Complete Guide to Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh
The complete 2026 guide to India's last Shangri-La, 29 km from the Tibetan border
There is a valley in eastern Arunachal Pradesh that does not appear in most itineraries, does not have a four-star hotel, and does not always have mobile signal. It sits at 6,000 feet above sea level, flanked by snow-dusted peaks that tip toward the Tibetan plateau, threaded by a river whose meltwater is said to carry medicinal properties. The road to get there takes the better part of a full day from the nearest proper town. Almost everyone who goes comes back saying it was worth every hour of every difficult kilometre. That valley is Mechuka, and this guide exists because it deserves far better documentation than it has ever received.
What is Mechuka and Why Does It Matter
Mechuka, also spelled Menchukha, is a small valley town in the Shi Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh in India's far northeast. It sits inside the bowl-shaped Mechuka Valley along the banks of the Yargyap Chu river, a tributary of the Siyom, which itself feeds into the Brahmaputra far below. The valley is enclosed on its northern edge by ridges that give way to the Tibetan plateau, and the nearest international boundary, the McMahon Line separating India from China, is roughly 29 kilometres away.
What makes Mechuka exceptional is not any single attraction but the accumulation of what it still is: a place where tribal communities have lived largely on their own terms, where a Buddhist monastery built before Tawang still stands on a hill, where a Sikh Gurudwara marks the memory of Guru Nanak's journey to Tibet, where the Indian Air Force maintains an Advanced Landing Ground in the middle of what appears to be a meadow, and where the daily pace of life is set by the Yargyap Chu and the season of the mountains rather than by anything else.
The Yargyap Chu river, known locally as the Siyom, flows through the heart of the Mechuka valley. Its source is the glaciers around Mansarovar Lake in Tibet.
It is often called India's last Shangri-La, and while every remote destination seems to get that label eventually, the description here is closer to earned than cliched. Until road connectivity improved in relatively recent years, Mechuka was accessible only on foot or by air. That isolation shaped everything about the place, and traces of it remain in ways that are genuinely valuable for a traveller who has grown tired of destinations that look the same.
The Meaning Behind the Name
In the local Memba dialect, the name Menchukha breaks into three components that describe the land itself. Men means medicinal, Chu means water or river, and Kha means ice or snow. Taken together, the name translates to medicinal water of snow, a reference to the glacial meltwater that flows through the valley from the heights of the surrounding Himalayan ridges. The water is believed by local communities to carry curative properties, and this belief is tied to the region's deep roots in Tibetan Buddhist healing traditions.
Before the 1950s, the Mechuka valley was known by the name Pachakshiri. The current name came into wider formal use as India consolidated its administration of Arunachal Pradesh following independence and after the events of 1962.
Men is medicine, Chu is water, Kha is ice. The valley names itself after what it gives.
History, the 1962 War, and Border Significance
Mechuka valley as seen from the hills above. The Indian Air Force Advanced Landing Ground sits visibly within the valley floor.
Mechuka's strategic importance has been known to the Indian state since the earliest years of independence, but the events of 1962 made it impossible to overlook. When Chinese forces moved across the McMahon Line in October of that year, the Mechuka valley was one of the contested territories. The Indian Air Force Advanced Landing Ground at Mechuka, which still operates today and is occasionally served by the UDAAN helicopter scheme, was established as a direct consequence of the conflict, designed to allow rapid resupply and troop movement in a region where roads were almost nonexistent.
The valley also holds memory of Indian civilian and military presence in less dramatic ways. The Gurudwara Guru Nanak Taposthan was built in the 1980s by soldiers of the Sikh Regiment who were stationed in Mechuka and who claimed the site as the place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated on his legendary journey to Tibet. Whether one reads that story as historical record or as the way communities build sacred geography in distant postings, the Gurudwara today is a lived and maintained pilgrimage site that draws visitors from across Arunachal Pradesh.
The Yarlung Army Camp near the Indo-Tibet border, accessible from Mechuka, offers a rare window into India's frontier military presence. Visits are subject to permissions from the army and are generally arranged through local tour operators or the DC office in Mechuka. Access should not be assumed; it should be arranged in advance.
