Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh: Untouched, Unseen, Unbelievable The largest of the Seven Sisters of Northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh is known as “the land of dawn-lit mountains.” This pristine and untouched state beckons visitors with its lush valleys, crystal-clear water bodies, rich cultural […]

Arunachal Pradesh: Untouched, Unseen, Unbelievable

The largest of the Seven Sisters of Northeast India, Arunachal Pradesh is known as “the land of dawn-lit mountains.” This pristine and untouched state beckons visitors with its lush valleys, crystal-clear water bodies, rich cultural heritage, and ancient monuments.

A spiritual journey through this untouched terrain will take you far away from the rush of city life. Arunachal Pradesh is the perfect getaway for families, adventure seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With deep roots tracing back to Tibetan culture, this enchanting state captivates the hearts of travelers, who often find themselves returning to explore more of its hidden gems.

Arunachal Pradesh: A Quick View of the State

• Capital: Itanagar
• Official Languages: Hindi, Deori, Assamese, and English
• Dial Code: 360 (Itanagar)
• Population: 16.836 lakhs (as of 2018)
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
• Area: 83,743 square km

Highlights of Arunachal Pradesh: Things to See and Do

Arunachal Pradesh is a land of wonder with unspoiled natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its wildlife, spiritual heritage, or adventurous activities, the state has something for every kind of traveler.

Wildlife

Arunachal Pradesh is globally renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity. It is the only state in India where you can find four species of cats in one sanctuary: the tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and snow leopard. In addition to these big cats, the state is home to black bears, red pandas, goral, civets, mongoose, and various rodent species. Some must-visit wildlife sanctuaries include:

• Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
• Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
• Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
• Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
• D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary

Places of Religious Significance

Arunachal Pradesh is not only about natural beauty but also offers spiritual serenity. The state is dotted with temples, monasteries, and gompas, each reflecting the region’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions. Some highlights include:

• Parasuram Kunda
• Akashganga Temple
• Tawang Monastery – the largest in India and the second largest in the world
• Urgelling Monastery
• Bomdila Monastery
• Lhagyala Gompa
• Gyangong Ani Gompa

Places to Visit

Escape the buzz of the city and immerse yourself in Arunachal’s picturesque landscapes. Some must-visit destinations include:

• Tawang
• Bomdila
• Ziro
• Itanagar
• Pasighat
• Roing
• Bhalukpong
• Sela Pass
• Dirang

Art and Culture

The rich cultural tapestry of Arunachal Pradesh is evident in its art, handicrafts, and clothing. Traditional dress is vibrant, adorned with unique patterns, while silver and bamboo jewelry are popular among the women. Dance, music, and festivals are integral parts of life here, with people celebrating various festivals with great fervor.

Festivals

Arunachal Pradesh is a state of colorful festivals. These celebrations are a blend of music, dance, and prayers, with the people expressing their gratitude to the gods for a bountiful harvest. Some notable festivals include:

• Siang River Festival
• Pangsau Pass Winter Festival
• Ziro Festival of Music
• Solung Festival of Agriculture
• Nyokum
• Losar Festival
• Dree Festival
• Boori Boot
• Loku

Adventure Activities

Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure lover’s paradise. Whether it’s trekking through the mountains or rafting down the wild rivers, the state offers countless thrilling opportunities. Water rafting on the Brahmaputra River or its tributaries, Subansari and Kameng, is one of the most popular activities in the region.

Interesting Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• Arunachal Pradesh has the most regional languages of any state in India.
• It is the largest of the Seven Sister States in terms of land area.
• The state is home to 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, making it one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country.
• Despite its size, Arunachal Pradesh has India’s lowest population density, with only around 13 people per square km.
• The Tawang Monastery is the largest in India and the second-largest in the world.
• Neolithic tools dating back over 11,000 years have been unearthed in the state.
• India’s longest river bridge, the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, connects Arunachal Pradesh to Assam.
• English is the official language of the state.
• Arunachal Pradesh is the only place in India with a protected habitat for four cat species: the tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and snow leopard.

Location

Located in the northeasternmost corner of India, Arunachal Pradesh shares its southern borders with Assam and Nagaland, while Bhutan lies to its west, Myanmar to its east, and China to its north. Part of the outer Himalayas and the Patkoi ranges, the state’s landscape is an ever-changing vista of mountains, rivers, verdant valleys, and unique wildlife.

 

Timings: When to Visit

Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude climate makes summers warm and pleasant, an ideal time for a relaxing family vacation or a honeymoon getaway. If you’re interested in sightseeing, the winter season (November to February) is perfect, with temperatures ranging from 8-14°C. The state’s winter festivals, such as Pangsau Pass Winter Festival in January and Nyokum Yullo and Chalo Loku in February, add cultural vibrancy to the cooler months.

