Mechuka, the Land of Hidden Treasure

12 Days

Discovery

Arunachal Pradesh

Highlights

Interact with unique communities of Arunachal Pradesh
Have a local dinner in an Apatani family in Ziro
Enjoy adventure sports in Mechuka

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Pictures

Mechuka… A serene land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India, now invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable people, with their glorious heritage of arts and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect their ancient faith in the inexorable power of nature.

With cascading waterfalls and crystal clear water running on stony river beds, the exclusivity of this valley holds out a promise of serenity. The undulating grassland slopes surrounding the valley, along with the high snow covered peaks almost in ‘touching’ distance hide amidst itself deep religious and historical significance. The Samtem Yongcham monastery of the Mahayana Sect, situated atop a hill overlooking the valley is believed to be more then 400 years old. The Siyom River running through the valley makes Mechuka a perfect blend of nature, spirituality and history- all combined to make one truly amazing destination.

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Day 1

Arrival in Guwahati - Tezpur

Welcome at the airport and transfer to Tezpur. Night in Hotel.

Day 2

Tezpur - Ziro

After breakfast, road to Ziro. You will enter Arunachal Pradesh, through Kimin Gate and cross, drive along the Ranga River and the extensive foothills of the Himalaya. The mountain road cuts through densely forested hills and slowly keeps gaining altitude till we reach the Apatani plateau. En route, visiting Nyishi tribes. Night in hotel/homestay.

Day 3

Ziro

After breakfast, drive to the Shiv Mandir and then come back to the valley. After that you can visit the high altitude fishing farms where they grow fishes in the paddy fields. Then visit Hong and Dutta (Apatani villages) and the craft centre where you could do some shopping as well. Drive up to the view point near old Ziro and enjoy the view of the valley from top. Night in hotel or homestay.

Day 4

Ziro - Daporijo

Departing early in the morning, we descend from the Ziro plateau and drive along the Kamla River valley through dense jungle country, passing picturesque villages of Nishis and the Hill Miris tribes. You will visit Muri Mugli, a Hill Miris tribe, and if road conditions are good we will continue another eight miles on a mountain dirt road to Noori, a small traditional village of the same people. The Ghansi sect of the Miris that we encounter here are of short stature, scantily dressed with a sleeveless jacket and loin cloths. They will usually carry woven cane knapsacks and a dao (broad sword) along with bow and arrows. The Panibotias, another sect of the Miris that you will meet, are just the opposite: tall, well-built people. Continue driving to Daporijo on the banks of the Subansiri River. Daporijo is the junction of three important tribes; Hill Miris, Tagins and Adi-Gallongs. Night in hotel. Option: Siyum - Mechuka Trek (8 days)

Day 5

Daporijo - Along

Early morning visit Lida village of Adi-Gallong tribes. A short drive brings us to Tajipara, another Adi-Gallong village. Continue to Along. Rest of the day, visit the local market and museum. Night in hotel.

Day 6

Along

Spend the day exploring verdant villages around Aalo of the Adi Gallong Tribe such as Kabu, Jirdan an Kayin. Visit homes and interact with the villagers to gain more insight about the inter-relation of animist cultures present in Arunachal Pradesh. In Kabu cross a cane hanging bridge. Night in homestay/hotel.

Day 7

Along - Mechuka

Brace yourself for a long drive through verdant valleys. All through your drive you keep seeing sparsely populated villages dotted in the midst of lush green mountains. By evening you reach the fabled Mechuka valley where you unwind in the warmth of your host family. Night in a homestay in Mechuka.

Day 8

Mechuka

Full day exploration of Mechuka Valley. After breakfast you can head out for a walk to Dorjeeling, Bori or Pailibo village to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Memba tribe. Traversing through the rice, maize and millet fields gives you a good idea about their agricultural practices. For sunset, you can climb up to the Samten Yongcha gompa built sometime in the 15th century. You will get stupendous views of Mechuka from this gompa perched on top of a hill. By early evening, you can have your own little master class led by the host in which you will learn to cook momos and some other traditional dishes. Night in homestay. Option: Trek along the banks of the Surichu River, then steadily climb up the Pine forest teeming with birds (1 day) Menchuka Lao Trek (1 day) Tokakla Trek (3 days) Pasang Sonam Trek (3 days) Damjeela Trek (5-6 days)

Day 9

Mechuka - Along

After breakfast, make your way back to Along. In the evening, take a tour to the local market and get acquainted with the local population and their daily life. Night in hotel.

Day 10

Along - Pasighat

Today morning leave for Pasighat enroute visiting more tribal villages. On arrival, check-in at your hotel. Evening sightseeing of Pasighat town. Night in basic hotel. Option: Trekking to Komsing Village (2 to 4 days)

Day 11

Pasighat - Dibrugarh

Drive upto Oiramghat where we enter Assam to take the ferry across the braided flow of the Brahmaputra. Keep an eye out for freshwater dolphin during the winter months! After reaching the other side of the Brahmaputra, drive to Dibrugarh. Evening walk around town. Night in hotel.

Day 12

Departure from Dibrugarh

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of our services.