We welcome you to the David Scott Trail Trek Route at Mawphlang ~ the State of Meghalaya. The David Scott Trail Trek is from Mawphlang village to Lad- Mawphlang village connecting Mawphlang to Cherrapunji. The David Scott Trail Trek has been recognized by the United Nations as an Indigenous Community Conserved Area (ICCA).
Mawphlang is a small town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, 25 kilometers from Shillong. The word ‘maw’ means ‘stone’, ‘maw phlang’ means ‘grassy stone’, and is one of many settlements in the Khasi hills named after monoliths. Mawphlang is the site of one of the Khasi Hills sacred groves. Khasi heritage village located in the Mawphlang district is considered to be the hub of Khasi culture.
The David Scott Trail Trek is an old trekking route and one of the most popular trekking routes in Meghalaya, named after David Scott, a British officer. David Scott discovered this route in the first half of 1800s in the form of a mule track for travelling from Assam to Bangladesh. This route spread in over 100 km and takes around 5 days to get covered, on-foot. David Scott was a British Administrator who was instrumental in building the David Scott Trail of Meghalaya in 1829. The David Scott Trail previously was a part of a network of foot and horse path used by the indigenous Khasi people of Meghalaya criss-crossing the hills as well as more established trade routes between Guwahati, Shillong, Cherrapunji and Sylhet in Bangladesh. After it was completely developed, the entire David Scott trail from Assam to Bangladesh covered around 130 miles. This stretch of the David Scott trail from Mawphlang to Lad-Mawphlang is roughly around 16 kilometers long. This trail route is separated into smaller trekking routes and the trail between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang is the most famous one. The David Scott Trail Trek covers the lovely terrain of Eastern Khasi Hills and traverses across the low granite and sandstone cliffs scattered amid rolling hills. A clear stream runs parallel to the trail. The valley widens out that looks like it has been covered with green felt.
The David Scott Trail Trek expands up to 16 km and can be covered in 4 hours. The whole trek route is blessed with mesmerizing natural wonders such as cascading waterfalls, crystal clear streams gushing down from mountains, typical Khasi villages, scenic valleys, forests groves and expansive meadows. Camps can be set to treat the eyes to the stunning views of lush rugged Umiam valley. An excellent location to click memorable photographs on your journey across India’s Paradise Unexplored ~ the Incredible North East of India!
We welcome you to the State of Meghalaya. The jewel in the crown of the Seven Sister States of India, Meghalaya is State bestowed with the bounties of Mother Nature. From pristine landscapes unadulterated by the developments of the Modern World, Meghalaya offers you a relaxed retreat from the hustle and bustle of the modern life.
Our trained local guides will take you on a journey of Meghalaya as never seen before spotting the Tallest Plunge Waterfalls in India of Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sisters, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trail Trek at Cherrapunji, the Longest Living Root Bridge Trail Trek at Pynursla, the Asia’s Cleanest Village Trail Trek at Mawlynnong, the Border of India and Bangladesh at Dawki and much more…
A Brief overview of the David Scott Trek is mentioned below ~
1. Km 0 – The Trailhead – The trailhead of the David Scott Trek is located at Mawphlang village. The elevation of the entry point from the mean sea level is at 1845 m. The trailhead has a small shop owned by Ben Lyngdoh and family that takes note of the guests embarking on the David Scott Trek and also sells water and snacks that serve handy during the trek.
2. Km 0.5 – Ka KorShonmai – This is the first resting place named after the daughter of Dorshing Lyngdoh (1st Lyngdoh with the British Sanad). From this point one has to walk down the David Scott Trail through a gentle slope for another kilometer and a half.
3. Km 2 – Mawshep – At this spot, there is a tomb erected in memory of a child buried here. The inscription on the tomb at this phase of the David Scott Trail trek reads “To a child fondly called Camilla ‘soft silken primrose fading timelessly’, 1843.” Before reaching Mawshep along the David Scott Trail one can spot the Simpanghang falls and a part of Mawphlang Dam from a place called Hapmaram. The trail continues its winding spree to wind down to Lynkienwar and the Umiam River.
4. Km 5 – Suspension Bridge – This bridge at Weidung, was washed away by a flash flood in September 2007 and was reconstructed by PWD, Meghalaya Tourism Agency and PHE Department.
5. Km 6 – Wahtham Valley –Â After crossing the hanging bridge one has to walk along the David Scott trail through a low land to reach Wahtham valley that is at an elevation of 1525 m.
6. Km 9 – Laithsohma Village – After climbing the winding trail of 3 km up from the Wahtham valley one reaches the Laithosoma Village. This is where Khmah Nonsai resided before coming back to Mawphlang Village. If you turn back before you continue you will see Mawphlang Dam and Mawphlang Sacred Grove.