The People of Mechuka: Memba, Adi, Ramo, Bokar, and Tagin Tribes
Mechuka's villages are a study in colour: painted wooden houses, prayer flags, and the ever-present backdrop of the valley's ridgelines.
The Memba tribe forms the core community of Mechuka. Tibetan Buddhist in faith and practice, the Memba people trace deep cultural and linguistic ties to Tibet. They have traditionally practiced a combination of agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade along the high passes. Their festivals, most notably the Losar (Tibetan New Year) and harvest celebrations, bring colour and ceremony to the valley in ways that no amount of tourism infrastructure can manufacture.
The Adi, Ramo, Bokar, Lingbo, and Tagin tribes are also present in the Shi Yomi district, each with distinct languages, traditions, and ceremonial calendars. The Mopin festival, celebrated by the Adi people in March or April, is one of the most visually remarkable events in the northeastern calendar. If your travel dates overlap with Mopin or with Losar, you will experience a version of Mechuka that is entirely different from the one that exists outside festival season.
One of the genuinely valuable things a traveller can do in Mechuka is stay in a tribal homestay run by a Memba or Adi family. These are not performance spaces; they are homes. The food will be cooked on a woodfire and will taste of bamboo shoots and local greens. The host will likely speak Hindi alongside their tribal language and will have stories about the valley, the monastery, and the changing seasons that no guidebook can replicate.
When to Visit: Season by Season
Mechuka's seasons are defined by the mountains around it, not by any urban logic. The valley receives heavy snowfall in winter, becomes gloriously green in summer, and turns into a logistical challenge during monsoon months when the road from Aalo deteriorates badly.
Crystal skies, snowcapped ridges, crisp air. Winters bring snow to the valley floor. Pack very warm layers. Mountain views are at their sharpest in this period.
Rhododendrons bloom. Mopin festival falls in this window. Temperatures are pleasant. The landscape turns from brown to a vivid green as melting begins.
Monsoon season. Roads frequently cut off by landslides. Travel is unpredictable and at times impossible. Riverbanks flood. Many homestays reduce operations.
December to February: Daytime 2 to 10°C, nights well below zero. Snow on valley floor possible.
March to May: Daytime 12 to 20°C, nights 4 to 8°C. The most comfortable window for most travellers.
October to November: Daytime 10 to 18°C, crisp nights. Excellent visibility for mountain photography.
How to Reach Mechuka
The road from Aalo to Mechuka passes through the Siyom valley for roughly 180 kilometres. Allow 7 to 9 hours depending on road conditions and stops.
By Road: The Standard and Most Rewarding Route
The road journey to Mechuka is, for most travellers, as significant as the destination. You enter Arunachal Pradesh from Assam at Likabali or via Pasighat, then follow the Siyom river northward through the towns of Aalo and beyond, climbing through progressively wilder terrain as the valley narrows and the peaks grow.
| Leg | Distance | Approx Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati to Dibrugarh | ~490 km | 7–9 hrs road / 1 hr flight | Flight recommended to save time |
| Dibrugarh to Aalo (Along) | ~250 km | 6–7 hrs | Via Bogibeel Bridge and Pasighat |
| Aalo to Mechuka | ~180 km | 7–9 hrs | Road quality varies; start early |
| Total from Dibrugarh | ~430 km | 13–16 hrs | Split over 2 days via Aalo overnight |
Shared Sumo taxis depart from Aalo to Mechuka early in the morning, typically around 5:00 to 5:30 AM. Book your seat the evening before at the taxi stand in Aalo. Private vehicles (Bolero, Scorpio, or Innova) can be hired in Aalo and are the more comfortable option if you are travelling in a group or with significant luggage. The road passes through the towns of Kaying and Tato before the final ascent to Mechuka. Fuel up fully in Aalo; there are no reliable fuel stations after that point.
By Helicopter: Fast but Unpredictable
The UDAAN scheme operates helicopter services to Mechuka's Advanced Landing Ground, typically twice per week. Flights connect Mechuka with Guwahati and with Naharlagun (Itanagar's nearby railhead town). The service is heavily weather-dependent, and cancellations in cloud-prone seasons are common. If you are planning around the helicopter, build in at least two to three extra days of buffer. Confirm bookings well in advance through local tour operators or official UDAAN channels; seats are limited.
