Mechuka - Paradise of Paradises

Arunachal Pradesh’s less explored and untouched mountains, valleys and gorgeous rivers altogether will take your breath away. Today we talk about Untouched and unexplored Mechuka. People who are adventurous and loves challenges, this is a getaway to Heaven.

Mechuka:

Menchuka, popularly known as Mechuka, is a Valley in Arunachal Pradesh residing at an altitude of 6000 meters above sea level near the Indo-China border. It is a small picturesque town with snow capped mountains, beautiful landscapes. The Yargyapchu river with it’s crystal clear water flowing through the valley makes for an awesome trip to escape into the wilderness.

Best time to visit:

Summer, Spring - Experience the beautiful landscapes.

Winter - for the thrill seekers

Mechuka Festival offers wide range of adventure sports in the month of November.

How to Reach:

Reach Pasighat

Mechuka is 180 kilometers away from Along, and 450 kilometers away from the Dibrugarh Airport, Assam.

By Flight:

1. Fly to Dibrugarh and reach Pasighat by crossing the Brahmaputra river on a ferry and take a cab to Silapathar and then to Pasighat.
2. Fly into Guwahati first and reach Pasighat by train/road.

By Train:

You can travel from Guwahati in the Lachit Express that runs daily from Kamakhya Railway station to Murkongselek Railway station. Pasighat is 36 kms away from the Murkongselek Railway Station.

By Road:

Guwahati to Pasighat on Night/Day super buses that runs daily.

Take private vehicles from Guwahati to Pasighat or Guwahati-Naharlagun-Pasighat.

However, PAP and ILP are required to be shown at Ruskin Gate while entering Pasighat.

Pasighat to Mechuka: (Pasighat-Aalo-Mechuka)

The shared Sumos leaves every morning at sharp 5.30 am. from Pasighat.

Pasighat to Aalo may cost around 450-500Rs per person. Aalo to Mechuka cost 500Rs per person.

If you are visiting Mechuka in group, you can hire a Sumo from Pasighat directly to Mechuka.

Where to Stay:

There’s plenty of Homestays in Mechuka. I recommend Gayboo’s Traditional Lodge and Homestay which located at the heart of the town.

Things To Do:

Apart from enjoying the scenery, you can visit the local monastery and trek up to the hills surrounding the valley for a better view.

One can trek to a nearby high altitude lake. There are so many fine trekking options in Mechuka. It’s a hub for adventure junkies. The trek to Dorjeeling Mountain starts from the Bumjipanga bridge, outside the main town. It took us 3 1/2 hours to reach there. It was all worth it. Halfway through the trek the town of Mechuka can be seen without any hindrance.

Visiting the new Gompa and exploring the town: The peaceful Gompa, gives unparalleled views of the town. One can also see the military airstrip from the top.

Tips:

1. Carry enough cash, there’s only one ATM in Mechuka.
2. Always carry your ILP and PAP wherever you go. One can’t roam around in Arunachal Pradesh without PAP (Protected Area Permit – for International tourist) and ILP (Inner Line Permit – for domestic tourist). You can avail these in New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati at FRRO offices. You can also get these permits in Railway stations in Guwahati and Naharlagun.
3. There are no hotels en route so make sure you have enough water and food while traveling.
4. It is quite cold even during summer so bring your warm clothes.
5. Other than a weak BSNL network, no other cell network.