David Scott Trail

David Scott Trail is a historic 16 km trekking trail between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Built in the early 19th century as a bridle path under British administrator David Scott, it connects Cherrapunji toward Sylhet. The trail passes through rolling meadows, forests, rivers, and Khasi villages and is notable for its heritage value and scenic natural landscape.

Visitors can expect a 16 km one-way trek through open grasslands, forested patches, river crossings and small Khasi villages between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang. The route is mostly downhill, with stone-paved sections of the old bridle path, streams, meadows and valley views. There are no major built structures; the experience is a nature walk and heritage trail best done with a local guide.

Constructed in the early 1820s under David Scott, British Administrator of Assam and Khasi Hills, as a 100 km horse-cart and bridle road connecting Cherrapunji to Sylhet (now in Bangladesh) for administrative and trade purposes. The 16 km Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang section is the best-preserved stretch and is now maintained as a heritage trekking trail.

The trail passes through the cultural landscape of the Khasi people, linking villages and meadows near the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, a revered Khasi sacred forest. It reflects colonial-era infrastructure within a traditional Khasi rural setting and showcases local village life and land use.