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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.  

Our Adventure Therapy Trek is led by a trained therapist, who will guide you through reflective and therapeutic exercises during the trek. To accommodate this expertise, the fee is ₹5,000 higher than our regular trek fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 18 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.

Please note, this is an open Collaborative Leadership Programme with a focus on networking and building Collaborative Leadership skills for young professionals and university students. The trek fee is 5000 more than the regular fee. Learn more about the trek here: https://indiahikes.com/blog/open-collaborative-leadership-program

The Indiahikes Summer Camp aligns with the Adventurous Journey of the IAYP programme. Our treks provide a challenging outdoor experience where participants plan, train, and trek in an unfamiliar environment. They develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience while navigating trails, camping, and engaging with nature—fulfilling all the requirements of the IAYP Adventurous Journey.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:

The chances of getting a confirmed slot totally depend on the cancellations we receive from confirmed trekkers. The cancellations cannot be predicted hence are uncertain.

We close the movement of the waitlist 7-15 days before the trek starts.

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.

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. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.

Our No-Compromise Safety Promise

Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.

Our No-compromise Sustainability promise

More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine 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 believe everyone must trek.

Being pioneers of trekking in India

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

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

Trekking in the Himalayas comes with challenges such as heavy rain, roadblocks, floods, landslides, and permit restrictions imposed by the government. These situations are not within Indiahikes' control. 

Before you register, please be prepared for the possibility that your trek might be called off due to these uncontrollable factors. In such cases, Indiahikes will make every effort to offer you a safe alternative trek. If that isn't possible, we will cancel your trek and issue a voucher for the trek fee in line with our standard cancellation policy.

However, if you would like to receive a full refund of your fee under such circumstances, opt for the Indiahikes Shield while registering. This shield grants you the option to receive a refund in case your trek is cancelled due to external reasons. 

Why you should opt for Indiahikes Shield 

Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.

Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared.  As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.  

We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.

Why you must opt for Indiahikes Shield on Kashmir Treks

When you offload, a mule or porter will carry your belongings.

Offloading is for those with injuries, health issues or other limitations

Book via Your Profile after trek registration. 

We will provide you with a weather-resistant kit bag to transfer your belongings.

The kitbag will be carried by mules or porters.

You will not need a backpack if you're offloading. However, you will need a small day pack.

Find details about the Indiahikes Offloading Process here.

At Indiahikes, we strongly believe that children must trek. Children aged 14 and below qualify for a 30% trek fee scholarship. Check out this article to learn more.


For every ten adult members (aged 15 and above) of the group, we waive off the trek fee for one person. Indiahikes will reimburse the said trek fee after you complete your trek.

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. 

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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