Overview
David Scott was a British political agent who died in 1831, and the trail through the Khasi Hills that carries his name has been walked since the early 19th century – first as a colonial route connecting Assam and Sylhet, then as a trekking trail connecting Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang across the same ridge lines the colonial administration found useful. The empire that built it has been gone for over a century. The 16-kilometre path remains. The david scott trail trek meghalaya runs through open meadow, stream crossings and ridge stretches where the Khasi Hills give a width of view that no forest section can.
Bon handles the vehicle from Guwahati Airport or Railway Station with Night 1 in Shillong to rest before the trek. Day 2 is the full trail from Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang, approximately 16 kilometres one way with the driver meeting the group at the far end. Night 2 returns to Shillong. Day 3 moves through Mawphlang Sacred Forest before crossing to Cherrapunji for Nights 3 and 4. Day 4 covers the plateau edge. Day 5 closes at Guwahati Airport or Railway Station. Local guide charges at the Mawphlang trailhead are paid separately on Day 2.
Day-wise Itinerary
5-day travel plan — tap any day to view full details.
The david scott trail trek meghalaya starts at Guwahati Airport or Railway Station with the 100-kilometre drive west through the Assam plains and up into the East Khasi Hills to Shillong. The climb from the plains to 1,496 metres takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, passing through the forest checkpoints and the town of Nongpoh before the hills open into Shillong.
The city at this elevation runs cooler than anything on the plains side. Ward's Lake or the Police Bazaar lanes are worth an evening hour. Day 2 is long and starts early - a useful night of sleep matters here.
The driver drops the group at the Mawphlang trailhead and drives to Lad Mawphlang to wait. The trail runs approximately 16 kilometres one way through open Khasi meadow, stream crossings and ridge-top sections where the valley system spreads on both sides.
The route was cleared in the early 19th century by British political agent David Scott to connect Assam and Sylhet across the hills - the need for that connection has been gone for over a century but the path follows the same logic it always did. A local guide hired at Mawphlang is essential for the david scott trail trek meghalaya. The full day runs 6 to 7 hours.
The Sacred Forest at Mawphlang is a law kyntang - a protected grove under Khasi community rules where no plant, stone or soil may be removed. The trees inside are old in a way immediately clear from the forest floor - multiple canopy layers, root systems above ground level and a floor that has not been cultivated.
A guided walk of about an hour moves through it. The david scott trail trek meghalaya then moves southwest to Cherrapunji, 54 kilometres from Shillong. The group arrives in time for an afternoon rest before the plateau opens on Day 4.
Nohkalikai Falls at 340 metres is the first stop - India's tallest plunge waterfall drops into a blue-green pool with the Khasi legend of Ka Likai giving the viewpoint a weight most waterfalls do not carry. Seven Sisters Falls follows at the roadside viewpoint, most dramatic in post-monsoon months.
Mawsmai Cave runs about a kilometre underground through lit limestone. The Cherrapunji Eco Park closes the day at the cliff edge with Bangladesh visible to the south. After two days of trail and forest, the david scott trail trek meghalaya rhythm shifts here to road and viewpoint and the legs get a complete rest.
Morning checkout after breakfast and the return drive from Cherrapunji to Guwahati Airport or Railway Station follows the plateau road through Shillong and down to the Assam plains, arriving in approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. The david scott trail trek meghalaya closes here.
Afternoon departures are in reach for most flight and train schedules. Groups with earlier departure windows should share timing with the Bon team at booking so the morning can be structured without a rush.
Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Private six seater Innova or Xylo class car throughout, point to point on the itinerary and not on disposal.
- All sightseeing listed on the day plan with no hidden gaps.
- Pickup and drop at Guwahati Airport or Railway Station at the start and end of the trip.
- Daily breakfast at the hotel on CP basis.
- Deluxe hotel double sharing rooms throughout.
- All fuel, parking and toll charges.
- Driver's full trip allowances, nothing extra owed on the road.
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights and train fares to Guwahati are not included.
- Dinner and lunch throughout the trip.
- Guide charges at the David Scott Trail trailhead at Mawphlang, paid locally on Day 2.
- Guide charges at Mawphlang Sacred Forest, paid locally on Day 3.
- Entry fees at waterfalls, caves, viewpoints and cultural sites, paid directly on site.
- Emergency evacuation costs.
- Extra costs caused by road closures, landslides or other natural events.
- Personal spends including laundry, tips, shopping and beverages.
- Anything not clearly covered under the inclusions above.
Best Time to Visit
Meghalaya stays cool year-round. Shillong enjoys pleasant weather (15°C–25°C), while Cherrapunji and Mawsynram receive heavy monsoons (June–September), creating dramatic waterfalls. Winters (October–February) are crisp and dry (4°C–16°C), perfect for exploring living root bridges, crystal-clear Dawki river, and limestone caves. October to April is the best time for sightseeing, trekking, and clear valley views.
Important Price & Package Conditions
- Prices are subject to availability and may vary based on travel dates, hotel selection, and seasonal demand.
- The actual price is reconfirmed at the time of booking. Discounts or deals may apply depending on ongoing promotions.
- Prices displayed do not include optional add-ons such as cab upgrades, special activities, or extra room categories unless mentioned.
- For group bookings, custom itineraries, or peak season travel, final pricing may differ. Please connect with our travel expert.
- 50% advance payment confirms your booking.
- Remaining balance is due 45 days before travel.
- Natural disasters or political unrest will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Valid for Indian nationals only. International guests may require special permits.
- Carry original government ID for all hotels.
- Secure payments and flexible policies.
- 24x7 emergency support during travel.
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