Nearest Railway Stations and Airports
Pasighat Airport is the closest civilian airport within Arunachal Pradesh, roughly 270 km from Mechuka by road. Dibrugarh Airport in Assam is the most practical flight gateway for most travellers, with connectivity from Kolkata, Guwahati, and occasionally Delhi. For rail access, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia are the most connected stations in Assam. Naharlagun (near Itanagar) has rail service from Delhi via the Arunachal AC SF Express. From any of these railheads, private taxis and shared Sumos can be arranged onward through Pasighat and Aalo to Mechuka.
Permits You Will Need
Inner Line Permit (ILP) — Mandatory for all non-residents of Arunachal Pradesh, including Indian nationals from other states. Apply online at eilp.arunachal.gov.in before you travel. Current fee is Rs 300 for up to 3 days and Rs 500 for up to 14 days. Carry a printed copy as it will be checked at multiple entry points.
Protected Area Permit (PAP) — Required for foreign nationals in addition to the ILP. Apply through the Ministry of Home Affairs or through authorised travel agents.
Restricted Area Permit for Lanbang / Border Area — To visit the Lanbang post (roughly 30 km from Mechuka town, close to the LAC), an additional border area permit is needed. This can be applied for at the DC office in Mechuka town. Arrange through your local guide or tour operator before arriving; same-day permissions are not guaranteed.
- Keep two to three printed copies of your ILP at all times.
- Your ILP will be checked at the Arunachal Pradesh border and at multiple check posts along the route to Mechuka.
- Ensure your permit dates cover your full intended stay including any buffer for weather delays.
Top Places to See In and Around Mechuka
Samten Yongcha Monastery (Old Gompa)
The Samten Yongcha Monastery sits atop a hill on the western edge of the valley. From its courtyard, the entire bowl of Mechuka is visible.
The Samten Yongcha Monastery is the oldest and most significant religious site in Mechuka and, by most accounts, the most visited. Estimates of its age range from 400 to over 500 years, which would make it older than the more widely known Tawang Monastery, though the two belong to different histories. It follows the Mahayana sect of Tibetan Buddhism and contains a substantial collection of ancient texts, statues, and ceremonial objects. The monastery's principal statue is of Guru Padmasambhava, the eighth-century master credited with transmitting Buddhism to Tibet and the wider Himalayan region. A large golden Buddha in meditation posture fills the inner sanctum.
The view from the monastery's hilltop is the most complete panorama of the Mechuka valley available without a trek. On clear winter mornings, the snow peaks form an unbroken arc around the valley and the prayer flags above the courtyard catch the light in a way that photographs do not fully capture. Go early or near sunset.
Gurudwara Guru Nanak Taposthan and Pathar Sahib
The Gurudwara sits on the edge of Mechuka town and is maintained by a small resident community. It was built in the 1980s by Sikh soldiers stationed here, commemorating the belief that Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated at this site during his travels toward Tibet. Adjacent to the Gurudwara is the Pathar Sahib, a cave or rock formation associated with the Guru's meditation. The site draws Sikh pilgrims from across India and is open to all visitors. Dress modestly and cover your head inside the Gurudwara.
Dorjeeling Village
Dorjeeling village, a short drive from Mechuka town, sits on a wide grassy bench above the river. Horses graze across the meadow. Wooden houses with painted blue and red roofs are scattered at the edge of the grassland. The Siyom river flows below. There is nothing specifically to do at Dorjeeling except look at it and understand what this valley was before roads arrived. In good weather, it is among the most compositionally beautiful landscapes in Northeast India.
Hanuman Point
A natural rock formation on the hills above Mechuka bears a striking resemblance to the form of Lord Hanuman. A small temple has been established at the base of the formation. The viewpoint offers a broad angle on the valley and is a short uphill walk from the main town. Go in the morning for the cleanest light.
Siko Dido Waterfall
Located near Irgo village on the road between Aalo and Mechuka, the Siko Dido waterfall drops roughly 200 feet and is one of the more dramatic natural features along the entire route. It makes a natural rest stop on the long drive up. A small chai and Maggi stall typically operates at the base. The falls are at their fullest in late summer and early autumn when glacial melt is high; they reduce significantly through the dry winter months but remain worth a stop.
