Mechuka hosts India’s first border-adventure race

Is adventure a destination or a journey? Is it more thrilling to undertake the activities that are designed by associations or seek things to do that aren’t in the itinerary? While you ponder over the answers, we took a trip to Mechuka to seek them first-hand. The journey wasn’t easy to say the least, it lasted for two days in total, which included a day of taking two connecting flights, and staying overnight at Aalo. We reached Mechuka, traversing through some tricky mountain passes, dodging patches that had debris from landslides and military checkposts. But the moment we reached Mechuka, everything seemed worth it.

The town of Mechukha or Menchukha gets its name from the following: “Men” means “medicinal”, “Chu” means “water” and “Kha” means “ice”. The melted glacial water flowing through the valley is believed to possess healing properties. The media team, including me, were put up at two separate homestays. The establishment was simple, honest, clean and had a view to die for. With icy snow-capped mountains on one side and luscious green pastures on the other, it was like sitting inside an exaggerated version of the Vegas Sphere. Within moments, the media team was summoned to cover the parade and be introduced to the participants of India’s First Border Adventure Race. The border adventure race is an overnight race, compartmentalised into four different disciplines, namely, Mountain Biking, Trail Running/Trekking, Kayaking, and Orienteering (Navigation). The teams had come from all around India, as well as Malaysia and Nepal. The Chief Guest for the event was Heidi Muller, CEO of the Adventure Racing World Series, who, due to some visa issues, couldn’t make it to the customary parade but was there for the flag off the next day.

On race day, Mechuka was buzzing with chatter and media activity. And lucky for me, all this was happening in the front yard of my homestay. Teams had lined up with their respective bikes and trekking gear, all suited up and charged with adrenaline. Speaking to the team members, I realised that the race would exploit the strengths and weaknesses of each participant. The race was about grit, tactics, strategy and endurance. In my conversation with one of the athletes from Bengaluru, I was told that he worked at a startup for an IT company and that preparing for the race was his way to unwind. The event was blessed by the Lama and was flagged off by Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister and Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, as well as the aforementioned Heidi Muller. After a quick photo op, the race kicked off, and that was the end of our visibility of the activities of the race. From there on, we had to solely rely on the organising team headed by Race Directors Ajita Madan and Sayeesha Kirani of Nth Adventure. Since any unplanned presence on the course would be a hindrance to the race, we were strictly forbidden from entering the course. So I, along with the entire media team, headed off to experience the beauty of Mechuka instead and got a lukewarm experience of how gruelling the race would be. It all began with a trek to the Dorjee Tsomu pilgrimage, where we tried to fit around the tight spaces around the sacred rock that had an endless supply of fresh spring water. As we descended, we were greeted by a local homestay with some homemade Millet wine, a ton of satiating food and limitless warmth.

While the race was in its first phase, the media team visited the Indo-China border and trekked up to the start of a live minefield, which had a crashed helicopter. The visuals were straight out of a war movie. On our way back, we also met our brave Jawans who have been defending the border area from China’s aggression. On our way back, we also indulged in a few adventure sports activities such as Kayaking, ziplining at Buddha Park, coupled with a beautiful walk by the Siyom river that flows through Mechuka. The evening ended with a social event where the entire team was invited to meet Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Tourism Minister.

While the race was in its second phase and the athletes had completed at least two out of the four disciplines, they had competed through the night. The media team, in the meantime, visited the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha Monastery, which was truly breathtaking, followed by a soulful meal at a local cafe and some memorabilia shopping.

By this time, the race had concluded. We headed to the felicitation ceremony, which was attended by all the participating teams and the winners were announced. Team KBS from Malaysia came first, with two other local teams from Arunachal Pradesh coming in close second and third places. While chatting with one of the participants of the winning team, I was told that the race is not about speed as much as it is about strategy and teamwork. Chasing the fastest time is important, but what’s even more essential is that the team should collect all the markers and not leave even a single teammate behind. If one of your teammates is low on stamina, give them a push. If they are short, carry them across the river. If their cycle breaks down, collectively figure out a way to get it up and running, and this is what makes or breaks their road to victory.

On our return journey, we tackled the same terrain. When we halted for the night and assembled for our last dinner together, we exchanged heartfelt stories and images. A sentiment that we all shared, though, was the knowledge that Mechuka will never be the same again. What once would have been the place where overlords hibernated will soon become a hot destination swarming with tourists. Nevertheless, Mechuka is a beauty that cannot be described in words, only experienced.