Cab Services for your Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya Holiday

Are you planning a holiday to North East India, especially the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya? Are you planning on covering multiple places during your trip? If yes, then you most probably have a road trip on your mind. Train and flight connectivity in the North East of India is fairly limited and you have to reach most destinations by road. Either, you can drive or ride on your own or hire a comfortable car for your holiday. This article is for you in case you are looking at hiring a comfortable cab/taxi/car for your holiday to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya.



One of my favourite drivers to explore North East India is Madan Basnat. I have been availing his cab services for the last 15 years. He owns a one year old Innova Crysta (with a Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya permit) and a white board Mahindra Bolero that can be used to explore the other parts of North East India. I have traveled in both these vehicles, though on my most recent trip this March, I traveled in his new Innova Crysta for two weeks while exploring Central and Eastern Arunachal Pradesh.



Madan Basnat is a native of Tezpur in Assam. He is of Nepali origin and has spent most of his life driving the mountain roads of North East India. When he started his career, he drove trucks and then moved to driving for the Indian army and border police. For the past two decades, he has been driving his guests in his own vehicle. As he is well traveled in the region, he is well versed with the route, the languages, the different tourist attractions, the challenges that come with the terrain and the local permit requirements.



Some of the highlights of traveling with Madan Basnat:

1) His Innova car is just one year old and is in excellent road worthy condition.

2) Madan is a capable, reliable and able driver.

3) In the North East, people usually drive between 5 AM and 6 PM. Night driving is generally avoided. So, please try not to push the driver to drive during the night. One or two days might be fine. But, in such challenging terrain, the driver needs to remain fresh and alert at all times.

4) Madan is a friendly chap and is extremely accommodating with the itinerary, pit stops, etc. He may have some ideas to share on his own from time to time.

5) If you are planning to rough it out on your own in your tent or sleeping bag for a few nights, do let Madan know well in advance so that he can carry his bedding and sleeping bag with him and rough it out along with you.

6) Madan offers full pick-up and drop service from your airport or railway station.

7) He manages a small basic property near Nameri Tiger Reserve in Assam. If you wish, you can ask him to arrange for accommodation at his place for a night or two.

8) Madan is a great person to have a conversation with while you are on the road or when you are at the hotel. He has lots of stories to share.



His pricing is fairly simple: INR 5500 per day per 250 kms drive for the Innova car. Extra kilometres, if any to be charged separately or you can fill the fuel for that. Accommodation and food, if not given free by the hotel where you are staying, you will have to pay the bills. Typically, in popular tourist circuits, drivers are given free accommodation and food by the hotel because they bring tourists to the establishment. However, this doesn’t apply to remote corners of the North East, say central and eastern Arunachal Pradesh for example, where you have to pay for the driver accommodation and food in addition to your accommodation and food. If you don’t want the headache of paying separate bills, he charges an all inclusive rate of INR 7000 per day per 250 kms of driving. For the Bolero car, he might charge a lower fee. It is best to call him and figure out the latest prices.

During my trip to Aalo, Mechuka, Lamang, Roing, Anini, Tezu, Namsai & Kaho in Arunachal Pradesh and Guwahati & Dibrugarh in Assam, I paid him INR 5500 per day and I took care of all his food and accommodation expenses. He stayed and ate with us during the entire trip just like one of us. Madan is like a travel friend and is a great person to explore North East India with.



To contact Madan Basnat and to book your road trip, you can call him at +91 94018 38475 or at +91 84029 56554 (also his whatsapp number). You can mention my name (Sankara) or my blog name (Be on the road) to get royal treatment on your road trip to Arunachal pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya. I recommend Madan with multiple thumbs up.

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The World of Rhododendrons between Mechuka and Lamang: A Photo Story of Exotic Blooms

It is a riot of colours during the spring months. The Eastern Himalayas are decked up in full colour. I am talking about rhododendrons that burst out in colourful blooms during the spring months in the Himalayan forests. Rhododendrons can be spotted at many places in India – Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. But, this is one of the lesser known locations where the forest is untouched and where there are hardly any crowds.

This location is between Mechuka and Lamang in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. And if you visit here during the spring months of March and April, you will see the entire landscape dotted with these colourful rhododendron flowers. I got a chance to see these exotic blooms up close a few months back when I visited Eastern Arunachal Pradesh (mainly the area of Mechuka, Anini and Kaho). A short drive from the gorgeous Mechuka valley to the unknown snow covered paradise of India called Lamang will present many sightings of these fabulous looking flowers. Some of them are located right next to the roads, while others are the foreground of valleys and waterfalls. Some of them are also located amidst snow. And that too in multiple colours along with other exotic flora. This photo story of exotic blooms aims to showcase this world of rhododendrons between Mechuka and Lamang to you and I hope it entices you to visit this destination next spring for your own offbeat rhododendron experience.

