ARUNACHAL PRADESH TRAVEL GUIDE

Shying away in the North eastern corner of India, Arunachal Pradesh though may be an introvert when it comes to tourism, is a land of abundant travel opportunities. Adorned with unspoilt landscape, this Northeast state of India is a place that every nature lover and explorer should visit. A treasure trove of culture, nature’s beauty, rich history and warm people, Arunachal is truly a land that you cannot afford to miss.

Capital: Itanagar Location: North East India

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

The months from October to April are ideal to plan a visit to Arunachal Pradesh.

WHY VISIT ARUNACHAL:

Offbeat getaway, nature’s beauty, trekking, rafting, camping, birdwatching, tribal tours, root bridges, wildlife, motor biking, history, photography.

TEMPERATURE

·        20°C to 35°C

Summer

·        18°C – 29°C

Monsoon

·        8°C – 15°C

Winter

Adventure Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh

For almost every tourist planning a visit to the Arunachal Pradesh, taking part in the adventure activities has always remained on the top of their travel itineraries. They are so many and that too of different that it becomes really different for the travelers to choose the best from them. Whatever the adventure activity that one chooses, surely your heart will skip a beat. If adventure is what triggers one the most, then activities like angling, trekking, white water rafting, and motorbiking in Arunachal Pradesh are surely a treat.

All those who love the idea of the recreational adventure activities, Angling at the spots like Siang, Dibang and Yamne Rivers in Arunachal Pradesh are ideal places to be. At these prominent places, you can anchor fishes like Mahseer, Golden and Brown Trout, Boka (Katli), Sal, Korang and Gorua. If angling is meant for the light-hearted ones then trekking, white water rafting, and motor biking are meant for those crazy bunch of people who love living on the edge. Arunachal falls under the mesmerizing the Patkoi Ranges, which happens to the be the part of the Outer Himalaya.

Thus, here one can find a good number of trekking trails that one should discover like omdila-Seppa, Along-Mechuka, Daporijo-Taksing, Pasighat-Tuting, Pasighat-Mariang, Daporijo-Along and Bomdila-Daimara-via-Ramlingam and Chakku. From a quite drift through the wilderness to the nerve-wracking wild rafts reaching to the topmost grades, rafting of various grades are offered in Arunachal Pradesh. The tributaries of the Brahmaputra River – Lohit and Subansari, and Siang Lake offers the most defined and gushing rapids for white river rafting.

Those who have an undying thirst of getting lost in its rapids, plan an adventure trip to Arunachal Pradesh between November, and March. Apart from rafting, the daredevils can end their thurst of adventure by going for moto biking too. The route between Bhalupkong – Tawang is counted amongst the topmost motor biking trails in India. Testing endurance at every turn, this crazy ride can introduces tourists to different cultures.

 Best Time to Visit Arunachal Pradesh

Summers (April to June) – 20°c – 35°c

If you are a summer loving traveller and prefer to carry less clothes then summers is the perfect time to visit Arunachal Pradesh. With the temperature that ranges from 20°c – 35°c, it makes an ideal summer vacation for family, honeymooners and even for solo travellers. Despite the fact that, the journey may be quite tiresome and sweaty due to hot weather, being a hill destination there are many top tourist attractions and sightseeing places around Arunachal like Tawang, Roing, Ziro, Namdapha National Park etc. Although summer happens to be an offseason you can visit refreshing local sites like amazing wildlife reserves, beautiful waterfalls, holistic temples and monasteries and more. Plus, the best holiday deal you can get in Arunachal Pradesh during summers is that one can get great selection of hotel and budget travel deals.

Monsoons (July to September) – 18°c – 29°c

Monsoon has a cooling weather and a perfect season to cuddle up and gaze at the beautiful wonders outside. After a hot summer season it is a must to cool down and give some radiant to the nature, that’s when monsoon plays its part. The monsoon season in Arunachal Pradesh lasts only for a short while. But during this season, the destination receives about 2,000 to 4,000 mm of rainfall. Sometimes this season experiences sudden change in the weather and it is constant, you may see dark clouds in one moment and sunny sky soon after. However, it is advice not to visit Arunachal Pradesh during this season due to heavy showers and landslides. But if you think you can pass the risks of getting stuck between the roads onward Arunachal then you can visit some top tourist attractions like Nuranang Falls and Bap Teng Kang Waterfall.

