Arunachal Pradesh has always been one of the best kept secrets of North East India. The remoteness and challenging terrains of the region have helped in retaining the pristine natural and cultural beauty of the region, making it one of the most unexplored destinations in the world.
Prior to the year 1972, all of present Arunachal Pradesh and beyond was grouped into one territory collectively known as NEFA (North East Frontier Agency). Thereafter, till 1978, the region was renamed and considered a Union Territory of India. Finally, statehood was announced in the year 1978.
With nearly 80 percent of this high altitude state attributed to forest cover, one can only imagine the biodiversity that one may find here. From rare birds endemic to the state, to new species being discovered every passing year, all spread across changing terrains based on altitude, Arunachal Pradesh proves to be an absolute treat for the adventurous nature lover. (Fun fact: Arunachal Pradesh harbours the world’s northernmost tropical rainforest and is estimated to have nearly 50% of the total flowering plant species of India).
In terms of the communities that live in the state, there are 26 major tribes that are officially recognised and over 100 sub-tribes, all of whom have their own dialects and cultures (including food, outfits, rituals and beliefs). Hindi proves to be the common language. Many aspects of the cultural diversity of the state remain undocumented till date.
We believe that a lifetime is not enough for one to explore and understand Arunachal in its truest sense. In this chapter, we will be taking you across the western belt of this massive state. The major indigenous communities on this belt are Monpa and the Sherdukpens, some of the warmest people that we have come across. Mahayana Buddhists by religion, the people share close cultural and religious affinities with people from Tibet and Bhutan. It is interesting to note that some of the villages that you will be visiting have even been taxed by Tibetan rulers not too long back. In fact, in the year 1959 when his Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet to India, where he now resides, he used this very route to come down to the plains.
A trip not meant for the faint hearted, join us as we take you on a journey up to 15,200 feet and back this winter!
Note: Following the events of Sino-India War of 1962, this region remains a military-occupied terrain due to its close geographical location to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Please note that certain restrictions are imposed in this circuit, especially for Foreign Nationals so please plan accordingly. Our team will be happy to assist you in doing so.
If you are landing a day prior to the trip, you can join the group either at Guwahati Airport, Jalukbari Junction, or near Khanapara — depending on where you are staying in Guwahati. These are the designated pick-up points en route to Shergaon, as the vehicle will not stop or enter the city beyond these points.
The journey begins from Guwahati Airport at noon on Day 1 and concludes in Guwahati by 9 PM on Day 8. We recommend planning your departure for the following day to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Vegetarians do not need to worry. While a lot of the local delicacies are meat-based, with the influx of tourism there are multiple vegetarian options at all places. You must also try out the seasonal fruits and vegetables in the region.
Yes, you would be requiring an Inner Line Permit to travel enter Arunachal Pradesh. We will be arranging the same for you. We would need details such as your Aadhar Card/Passport, passport size photo, along with a few other details to procure this.
The ILP usually takes about 7 days to process.
September to December, and March to Early June is the best time to visit Western Arunachal.
While most of your expenses are taken care of in the trip cost, an additional ₹1,000 per day (upper limit) would be more than enough to cover any personal expenses. Most places along the route also accept online payments, making transactions convenient and hassle-free.
Once you sign up for the trip, we will be sending you a detailed list of Things to Carry for the season!
While we understand that visiting the border areas of Bum La pass is a highly sought after experience, we have skipped it in this chapter as we want our guests to go off the beaten road with us. The pass is definitely beautiful but Chumi Gyatse offers a more peaceful and spiritually enriching experience. It holds deep religious significance for Buddhists and is less crowded than Bumla Pass.
Mandala is a village that is around one and a half hours away from Dirang. It is well known amidst the birding circles, and also as an offbeat destination for those looking to witness snow in the winter.
We have added a riverside hike at Bishum Phudung instead, where you will witness life in a Himalayan Monpa village.
As for snow, you will have multiple other chances for the same as we will be taking you to altitudes even higher than Mandala in this chapter.
While Snowfall is weather dependent, you will definitely see snow and snow sheets at the high-altitude passes from November to March.