Mesmerizing Mechuka

Imagine a surreal valley with undulating meadow, and the horses running wild – that is Mechuka for you. The valley is not far from the Chinese border, about 30 kms away. The Memba tribe resides here in their quaint wooden houses, surrounded by millet and buckwheat fields. Calling this landscape mesmerizing will be an understatement. Add the experience of a loving homestay, and the memory of a trip to this remote valley will stay with you forever!

Itinerary

Daywise Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Dibrugarh

    Pick up from Dibrugarh airport and check into hotel. In the evening we go for a leisurely walk on the banks of the Brahmaputra.

    Overnight at Dibrugarh Club House or similar accommodation.

  • Day 2

    Dibrugarh to Along, 170 kms, 8-9 hours

    Start early for our long drive to Along in Central Arunachal. We will drive over the newly opened Bhogibeel bridge which spans 5 kilometres across the Brahmaputra. Upon reaching Pasighat we will enter the Siang valley, with a dramatic change in landscape. The road condition will slowly deteriorate, making for a slow progress. Overnight in a Homestay.

  • Day 3

    Along

    In the morning set out to visit a village of the Galo tribe, learning about their customs, culture and lifestyle. During your walk through the villages, you will be impressed by their mastery over bamboo and cane artwork which are used to make everything from their grand houses, to intricate baskets and a unique Galo cap. The women folk are no less, matching their skills in local weaves.

    First you will visit the village of Paya, situated on the banks of the Siyom river. Walk in this scenic village, admiring the traditional Galo houses and learning about the Galo culture. Next you can visit Bene or Kuge village of the same tribe.

    In the afternoon visit Darka, one of the largest villages of the Galo tribe.

  • Day 4

    Along to Mechuka, 180 kms, 8 hours

    Brace yourself for a long drive through verdant valleys. All through our drive we keep seeing sparsely populated villages dotted in the midst of lush green mountains. By evening we reach the fabled Mechuka valley where we unwind in the warmth of our host family. Overnight at a Homestay in Mechuka.

  • Day 5

    Mechuka

    After breakfast head out for a walk to Dorjeeling village learning about the culture and lifestyle of the Memba tribe. Traversing through the rice, maize and millet fields gives us a good idea about their agricultural practices. Later in the day we climb up to the Samten Yongcha gompa built sometime in the 15th century. We will get stupendous views of Mechuka from this gompa perched on top of a hill. Overnight at a Homestay in Mechuka.

  • Day 6

    Mechuka

    Set out for a half day trek in the nearby temperate forest. Start our walk on the banks of the Pemasnagchu stream, steadily climbing up the Pine forest teeming with birds. By afternoon reach our Homestay and relax for the remainder of the evening. Overnight at a Homestay in Mechuka

    In the evening we will have our own little master class led by the host in which we will learn to cook momos and some other traditional dishes. Overnight at a Homestay in Mechuka.

  • Day 7

    Mechuka to Along, 180 kms, 7-8 hours

    Drive from Mechuka to Along. Overnight at a Homestay.

  • Day 8

    Along to Pasighat

    After breakfast we continue our drive to Pasighat, the headquarters of the East Siang district. On the way we take a small detour to the village of Pangin to walk on a 1500-foot-long suspension bridge over the Siang. Our drive continues through some breath-taking scenery as we now enter the main Siang valley. This valley is mainly inhabited by various Adi sub-tribes like Minyong, Gallong and Passi . In the second half of the day we venture into some villages of the Passi sub tribe to acquaint ourselves with their culture. Overnight at a camp in Passighat.

  • Day 9

    Pasighat to Dibrugarh

    After breakfast, drive to Dibrugarh, where you will be dropped at the airport to catch your flight back home.

    Trip Ends

Inspirations