7. Km 12 – Arch Bridge – From Laitsohma one has to follow a plateau to reach some beautiful scenery including Phud Um Ja-Ut, Mawnguid-Briew, an Arch Bridge, Elephant Hill, Crocodile Sitting on a Rock and the Mansion on a rock.
8. Km 14 – Kor-Parkti – After walking the 2 km trek from the Arch bridge you will reach a stone resting bench to take a short break if needed. Then the trail descends 2 more kilometers to reach the Wah-Umiong river upto the Shillong-Cherrapunji main road.
9. Km 16 – Shillong-Cherrapunji road at Lad Mawphlang – You have reached the final destination of the David Scott Trail. There is resting place here that is typical for the outskirts of every village. Elevation for the exit point is 1785 m. It is here you get to see the majestic scenery of the East Khasi Hills.
Please find below the Itinerary for the David Scott Trail Trek ~
DAY 1 ~Â GuwahatiÂ
Arrive at Guwahati Airport. Upon your arrival, you’ll be met by our representative offering you a warm welcome in traditional Assamese style. From the Airport drive to the Holy Kamakhya Temple. Dedicated to the revered Goddess of Maa Kamkhya, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and the most revered shrine in North East India famous for its cult of Tantric practices in the early era. Travel to your Hotel/Homestay in Guwahati city. In the evening we will visit the Srimanta Kalakhetra at Guwahati city which details the History and Culture of the State of Assam. Night halt at Guwahati at a Homestay/Comfortable Hotel.
Night Stay: Hotel NEZone/Homestay at Guwahati.
Meals Included:Â NA
DAY 2 ~Â Guwahati – Mawphlang
Early Morning depart to Mawphlang. On the way sight the Umiam Lake. Arrive at Mawphlang. First, we will embark on a trek to visit the Khasi Hills Sacred Groves at Mawphlang. Revered by the Khasi Tribes of Meghalaya, the Sacred Groves is home to over 200 species of Orchids and not one tree is allowed to be cut from the groves. Later visit the Khasi Heritage Village near the Mawphlang Sacred Groves. Embark on the David Scott Trail Trek (4 Hours duration). Arrive at the Trek end point and Travel to Cherrapunji. Check into a Resort at Cherrapunji.
Night Stay: Sai Mika Resort/Sohra Plaza Homestay at Cherrapunji.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 3 ~ Cherrapunji ~ Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sister Falls, Mawsmai Caves, Double Decker Root Bridge Trek (Duration of Trek ~ 6 Hrs. (Complete))
After Breakfast, we will visit the Tallest Plunge Waterfalls of India ~ the Nohkalikai and the Seven Sister Falls at Cherrapunji. Also visit the Mawsmai Caves at Cherrapunji. Later in the day we will kick start the Double Decker Root Bridge Trek to reach Nongriat Village. On your way you will spot the first Root Bridge of your tour at Tyrna Village. Check into a Homestay at Nongriat Village.
Night Stay: Basic Homestay with Khasi Tribes at Nongriat Village.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 4 ~Â Nongriat Village ~ Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Mawsaw Bridge, Rainbow Waterfalls and Daithlen Falls
Spend the first half of your day admiring the Wonder of the Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge at Nongriat Village. Trek further from the Double Decker Living Root Bridge to reach the Mawsaw Bridge and the Rainbow Waterfalls near Nongriat Village. Trek back to Cherrapunji at the trek start point. Later in the day visit the Daithlen Falls.
Night Stay: Sai Mika Resort/Sohra Plaza Homestay at Cherrapunji.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 5 ~ Longest Root Bridge Trail Trek ~ Pynursla (Drive 2 Hrs. & Trek Duration 2 Hrs.)
Today after breakfast, we’ll drive to Pynursla. From there we kick start our trek to the longest Root Bridge accessible in the East Khasi Hills
Highlights of the Trek:
- Longest Living Root Bridge
- Virgin Wilderness
- Picturesque Views
- Lunch can be arranged as time suitable. After Lunch we can go to Mawlynnong for stay overnight
Night Stay: Homestays at Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village).
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 6 ~ Mawlynnong & Dawki
Today is our day in the beautiful village of Mawlynnong, settled in the wilderness of East Khasi Hills.
Morning after breakfast we visit the Living Root Bridge of Mawlynnong. You spend the day simply enjoying the nature of the place. Get your camera out, make notes of the place, read a book or anything that unwinds you.
For Sightseeing Options are
- Asia’s cleanest village
- Watch Tower (Take a view of the plains of Bangladesh)
- Balancing Rock
- Village Walks
- Dawki ~ Clear Water Boating on the Umngot River
- Border of India and Bangladesh at Pillar 1275
Night Stay: Homestays at Mawlynnong (Asia’s Cleanest Village).
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 7 ~ Guwahati & Return
Today after breakfast, we drive back to the airport and you fly to your onward destination. Tour Ends. Bid Adieu!
