Mayudia Snowfall Guide: When It Snows, How to Get There and Where to Stay
Mayudia Pass near Roing gets snow most winters. When to go, how to reach it from Dibrugarh or Tinsukia, the road, permits, where to stay and what to pack.
Mayudia Pass is the easiest place in eastern Arunachal Pradesh to see snow. It sits at about 2,650 m, around 56 km and 2 hours above Roing on the road to Anini, and it usually gets snow between late December and February. Because it is a short drive from the plains of Assam, it fills up with families from Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Roing whenever snow falls.
Snow at Mayudia is likely in winter, but not guaranteed on any given day. Some winter weeks are dry and clear. This guide explains when to go, how to get there and how to plan so a snow-free day still feels worthwhile.
When does it snow at Mayudia?
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| November | Cold and clear. Snow is rare. |
| December | First snowfall usually in the second half of the month. |
| January | The best month. Snow is most likely and lasts longest. |
| February | Snow still common, especially early in the month. |
| March | Occasional late snow. Mostly clear. |
Snow at Mayudia often follows a spell of rain in the Assam plains. If it rains in Dibrugarh or Tinsukia for a day, there is a good chance Mayudia gets snow. Ask your hotel in Roing to check with drivers who go up every day.
How to get to Mayudia
Mayudia is reached through Roing, the headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley district.
| From | Distance to Roing | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dibrugarh (airport and rail) | About 150 km via the Bogibeel and Dhola-Sadiya bridges | 4 to 5 hours |
| Tinsukia (rail) | About 110 km via the Dhola-Sadiya bridge | 3 to 4 hours |
| Roing to Mayudia | About 56 km | About 2 hours |
The road from Roing climbs steeply through forest, with a series of hairpin bends that locals call Baro Golai. In snow it becomes slippery and visibility can drop quickly. Use a local driver who knows the road, and start back by early afternoon, as it gets dark by about 4:30 pm.
Permits
Visitors from outside Arunachal need an Inner Line Permit. Apply online and make sure Lower Dibang Valley (Roing and Mayudia) is on it, and Dibang Valley too if you plan to go on to Anini. Our Arunachal ILP guide explains the process. Carry printed copies and your ID; there is a check gate on the way into Roing.
Where to stay
- Roing: the most practical base, with hotels, homestays and places to eat. Do Mayudia as a day trip.
- Near Mayudia: a few basic lodges and homestays near the pass. They are cold and simple, but you wake up in the snow. Book ahead in January.
- Anini: for a longer trip into the Dibang Valley beyond the pass.
What to do around Mayudia and Roing
- Play in the snow at the pass, and walk a short way along the road for views over the Dibang Valley on clear days.
- Mehao Lake and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, near Roing.
- Bhismaknagar, the ruins of an old fort near Roing.
- Hunli and the road towards Anini, if your permit and the weather allow.
Our things to do in Roing guide has more.
What to pack
- Thermal innerwear, a fleece and a padded or down jacket.
- Waterproof shoes or boots with grip. Snow at Mayudia turns to slush and ice quickly.
- Gloves, a woollen cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Snacks and water. Food at the pass is limited.
- Cash. ATMs are only in Roing.
Combine Mayudia with Dong Valley
In winter, many travellers combine Mayudia with Dong, in Anjaw district, where the sun rises first in India. It is a long drive, so give it at least a week. Read our Dong Valley sunrise guide.
Go with Breeziah
Our Mayudia Snow and Dong Valley Sunrise trip is 7 days from Dibrugarh, from Rs 27,999 per person, with Roing, Mayudia, Mehao Lake and the Dong sunrise. We arrange the ILP and use local drivers who know the snow road.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
When does it snow in Mayudia?
Usually from late December to February, with January the most reliable month. Snow is not guaranteed on any given day, and often follows rain in the Assam plains.
How far is Mayudia from Roing?
About 56 km, a drive of around 2 hours on a winding mountain road.
Do I need a permit for Mayudia?
Yes. Visitors from outside Arunachal Pradesh need an Inner Line Permit that covers Lower Dibang Valley.
Can I visit Mayudia as a day trip?
Yes. Most people stay in Roing and drive up in the morning. Start back by early afternoon, as the road is slippery in snow and it gets dark early.
What is the nearest airport to Mayudia?
Dibrugarh, about 4 to 5 hours from Roing by road. Tinsukia is the nearest major railway station.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Roing guide into a trip that fits your pace
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