ARUNACHAL PRADESH YATRA Location : Northeastern part of India Capital City : Itanagar Major Attractions : Tawang Monastery, Ganga Lake, Bomdila Mostly Visited For : Adventure Sports, Romantic Evenings

Soothe Your Ears With The Melody of Mist-clad Hills

Mist-clad Greens of Arunachal Pradesh

Imagine a land that is as picturesque and pristine as one can imagine - large parts covered with lush evergreen forests, spectacular valleys dominated by snow-clad mountains through which labyrinthine streams and gurgling rivers meander, trying to escape but going nowhere. You bend to pick up an exotic flower you have never seen before, and your thirst for a rendezvous with life diffuses away with the euphoric tunes of a guitar, a melody that steps candidly to your heart. The land is no other than the angelic Arunachal Pradesh tucked away in the fairytale valleys of Northeast. Flanked on three sides by China, Myanmar and Bhutan, Arunachal is India’s most far-flung state. The state is a home to many tribes dwelling amidst its virgin, untouched-by-modernity environs, still nurturing their ancient culture and customs. Do you need anymore reasons to visit this wild and exotic region of India? Come and experience the grandeur of its majestic mountains, taste adventure in its roaring rivers and mingle with the fascinating tribes that call it home....

Itanagar - A Kaleidoscope By The Lake

The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is an impeccable blend of twin towns - Naharlagun, the older town and Itanagar, the political capital - presenting a very picturesque aspect of past and present, like a bouquet of forgotten and expected. Itanagar, nestling on the shores of the tranquil Gekar Sinyi (Ganga Lake) derives its name from Ita Fort, an ancient annal in stones that traces its pedigree to the 14-15th century. Portraying a diverse cultural domain, the capital houses many people from all over the country. Itanagar is noted as an archaeological site for its numerous heritage monuments dotting the terrain, that only add to the beauty of this historic state. Visit the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, a kaleidoscope of the state’s rich cultural heritage displayed in a mode of exquisite artifacts. Wander around and you will be overwhelmed to see beautiful wood carvings, traditonal musical instruments, gorgeous textiles and many archaeological finds. Tourists can also get an insight view about the cottage cane industry by stepping into the Handicrafts Centre, roosting inside the museum precincts.

Many Ways To Discover And Rediscover Yourself

The sprawling greens of Arunachal Pradesh affords some ancient monasteries, ‘chortens’ and notable excavations that cast their shadows on the history and tradition of these mist-clad hills. Enjoy a mind-blowing trek through the step-cut hills of Tawang Valley to visit the 17th century Tawang Monastery. Surrounded by clouds atop a hill, the legendary shrine is an encyclopedia of the spiritual life of the Gelugpa Buddhists. Dwelling at an altitude of 10,000 ft, the monastery also houses a 28-foot high Golden Buddha, that is to be seen to be believed. Pay your homage at Malinithan, caressing the ruins and relics of stone temples dating back to the 14-15th century. The Krishna temple is of great religious significance to the Hindus and is thronged by pilgrims during Janmashtami festivals in August. And if you plan your holiday in January, and your timeline intersects with that of Makar Sankranti on the religious graph, you can see thousands of devotees taking holy dips in the mountain lake of Parasuramkund, which has deep mythological connotations. This annual migration is in itself a thing to behold. Spend a few moments alone with the nature at the picturesque Akashi-Ganga waterfalls.

The Famous Tawang Monastery

Gateways To A Happy Holiday

Dirang :
Drive from Bomdila to reach Bhalukpong, the gateway to Dirang. Nestling in the womb of Buddhism, Dirang is dotted with Kalchakra monasteries and ‘Gompas’. Refresh yourself with the gurgling waters of the nearby hot springs, said to have medicinal value.

Bomdila :
Travel on the metalled road from Tezpur to reach Bhalukpong. Remember to visit the Craft Centre, a pleasurable initiative by the Arunachal government to bolster rural craftsmenship. You can even shop for a few colourfully designed carpets for your loved ones. Don’t miss a rafting experience on Kameng river.

Jengging :
Drive from Pasighat via Along to reach the base of Namcharua peak. Start your day with a jungle hunt in the wilds of Mauling National Park. In the afternoon, visit Pegu Lake and Nubo Bridge and devote your evenings to see the awe-inspiring War Dance of Miniyong.

