
About the David Scott Trail:
The history surrounding the David Scott Trail is rather interesting. Do you know why the trail was named so? It was named after a British administrator by the name of David Scott. He was sent to India during British Raj and worked in North-east India for over 30 years. During his tenure, David Scott built a 100 km road that connected India and Bangladesh. It was a trade route. The present-day David Scott trail is a part of this route. It extends from Mawphlang to Lad-mawphlang.
The conflict resulted in the Anglo-Khasi war. The war was basically between U Tirot Singh, who was the king of Khadsawphra Syiemship and the British. They waged a battle that lasted for four years. The Khasis were incredibly brave and fought until U Tirot Singh was captured and deported to Bangladesh. The stone formations, the uneven terrain, and the picturesque beauty of the David Scott Trek are bound to mesmerize you.
About the David Scott Trail Hike:
One of the most mesmerizing trails in the north-eastern part of India is the David Scott Trail. With an altitude of about 4892 feet, the trail is a beauty to behold. There are two distinct ways to start trekking. You can either start at Mawphlang and complete the trekking at Lad-mawphlang or you can also start with Lad-mawphlang and end at Mawphlang. The trek gradient ranges from easy to moderate
When you embark on the David Scott Trek, you will come across a resting place called the “Ka Khor Ka Shinmai”. The place is named after the daughter of Dorsing Lyngdoh. You will witness majestic mountains encompassed with dense vegetation, stunning valleys, and alluring rivers. After that, the next thing to capture your attention will be a tomb. After several ascents and descents, you will reach the Umiam River. As you reach the endpoint at Lad-mawphlang, you will see some Khasi villages.
Quick Facts About David Scott Trail:
Destinations Covered: 1N Guwahati, 1N Mawphlang
David Scott Trail Start Point: Guwahati Railway station or Airport
David Scott Trail End Point: Guwahati Railway Station or Airport
David Scott Trail Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse with Breakfast
Transportation: Car, Tempo Traveler.
Customization: Available as per the requirement
The important things one must carry before going on the David Scott Trek are:
- Trekking shoes
- Water bottles
- Backpack
- Raincoat
- Torch
- Plastic bags
- Warm clothes
- Cap
- Scarf
- Personal medicine
- Sunscreen lotion
Yes, transportation is available in the David Scott Trail Package. In fact, there are two types of transportation offered. One is for the standard package, and the other is for the budget package. You get Tata Sumo for the budget package.
However, you can get Dzire/Innova/Scorpio for the Standard package.
The inclusions in the David Scott Trek Package are:
- Double sharing in a standard hotel
- Overnight camping
- Meals for all times
- Transportation via Dzire/Innova/Scorpio for standard package
- Transportation via Tata Sumo for the budget package
- Sightseeing like Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- Guide for the David Scott trekking
The history of the David Scott trail is quite fascinating. The trail is named after David Scott, who was a British officer. He was sent to the Northeastern part of India and managed the operations there for around 30 years.
While he was in office, David Scott gave the orders to build a 100 km long road for the carrying of goods via mule or horse carts. The route stretched from Assam to Sylhet (now Bangladesh). The David Scott trail is part of this 100 km trail and is the portion between Mawphlang and Lad-mawphlang.
The route was the cause of a major war in history. The famous war, known as the Anglo-Khasi war lasted for about four years. The entire conflict was between the British and U Tirot Singh, who
was the king of Khadsawphra Syiemship. The Khasis fought valiantly but was severely under-armed and undisciplined.
The British forces had all the advantages – ranging from the most modern warfare to absolute discipline. All the Khasis had shields, swords, arrows, and bows.
After the Khasis realized that they could not defeat the British forces, they opted for guerrilla warfare. The war ended when U Tirot Sing was finally captured. He was then deported to Bangladesh, where he lived till his dying days.
The trekking route between Mawphlang and Lad-mawphlang is known as the David Scott Trail. You can reach the trail either from Mawphlang or from Lad-mawphlang. Mawphlang is at a distance of about 25 km from Shillong. You can take a cab from Bada Bazaar and reach Mawphlang.
However, if you start the trek from Lad-mawphlang, you will have to go to Cherrapunji or Sohra. You can take a taxi or cab from the Paltan Bazaar bus stand in Guwahati.
Here is the list of other best North East treks that you can book from Thrillophilia:
