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 tribes 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. In fact, 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 16,200 feet and back this winter!