Above photo: This gorgeous scene of red rhododendron flowers, pink leaves fresh ferns and an overall lush atmosphere was spotted right by the main road that leads from Mechuka to Lamang.



Above photo: I spotted these pink rhododendron flowers just at the snow point a few kilometers below Lamang. The snow and the rhododendron flowers offer a great combination and are a treat for the eyes.



Above photo: Another rhododendron shot amidst beautiful nature. This shot of pink rhododendron flowers with waterfalls, misty forests and pine trees in the background was seen very close to India’s last cafe.



Above photo: Little different shade of pink seen here. Rhododendron flowers with their droopy leaves add a lot of colour to the landscape during the spring months.



Above photo: Here, you can see these flowers amidst dense greenery and moss covered branches. These pinks against a green background make for fantastic viewing.



Above photo: These are not rhododendron flowers, but these white flowers are exotic too and you can see them blooming at many places between Mechuka and Lamang during spring.



Above photo: This is a close-up of the bright red rhododendron flowers that were blooming very close to the highway connecting Mechuka with Lamang.



Above photo: The white rhododendron flowers are as equally magnificent as the red and pink ones.I spotted these very close to the Hanuman point between Mechuka and Lamang.



Above photo: A rich mixture of red rhododendron flowers, colourful leaves and pretty ferns all in one frame. You will see many such spectacles on your drive from Mechuka to Lamang.



Above photo: Here is a close-up of the white rhododenron flowers that were blooming very close to Hanuman point on the Mechuka – Lamang highway.



Above photo: These red rhododendron flowers were seen blooming in abundance on the walking path at Gurudwara Shri Tapo Ashtan Sahib. This Gurudwara is located between Mechuka and Lamang and closer to Mechuka.



Above photo: These bright red rhododendron flowers against the dark green background are a sight for sore eyes. I spotted these while heading to eat at the langar of Gurudwara Shri Tapo Ashtan Sahib between Mechuka and Lamang.



Above photo: These rhododendron flowers are so pretty that they will catch your attention at many places between Mechuka and Lamang and will entice you to stop your vehicle and take some pictures.



Above photo: While photographing rhododendron flowers, I spotted these small white exotic flowers. These tiny flowers were absolutely stunning and showed me that the flora here is truly diverse and special.



Above photo: The Mechuka to Lamang forest stretch is not only famous for rhododendron flowers, but also equally famous for its rich and diverse exotic flora. A case in point is this amazing plant that was growing on the rocks by the main highway.



Above photo: Another close-up of the white rhododendron flowers. They are slightly smaller in size when compared to the red rhododendrons, but they bloom in bunches making for a flowery treat.

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India’s Last Cafe: Gorgeous Pit Stop enroute Lamang, Arunachal Pradesh

If you are headed towards Arunachal Pradesh’s Lamang – the unknown snow covered paradise of India, you should definitely know about this gorgeous pit stop. Referred to as India’s last cafe, this eatery joint is the last place to find something to eat and drink before you head deeper into the army camps and into Lamang, the last place where civilians are allowed and before the actual line of control on the Indo – China border.



Located by the Jang Bahadur waterfall amidst the pine forests and surrounded by the tall mountains of the Himalayas, this last cafe of India offers the perfect environment for a hot cup of coffee/tea/chocolate milk with some cookies and/or cake. First, the cool weather makes you ache for something warm and sweet and what better than a hot cup of mocha and some fresh cake to satiate this hunger.



Second, India’s last cafe offers not just a stunning view of pristine nature, but it also allows you to indulge in its many sounds. During the rainy and the summer seasons, you can hear the waterfall thundering in front of you while you sip on your drink and drown away all your worries. And during the winter season when the water flow reduces, you can hear the many birds chirping in the forest.



This place is a hot favourite with visitors for taking selfies and photographs. Nature lovers and bird watchers can keep refilling their coffee cups and just immerse themselves in nature’s divine bounty. And people who are simply hungry can indulge in a quick snack while enjoying the picturesque location.



However, if the light food and beverages served here are not enough for you, I would recommend that you head down to the Gurudwara Shri Tapo Ashtan Sahib for some hearty meals served at their langar. Even this place enjoys a fabulous location and is surrounded by many flowering trees too. Both these places are fantastic locations to grab a bite on your return road trip from Mechuka to Lamang. I really enjoyed both these places personally and both of them offer the perfect environment to walk and burn off all those calories that you will end up indulging in at these places.

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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

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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.

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