Embarking on a Greater Himalayan sojourn could be one of the most special travel experiences of your life. Arunachal Pradesh offers you a great chance to immerse yourself in the quiet majesty of the Eastern Himalayas. Blessed with a rich tribal culture and steeped in history, Arunachal Pradesh will surprise you with its rustic charm, age-old monasteries, magnificent scenic beauty, and blissful environs. By Karan Kaushik
5 Roadtrips in Arunachal Pradesh for an unparalleled travel experience
Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Dirang-Tawang
This is the most popular tourist circuit in Arunachal Pradesh and covers most parts of western Arunachal. You can reach Bhalukpong from Guwahati via Tezpur. You will need an Inner Line Permit to cross Bhalukpong.
Bhalukpong
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Bhalukpong serves as the gateway to the Tawang circuit. The sparsely populated town has a laidback vibe, and there’s not much to see here. You may fancy river rafting on the Kameng river or try your luck at angling. History buffs could visit the ruins of the historical fort of King Bhaluka.
Just 5km from Bhalukpong is Tipi, known for its Orchid Research Centre. Here, you can marvel at over 450 species of orchids. On your way to Bomdila, you can take a break at the Sessa Orchid Nursery. You can enjoy a traditional meal in Sessa village.
Bomdila
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The charming town of Bomdila is spread across several hills. Bomdila overlooks picturesque valleys and offers stunning views of the Kangto and Gorichen peaks, the highest mountains in Arunachal. You must visit the Bomdila View Point to savour breathtaking views of the Kameng Valley and the Nechipu Pass.
The prime attraction in Bomdila is its ancient monasteries. These include the Gontse Gaden Rabye Ling monastery or Upper Gompa; the Middle Gompa, and the Thubchong Gatsel Monastery or Lower Gompa. When done soaking in the peaceful vibes at these monasteries, shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the Bomdila Market. If museums interest you, visit the District Ethnographic Museum near the market and get acquainted with the lifestyle of the tribal communities of Bomdila.
Dirang
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Sequestered in a scenic valley and encompassed by pine, oak, and juniper forests, Dirang is picture-postcard perfect. Located on the banks of the Kameng river, Dirang is known for its orchards, monasteries, and historical places. The main attraction here is Dirang Dzong, perched atop a small hillock. Constructed in 1831, the fort stands as a fine specimen of Monpa architecture.
You must also visit the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery or New Gompa. The monastery has a nice vantage point, from where you can see spectacular views of the Dirang Valley. Other places of interest in Dirang include the National Yak Research and Breeding Centre, Sangti Valley, and Dirang Hot spring. You may stop at the Nyukmadung War Memorial on your way to Tawang.
Tawang
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The journey from Dirang to Tawang is one of the most beautiful you’ll ever embark on. Driving on serpentine roads as you meander your way through the Greater Himalayas is an experience you’ll cherish forever. Panoramic views of lush hills and the iconic Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery welcome you in Tawang.
Being the most popular attraction of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang has a lot to offer. Its major attraction is the world-famous Tawang Monastery, touted as one of India’s seven wonders. Other important monasteries you must visit include the Gyangong Ani Gompa and the Urgelling Gompa. Visit the Tawang War Memorial, shop for handicrafts at the Old Market, loll around at the Buddha Park, and buy Monpa bags and shawls at the Crafts Emporium.
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From Tawang, you can visit Sela Pass, Nuranang Waterfalls, Pt Tso Lake, Sangetsar Lake, and Bumla Pass.
Itanagar-Ziro
This Central Arunachal Pradesh circuit takes you through low-lying hills and river valleys. The route you can take on this road trip is Guwahati-Itanagar-Ziro-Dibrugarh.
Itanagar
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Being the capital city, Itanagar is a busy town dotted with office buildings, colleges, hospitals, and hotels. While it may not match the quaintness offered by other regions of Arunachal, Itanagar boasts a magnificent landscape. From historical monuments to museums to cafes, the city has it all. The main attraction here is the Ita Fort. The 15th-century fort was built using more than 80 lakh bricks. It also displays ancient artefacts that were dug out during archaeological excavations.
