Arunachal, literally translating to “the land of the rising sun” is the last frontier state of India surrounded on three sides by Bhutan, China and Myanmar. India’s least explored and remotest state, one needs a permit to enter here. Tucked away in the remote reaches of the Himalayas, only a few of its mountain peaks have been named and numerous yet to be scaled and explored. Its jungles are teeming with various life forms, and houses numerous endangered species of wild life, birds, plants and orchids. It has over 500 bird species (most popular being the Great Indian Hornbill, Masked Finfoot, Sclater’s Monal, Baer’s Pochard, Greater Adjutant, etc.) and new species being discovered in the recent years, making it one of the top birding sites in the world. It is also home to the red panda and rare cats like Clouded Leopard and snow Leopard.The state has 26 major tribes and a number of sub tribes with delicately tattooed faces and pierced skin and their festivals that still see traces of paganism. It is also a place for some famous monasteries and a rich Buddhist culture. It is voted by Lonely Planet as the top 4 regions of the world.
Some of the major places are:
Tawang
Resting on a lofty height of 10,000 feet, Tawang is a traveler’s delight. Some parts of Tawang district rise up as high as 22,000 feet and receive heavy snowfall and remain snow clad almost all round the year. It houses the largest Buddhist monastery of Asia. Other places of interest are the Sela Pass, War Memorial, PT Tso Lake Jang Falls, and the India-China border at Bumla. Tawang attracts scores of devotees and tourists to annual festivals of Losar, Choskar and Torgya. Savoring yak dishes in Tawang could be an unforgettable experience.
Bomdila
Bomdila rests on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas perched at a height of 7273 feet above the sea level. It is the headquarter of West Kameng district. The snow-capped mountains, especially the Kangto and Gorichen peaks leave a dominating impression on the visitors. The gompas (monasteries) with their fluttering prayer flags, the craft centers and the ethnographic museums which showcase the Himalayan Buddhist culture are intriguing. On our tours to Bomdila, travellers can also include visit the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Dirang Valley and the Sela Pass.
Dirang
Dirang is a small town at an elevation of 5250 feet. This cozy little town in the West Kameng District is picturesque and can freeze you momentarily with its breathtaking view. Snow-capped peaks, roaring water bodies, heart-stopping gorges, expansive array of vegetation and a deep sense of freedom– these make Dirang a prominent tourist destination. The Kameng river flowing in close proximity makes Dirang a pleasant place. The majorly inhabited tribe is Monpa, who are primarily Buddhists. The lush forests of pine trees, kiwi gardens and wild orchids make the major attractions. Nearby villages like Thembang, Namshu, Morshing and Namthung, the National Research Centre on Yak, Regional Apple Nursery, Progeny Orchard, Orchid Centre at Jyotinagar, Dirang Dzong Fort, the Hot Water Spring at the north end of the city, and the Sangti Valley are the most popular tourists spots. Namthung is another popular village that excite adventurous travelers with angling and rafting facilities.
Ziro Valley
Ziro is the headquarter of the Lower Subansiri district and is one of the oldest towns of Arunachal Pradesh. Lying in a height between 5538 feet to 8000 feet, Ziro attracts hordes of tourists, thanks to its exotic natural beauty. Ziro has been pushed for inclusion in the list of nominations for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. It is a land of pine-filled hills and an expansive bed of rice fields that beautifully complement each other. The Apa-Tanis are the local tribes who are famed for their pagan culture, nose stubs and facial tattoos. Off late, Ziro has gained global attention because of the biggest music festivals of the country- the Ziro Festival of Music. It brings musicians from all parts of the world to celebrate the unique cultural identity of Arunachal Pradesh. Other places of interest around Ziro are the Salin Peak, the ridge of Kile Pakho, Pine Grove, Midey (the place of the largest pine tree in the valley), Taley Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kardo Forest. Some local festivals like Myoko, Murung and Dree. Ziro sees display of rare orchids and wild flowers and have been drawing the attention of a lot of horticulturists and ecologist from various parts of the world.
Along
Along is the headquarters of the West Siang District. It is surrounded by mountains and Sipu and Yomgo rivers on both sides. This place is a picture of beauty that has been kept intact by the tribes of Adi, Khamba and Memba. Religions like Buddhism, Christianity and Donyi Polo are practiced here. The people of Along are skilled craftsmen and are known for their intricately designed hats, vessels, belts and mugs made of cane, besides colorful shawls, jackets and sling bags. Along is famous for its festivals, hanging bridges, rafting expeditions, nature treks and the sacred place of Akashganga.
Pasighat
The headquarters of East Siang District, Pasighat is 94 km from Along and is the oldest town in Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat is a dominantly agricultural town and is replete with several cultural festivals throughout the year, Mopin and Solung being the popular of them. Places of interest in Pasighat are Daying Ering Sanctuary, Pangin, the Kekar Monying mountain cliff, and the historically famous village of Komsing. Hanging bridges and tree swings abound the picturesque town of Pasighat, which makes for a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Zemithang
Zemithang is an enchanting small village situated in the extreme north western corner of Arunachal Pradesh. The village is a prelude to many enchanting views- one of them being the lone stupa that stands like a proud sentinel. The Monpa settlement of Zemithang rests at the top of a valley that is surrounded the Namjang Chu River flowing in from neighboring Tibet. Zemithang makes a symmetrically attractive arrangement of large stone houses. The Gorsam Chorten or stupa is the single most interesting attraction. Chamling Tso or Chamling Lake, on the edge of the India-China border, is another interesting attraction and is said to contain aphrodisiacal properties.
Tours
Biking and Hiking Tour Eastern Arunachal Pradesh
This is a multi- activity tour that takes you to explore the eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh, the easternmost tip of India, a meeting point of the major tributaries of the river Brahmaputra, wherefrom the Brahmaputra valley is born.
Price: £ 2437
Buddhist Pilgrimage Trek to Pemako
Pemako, located in the far reaches of Eastern Himalayan Arunachal Pradesh is a Beyul. Beyuls are earthly hidden valleys. Beyuls can be reached by undertaking arduous journeys to outer worldly places akin to those undertaken by enlightened souls who seek the Buddhist path to liberation.
Price: £ 3200
Central Arunachal Pradesh Tribal Tour
In this tour, travel to Arunachal Pradesh, the remotest north-eastern state of India which is a hub of cultural and religious tourism and a land that romances with the Himalayas.
Price: £ 1950
Tawang and its Monasteries
In this trip, you will start your journey in Guwahati, the gateway to North East India, from where you will meander your way through picturesque mountains, Passes, villages teeming with simple faces, and reach Tawang nestled at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
Price: £ 1600
15 days North East India tour: Living Root bridges, Rhinos, Tea & Tribes
In this tour you will visit the North East Indian states of Assam. Meghalaya and Nagaland. The tour begins in Guwahati, the gateway to North East India and also the most important commercial centre of the region.
Price: £ 2450