How to Get to Arunachal Pradesh

By Flight

Although Arunachal Pradesh does not have its own airport, nearby airports are located at Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur. Helicopter rides from Guwahati to destinations like Tawang and Pasighat are available, weather permitting, and provide a unique travel experience. Be sure to arrange road transport ahead of time, as taxis are not available at helipads.

By Road

The Arunachal State Transport runs daily bus services from Guwahati to Bomdila and Itanagar. The buses leave around 6-7 AM, so plan to arrive early. Alternatively, private vehicles can be hired from Tezpur in Assam, offering a more comfortable journey.

By Train

Arunachal Pradesh got its first railway line in 2013. Trains from major cities like Delhi now connect to Naharlagun, which is just 10 kilometers from the state capital, Itanagar.

History: A Legacy Lost in Time

The people of Arunachal Pradesh trace their origins to the legendary Abo Tani, believed to be the first man of the five main tribes—Tagin, Nyishi, Adi, Galo, and Apatani. However, conflicting historical records and the lack of written documentation from many of the tribes have made it challenging to piece together a complete picture of the state’s early history.

Written records appear in the Chutiya chronicles, shedding light on some aspects of the region’s past. While tribes such as the Monpa and Sherdukpen have a history of autonomy, it was only during British rule that formal boundaries were established. In 1913–1914, the Simla Accord led to the McMahon Line, which China rejected. After India’s independence, Arunachal Pradesh became a union territory in 1972 and was later granted statehood in 1987.

From its pristine valleys to its deeply spiritual heritage, Arunachal Pradesh offers a journey into one of nature’s last frontiers. Whether you’re exploring its wildlife sanctuaries or rafting down its rivers, this state will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

 

Arunachal is another gem in the North-Eastern part of India. It comprises of mountainous terrain. The capital city of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar. Arunachal Pradesh means the ‘land of the rising sun’. This state has a lush green valley which extends far down and the edges have high plateaus. The mighty Himalayas stand proudly with its head held high. The highest peak is Kangto which reaches a height of 7090 meters. The Brahmaputra is the main river that runs through the state along with its tributaries namely Tirap, Dibang or Sikang, Kameng, Lohit, and Subansiri. Approximately two-thirds of Arunachal Pradesh is a forested region. There is a rich variety of flora and fauna. Tropical evergreen forests and pines are found in the lower altitude. Whereas in the higher altitudes, it is dominated by coniferous temperate forests, alpine and sub-alpine vegetation with colourful rhododendrons.

Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang

The charming town of Tawang is also pronounced as Dawang. It is perched at an elevation of 3048 meters above sea-level. Tawang cradles among the breathtaking snow-topped Himalayan Mountains. It means ‘horse chosen’. The beautiful village of Tawang is the best place for some food for the soul. You can nourish it and reconnect with it. This is the birthplace of great Dalai Lama. Tawang has many picturesque quaint monasteries. Tawang is a place wrapped in plentiful of nature’s bounties and spirituality. Tipi orchid sanctuary is a must see place in Tawang. Tawang is the cultural base of the state. Adventure lovers simply adore this place. Trekking, mountain biking, and hiking are the other adventure sports that one can do here. You can also catch glimpses of wildlife here. Tawang was once inhabited by the Monpa people who were from Tibet. You will need Inner Line Permits to travel to Tawang. The inner line permits can be availed from Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati, and Tejpur.

Bumla Pass

This is the Indo-Chinese border at a height of 5000 meters over sea-level. This history steeped place needs to be visited without fail. The Indian army contingent is seeing patrolling and protecting the border. This place should be visited on a clear day to immerse in this charming beauty. The fascinating painting of nature will spellbind you. This really amazing place is wrapped in snow. There are snow-clad mountains, frozen lakes, and snow-covered paths. Due to the rough terrain, only vehicles with 4 wheels are allowed to move on this road.

Shonga-tser Lake

Situated at a distance of 42 km from Tawang, Shonga-tser Lake is a picturesque and very famous place. Perched atop at a height of 12,000 feet over sea-level, this pristine lake and its surroundings offer a respite from the crowd, noise, and pollution of the city life. It is believed that the lake was formed due to an earthquake that took place in 1971. Prior to that, it used to be a bed of grass. There are snow-clad mountains on each side of the lake. There are wonderful pathways surrounding this lake to take endless strolls. Funnily enough, this lake is also called as Madhuri Lake. The shooting of a popular song from the movie Koyla took place here. This is a perfect place for photographers. Some dead treetops protruding from the lakes provide a very beautiful image.

Sela Pass

Sela pass is breathtakingly beautiful. This Heavenly piece of Land is the ultimate lifeline for the residents of Arunachal Pradesh.

Tawang Monastery

The Tawang Monastery is the most sacred and most famous monastery in Tawang. It was established by the Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1681.

