Chochi Homestay: Lovely Base to explore the far east of Arunachal Pradesh
If you wish to explore the first village of India, the easternmost model village of India, the first sunrise point of India and the far east corner of Arunachal Pradesh, then Kaho village has to be your base. And in Kaho, the place to stay would be Chochi homestay.
Run by the family of the head of the village, Chochi homestay is the only luxury accommodation in this remote village. When I say luxury, I am referring to cosy warm rooms, running hot water, backup electricity and freshly cooked hot and delicious food. All these are very essential in a cold, wet and windy region as Eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
This review is based on my recent experience of staying with them during my holiday in central and eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
1) Chochi homestay gets prime location right at the entrance of the village and right opposite the village monastery. It is an extension of the home of the village sarpanch or the head of the village.
2) The homestay is managed primarily by the wife and the daughter in law of the village sarpanch.
3) The rooms, which cost about INR 2000 per room include an attached bathroom with geyser, cosy wooden interiors with firm beds and warm blankets and a small area to keep a table and your belongings.
4) The property is surrounded by peach and orange trees, which offer a pleasant sight with its flowers and fruits at different times of the year. The village sarpanch also owns farm land further down from the homestay and towards the Lohit river. One can explore those farms when they find time.
5) The meals are prepared by the ladies of the house. They are fresh, hot, simple and delicious. One needs to order the meals in advance. The options are few, but sufficient. And the meals are charged extra. Rough costs would be INR 150 per breakfast per person, INR 250 per vegetarian meal per person and INR 350 per non vegetarian meal per person. Tea, Eggs and other snacks are also available and the costs are reasonable, though a bit higher than towns further in the Indian mainland.
6) The homestay owners, who belong to the Meyor tribe are very hospitable and will guide you with your local sightseeing itinerary and may be even help you with guides, permissions, etc., if needed.
7) If you are comfortable with walking and own a pair of good walking shoes, you should be able to explore the entire village of Kaho and its surroundings on foot in a day or two.
8) Cash is king at Kaho and at Chochi homestay, but if internet connectivity is available, you can also pay through UPI.
9) Driver accommodation is available at Chochi homestay, but like most of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh, you would need to pay INR 1000 per bed. Meals for the driver would cost extra.
To book your accommodation at Chochi Homestay in Kaho, you can contact them at +91 92336 31646.
