ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA AND OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO – ARUNACHAL PRADESH ON A BUDGET

Last Updated on December 28, 2018 by

ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA AND OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO – ARUNACHAL PRADESH ON A BUDGET

 

Rivers Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India

The lovely landscape of Mechuka. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

WHAT IS ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA ALL ABOUT?

I HAD SEEN a wonderful video on Mechuka few years ago on You Tube. Some one shared it on Twitter. It looked like Bhutan, what with undulating meadows and suspension bridges!

Monk Old monastery Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
The security guard at the old monastery. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Since then, I had nursed the dream to visit Mechuka. That is the power of You Tube, social media and travel blogs.

Featherheads Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
The visually stunning performance of Featherhands. You can share a bonfire with them later. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

I finally made it here. Though I didn’t find Mechuka much similar to Bhutan, I still appreciated the unique beauty of Mechuka. It was a familiar landscape and yet not!

Tents Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Me outside my tent. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India Pic by: Sandy N Vyjay

Every year, people from different regions of India and other countries congregate at Mechuka to explore the valley and combine the experience with myriad adventure sports. Adventure At Mechuka is quite a happening annual event.

Local Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Locals going about their work. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Yes, you can visit Mechuka at other times too. But it’s a good idea to add some adventure to plain sightseeing. Someone told me, Mechuka changes its color 4 times in a year, as per the season! It gave me the excuse to visit Mechuka again and again.

river Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Rafting. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

FORMAT OF ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL : ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The day time can be well spent in exploring the attractions near the valley or indulging in adventure sports such as parasailing, Hot Air Balloon (tied to ground), mountain biking, white water rafting (in chilly water) or you can try your hand at rifle!

white water rafting Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Rafting in icy cold water, anyone? Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

In the evening, you can enjoy the music show at the stage near the festival ground. There is something for every-one. Visiting Mechuka during the festival is fun, thanks to the festive vibes.

Hot air balloon paragliding Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Hot air balloon and paragliding. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

SOUL WINDOW TIP:

It was very very cold when we visited Mechuka. In fact it was one of the coldest places during my 2 months long trip to North East India. The dew on my tent froze when I woke up the next morning!

Tent Mist Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
We used to wake up to this. Well, 10 times more mist. Our campsite. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

The leftover water in the soap dish froze too. So, it is advised that you should carry thermal wears, down jackets, hand gloves, mufflers, inners and woolen socks etc.

Scandinavia Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Not Scandinavia! Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

HOW ECO FRIENDLY ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA IS: OFFBEAT ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Fragile places like Mechuka needs to be more eco friendly than what I had experienced there. Till date Bas Con (Basar Confluence) has been the best eco friendly destination I have been to.

Root Bridge Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Suspension bridges galore in Mechuka. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

It is a wonderful role model to follow. Please read about Bas Con in my other blog. I was not very happy to see lots of plastic and thermocol used commonly. I would suggest carry your own plates, glasses and home-made snacks until they get it right.

Old Monastery Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh IndiaAlso, please collect any plastic which you generate and dispose them off responsible, preferably in your own city. That is how I do it!

Camping Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
We had 10 tents, each tent to 1 blogger. This is how we greeted each other every morning. Follow the wonderful Prakriti on Instagram. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Pic by: Sandy N Vyjay

WHERE TO STAY AT DURING ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL: ARUNACHAL PRADESH

There are many tents and home stays and wooden hotels available in Mechuka. Mechuka is a very small place. The accommodation fills up really fast, so it is advised to book your place in advance.

Homes Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
You can stay in home stays which look like this. Book early though as they fill up fast during ‘Adventure At Mechuka’, Arunachal Pradesh, India

The sleeping bag provided to me in the camp was very warm. They had common toilet area which was well maintained and clean. My camp was 1 minute walk away from the festival ground. The camp was sandwiched between a river on one side and mountains on the other side.

Dorjeeling Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India (2)
En route the lovely Dorjeeling village. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD GUIDE AT ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL:ARUNACHAL PRADESH

There is a lot of option for vegetarians and vegans in Mechuka. While vegetarian/vegan momo (Ask them for spicy momo sauce though to go with your noodles) is a myth in North East India, you can enjoy hot hakka noodles, poori – sabzi, Thukpa (Check if they use chicken stock) dal chawal and sabzi (Aaloo gobhi was delicious!).