Lanbang (the Border Post)
Lanbang, approximately 30 km from Mechuka town, is the last point in India accessible to civilians in this sector. The narrow road to Lanbang passes through thick forest and several waterfalls. The border area itself is managed by the Indian Army, and access requires the restricted area permit mentioned in the permits section. This is not a casual excursion; arrange it through a local operator and follow all instructions from the army personnel at check posts.
Menchukha Adventure Park and Hanging Bridge
The adventure park near the river offers a zip line across the Yargyap Chu, river zorbing, and other activities that have been introduced as part of Arunachal Pradesh's push to make Mechuka more accessible to a wider range of travellers. The hanging footbridge across the river is an older structure strung with Tibetan prayer flags and is one of the valley's most photographed features. It is also a functional bridge used by villagers daily.
The prayer-flag-draped hanging bridge across the Yargyap Chu is one of Mechuka's most iconic images, and it is still a working crossing used by locals.
Things to Do in Mechuka
Trekking
Mechuka is the base for several trekking routes of varying lengths and difficulty. The day hike to Mechuka La, the high pass above the town, rewards a morning's effort with a 360-degree view of the entire valley and the surrounding Himalayan ridges. For longer routes, the trek toward Rinjinling and the Pasang Sonam Tso lake offers multi-day wilderness travel through forests that very few outsiders have walked. A local guide is essential for any route beyond the immediate town area, both for navigation and for obtaining access permissions in restricted zones.
River Rafting and Zorbing
The Yargyap Chu offers stretches suitable for river rafting during periods of adequate water flow. Operators at the adventure park run organised sessions. Zorbing on the river, where participants float inside a transparent inflatable ball, has become a popular family activity. Neither activity should be attempted independently without proper equipment and guidance.
Village Walks and Tribal Homestays
A walk through Mechuka Basti, the original settlement area, and through the surrounding villages takes you into the daily life of the Memba community in a way that organised tourism rarely achieves. Ask your homestay host to introduce you to the village; most families are genuinely hospitable to guests who approach with respect and curiosity. Markets on certain days of the week bring villagers from the surrounding hills into Mechuka town and are worth attending.
Bird Watching
The valley and its surrounding forests sit within one of the world's most significant biodiversity zones. Bird species present in this region include numerous Himalayan endemics and migratory visitors. Early mornings along the river and forest edges are productive for birding. The Secluded Paradise Homestay and others specifically offer guided forest walks for bird watchers.
Photography and Landscape Observation
Golden hour at the monastery, the valley in morning mist, the river at dusk, and the clear-night sky over the Himalayas are all subjects that justify the trip for photographers. The absence of light pollution in the valley makes Mechuka one of the better Milky Way locations accessible from the Northeast. A tripod and patience are the main equipment requirements.
Where to Stay: Hotels and Homestays in Mechuka
Mechuka does not have a single hotel that would qualify as luxury by any standard measure. What it does have is a growing selection of tribal homestays that offer clean rooms, hot food, and hospitality that most hotel chains would struggle to engineer. The accommodation scene has expanded considerably in recent years, with over 80 registered homestays listed across platforms. The following are among the most consistently mentioned by travellers.
Run by the Gebu family and frequently cited as the warmest hospitality experience in Mechuka. Rooms are simple but well maintained. The home-cooked food is a highlight. Travellers note that leaving feels like leaving family. Book in advance; small property.
A four-room traditional wooden building with attached bathrooms and a large communal room centred on a Bukhari (wood-burning stove). Strong for bird watchers. Local Memba and Adi cuisine including pork with lai patta and bamboo shoot dishes. Started in 2022.
In Dongsar village, 2 km from the town centre. Five rooms with attached bathrooms (two classic, three superior). Mountain views, garden, bonfire area. Menu runs from Memba cuisine to Tibetan and Chinese options. Barbecue available on request.
Family-style rooms with balconies and mountain views. Private bathrooms, free WiFi (intermittent), outdoor fireplace and garden seating. Buffet breakfast included. One of the better-reviewed options for travellers who want slightly more facility alongside the homestay experience.
Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, a garden, and a terrace. Free private parking. English spoken at reception. Good base for exploring the valley.
