Lamang: Unknown Snow Covered Paradise of India
The locals refer to it as the ‘Last Shangri La on Earth’. It is a gorgeous village located at a height of 11,154 feet above MSL on the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. It is also a military camp that is home to the Indian army and the ITBP personnel. It is the land of tall Himalayan mountains, thick coniferous forests and umpteen snow fed waterfalls and rivers. I am talking about the mountainous village of Lamang that is located on the India-China border in the Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Located about 40 kms from the town of Mechuka, the paradise experience of Lamang begins from the valley of Mechuka itself. The human settlements and buildings give way to gorgeous alpine forests that is full of exotic flora and fauna. As you head closer to Lamang, the valleys get deeper, the peaks get higher and snow starts coming into view. The number of waterfalls next to the highway keep increasing and the spectacles keep getting better and richer. And if you are visiting during the spring months, you will also get to see rhododendrons blooming everywhere.
Once you cross Yorlung, the presence of ITBP and the Indian army increases, the places get even wilder and the scenes get much prettier. Once you reach the Lamang check post, you will have to park your vehicle there, get your permits checked and then continue a bit further on foot. A helicopter crash site, the Lamang army highway and the military camp are the attractions further ahead. While the army folks can go all the way till the line of control, we civilians can go only a few kilometres ahead of the Lamang checkpost.
There might not be much in Lamang village apart from the army camp, but it is the journey that is unreal. The picture perfect winding mountain roads, the pristine alpine forests, the many snow fed waterfalls falling by the road and that entice you for a cold waterfall bath, the panoramic spectacle and the diverse mountain flora and fauna all make for a fantastic experience. The Lamang military camp becomes the icing on the cake.
And the best part about this destination is that it is totally unknown, not just in India, but also in Arunachal Pradesh. Only the army folks and the locals of Shi Yomi district seem to know of this place. So, if you are looking for an offbeat mountain holiday where you can see and play in the snow, I would recommend Arunachal Pradesh’s Lamang, the unknown snow covered paradise of India.
Key things to keep in mind while visiting Lamang:
1) Carry warm wear as Lamang can get bitterly cold any time
2) Carry your ID cards, inner line permits and Lamang permit with you at all times
3) Wear good quality shoes as the walking trails are usually muddy and slushy
4) Carry some water and snacks with you at all times as there are no shops on this route
5) Mobile network is not available at Lamang
6) Do exercise caution when visiting a water body or cliff edge. Rocks can fall any time from the top and the ground can be soft after overnight rains
7) Do take all your garbage back with you
Best season to visit:
The best season to visit Lamang would have to be the spring months from March through May. This is when nature is at its most active with snow covered peaks and roads, full waterfalls and streams, flowers blooming, birds chirping actively and the weather not too cold.
The winter months from October to February would be dreamy with completely white landscapes, but it is bound to be too cold and sometimes the roads might get blocked due to heavy snowfall.
The monsoon months from June to September are the least preferred time as this is when the area receives heavy rainfall and there is a chance for lots of landslides and road blocks in the region.
Irrespective of whichever month you visit, do ensure that you head to Lamang first thing in the morning as the weather in the high altitudes is usually very unpredictable and can change at any time. As a thumb rule, weather is good till about 10 to 11 AM.
How to get permits to enter Lamang:
You need to visit the ITBP office in Mechuka at least a day in advance or first thing on the same day, show your inner line permits and Aadhaar cards, pay an entry fee of INR 200 per person and get your permits for Lamang. These permits are valid for one day and allow you to visit Lamang anytime between 7 AM and 6 PM.
How to reach there:
The nearest airports to reach Lamang would be Dibrugarh in Assam (402 kms away) and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh (523 kms away). Mechuka has a functional airport, but it is only for the Indian army and officials. The nearest railway station would be Dibrugarh in Assam (402 kms away).
There is no way to avoid the road trip to Mechuka and Lamang. Road widening activities are currently taking place and due to which, the road is closed at certain times of the day and night between Aalo and Mechuka. It is best to start from Aalo for Mechuka as early in the morning as possible, preferably 4 to 5 AM to avoid significant delays.
As roads are still under construction, there are many stretches where the roads are in poor condition and more so during or after rains. It is best to travel in a good car and preferably with an experienced local driver.
The road from Mechuka to Lamang is in excellent condition.
Where to stay:
The nearest place to stay would be at Mechuka, about 35-40 kms away. Mechuka has homestays, hotels and resorts that cater to a wide range of budgets.
Where to eat:
There are no places to eat in Lamang. You have to avail one of three options:
1) Carry your packed food from Mechuka
2) Eat at the langar of Gurudwara Shri Tap Ashtan Sahib that is located between Mechuka and Lamang. The langar is open 24 hours and they serve delicious North Indian food that includes Roti, chawal, dal, subzi, kheer and chai.
3) Eat at India’s last cafe near to Jang Bahadur Falls. This place is located right before the army checkpost and they serve biscuits, cookies and cakes with tea and coffee.
Other nearby tourist attractions:
1) The picturesque Mechuka valley with its wooden bridges, monasteries, Buddhist culture and surreal views
2) Gorgeous forest highway between Mechuka and Lamang
3) Gurudwara Shri Tapo Ashtan Sahib: Lovely gurudwara run by the Indian army at the confluence of two mountain rivers
4) Dorjeeling village: A gorgeous valley settlement located a few kilometres from Mechuka
5) Samden Yangchak Monastery: A 400 year old Buddhist monastery that offers panoramic views of Mechuka town and valley
6) Siko Dido Waterfall: A tall waterfall located on the way to Mechuka from Aalo
