Mayodia Pass: Arunachal Pradesh’s High Altitude Gem
It is a spectacular winter holiday destination in the Himalayas. It’s forests offer some of the best birdwatching opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh. It is the gateway to the offbeat hill station of Anini and the Switzerland of India – Dibang wildlife sanctuary. I am talking about the 8,711 feet high Mayodia pass that is located in the Dibang valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Mayodia, which translates into ‘Peak of the Mayu mountain’ in Idu Mishmi, is a winter wonderland that is extremely popular with the locals and domestic tourists for snowfall and the white panoramas. This destination offers a beautiful mix of snow capped peaks, lush green valleys and dense forests. Add to it, the zig-zag narrow roads and the diverse flora and fauna and you have a full blown adventure destination.
While most visitors consider Mayodia pass as a pit stop on their way to Anini, Dibang wildlife sanctuary and Emoli grasslands, Mayodia pass deserves more and can easily offer you enough for a 2 day holiday. During the non snowfall season, you can indulge in trekking, hiking, birdwatching, photography and good ‘ol relaxation. And if you happen to visit during the winter months, you can indulge in snow games and any winter sports while spending those cold winter nights huddled near a fire with a hot brew in your hand.
Mayodia and its entire surroundings will blow your mind with its gorgeous views. The only thing to keep in mind are its narrow, slippery roads that can become tricky and slushy after a few days of rain. Otherwise, Mayodia pass is a great place to visit in Arunachal Pradesh and offers the perfect entrance to the hidden Anini valley and the absolutely surreal Dibang wildlife sanctuary. This is a part of Arunachal Pradesh that is worth all the effort that you take to reach there.
Best season to visit:
Mayodia’s best tourist season is between November to March when there is snow everywhere and it turns into a winter wonderland. However, do travel in vehicles that are equipped to handle the snow and slippery roads.
Summer months from March through June offer good visibility, cool weather and easy road access. This is the best time to travel deeper into the Dibang valley and is a fabulous time for birdwatching.
The monsoon months from June to September offer the most tricky conditions with heavy rainfall, landslides and unpredictable road condition, but this is also the time when the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh including Mayodia pass and Dibang valley district is dressed in fresh green and is full of water bodies.
How to reach there:
The nearest airports are Tezu (105 kms away), Pasighat (148 kms away) and Dibrugarh (190 kms away). But, it is Dibrugarh airport that has the best connectivity. The closest international airport is Guwahati airport, about 670 kms away.
The nearest railway station is Tinsukia, about 163 kms away. It is well connected with Guwahati and the rest of the country. Dibrugarh railway station is another good option.
The nearest bus station would be Roing, about 60 kms away.
If you wish to explore the region, it is best to have a vehicle of your own as bus connectivity is there, but only a few buses ply on this route every day.
Where to stay:
There are a few resorts, guest houses, homestays and birding camps in and around Mayodia pass where you can stay. But, the bulk of the accommodations can be found either at Roing or at Anini.
Where to eat:
At Mayodia pass, there is just a small tea shop where you can find some simple snacks and hot beverages. For proper food, you will have to head towards Anini and find a highway dhaba either before Hunli or at Hunli. For something more elaborate, you will have to go to Roing or Anini.
Other popular tourist attractions of Arunachal Pradesh:
1) Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary: Mini Switzerland of Arunachal Pradesh
2) Anini: Hidden hill station of Arunachal Pradesh
3) Ranaghat Bridge near Pasighat: Mesmerizing view of the Brahmaputra river
4) The world of Rhododendrons between Mechuka and Lamang
5) Arunachal Pradesh’s Kaho: The first village of India
6) India’s Last Cafe: Gorgeous pit stop enroute Lamang, Arunachal Pradesh
7) Lamang: Unknown snow covered paradise of India
8) Dirang: Arunachal Pradesh’s hidden magical world
9) Sela Pass: A high altitude Himalayan wonderland
10) Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Birdwatcher’s paradise in the Himalayas
11) Tongpen La Viewpoint: A Himalayan vista
12) Tawang: India’s true Shangri-la
13) The serene and majestic Tawang Gompa
14) Tak-Tsang Gompa or T Gompa: As serene as it gets
15) Jung Falls: A sensational setting
16) Sangetsar Lake: Abundance of Himalayan vistas
17) Penga Teng Tso: A high altitude Himalayan lake
18) Ugyenling Monastery: Birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama
19) Sangti Valley: A valley in heaven
20) Golden Pagoda at Namsai: Divine Buddhist Landmark of Arunachal Pradesh
21) Emoli Grasslands: Gorgeous grassland trek with a 360 degree mountain panorama
22) Aatih Acheso: Land of waterfalls
23) Mechuka: A stunning Himalayan hill station with dense forests and rich Buddhist culture
