aged people can do David Scott trek flexibly on a shorter route.

Untouched by urbanisation, David Scott trek makes for a wonderful hike for all nature lovers.

We have documented this trek in great detail to help you do it on your own. You will get all the information required to do the picturesque David Scott trek on your own.

If you've already completed this trek, we would love to hear from you! Drop-in your comments in the comment section below.

To navigate through the documentation easily, use this section of the Table of Contents:

➤ What to watch out for on the David Scott trek

1. Relaxing Trek amidst Clouds & Camping in the Hills

Except for a few houses in a small village, human habitation is sparse in the hills. With no humans in sight, silent rivers & trees stirring in the air, David Scott trek makes for a peaceful nature hike.

If you visit right after monsoons, the first 4 kilometres of the trek feels like a walk through the clouds.

A glimpse of River Umiam from the top. Picture by Bantei Nonglang

Umiam river offers pleasant company for the first half of the trek. Many smaller gentle streams crisscross the mountains along the latter stretch.

Once you enter the dense forests, you lose sight of the river. Pinewoods line up either side of the trail.

Streams appear in different phases, with tiny waterfalls and pools making it perfect for swimming. 

There are multiple locations you can camp at near the streams & at Pine Hill Campsite safely even when alone. You can also camp at the local Khasi village named Laithsohma.

You will find multiple stone bridges built over streams and rivers on the David Scott trek. 

The military built Suspension Bridge over the Umiam river was washed away by flash floods in 2007. It was completely reconstructed in 2012 again. As you cross the river, you can hear the hanging bridge creak under your feet.

'Hanging Bridge' over River Umiam. Picture by Bantei Nonglang

An ancient-looking stone arch bridge stands strong over a stream just before the end of the trail near Ladmawphlang. These bridges seem straight out of a historical documentary.

Some of the gravel parts of the old trade route can still be found intact at places. Dating back to British times, these medieval bridges offer a glimpse into British history and some even older. 

David Scott trek is one rare legacy that has remained undisturbed by the disturbance of city life.

Dating back to the Megalithic Period, you can find giant rock formations in the latter stretch of the trek. Considered sacred by the Khasis, they still continue to be well-preserved.

Monoliths are upright structures carved from one single stone that serves as a monument or pillar. They could be erected in commemoration of a king's victory or it could have been an ancient sacrificial site, no one really knows.

These historical monuments have several beliefs regarding their origin & can be found across the length and breadth of Khasi & Jaintia hills of Meghalaya.

Ancient giant rock structures at Kor Parkti. Picture by Yashowardhan Chaturvedi

Vehicles can be parked in this place. Picture by IndiaHikes member 

Standing for centuries, these monoliths seem like an ancient gathering of villagers set in stone. It's amazing to see how strong they stand, towering over us!

About 12 kilometres from the trailhead, the legendary Mawnguid- Briew, the Elephant hill, the Crocodile sitting on the rock and the Mansion on a rock can be found. An old Khasi song popularised the Mawnguid Briew.

4. Beautiful rare plants & conserved forests

Beautiful red rhododendrons welcome you early on the trek. Khasi hills inhabit rare medicinal plants, varieties of orchids, magnolia, rubber.

The soaring pines and magnolia offer a picturesque landscape in the forests. The path is laid with crunchy dried pine cones throughout the trail.

Forest Blooms. Picture by Aneesh Krishnan

Different types of local berries including blackberries and wild berries are found in abundance. 

David Scott trail is peppered with blossoms of beautiful flowers. Wildflowers like Spanish Shawl, dew grass can be found embroidered in bushes.  The entire hike urges for an indulging photography session.

Fresh ‘dew grass’ blooming in monsoons. Picture by Aneesh Krishnan

If you have a keen eye, you can spot frogs and rare insects near water.

Traditions, rituals and respect for nature are imbibed deeply in the Khasi culture. Practising sustainable living, it's amazing to see how local folks have conserved its pristine beauty for centuries.

This trek can be started from either of the two villages: Mawphlang and Ladmawphlang. The popular choice is to start from Mawphlang.

Even though the hike is long and seemingly endless, it’s pretty straightforward. If you are a solo trekker or a beginner, the thumb rule is to avoid shortcuts.

• Section 1: Mawphlang village to Trailhead (0 Point)

The trail stretches from Mawphlang through Nongrum village towards the south-eastern part of Mawphlang. 

The elevation of the entry point is at around 6,050 feet. 

Trailhead at Zero Point. Picture by Yashowardhan Chaturvedi

This is the Zero Point and acts as the primary identification of the David Scott trek. 

You can grab eatables and water at the local shops here which solely benefit the Khasi community.

• Section 2: Trailhead to Ka kor shon mai

The actual trek starts from the trailhead. The route is straightforward on a flat path. 

Perfect place to rest. Picture by Uma Badve

The terrain is rocky at some points, so make sure you wear proper trekking shoes. As it gets slippery in monsoons, we recommend using trekking poles for support.

After half a kilometre, you’ll reach a resting point named Ka kor shon mai.

If you plan to camp overnight, you can erect your tent at the Pine Hill Campsite. It is absolutely safe on the open grounds.

Chances are you'll have company as local tour guides often conduct camping activities here. 

• Section 3: Ka kor shon mai to Mawkorsahep (Mawshep)

From Ka kor shon mai, it’s a gradual descent on a muddy, winding trail of 1-1.5 km. 

With lush greenery around, the path is winding the mountains as you go downhill. Occasionally, you can catch the river flowing from the slopes.

Walk along the gentle slope on the trail until you reach Mawkorsahep. You can catch a glimpse of Simpanghang waterfalls just before you reach.

You will recognize Mawshep with the tombstone erected. Dating back to 1843, it was built in the fond memory of a child Camilla. 

 Camilla's Tomb. Picture by Banshan Lyngdoh

Beyond the tomb, it’s a thin trail of descent through the forest. Continue along the winding spree across the forest down to Lynkienwar and Umiam River. 

Dense canopy overhead a thin trail. Picture by Aneesh Krishnan 

A part of the Mawphlang Dam is visible at the end of the trail. This section offers a serene view of the Umiam river.

• Section 4: Mawkorsahep to Suspension Bridge

Follow the winding gravelly path with occasional ascent until you reach the hanging Suspension Bridge. 

It is a military built steel bridge at Weidung. This footbridge built across the Umiam River acts as a gateway to the woods. 

Military built ‘Hanging Bridge’ on River Umiam. Picture by Jigna Gokani

Floating over the river, the bridge gives you a beautiful view of the Umiam river.

You can proceed towards Laithsohma village after this short break.

The streams continue to give you company along the forest trail. Picture by Nishant Sinha

Wild Friend waiting to say a Hi. Picture by Aneesh Krishnan

David Scott Trek is a historical trail through Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. A detailed guide to trek on your own with route information, photos, GPX file and tips.

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