One of the few properties with an OYO listing in Mechuka. Basic amenities, budget pricing. Useful for solo travellers or those on a strict budget who prefer the booking assurance of a platform. Availability is limited; confirm well in advance.
Room heaters are not always provided, even in winter. Ask specifically about heating options when booking for December through February stays. Hot water is available in most homestays but may be bucket-based rather than continuous. Power cuts are not uncommon; carry a small torch or power bank.
Mobile connectivity in Mechuka is limited. BSNL may work in parts of the town; Airtel can be intermittent. Do not rely on being in constant contact with the outside world while you are here. This is, for many people, one of the better things about the place.
What to Eat in Mechuka
Food in Mechuka is an extension of its geography and tribal identity rather than a service industry. Most of what you eat will have been grown or raised in the valley or brought from Aalo.
Memba Tribal Cuisine
Bamboo shoot preparations are central to Memba cooking. The shoots appear in curries, in stir-fries alongside pork or chicken, and as a pickle. Lai patta, a locally grown leafy green, features in many dishes and has a pleasant bitterness that balances the richness of pork-based preparations. Rice is the staple. Pork curry with bamboo shoots and lai patta cooked over a wood fire at a homestay in Mechuka is one of the more genuinely memorable meals available anywhere in the Northeast.
Tibetan Influences
Given Mechuka's proximity to Tibet and the Memba community's cultural ties, Tibetan staples appear naturally in the local food. Thukpa, the thick noodle soup that functions as a meal-in-a-bowl across the Himalayan belt, is available at most homestays and small eateries. Butter tea, strong, salty, and made with yak butter in traditional households, is an acquired taste that is worth trying once for the experience and the warmth it provides in cold months.
Where to Eat
Restaurants in the Western sense are limited in Mechuka. Your homestay kitchen is the most reliable and usually the most rewarding option. A few small eateries in the main bazaar serve Indian staples, Maggi noodles, and local dishes. The market area near the town centre has vendors selling fresh produce, dried goods, and occasionally local honey. Do not arrive in Mechuka expecting the food infrastructure of a hill station; plan to eat at your accommodation and communicate any dietary requirements when booking.
A Practical 5-Day Itinerary for Mechuka
This assumes you are flying into Dibrugarh and have your ILP arranged in advance. Adjust all timings to your own pace; Mechuka rewards slowness.
Fly into Dibrugarh, collect your vehicle, and begin the drive toward Pasighat crossing the Bogibeel Bridge over the Brahmaputra. Stop for lunch in Pasighat and continue to Aalo by late afternoon. Book your Sumo or private vehicle to Mechuka for the following morning at the Aalo taxi stand. Stay overnight in Aalo.
Depart Aalo no later than 6 AM. The road climbs steadily through the Siyom valley. Stop at Siko Dido waterfall near Irgo village for tea and photographs. Pass through Kaying and Tato. Arrive in Mechuka by late afternoon. Check into your homestay, walk the immediate area at sunset, sleep early.
Morning walk to Samten Yongcha Monastery. Spend at least an hour inside and at the courtyard. Return via the main town, visiting the local market. Afternoon walk through Mechuka Basti. Visit Dorjeeling village before sunset. Return to homestay for a Memba dinner.
Morning visit to Gurudwara Guru Nanak Taposthan and Pathar Sahib. Short walk or drive to Hanuman Point. Afternoon at the adventure park for zip line or zorbing, or simply walk the hanging bridge over the Yargyap Chu. If you have arranged the border area permit, this evening is a good time to confirm details with your guide for Day 5.
With a border area permit, take the morning drive to Lanbang through forest and waterfalls for a glimpse of India's frontier in this sector. Alternatively, hike to Mechuka La for the 360-degree panoramic view. Begin the drive back to Aalo in the early afternoon, arriving by evening. Overnight in Aalo before the return to Dibrugarh the following day.
Practical Tips and Honest Caveats
Road Reality
The road from Aalo to Mechuka is long, narrow in sections, and prone to damage by rain and rockfall. Stretches beyond Tato can be rough even in dry season. Budget significantly more time than a mapping app suggests. Start all road journeys in the early morning; darkness and mountain roads are not a combination to seek out. Travel in a vehicle with good ground clearance.
