Remote Arunachal | Mechuka & Anini
- North-East India
Durations
13 Days
Difficulty
Challenging, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
The journey begins in Dibrugarh and ascends into the Siang Valley, visiting Aalo (Along) and the scenic “Forbidden Valley” of Mechuka. Highlights include the Samten Yongcha Monastery, suspension bridges over the Yargyapchu River, and optional excursions to the Indo-Tibet border at Lamang, offering a glimpse of the region’s strategic and natural beauty.
The expedition continues through the challenging Dibang Valley, reaching Anini, home of the Idu Mishmi tribe. Travelers experience remote high-altitude landscapes, interact with local communities, and witness pristine forests and rivers before retracing the route via Roing back to Dibrugarh, completing a circuit of Arunachal Pradesh’s easternmost frontiers.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Arrival Airport: Mohanbari Airport, Dibrugarh (DIB)
Focus: Vehicle checks, permit verification, and expedition briefing
Permit Note: Inner Line Permits (ILP/PAP) for Arunachal Pradesh are mandatory and must be secured in advance
Arrive in Dibrugarh, the primary access point for Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. The day is dedicated to final preparations, including a thorough check of bikes or 4×4 cars and verifying all travel permits. The team briefing will cover the challenging road conditions ahead.Night Stay: Dibrugarh
Distance Covered: ~250 km
Time Taken: 7-9 hours
Terrain: Crossing the Brahmaputra via Bogibeel Bridge, followed by a mix of plains and winding hill roads
Begin the expedition by crossing the impressive Bogibeel Bridge over the Brahmaputra River. The journey enters Arunachal Pradesh and follows the Siyom River to Aalo (Along), the headquarters of West Siang district. This serves as a crucial stopover before heading further north to Mechuka.Night Stay: Aalo
Distance Covered: ~185 km
Time Taken: 7-9 hours
Terrain: Challenging and scenic mountain roads with varying surfaces
A demanding but visually rewarding drive into one of Arunachal’s most picturesque valleys. The route is known for its stunning landscapes, dense forests, and hanging bridges. Arrive in Mechuka, a broad, grassy valley near the Tibetan border, known for its serene beauty and unique cultural blend.Night Stay: Mechuka – Altitude: ~1,890m / 6,200 ft
Focus: Exploring the valley’s cultural and natural landmarks
Spend the day exploring Mechuka. Visit the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha Monastery, walk across the suspension bridges over the Yargyapchu River, and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley, home to the Memba, Ramo, and Bokar tribes.Night Stay: Mechuka
Activity: Day trip towards the international border
Permit Note: Requires special permits and is subject to military approval
An excursion towards the Indo-Tibet border at Lamang/Yarlung. This drive takes you deeper into the valley, offering a glimpse of the remote, high-altitude terrain and the strategic importance of the region. The extent of the journey depends on road conditions and army regulations.Night Stay: Mechuka
Distance Covered: ~185 km
Time Taken: 7-9 hours
Focus: A transit day to position for the next leg of the journey
Retrace the scenic route from Mechuka back to Aalo. This transit day is necessary to break up the long journey from the Siang Valley to the Dibang Valley. Use the evening to rest and prepare for the next challenging section.Night Stay: Aalo
Distance Covered: ~150 km
Time Taken: 5-7 hours
Terrain: Hill roads followed by plains, including major river crossings
Drive from Aalo towards the eastern part of the state. The journey involves crossing the Siang River (Brahmaputra) and navigating through the plains of the Lower Dibang Valley to reach Roing, the last major town before the ascent to Anini.Night Stay: Roing
Distance Covered: ~235 km
Time Taken: 10-14 hours
Terrain: Extremely challenging and remote mountain roads, prone to landslides
A long and arduous day of expedition driving. The route from Roing to Anini is one of the most challenging in Arunachal Pradesh, climbing steadily along the Dibang River. The landscape becomes progressively wilder and more remote. Arrive in Anini, a small, isolated outpost and one of India’s easternmost district headquarters.Night Stay: Anini – Altitude: ~1,968m / 6,456 ft
Focus: Exploring the remote town and its immediate surroundings
Spend the day exploring the unique high-altitude environment of Anini, home to the Idu Mishmi tribe. Visit the local villages, interact with the community, and enjoy the stunning views of the pristine landscapes of the Dibang Valley.Night Stay: Anini
Focus: A necessary day for rest and to account for potential road-related delays
A designated rest and contingency day. The extreme remoteness and unpredictable road conditions make a buffer day essential in Anini. Use the day to relax, explore the market, or take short local walks to acclimatize.Night Stay: Anini
Distance Covered: ~235 km
Time Taken: 10-14 hours
Begin the long journey back, descending from the high mountains of the Dibang Valley to the relative plains of Roing. Retrace the scenic but challenging route along the Dibang River.Night Stay: Roing
Distance Covered: ~120 km
Time Taken: 4-5 hours
The final leg of the journey. Drive from Roing back to Dibrugarh in Assam. The route involves crossing the Lohit River via the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu), one of India’s longest bridges. Conclude the expedition with a farewell dinner.Night Stay: Dibrugarh
- Departure Airport: Mohanbari Airport, Dibrugarh (DIB)
After breakfast, transfer to the Dibrugarh airport for your flight home, concluding the challenging and rewarding expedition to the remote frontiers of Arunachal Pradesh.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
