Image Source: Neil Satyam
About Kaho Village
Kaho Village, perched on the banks of the Lohit River in Anjaw district, is one of the most remote and smallest inhabited settlements in Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at an elevation of about 1,240 meters (4,070 ft), this frontier hamlet lies barely 8 km south of the India–China Line of Actual Control (LAC).
To the seasoned traveller, Kaho is more than just a dot on the map. it’s a living sentinel of India’s eastern border, surrounded by untouched mountain landscapes and the rhythmic flow of the Lohit as it winds through the eastern Himalayas.
Travel Experience
Reaching Kaho is an adventure in itself. Located nearly 580 km east of Itanagar and 70 km north of Hawai, the district headquarters, the journey takes you along scenic roads carved into mountain slopes, with the Lohit River glistening below. The air gets crisper as you approach, with prayer flags fluttering and the occasional sight of Indian Army posts reminding you of the strategic importance of the region.
The village itself is a cluster of traditional houses inhabited by the Mishmi tribe, surrounded by terraced fields and dense forests. On a clear day, the surrounding peaks rise in majestic silence, while Bailey bridges and foot suspension bridges connect the western and eastern banks of the Lohit, making for captivating photo opportunities.
Travellers often describe the experience as both humbling and inspiring — a reminder of how life thrives in places where nature and geopolitics meet.
Unique Local Touch
Kaho is one of seven villages in the Kibithu block through which the Lohit River flows, dividing the region into two scenic banks. The Mishmi community here is known for their hospitality, vibrant woven textiles, bamboo crafts, and traditional food prepared from local grains, smoked meat, and wild herbs.
The cultural richness, combined with the strategic location, makes Kaho a place where heritage and history walk hand in hand. Plans are underway by Discover FarEast and the local administration to promote Kaho as the “First Village of India”, making it a symbolic landmark for visitors.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airstrip is Walong Airstrip, about 30 km south of Kaho. For commercial flights, Tezu Airport (Arunachal Pradesh) or Dibrugarh Airport (Assam) are better options, followed by a long drive.
By Rail: The closest major railway station is Tinsukia in Assam, from where you can travel by road via Tezu and Walong.
By Road: Kaho can be reached via Hawai and Walong, with the final stretch offering dramatic views of the Lohit and surrounding mountains. A sturdy vehicle is recommended due to narrow mountain roads.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal months are October to April, when the weather is dry and the skies are clear, offering unobstructed views of the river and mountains. Monsoon travel (June–September) is discouraged due to landslides and slippery roads.