In the far east corner of India, lies a state with countless hidden valleys. Some have come to light in recent times while others are shrouded in mystery.
The Buddhists believe it's amongst these mysterious valleys lies the promised land. The land of milk and honey. I will tell you about four of the least known valleys of Arunachal Pradesh.
If you find the mythical land of milk and honey in any of these valleys then do send me a postcard.
Mechuka Valley
Andres Iniesta had just scored the world cup winning goal. I woke up in euphoria after staying up late to watch the final. The destination was a tiny hamlet where the road ends. Mechuka, the winds had uttered.
I boarded an army vehicle since there was no public transportation during those days. As I got off the bus, I was awestruck. A serene river flowing through the valley with houses on the banks and green hills surrounding them.
There were no accommodation options or restaurants. You want tea, ask a local. Dinner, ask a local. A place to stay, you get it. Walk along the banks of the river, chat with locals, play football with kids, go on hikes, discover hidden waterfalls and just take it easy since time is immaterial here.
How to get there
By air: The nearest airport is Mohanbari Airport, Assam which is about 385 km from Mechuka Valley. You can hire a private taxi or hop on shared sumos to get to Mechuka.
By train: The nearest railway station is Silapathar Station, Assam which is about 325 km from Mechuka Valley. You can hire a private taxi or hop on shared sumos to get to Mechuka.
By road: Private and APSRTC buses connect Mechuka with other cities of Arunachal. The frequency is low though.
Best time to visit: October to June is the best time to visit. The temperature ranges from 10 to 35 Celsius. It is best to avoid the monsoon months from July to September.
Sangti Valley, deep within Eastern Himalayas, is another one of Arunachal's hidden gems. Very little is known about this land of Mahayana Buddhist Monpas whose culture resembles that of Bhutanese Buddhists. The valley is dotted with corn, apple and kiwi farms. There are hot springs to rejuvenate your well-travelled muscles. Sangti Valley is most known for its famed migratory visitors the Black-necked Cranes. These rare birds migrate to the valley in huge numbers in November and December to mate. Besides the cranes and the hot springs, Sangti Valley is all about long nature walks, deep conversations with locals and an attempt to understand their culture.
Also read: namdapha national park, tezu
How to get there
By air: The nearest airport, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, is about 351km away.
By train: The nearest railway station is Tezpur, Assam, some 193km away.
By road: APSRTC buses connect Sangti Valley with Bhalukpong, Tezpur, Seppa, Nagaon, Itanagar, Guwahati and Shillong.
Best time to visit: October to June is the best time to visit. The temperature ranges from 10 to 35 Celsius. It is best to avoid the monsoon months from July to September.
Where to stay: Anu Homestay (₹1,000 double).
Dibang Valley is a slightly better-known destination of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a picturesque valley with snow-capped mountains, lofty ranges, evergreen pine forests, stunning waterfalls, glacial rivers and endemic wildlife. It is home to Idu Mishmi tribe and their rich culture, mythology and beliefs. Athu-Popu, a sacred place for the tribe, is a must-visit. Maliney village has an end-of-the-road feel. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide array of fauna including snow leopards. One can easily spend days exploring different wonders of Dibang Valley.
How to get there
By air: The nearest airport is Chabua Airport, Dibrugarh, roughly seven hours drive from the valley.
By train: The nearest railway station, Murkongselek Railway Station, is 323km away.
By road: APSRTC buses connect the valley to other parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit: October to June is the best time to visit. The temperature ranges from 10 to 35 Celsius. It is best to avoid the monsoon months from July to September.
Where to stay:
Talley Valley
Few miles east of the famous Ziro Valley lies Talley Valley. Very little is known and written about this mysterious valley. Subtropical and alpine forests, spread over 337 square kilometers, harbour endemic and endangered wildlife such as clouded leopards, flying squirrel, palm civet, Himalayan black bear, Indian porcupine, Indian pangolin and elephants. The valley is also home to a rare kind of bamboo called Pleioblastus Simone that only grows here. Pange, Pam, Pamluk and Tale rivers flow through this valley creating stunning landscapes.
How to get there
By air: The nearest airport, Jorhat Airport in Assam is 98km away.
By train: Nearest railway stations from Talley Valley are Naharalagun (100km) and North Lakhimpur (117km).
By road: APSRTC operates four overnight buses from Guwahati to Ziro per week. From Ziro, you can hire private taxis to Talley Valley.
Best time to visit: October to June is the best time to visit. The temperature ranges from 10 to 35 Celsius. It is best to avoid the monsoon months from July to September.
Where to stay: Ziro Palace Inn (₹3,500 deluxe) and Siiro Resort (₹1,200 double).
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