Deomali :
Drive from Naharkatia and Margherita via Dharak to reach this pristine destination. Mingle with the tribal people roosting in the interiors of this village and get to know their cultural traditions and bygone way of survival.

A Rush of Adrenaline With Adventures on High Hills

Martial Art Artists Practising The Game of Blood And Blade

Where there is a will, there is a way. And where there is a hill, adventure is sure to follow. Arunachal, especially the region between Bomdila and Tawang, is a paradise for trekkers and mountaineers. The region is trimmed with magnificent passes and peaks, gurgling rivers and waterfalls, hot springs and picturesque lakes, that surely refreshes every weary soul. One can also spends days, sitting by the shimmering rivulets rich in ‘mahseer’, an extra-ordinary angling to be performed. River rafting on the Siang amidst river dolphins and a medley of water birds can also be an uplifting experience. The tourism department is taking initiatives in establishing an Aerosports Institute in Arunachal, that will entertain tourists with para- and hang- gliding, ballooning, microlight flying etc., all under one roof.

Memorable Tour Circuits In Arunachal

There are numerous tour operators in Arunachal that help tourists with alluring itineraries through the heart of this north-east state. the tours generally include trips to Buddhist monasteries, Indian memorials and a picnic at any tourist spots that have an idiosyncratic charm of their own.

Tezpur - Bhalukpur - Bomdila - Tawang

Beginning at Tezpur in Assam, the holiday tour circuit take you through many spectacularly scenic paths upto Tawang Monastery. The famous Tipi Orchidarium is only 5 km from Bhalukpong on this itinerary. You can even have the pleasure to visit the orchid sanctuary at Sessa. Creating an altogether different experience, the route also passes through Bomdila, a tribal heartland nestling at 8,500 ft. Enroute falls Sela, at 14,000 ft, the world’s second highest pass. Spend some time beside the crystal blue Lake Paradise, which reflects the majestic mountains in its womb.

Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat

The route takes you from the bustling capital to the beautiful town of Ziro, located on a 5,000 ft high plateau. Drive 30 km from Ziro to reach the picturesque Taley Valley. With a tranquil ambience floating all over the terrain, this is surely a pad to kick back your holiday afternoons. Enjoy rafting on Subansiri river, shimmering near Daporijo. You can also trek on the high hills and look for rare exotic species of birds and animals. And if you want more of them them, visit Pasighat, on the banks of Siang, home to the famous Dr. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tinsukia - Tezu - Hayulyang

Don’t miss the oppotunity to elevate your consciousness by bathing in the holy lake of Parasuramkund, ata stone’s throw from Tezu. Drive a short distance to visit Walong, housing a war memoriall to Indian soldiers killed here during the Chinese aggression. Wake up early to see a magnificent play of colours behind Dong Valley, where the first sunrise in India is witnessed. Besides, tourists can also visit Dong village, famed to be the easternmost village in India, after an 8 km trek from Walong.

Entry Formalities

A Road To Paradise In Arunachal Pradesh

Owing to its strategic location, foreigners need a restricted area permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh (even Indians require permits). The permit allows a visitor to remain in Arunachal for a maximum period of 10 days. The permit can be easily obtained from all Indian missions abroad, foreigner’s registration offices at New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata and in India from the FRROs or the Home Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit, which can be issued by the office of the Resident/Deputy Resident Commissioner/Liason Officer at New Delhi.

Drive Your Way

If you are coming by air, disembark at Tezpur in Assam, which houses the nearest airport, 225 km from Itanagar. Regular helicopter services are operated by Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Services (APHS) between Guwahati and Naharlagun, every Mon, Tue, Wed and Sun. Helicopter services have also been introduced which connects numerous tourist destinations in and near Arunachal. Pawan Hans helicopters has three flights a week between Itanagar and Guwahati and shuttle services around this northeast state. the nearest railhead is North Lakhimpur in Assam, 60 km from Itanagar. However, if you want to imbibe all the beauty of this riverine state, come by road. From Guwahati, drive on NH 52 to reach Itanagar, 429 km away. Direct buses are also available from Guwahati, the capital of Assam. There are majorly two routes to come to Arunachal - through the Bomdila - Sela - Tawang region and through Tezpur. However, starting from Tezpur is always advisable because of its proximity to Guwahati.