A Complete Guide to Mechukha: An Offbeat Paradise of Arunachal Pradesh - TheUnexplored Blog

December 24th, 2024

A Complete Guide to Mechukha: An Offbeat Paradise of Arunachal Pradesh

You have probably come across reels or videos about Mechukha by now. Mechukha is becoming a popular offbeat destination, with celebrities like Salman Khan and travel influencers like Taniya Khanijow promoting it. So, it is safe to say that when you scroll through your Insta feeds, you’ve likely seen at least one video about Mechukha.

Even if you don’t know much about this magical place Mechukha. And if you are looking for a great offbeat destination. I have got you covered.
I will brief you on everything about Mechukha or provide a complete guide that will make you fall in love with Mechukha, and you will definitely plan to visit.

Firstly let me start with the information.

Location- Where is Mechukha?

Menchuka OR Mechukha(1,890 meters), is located near the McMahon Line in the Shi-Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh. It derives its name from three local words: ‘Men’ meaning “medicinal,” ‘Chu’ meaning “water,” and ‘Kha’ meaning “ice.” This picturesque town/valley is surrounded by towering mountains and snow-covered peaks of the Eastern Himalayas.
Before the 1950s, Mechuka Valley was known as Panchakshari.

How to reach Mechukha?

By Flight:
There is no direct flight to Mechukha. You need to fly to Guwahati, Dibrugarh or Pasighat.

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati Airport being an International Airport is well-connected to all the major Indian cities. It is the most convenient option for domestic and International tourists or travellers alike.

Mohanbari Airport, Dibrugarh Aiport in Assam is the nearest Airport to Mechukha. It is around 375 km away. There’s another smaller airport at Pasighat too(but not so reliable)
After landing, you need to hit the road and take a cab to Pasighat via Silapathar and then to Aaalo/Aalong via Likabali Road. After a day’s halt in Aalo resume your journey to Mechukha.

By Train :
Board a train to Murkongselek from Guwahati from there onwards enjoy the road journey to Pasighat and Aalo and further to Mechukha.

By Road:
If travelling from Guwahati, you can reach Mechukha through Dibrugarh or Pasighat.
The closest town, Along (Aalo), is about 192 km away, a 6-hour drive from Dibrugarh via the Likabali border. The distance from Along to Mechukha is approximately 190 km, which takes about 6 to 7 hours.

All About Inner Line Permit(ILP) & Protected Area Permit(PAP)

Now we nee to know that in order to enter Arunachal Pradesh we need to get a special permit.

ILP(Inner Line Permit) For Indian Tourist

All non-residents of Arunachal Pradesh, including Indian citizens from other states, are required to obtain an ILP before entering the state. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) instead.

ILPs can be obtained from offices located in several cities outside Arunachal Pradesh, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, and Dibrugarh, North Lakhimpur, Jorhat,Tezpur.An ILP can also be applied for online through the government portal of Arunachal Pradesh.https://eilp.arunachal.gov.in/preTuristEIlpKYC

If you’re planning to visit Arunachal Pradesh, it is essential to ensure that you obtain the necessary ILP to avoid legal issues and travel restrictions within the state.

PAP ( Protected Area Permit) For Foreign Tourist

Foreign tourists in a group of 2 or more persons can obtain PAP online by visiting https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp for a period of 30 days . They can also be availed physically from

  1.  Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi
  2. The Resident Commissioner,
    Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Kautilya Marg,
    Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
    Phone: 011-230113915/23013956/26880901
  3. The Secretary (Tourism)
    Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
    Itanagar-791111
    Phone:0360-2212457
  4. The Commissioner(Home)
    Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
    Itangar-791111
    Phone: 0360-2212632

Foreign tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh shall have to pay USD 50 per head as Royalty to the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh and applications for PAP are to be applied through approved local tour operator only.

Best time to visit Mechuka?

The ideal period or the best time to visit Mechukha is between October and May.

In October and November, the climate is mild, with clear skies offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

From December to February, winter takes over, and you may even witness snowfall. The region transforms into a snowy paradise, with mesmerizing views of snow-covered mountains and serene landscapes.

As March arrives, the temperature starts to rise, and Mechukha comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery.

So now that we have all the necessary information, do plan your next trip to Mechukha with The Unexplored.

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