Traditional Wooden Hanging Bridges of Arunachal Pradesh: A Photo Story
You will feel a rush of adrenaline when you walk over these hanging bridges. Fast flowing Himalayan rivers, lush greenery and tall mountains greet you on these wooden hanging bridges that sway with your every step and where you can feel even the slightest change in wind velocity over the valley. Some of these are hand woven using bamboo, some of them are built using local wood, using metal or a combination of wood and metal. Most of these bridges are mainly meant for pedestrians, but a few of them allow bicycles and motorcycles too. The main purpose of these traditional wooden hanging bridges is to connect the main roads with the remote tribal villages, especially when the rivers are full of water and carry with them strong currents. They are not for the faint-hearted (us tourists), but for the locals, it is the only way they can access the other villages and the cities, so they seem to have learnt the art of crossing it with heavy loads even in the most rowdy of weather. These hanging bridges are steeped in rich tribal history and local folklore too. These are the traditional wooden hanging bridges of Arunachal Pradesh. Each village in every district of this large Indian state seems to have their own version and they are a must-see and must-experience on your holiday to Arunachal Pradesh. The iconic ones are the ones at Boleng, Damro and between Zido and Tuting, but each of the ones below are special and a must experience for all those visiting Arunachal Pradesh.
During my recent holiday to central and eastern Arunachal Pradesh (Lamang, Mechuka, Anini, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaho and more), I came across many of these suspension bridges. This photo story aims to share these bewitching handing bridges of Arunachal Pradesh with you. Hope you like them and I hope it entices you to add them to your Arunachal Pradesh holiday itinerary.
Above photo: I spotted this elderly local gentleman as he was walking on the wooden hanging bridge of Mechuka. This bridge spans the Yargyup Chu river and it is quite long. It is in fairly good condition as locals still use it for daily commuting and on a good day, one can see the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas while walking on this bridge, thus making for a spectacular photo or video.
Above photo: Mechuka is famous for its traditional wooden suspension bridges that span the Yargyup Chu river. While some of them are in disrepair, this one was in great condition and was being used by the locals. While some people stop to soak in the sights while crossing the bridge, I find comfort in crossing it and then admiring the surroundings as the bridge seems to sway with every small breeze and human step taken.
Above photo: Another hanging bridge of Mechuka, but not in great condition, but locals still use it. It certainly didn’t confidence to me and my friend.
Above photo: A misty and rainy scene from Mechuka’s wooden hanging bridge. During the rains, the wooden planks slip with each step, there is hardly any visibility at the center of the river and the cold winds add to the challenge. Overall, an adventurous experience in crossing this bridge.
Above photo: This dilapidated wooden bridge spans a small stream that joins the Yargyup Chu river and that is on the way from Mechuka to Lamang. It is a very short bridge, but missing a lot of wooden planks in it.
Above photo: I spotted this suspension bridge on the way from Along to Mechuka. It was over the Siyom river and it connected to a remote tribal village on the other side of the river and completely cut off from civilization without this bridge, especially during the rains.
Above photo: This gorgeous hanging bridge is over the Lohit river in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. I spotted this bridge on the way to Kaho, the first village of India. A waterfall greets the entrance to the hanging bridge from the main road.
Above photo: This wooden hanging bridge is one of the best places to enjoy the emerald view of the Lohit river in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh. This bridge is the only way to reach the tribal village on the opposite side of the main highway connecting Tezu with Kaho. And because of this, it was in excellent condition and made for an adventurous walk.
Above photo: Mechuka is one of Arunachal Pradesh and India’s best hill stations. Unfortunately for me, it was grey, cloudy and rainy during my 4 day visit, but I am definitely planning to visit some other time to see all its gorgeous valleys and snow capped peaks from its wooden hanging bridges. Some of the photos taken from this hanging bridge are absolutely stunning where the water below is bluish-green, the skies are blue, the surrounding nature is lush green and the mountains in the background are all snow capped.