Infrastructure Expectations
Mechuka is developing but is genuinely remote. ATMs are not reliably available or stocked; carry sufficient cash for your entire stay from Aalo or Dibrugarh. The mobile network is limited. Electricity is generally available but power cuts occur. Some homestays have invested in solar backup. Do not assume consistent internet connectivity.
Health and Medical
The nearest hospital with full facilities is in Aalo. Mechuka has a primary health centre, but for anything serious, evacuation to Aalo or Dibrugarh is required. Carry a personal first aid kit, any prescription medications you need, oral rehydration salts, and basic cold and flu remedies. At 6,000 feet, altitude is unlikely to cause serious sickness for most travellers, but take it easy on arrival day, stay hydrated, and do not push hard trekking on Day 1.
Environmental Respect
Mechuka's environment and culture are precisely what makes it worth visiting. This is not a place for bulk plastic waste, loud music in sacred sites, or any behaviour that treats the valley as a backdrop rather than a place where people live. Carry your non-biodegradable waste out. Ask before photographing people. Follow instructions at religious sites without question.
When Things Go Wrong
Weather can close the helicopter service for days at a time. Landslides can cut the road. Plan your travel with extra days built in at both ends of your trip and do not book onward flights with a tight connection to Mechuka at the end. The valley will keep you longer than expected, and that is rarely a bad thing.
Warm layers including a quality down jacket (even in summer, nights are cold). Waterproof outer layer. Trekking shoes or sturdy walking shoes. Torch or headlamp. Power bank. Cash in small denominations (carry from Dibrugarh). Printed copies of ILP and all permits. Personal medication. Sunscreen and lip balm (high UV at altitude). A small daypack for hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Mechuka?
October to May offers the most reliable travel conditions. October through March is the sharpest visually, with clear skies and snow on the surrounding peaks, but winters are genuinely cold. March to May brings warmth, blooming rhododendrons, and the Mopin festival window. June through September is monsoon season; the road to Mechuka regularly becomes impassable and travel is not recommended unless you have significant flexibility and tolerance for delays.
Do I need a permit to visit Mechuka?
Yes. All non-residents of Arunachal Pradesh, including Indian nationals from other states, need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Apply at eilp.arunachal.gov.in before your trip. The fee is Rs 300 for stays up to 3 days and Rs 500 for up to 14 days. Foreign nationals also need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). To visit the Lanbang border area, an additional restricted area permit is required and can be obtained at the DC office in Mechuka. Carry printed copies of all permits throughout the trip.
How long does the drive from Aalo to Mechuka take?
Between 7 and 9 hours depending on road conditions, the vehicle, stops for photographs and food, and any construction or damage sections. The road covers approximately 180 kilometres from Aalo. Start no later than 6 AM from Aalo to ensure you arrive before dark. The journey passes through Kaying and Tato and follows the Siyom river for much of its length.
Is there mobile network coverage in Mechuka?
Coverage is limited and unreliable. BSNL has the best reach in the valley and may provide basic calls and slow data in the town area. Airtel can work intermittently at certain points. Jio coverage is minimal to nonexistent in Mechuka itself. Do not rely on connectivity for navigation, communication, or payments. Let people know your itinerary before you enter the valley and carry offline maps.
Are there ATMs in Mechuka?
There is no reliably functioning ATM in Mechuka. Carry all the cash you will need for your entire stay, collected from Aalo or Dibrugarh before the journey. Homestays and small vendors operate exclusively on cash. Online payments are generally not possible given the network limitations.
What is the altitude of Mechuka and will I get altitude sickness?
Mechuka sits at approximately 6,000 feet (around 1,830 metres) above sea level. This altitude is well below the threshold at which serious altitude sickness typically occurs (usually above 8,000 feet or 2,400 metres). Most healthy travellers will have no altitude-related issues. Take the first day easy, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous exertion immediately on arrival as a precaution.
Can foreigners visit Mechuka?
Yes, foreign nationals can visit Mechuka, but the permit process is more involved. A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required in addition to the Inner Line Permit (ILP). PAPs for Arunachal Pradesh are processed through the Ministry of Home Affairs and typically require applications well in advance of travel. It is strongly recommended that foreign travellers use an authorised tour operator to arrange permits and logistics for Mechuka specifically, given the sensitivity of the border area.
Wonderful knowing about this place!