9 - 17 November 2019 : Magical Mechuka (9 day all-inclusive package) - Ex Dibrugarh

Magical Mechuka

Dates: 9th Nov- 17th Nov, 2019, Ex Dibrugarh

Transport, meals and accommodation included

Dense virgin forests, spectacular snow capped mountains, gushing rivers cutting deep gorges- few other places in the world come close to the raw, rugged beauty of Arunachal Pradesh. The remoteness of the valleys has helped in preserving to a great extent the rich culture of the 26 plus tribes residing in its verdant slopes. And we invite you to experience this very diverse beauty first hand in Mechuka Valley. 

A surreal valley with undulating meadows where horses run wild, sums up the dreamscape of Mechuka valley. This remote valley 29 kilometres from the China border is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas in India. This beauty is further accentuated by the local Memba tribes who reside in quaint wooden houses besides their millet and buckwheat fields. Not only is Mechuka visually stunning, it promises to enrich you with a cultural experience like never before. Memories of your homestay here will stay with you forever, that's a promise!

Trip Highlights

• Visit a remote and untouched valley in Arunachal Pradesh

• Stay with a local family in Mechuka

• Day walks in Mechuka an Along 

• Enjoy scrumptious local tribal cuisine of Memba and Adi tribe

• Walk over a 1500 ft long bamboo bridge over the Siang River

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Dibrugarh

Pick up from Dibrugarh airport and check into hotel. Walk on the banks of the Brahmaputra . O/n at Dibrugarh Clubhouse or similar 

Day 2: Dibrugarh to Along 167 kms;  Drive time: 8.5 hours

Start early for a long drive to Along in Central Arunachal. Ride over the newly opened Bhogibeel bridge which spans 5 kilometres across the Brahmaputra. On reaching Pasighat entry to the Siang valley, with a dramatic change in landscape. The road condition will slowly deteriorate, making for a slow progress . O/n at Reyi Homestay or similar 

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 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.

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 . Visit to Bene or Kuge village of the same tribe .

In the afternoon visit Darka, one of the largest villages of the Galo tribe. O/n at Reyi Homestay  or similar 

Day 4: Along to Mechuka 183 kms; 7.5 hours

Brace yourself for a long drive through verdant valleys. All through our drive we see lush green mountains dotted with sparsely populated villages. By evening, reach the fabled Mechuka valley where we unwind in the warmth of our host family. O/n at a Homestay in Mechuka

Day 5: Mechuka

After breakfast head out for a walk to Darjeeling 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. Stupendous views of Mechuka from this gompa perched on top of a hill. O/n 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. O/n at a Homestay in Mechuka

 Little master class led by the host in which we will learn to cook momos and some other traditional dishes in the evening . O/n at a Homestay in Mechuka

Day 7: Mechuka to Along 183 kms; 7.5 hours

Commence return journey to Along. O/n at Hotel West in Along

Day 8: Along to Pasighat

After breakfast,  continue drive to Pasighat, the headquarters of the East Siang district. On the way take a small detour to the village of Pangin to walk on a 1500 foot long suspension bridge over the Siang. 

The 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. O/n at eco camp in Passighat.

Day 9: Pasighat to Dibrugarh

After breakfast drop to Dibrugarh airport 

Trip Dates: 09 Nov 2019 -  17 Nov 2019    

Cost Includes:

• Accommodation on a twin sharing basis in hotels / homestays mentioned in the itinerary

• Transportation using a Mahindra Scorpio or similar

• All meals from Dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9

• Permits for Arunachal Pradesh 

• A knowledgeable group leader 

Cost Excludes:

• Flights

• GST

• Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport.

• Soft drink charges, table drinks, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, beer and liquor charges.

• Any other item not mentioned in Cost Includes section above