Winters (Oct to March) – 8°c – 14°c

Visiting Arunachal Pradesh during the winter season would be an ideal time as the weather is comfortable and it is the perfect season to go for sightseeing expedition.

Arunachal Pradesh since it is located in the upper Himalayan range the elevation is really high giving it an alpine or tundra type of weather. The temperatures fluctuate between 8°c – 14°c and it remains quite chilly, though refreshing. Due to the cool temperature, the visitors enjoy and have good time visiting many local attractions in Arunachal. If you wish to be surrounded by culture, people and lots of fun then winters are the perfect time for sightseeing. It is not just the attractions that invite the tourists but also its winter festival. Nyokum Yullo and Chalo Loku are an agricultural festival celebrated during the month of February. Another excitement filled festival is Pangsau Pass Winter Festival that is joyously celebrated during the month of January and it is one of the most popular tourism events of Arunachal Pradesh.

Things to Do in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a hidden gem of the North East India. Impeccably beautiful, lesser explored, opulent in culture and history, the state bestows one with a number of attractions to see and must have experiences. Arunachal is dotted with numerous monasteries like Tawang Gompa, historical sites like Ita Fort, Dirang Dzong, Jaswantgarh and Bhismaknagar Fort which can give a good glimpse of the rich history of the state. There are a number of lakes and waterfalls like Nuranang Waterfalls, Bap Teng Kang Waterfalls, Glow Lake, Shonga-tser Lake and Pankang Teng Tso that are ideal to visit for any nature lover. The Bumla Pass and the Sela Pass are also some of the must see places in the state.

As far as must have experiences are considered, there is nothing like enjoying white water river rafting in Lohit, Siang or in Subansiri Rivers. If the adrenaline rush is what you have been seeking attempting climbs like Gorichen Peak is aptly suggested. Arunachal is also a place where giving your tongue some challenges is mandatory. The state is replete with food options that are completely unthinkable. Shopping is yet another important thing to do in the state, especially buying the locally made handicraft items that include cane products, wood carving, jewellery and handbags.

Arunachal Pradesh is located on the far east fringes of India. This wild and least explored state shares its border with the three countries – China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. Further adding to its unspoiled beauty are the 26 indigenous tribes. Since the place is offbeat and shares an international border, there are some ‘Do’s and Don’ts ‘ that every tourist should follow. So have a look at them before planning your trip to Arunachal Pradesh.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Arunachal Pradesh falls under India’s restricted area. So as to reach here, foreigners will have to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Indian nationals also need an authorization in the form of Inner Line Permit (ILP), which has to be obtained a week prior to the departure.
• Get a medical check-up done in advance before planning a trip to Arunachal Pradesh
• Always carry a first aid box with mosquito repellents
• Always drink double filtered or bottled water
• Eat only home cooked food
• Keep the address, and phone number of the hotel, and nearest police station number handy.
• Keep updated with the climate condition and political situation
• Stay away from strangers, touts and unauthorized travel agencies
• When on a sightseeing tour, make a point to carry the Xerox copy of your passport and visa for any emergency
• There are limited accommodation options in Arunachal Pradesh, so it would be a good to book your hotel or guest house in advance
• Travelling can be challenging and time-consuming in Northeast India, so it would be a good idea to prepare proper map of reaching every destination in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Be careful about the culture of the region. As such there’s no rule book, the best way is to observe and follow.
• In case of any problem, get in touch with the officers at the nearest India tourism office/State Government Tourist Office for authentic information. All the offices will supply you with guide maps/brochures free of cost/at a nominal cost.

 Don’ts

• Don’t wear any shoes and sandals inside a temple, dargah, tomb, and Gurudwara. Also, you shouldn’t wear revealing clothes when visiting all these places.
• Don’t take photos of tribal people without permission. Also don’t click photographs of Government buildings including military base, airport, and wherever filing is restricted.
• Do not carry any kind of ammunition, toxic material or firearms as it is prohibited.
• Get the currency exchanged from the Government approved vendors. Don’t fall for tempting exchange rates offered by unauthorized people.
• Don’t buy expensive shopping items and jewelry from strangers/unknown persons.