Mechuka is one of the unexplored valleys in this Himalayan region and gradually becoming a popular tourist destination. Overall surrounded by majestic natural beauty, cultural tribes, gushing rivers, pine trees, waterfalls, bushes, picturesque villages and forest with snow-peaked mountains. The Siang river originating from the glaciers around the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, flows through Mechuka and provides a breathtaking view of the valley. There are many bamboo walking bridges with colorful Buddhist prayer flags that connect the banks of this river. Furthermore the grazing wild horses in the grassland on the bank of the river, dotted scattered houses, and the surreal beauty paints the best visually stunning painting of nature in front of your eyes.
Mechuka is a town situated 6,000 feet (1,829 m) above sea level in the Mechukha Valley of Yargep Chu/ Siyom River in Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh state of India. Line of Actual Control (McMahon Line) India-Tibet border 29 km north of Mechuka separates Indian territory and Chinese territory. Prior to the construction of the modern road, the only access to the village was via an airstrip. It is use by the Indian Air Force to supply goods to local people. Today reachable by one of the strategic India-China Border Roads, it is located 47 km northwest of district head office Tato and 187 km north of Aalo. Leading to increased development in the area. Mechuka has since become a subdivisional headquarters.
Mechuka Valley is home to the people of the Memba and Adi people. Other local people include Tagin tribes. Additionally the languages spoken in Mechuka are Tshangla, Adi, Tagin, Hindi, and English. Their traditional dance ‘cham’, which is an energetic and lively event that teaches people to shun all that is dark within them and embrace the good tenets of life according to Buddhism, like compassion and love.
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Mechuka is popular for:
- The 400-year-old Samten Yongcha monastery of Mahayana Buddhist sect is a contemporary of the much-revered Tawang Monastery. It is located at a hilltop in the westernmost part of Mechuka. You can find numerous ancient statues here. A research report claimed that foundation of the Samten Yongcha monastery is older than that of Tawang Monastery.
- There are different trekking routes available all over Mechuka valley. You can go for hiking with a local guide. Mechuka Adventure Festival that held in November is the best time to enjoy hiking, paragliding, Hot air ballooning etc.
- Tribal Festivals like Losar celebrated by the Memba tribe, Mophin festival also attracts tourists.
- The Siko Dido waterfall is another breathtaking sight and adds to the natural beauty of the region.
- Guru Nanak Taposthan and Gurudwara is a significant religious site located atop a hill and maintained by the Indian Army. It is said that Guru Nanak Ji stopped and meditated here during his journey to Tibet, and nearby is the Taposthan, where his body impression can be seen.
- Located on the way to the Indo-Tibetan border at Lamang, there is a striking rock formation in the shape of Lord Hanuman’s face visible on the top of a hill.
- Located on the Indo-Tibet border, Lamang is a pristine and remote place in Mechuka. It is the last post in India where visitors are allowed. Visitors must obtain a permit to visit Lamang, which can be done at Mechuka town. The road leading to Lamang is narrow and passes through beautiful forests, trees, and stunning waterfalls.
Tourists flock to this stunning place all year round. Being surround by wide Himalayan range, winters are the best time to visit Mechuka Valley. Post monsoon months of September -October to March is also consider as best season for Mechuka as the barren hills surrounding it turn lush green. Enchanting snow-covered peaks and snowfall can be enjoy during winter.
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Mechuka is kind of most remote tourist destinations in India. Helicopter service is available twice a week. Dibrugarh is the nearest major rail station and airport but with the distance of about 440 km. You can be easily reach via well-connected roads from nearby towns. Along or Aalo is the nearest town to reach Mechuka which is 192 km (6 hours) from Dibrugarh via Likabali border. Further the distance from Along is around 190 km, which takes around 6-7 hr to cover, depending on road conditions.
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