Arunachal Pradesh

The north east mountainous state of Arunachal Pradesh runs along the top of Assam, stretching from Bhutan all the way to Myanmar with Tibet, China to the north. Its densely forested hills are home to at least 65 different tribal groups. People are still found to dress in their traditional costumes and speak their dialects. Most of the native population is either of Tibetan or Thai-Burmese origin. Arunachal literally means “land of the rising sun’. China invaded Tawang in1962 as a part of its claim to all areas formerly occupied by Tibet, which Indians successfully repulsed. China still holds a territorial claim over portions of the state. In 1992, the Indian Government decided to allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas of Arunachal Pradesh with special permits.

Places in and around Arunachal Pradesh

Groups always run in this order. Inside each group, the must-see picks come first; hikes and places to stay follow the order Windhorse recommends.

Sights and attractions in Arunachal Pradesh

Sight

Bhramaputra River

Bhramaputra or Siang river as it is known in Arunachal need special mention.
Sight

Bomdila

Bomdila (approx. 2500m) is the head quarter of west Kameng district with a small town spread over a wide ridge, inhabited mostly by Monpas.
Sight

Dirang

Dirang, situated between Bomdila and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh doesn't have a whole lot to see but it is a spectacular, relatively low lying valley with many 500-year-old…
Sight

Gorsam Chorten

Gorsam Chorten near the village of Zemithang is the largest Stupa of the area with the height of about 100ft (like a 10 storied building).
Sight

Itanagar

Itanagar, the capital city of the Arunachal Pradesh State is a modern settlement built in the vicinity of the ruin of the 14th century fort old capital.
Sight

Lower Subansiri

Ziro at approx 1550m is the district headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. It is a plateau surrounded by pine clad gentle hills, and tranquil rice fields.
Sight

Pasighat

Pasighat around 155m above sea level is the headquarters of East Siang district and the oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh (established in 1911).
Sight

Tawang

Tawang at an average altitude of 3200m in northwest Arunachal borders the disputed line of control between India and China and also borders Bhutan to the west.
Sight

Upper Siang

Upper Siang district in Arunachal borders Tibet, China to the north, Dibang Valley district to the east, West Siang district in the west, and East Siang district in the south.
Sight

Upper Subansiri

Daporijo (600m) is the head quarter of Upper Subansiri district, located on the right bank of Subansiri River, with picturesque villages nearby.
Sight

West Siang

West Siang district borders Tibet, China on the north, on the east by Upper Siang & East Siang districts, on the South by Assam and on the West…
Sight

Zemithang

Zemithang is a Monpa settlement with large stone houses in Tawang district.