Image Source: Natural Vloger
About Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over 281.5 square kilometres in the heart of the Lower Dibang Valley district, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most pristine wilderness areas.
Located near Roing, the sanctuary rises from 400 metres to over 3,500 metres above sea level and encompasses a staggering variety of ecosystems. From tropical evergreen forests and subtropical broadleaf woods to alpine meadows and high-altitude lakes. Its star attraction is the crystal-clear Mehao Lake, surrounded by lush forests and accessible only by trekking.
Unique Experiences & Things to Do
Mehao Lake Trek – A 14 km trek from Roing through dense forests filled with orchids, ferns, and moss-covered trees.
Wildlife Encounters – The sanctuary is home to clouded leopards, tigers, red pandas, goral, takin, and Asiatic black bears.
Birdwatching Paradise – Over 300 avian species, including scarlet minivets, hornbills, kalij pheasants, and Himalayan monals.
Butterfly & Orchid Trails – Spot rare butterflies like the Kaiser-i-Hind and dozens of wild orchid varieties.
Cultural Immersion – Visit nearby Idu Mishmi tribal villages, known for intricate weaving and animist traditions.
Ecological & Cultural Significance
Mehao is a vital part of the Mishmi Hills biodiversity hotspot, which falls within the Eastern Himalaya global biodiversity zone. Its location at the meeting point of Indo-Malayan and Palaearctic biogeographic realms makes it a genetic goldmine for flora and fauna. The Idu Mishmi people regard Mehao Lake and surrounding forests as sacred, protecting them through traditional taboos and seasonal restrictions on hunting.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh (Assam), about 150 km from Roing.
By Rail: Closest railhead is Tinsukia (Assam), connected to Roing via the Dhola–Sadiya Bridge.
By Road: Roing is connected by road from Tinsukia (~110 km), and the sanctuary entry is just a short drive from town.
Best Time to Visit
October–April – Clear skies, ideal trekking weather, and better wildlife visibility.
May–September – The monsoon transforms the sanctuary into a lush paradise, but trekking trails can be muddy and leech-infested.