Zemithang

Zemithang is at the extreme western endpoint of Tawang at the border of China. This is a paradise concealed in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The valleys, cultivable lands, and the high mountains look stunning on a moon-lit night. Zemithang is about 100 km from Tawang. This place is in a completely different zone in Tawang and the whole way is through a low altitude. This beautiful road is peppered with lots of greeneries all around and during early December the area blooms with charming colours. Zemithang is an idyllic place where one should and must spend one night. The words ‘Zemi’ means ‘Sand’ and ‘Thang’ means ‘Plain Land’. Gorsam Chorten or stupa is the biggest stupas in the area which was believed to be built in the early part of the 12th century. It was supposedly constructed by a Monpa Monk named Lama Pradhar. The chorten is in the shape of half-circle and rises up in the sky.

Dirang

This is a scenic little town in West Kameng in Arunachal. Dirang stands on the banks of River Kameng. This place is wrapped in snow-topped mountains, dazzling streams, cascading waterfalls, hot springs, and a rural attractiveness. It doesn’t have a very high altitude and hence it’s quite pleasant all the time. Dirang is positioned somewhat halfway between Tawang and Tezpur. It is 138 km from Tawang and 200 km from Tezpur respectively. The Dirang Valley is a very picturesque place. There is a lovely bridge on the river Kameng. There is also a lush paddy field on the other side of the bridge. You can buy local items from the Dirang Market. The simplicity and the smiling faces of the local people will win your heart instantly. You will get to see a lot of birds in here like the rainbow-coloured tragopans, white-throated redstarts, Rufous-bellied, and fire-tailed sunbirds. Everybody will love this place; especially the adventure hunters and photographers.

Sangti Valley

Sangti Valley is an off-beat destination whose beauty is beyond beautiful. This magical place is encircled with towering hills, fruit orchards, swiftly moving rivers and lush green forests. Sangti Valley enjoys very pleasant weather and light snowfall. Home to the black-necked cranes, this valley is around 15 km from Dirang. There is a Sheep Farm here where sheep are reared.

Kiwi Cultivation

Interestingly Kiwi would grow around the forest of Ziro Valley as a wild fruit. But now the delicious Kiwi fruit has attained a great height in the commercial market not only in Arunachal Pradesh but also in entire India and abroad. The cultivators, as well as the consumers, are showing great interest in this fruit because of its easy maintenance and marketability. The fruit is rich in nutritional and medicinal qualities. The benefits of the fruit are many in commercial terms. It is cultivated in the months of October to December when no other fruits grow at that time. Also due to its hard texture, it doesn’t require any expensive or sophisticated packaging and thus can be transported to long distances. But then again to compete with New Zealand, Australia, and other countries, lot of care and hi-end technology is needed to sustain the production, packaging, and transportation.

Bomdila

Bomdila is a small hamlet of hardly 10,000 inhabitants and is perched at a dizzying height of 8800 feet over sea-level. The ethnic tribes who call this place their home include Bogun, Monpa, Sherdukpen, Aka, and Miji. Bomdila is gearing up for tourists. The elegant Bomdila shaded by imposing heights of the East Himalayan ranges all around gives it a very picturesque setting. This Himalayan land offers panoramic scenes. Untouched by commercialisation, this secluded destination is utterly scenic. Bomdila has apple orchids and quaint Buddhist monasteries. There are a number of trekking routes for the trekkers. Bomdila experiences an alpine climate with short and gentle summers. The summer season in Bomdila lasts from April to June. It rains in Bomdila between July and September. The winter season is from November to February and the winters are really cold. So the ideal time to visit Bomdila would be between April and October.
Bomdila Market:It is in lower Bomdila and the sellers are only female. The little shops in the market place sell a lot of local hand-made art and craft items. You will also get fruits, yak cheese, vegetables, Yaak churpi, woollens, etc. The entire place is drenched in colours. You can also pick up some interesting stuff such as masks, carpets, thangkas, and paintings.
Bomdila Monastery: This monastery was constructed in the year 1965. Later on, a bigger prayer hall was built. This is used as the lamas to pray.

Bhalukpong

It is a beautiful minuscule town situated on the southern fringes of the Himalayas in West Kameng. It rests alongside the charming Kameng River. There are verdant thick forests surrounding Bhalukpong. This is also a very famed archaeological site. The ruins of a fort of King Bhaluka are found there. The stone remains are from 10th – 12th century AD.

River Jia Bharali

One of the tributaries of Brahmaputra is River Jia Bharali.

Tipi Orchid Garden

Tipi is a botanical garden equivalent to a paradise which is just about 5 km from Bhalukpong. It is home to 450 species of exotic orchids.

River Rafting in Nameri

The river rafting in Nameri National Park takes place in the southern portion of the park. The duration of river rafting is for 3 hours.

Arunachal Pradesh Tours

If you were already planning a trip to Arunachal Pradesh or developed an interest about this beautiful yet unexplored part of India after reading this article on Arunachal, then, you can definitely check out:
Offbeat Arunachal ; Grey Mountains ; Jia Bhorali ;
We have hand crafted these itinerary only for you. You can even contact us for more customized tour plans to Arunachal Pradesh.

Share this tour