Nestled in the folds of Arunachal Pradesh, Dirang is a valley where nature, culture, and history converge. This short escape takes you from the aromatic trails of Mandala Phudung to the timeless lanes of Thembang Heritage Village, weaving together wild herbs, nomadic pastures, and centuries-old stories.
Begin your morning with a drive from Dirang to Mandala Phudung. Here, depending on the season (October being the most fragrant), the hillsides are dotted with star anise, Zanthoxylum, wild strawberries, and local herbs. A short, easy hike leads you to the Brok grazing grounds, where nomads still bring their yaks. Surrounded by mountains, the sight of 108 Mane (prayer wheels) turning in the breeze adds a deeply serene rhythm to the landscape. During winter (November–January), Mandala Top transforms under a blanket of snow, making the experience all the more enchanting. Pause here for tea and snacks in the Brok hut, a simple yet soulful moment of mountain hospitality.
From Mandala, continue to Thembang Heritage Village, a UNESCO tentative site and one of the oldest fortified villages in Arunachal. As you step through its stone walls and alleys, your guide will unfold stories of kings, battles, caves, and the legacy of this ancient settlement. Over a traditional lunch in Pangma, featuring wild ferns, mushrooms, and dishes seasoned with local bay leaf will help you savor the flavors of the land.
This journey from Mandala Top to Thembang is more than a day trip; it’s a passage through landscapes that nourish, traditions that endure, and a history that still echoes through village stones.
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Dirang to Mandala Phudung
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Mandala Phudung to Thembang Heritage Village
The journey begins from your hotel or homestay in Dirang. It covers Mandala Phudung, the Brok grazing grounds, and Thembang Heritage Village, before returning to Dirang in the evening.
Mandala Phudung is known for its herbal trails (star anise, Zanthoxylum, wild strawberries), nomadic yak herders (Broks), and the peaceful 108 Mane prayer wheels. In winter, it transforms into a snow-clad wonderland.
Not at all. The hike at Mandala Phudung is short and easy, making it suitable for all fitness levels, including families with kids.
Thembang is one of the oldest fortified villages in Arunachal Pradesh and a UNESCO tentative site. Its stone walls, forts, caves, and legends of ancient rulers make it a living museum of history and culture.
Because it blends nature, culture, spirituality, and food in one journey. From herbal trails and nomadic yak herders to the historic fortifications of Thembang, it’s a rare chance to see both living traditions and timeless landscapes in a single day.