Your next stop could be the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum. The museum introduces you to the lifestyle of the tribal communities through impressively sculpted dioramas. Also on display are the traditional crafts of the state. Another important spot in Itanagar is the Gompa Buddha Vihar or New Gompa. The monastery provides fantastic views of Itanagar and the hills that surround it. For a laidback experience, you may head to Gekar Sinyi or Ganga Lake. If you are interested in exploring the local fauna, the Zoological Park at Chimpu could offer a fun visit.
Ziro Valley
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Home to the Apatani tribal community, Ziro in central Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with lush river valleys and dense vegetation. Apatanis are known for their unique ways to preserve the ecology of their habitat. Your itinerary in Ziro could include a visit to the District Museum and the Crafts Emporium in Hapoli. Seek blessings at the Shivalinga on the Kardo Hill, visit Apatani settlements with a local, treat your eyes with stunning views at Ziro Viewpoint, and take a detour to the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Aalo-Pasighat
If exploring the unexplored is high on your agenda, this road trip is for you. While Aalo serves as a gateway to the otherworldly Mechuka, Pasighat is renowned for its laidback colonial charm.
Aalo
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Famous for its orange orchards, the small hamlet of Aalo, also known as Along lies on the confluence of the Sipu and Siyom rivers. Gorgeous little villages dot its landscape. Home to the Adi tribespeople, Aalo is an adventurist’s paradise. From angling to trekking to river rafting, you will have enough opportunities to get the adrenaline rushing.
Major tourist attractions include Patum Bridge, the suspension bridge over the Siang river, and the twin villages of Bagra and Darka. You may also visit the Kamki Hydropower Dam and the serene Ramakrishna Mission campus. From Aalo, you must plan a trip to Mechuka in the West Siang district. Located near the Indo-China border, Mechuka is famous for its majestic lake and the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha Monastery.
Pasighat
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Located in the East Siang district, the lovely town of Pasighat sits along the banks of the Siang river. Rafting enthusiasts arrive here from all parts of India. Encompassed by snow-clad mountains, Pasighat serves as a gateway to the Abor Hills. Take a walk through the main market here and you’ll crane your neck to appreciate British-era buildings. From Pasighat, you can visit Daying Erring Wildlife Sanctuary, Jengging, Mouling National Park, and Tuting.
Roing-Anini
This is the most popular tourist circuit in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Roing is from where travellers start their adventures to Mayudiya Pass and Anini is perfect for solitude seekers.
Roing
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Nestled in the Lower Dibang Valley district, Roing promises a captivating trip for nature lovers. The gurgling Dibang river lends Roing its picturesque beauty. The hilly town is also known for its stunning sunsets and sunrises. To make the most of your time in Roing, you should find an interesting local, who could accompany you to the nearby Idu Mishmi villages.
Learning about their culture and participating in their festivals is a memory that will stay etched in your mind for a lifetime. In Roing, you can visit the Nehru Van Udyan, Roing Museum, Baily Bridge, and Sally Lake. Keep one day for visiting Mayudia Pass. The high-mountain pass offers incredible views of the snow-clad Himalayas. The road from Roing to Mayudiya is a driver’s dream, to say the least.
Anini
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A visit to Anini will tell you why India’s scenic beauty is at par with New Zealand. Perched on a high plateau, Anini looks straight out of a fairytale. Low-lying clouds and lush greenery make it a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. Main attractions here include the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Lake, the quaint town of Hunli, and the cave temple at Kupunli. If you are a pro trekker, you must embark on the challenging Seven Lake Trek.
Miao-Namdapha
If an off-beat wildlife holiday is what you are looking forward to, the Miao-Namdapha circuit fits the bill.
Miao
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This beautiful hilly hamlet serves as a gateway to the Namdapha National Park. Before heading towards Namdapha, make sure to visit the Namdapha Zoo and Wildlife Museum in Miao. The museum displays a large array of animal specimens from Namdapha. At the zoo, you can see animals like the hoolock gibbon, hog deer, leopard cat and stumped tailed macaque.
Namdapha National Park
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Nestled between the Patkai range and Dapha Bum range of the Mishmi Hills, Namdapha is home to as many as 425 species of flora and fauna. But it’s the search for the elusive red panda and the endangered primate hoolock gibbon that draw avid wildlifers. The national park was established as part of the Project Tiger and stretches along the India-Myanmar border. Home to some of the rarest species of orchids like blue vandal and lady’s slipper, Namdapha is truly blessed with rich biodiversity.
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