Step into one of Arunachal’s most vibrant wildernesses with this immersive escape to Pakke Tiger Reserve. With Tezpur or Nameri as your base, this experience invites you into a world where dense evergreen forests, river valleys, and soft forest light create a sanctuary for birds, butterflies, and elusive wildlife. Pakke is not just a protected forest, it is a living, breathing reserve where every rustle, call, and flutter tells a story of wild Himalayan biodiversity.
Your journey begins at the West Bank Forest Gate, where your Naturalist welcomes you into this quiet forest realm. As you enter, the landscape slowly shifts from open village roads into thick canopies where giant Hollong and Nahor trees tower above you, their roots gripping the earth like ancient guardians. The forest here is gentle yet deep, ideal for slow exploration. Whether you choose a jeep safari or a forest walk, these trails open up to sightings of hornbills gliding across the canopy, butterflies clustering near sunlit streams, and the chance to spot animals such as the flying squirrel, pangolin, leopard cat and, with patience and luck, the tiger or black panther that silently move through these woods.
The reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers. Over 300 bird species fill the forest with calls in the early hours, and your Naturalist will help you look for the Great Indian Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rufous Necked Hornbill, Blyth’s Kingfisher, and many more. Butterfly lovers will find themselves pausing often as vibrant wings shimmer near puddles and forest clearings, especially during and after the monsoon.
Beyond the forests, this experience also invites you into the culture of the Nyishi community. After your safari or walk, drive to Darlong village where a local family prepares a traditional lunch, using ingredients grown or foraged around their homes. The flavours are simple, fresh, and deeply connected to the land. For those who want more, evenings can include a cultural showcase with local dance groups and a tasting of millet wine and listening to local folklores and stories by your local host.
Pakke is an escape designed for slow travellers, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates quiet, raw wilderness. It can be done as a short break from Kaziranga or woven into a longer journey through western Arunachal.
6:00 AM – 6:15 AM: Arrival at the West Bank Forest Gate. Meet your guide and receive a briefing about Pakke Tiger Reserve, its wildlife, and community-led conservation efforts.
6:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Begin your half day jeep safari through dense evergreen forests. Expect changing forest textures, stream crossings, sunlit glades, and towering trees with active hornbill nests. Keep your ears tuned for forest calls and your eyes on the canopy for bird and butterfly movement.
If you prefer, you can swap the safari with a 2 to 3 hour slow forest walk focused on birdwatching and butterfly trails.
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Visit the Wildlife Interpretation Centre at West Bank Forest Camp. Learn about Pakke’s biodiversity, hornbill conservation, and the significance of the forest in Nyishi culture.
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Drive to Darlong, a Nyishi village along the foothills, for a traditional home cooked lunch prepared with local ingredients. Enjoy warm hospitality and insights into village life.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Butterfly trail/ Visit to Nakshaparvat/ Village walk.
7:00 PM onward: Departure, or continue your journey deeper into western Arunachal.
Your journey begins at the West Bank Forest Gate of Pakke Tiger Reserve, where you will meet your Naturalist and receive a short briefing.
Not at all. Anyone can enjoy this experience. However, Pakke is a dense evergreen forest, which means wildlife, especially mammals, can be harder to spot. The beauty lies in listening, observing the canopy, and tuning in to the forest’s subtler movements. Binoculars are very helpful for spotting birds and arboreal species.
Both offer wonderful but different experiences.
Jeep Safari: Covers more ground and increases your chance of seeing varied habitats.
Forest Walk: Perfect for birdwatchers, butterfly lovers, and those who enjoy quiet, slow exploration.
You can choose based on your preference.
Expect hornbills, kingfishers, butterflies, small mammals like flying squirrels and civets, and diverse forest life. Big cats such as tigers or black panthers live here but are very rarely seen, consider them a rare bonus if luck favours you.
Yes. Families and older travellers can comfortably enjoy this experience. The jeep ride, however, can be slightly bumpy due to uneven forest roads and occasional dry river crossings. Those who prefer smoother travel may opt for the forest walk instead.
The walk is easy to moderate, with gentle forest trails suitable for most travellers.
Yes, photography is allowed. Phones are allowed without extra charges.
However, the forest department has different camera fee categories depending on your equipment, such as DSLRs or professional video cameras. Drone use is strictly prohibited. Please avoid using flash around wildlife.
A homely, freshly prepared Nyishi meal featuring local ingredients and regional flavours. Vegetarian options can be arranged with advance notice.
Absolutely. Please share your dietary needs beforehand.
Basic washrooms are available at the forest gate, the Interpretation Centre, and the village home.
Pakke is rewarding year-round, but October to March offers pleasant weather and excellent birding and butterfly sightings.
Light rain is part of the forest experience. The safari or walk continues with necessary adjustments, but heavy rain may alter routes for safety.
The nearest bases are Tezpur and Nameri, both easily connected by road. Transport assistance is available on request.
