Here's a mini blog post explaining how to get to Arunachal.
1.) How do I obtain permit?
Most hassle free way to get permit is by visiting eilp.arunachal.gov.in website and applying for tourist permit. You only need a proof of identification and make a fee of 300 rs for 1-3 days vaildity and 3 days and beyond upto 14 days will cost you 500 rs, make sure to include all the districts that you're planning to visit on the permit. This process is instant and you should get your permit in pdf format as soon as the payment goes through.
alternatively you can visit DRC offices and submit the application there / On the way to Arunachal, on gates where they check permits, there's usually an office where they'll let you apply for permit if you don't have one already.
Additional Permits
The ILP entitles you to travel everywhere in Arunachal Pradesh as mentioned on the permit, except a few places near India-China Border or India-Myanmar Border. For visiting these places, additional permits will be required. Which might take 1 day processing time
For instance if you want to travel to BumLa pass you require additional permit which can be requested at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District, and the same has to be stamped in the Indian army cantonment of Tawang. Don't be hesitant to converse words with the locals they'll find quicker approach and are ready to help.
Mechuka also requires such additional permit to travel to some 20 km near china border.
How to get around #mechuka ?
You can find shared taxis early in the morning from Aalo to Mechuka and vice versa which leave early in the morning at 5:30 AM, reason for such strict timing is because of road constructions in the mountains. Otherwise you may need to wait for a few hours until they put construction to halt/ during lunch break.
The highway from Aalo to Mechuka should get built by the next 2-3 years after then it's a smooth sail.
However if you want some Spiti like adventure you can go there whenever you like, okay maybe not during monsoons.
(Buses are not available in Shi-Yomi district -Mechuka area) But there is a Landing strip so Helicopters are operational from (Aalo, Pasighat, Itanagar prices being 1800, 3200, 5000 rs) respectively, two times a week on Monday and Friday, So one can land there on Monday and return back on friday.
My go to option would be to take your private vehicle which might run a bit costly but it's about the Journey not the end destination right?
Is it costly there?
No, in fact it's pretty affordable. Hotels and Homestays will run you around 1400-2000. most hotels and homestays have got more than 1 bed so even if you are travelling alone Particually in Mechuka if you talk it out with the owner they can reduce the price to where a single person can afford to stay for a few days without breaking a bank.
If you have any more questions ask me down in the comments below and Please do subscribe if you found this helpful :)