Why To Visit Mechuka?
Mechuka, also known as Menchukha or Menchuka, is a Himalayan Buddhist village located 6,000 feet above sea level in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi District. The McMahon line is only 29 kilometers away (the border that divides India and China). Because of its lack of access to the mainland, Mechuka is also known as Arunachal Pradesh’s Forgotten Valley. It was formerly only known for its airfield, which played a critical role during the 1962 conflict with China. The charming village is the kind of place that would be perfect for a postcard photo. The mesmerizing caramelized mountains with a hint of snow-capped peaks, the wildflower-filled horse-grazing meadows, the countless hanging wooden bridges, and the flowing sound of the Yargyap Chu river are ideal for the Instagram ‘aesthetic’ game. Also, oh! The oomph factor is increased by the brightly coloured dwellings. This location is so pristine that its name translates to ‘snow medicinal water’ (men – medicinal, chu – water, kha – snow).
Pine trees, ferns, and thorn shrubs abound in the valley. The dwellings are made of pinewood rather than bamboo since it is more readily available. The palm-leaf shelter (as seen in other low-lying villages) has been replaced with suitable aluminum sheets aligned in a triangle manner, as the temperature varies from 20 to below zero degrees. Another interesting fact is that these homes are built on stilts to store firewood and cattle, not because of floods.
Mechuka’s tourism industry is slowly but steadily growing. This transformation may be seen in the many under-construction homestays and newly cemented stores. A number of tiny houses that have been converted into eateries are also on the way. However, business is sluggish and lethargic here. Everyone is at ease, whether it’s at the gift shop or the wine shop. The commotion of city marketplaces is a long way away. The shops are like to a tight-knit family.
Mechuka Trip Summary
- You are going to start your journey after boarding the train from Kamakhya Railway Station.
- You will reach Murkongselek in the next morning then you will be in Pasighat from where it will take another 5 hours to reach Aalo. You will stay in a lively homestay at Aalo.
- It takes 6 hours to reach Mechuka from Aalo and on the way you can witness Siko-Dido waterfall.
- By lunch hours you will finally be in Mechuka and will get to stay in another lively homestay where you will get amazing food and beverages.
- Wake up early next morning for a hike to Mechuka La top to get a bird’s eye view of the town, trek back below in the afternoon to have lunch then go back to the homestay for some rest.
- On the 5th day you are going for sightseeing and explore everything that Mechuka has to offer.
- The various spots in and around are Hanuman camp, Gurudwara, Guru Nanak Taposthan, Samten Yongcha or the Old monastery, Dorjeeling Village etc.
- The next day you are just going back to Aalo.
- The next day you will be back to Murkongselek, where you will board the train back to Guwahati. This is a place where a lot of oranges can be found and you cannot resist from buying the fruit iconic to Arunachal Pradesh.
- The following day you will reach Guwahati completing this wonderful trip.
When To Plan Mechuka Trip?
In Summer (March – June)
Arunachal Pradesh experiences an average of 31 degrees high to 10 degrees low temperatures during summer. In Arunachal Pradesh, spring gives way to summer. The delightful cold of winter is blended with the bright splendor of summer in March. In Arunachal Pradesh, March and April are essentially a little Spring season, followed by a real, blue summer. Summer is characterized by cold evenings, pleasant breezes, and sweltering afternoons. Arunachal Pradesh, unlike the winter and monsoon seasons, is accessible to the naked eye. In the summer, national parks, mountain hikes, and waterfalls are all ideal. The summer is the best time to visit the region’s natural treasures.
In Monsoon (July- September)
Arunachal Pradesh experiences an average of 34 degrees high to 19 degrees low temperatures during monsoon. The weather during the monsoon is notoriously unpredictable. The skies are filled with heavy dark clouds one minute, then sunny and clear the next. The monsoon is a brief but severe season that brings torrential rain after heavy rain. Summer’s heat and dust are washed away, revealing lush foliage that blankets the land. There’s no denying that the monsoon is a sight to behold. However, Arunachal Pradesh has its own set of dangers during the monsoon season. Roads are frequently washed away as a result of heavy rain. Landslides and major floods can be triggered by heavy rain. Humidity rises as well, making the atmosphere uncomfortably humid. Proceed cautiously.
In Winter (October – February)
Arunachal Pradesh experiences an average of 32 degrees high to 4 degrees low temperatures during winter. The land is blanketed in thick, white layers of snow, frigid winds swish and whirl all around, and the temperature lowers. There’s a surprising amount of green peeking through all that white. In the winter, the weather in Arunachal Pradesh is nice and cold. Temperatures can drop below 4 degrees, and snowfall can be heavy, making some winter activities difficult. This is, nevertheless, the finest season to visit Arunachal Pradesh, especially for snow enthusiasts. The state’s winters are often nice and cold. However, some parts of the country get severely cold. There are additional times during the year when the temperature descends below freezing. During this season, the roads may not be very smooth or suitable to travel, and they may be obstructed by heavy snow. Before going out, make sure to check the weather prediction and speak with locals.