Night market Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Mechuka market in night. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

The stalls also sold Jhalmoori in eco friendly cups. Wafers, chips and namkeens are also available but in plastic bags. Instead, go to any of the lovely café and order some food. I and my blogger friends spent lovely time chatting sweet nothings at one local and unpretentious café in the bazaar area.

Local tent Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Or hang out in tent restaurants wit locals. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

LOCATION OF ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL: ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Mechuka is a valley with sparse vegetation. The valley is surrounded by tall mountains, many of which are snow clad. Ground at some places moved when I walked on it.

Houses Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
The picturesque Mechuka. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

There is not much of human construction, barring few monasteries, home-stays, restaurants and shops. There are many lovely villages and monasteries in and around Mechuka.

Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India (2)
Near Old Monastery. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

One of the mountains looked like the Holy Kailash Parbat in China. The venue of Adventure at Mechuka is next to a river in the backdrop of tall infertile mountains.

Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India (4)
Me soaking in the panoramic views from the old monastery. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

STAY SAFE AT ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL: ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Mechuka is relatively a safe place but cases of eve teasing by drunk locals or travelers is possible. In case, you feel someone is bullying you or behaving nastily, DO NOT react!

Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
On the way to old monastery. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Just approach the local authority which can be police or the tent owner. Males should not get in a scuffle with others. Just walk away. Stay extra cautious on the last day.

Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India (3)
Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL GROUND: ARUNACHAL PRADESH

  • Visit the Hanuman face
  • Visit the Gurudwara
  • Visit the waterfall near gurudwara
  • Visit the old Monastery
camp site Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Me and my tent. My very warm Columbia jacket saved me. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Pic by: Parnashree Devi.
  • Visit the nearby monastery. On the way, take a look at Mechuka from above. It looks like a Scandinavian country from above.
  • Spend some time in the scenic Dorjeling (Not Darjeeling!) village. Explore the village and a monastery.
  • Have fun on the many suspension bridges across Mechuka and nearby villages.
  • Dorjeeling Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
    On the way to Dorjeeling. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India
  • Visit the Indo-China border nearby
  • Go on treks and hikes
  • Go to Basar. It is 12 hours away from Mechuka via rough but scenic roads.
House Scandanavia Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Quaint homes. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

HOW TO REACH ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL VENUE

We arrived at Mechuka from Basar in Arunachal Pradesh. It took us 12 hours on rough roads. The route was picturesque though. There are enough toilets and restaurants on the way to keep you going.

IMG_5947
A statue we saw en route to the Gurudwara. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

BEST TIME TO VISIT ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA FESTIVAL

The adventure at Mechuka happens every year in the month of November. Keep tabs on their website for dates.

Monastery Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
The monastery. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

The views from my #SoulWindow are PICTURESQUE!

Night tent Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Party over bornfire! Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

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David Angu and band Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
David Angu and the band. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

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Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India (5)
Wow landscapes galore. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

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Berry Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Some berries we found. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

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Bridge Adventure At Mechuka Arunachal Pradesh India
Bridge. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

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Toilet
The neat and clean toilets at the camp site. Just in case, you wanted to know. They had western commodes too. Adventure At Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh, India

5 thoughts on “ADVENTURE AT MECHUKA AND OTHER TOP THINGS TO DO – ARUNACHAL PRADESH ON A BUDGET”

  1. Pingback: Top Experiences of Wildlife Photographer Blogger From India – Self Interview | A Soul Window - Top Travel Blog from India!

  2. Very well shared knowledge. Thanks for this blog, being a North-Eastern I was not aware of this many things about Mechuka. We will be grateful to spare some help to tourist coming to North-East India.
    Lastly, thanks for promoting this beautiful unexplored region of Incredible India.

  3. Very well shared knowledge. Thanks for this blog, being a North-Eastern I was not aware of this many things about Mechuka. We will be grateful to spare some help to tourist coming to North-East India. Lastly, thanks for promoting this beautiful unexplored region of Incredible India.

    1. I am happy to see a commment from North East India. It was my first trip to North East India and I am totally amazed. I will continue to promote North East India aggressively in coming years. Do follow me on @asoulwindow at Instagram for my regular updates. 😊

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