Popularly known as ‘Land of Dawn-lit-Mountains’, Arunachal Pradesh is India’s remotest state and the first Indian soil to greet the rising sun. Located on the north-eastern tip of India with its borders touching China, Bhutan and Burma (Myanmar), this beautiful land is endowed with dazzling array of flora and fauna that is sure to allure any tourist.
| TRAVEL SEASONS | MIN/MAX TEMPERATURE | SEASON |
| March to June | 10-31°C | Summer – Hot |
| July to September | 19-34 °C | Monsoon – Heavy Rainfall |
| October to February | 4-32 °C | Winter – Snowy and Chill |
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Rainfall (mm) | 13.2 | 26.9 | 52.2 | 132.1 | 222.4 | 339.0 | 371.5 | 333.5 | 265.2 | 100.6 | 17.1 | 9.6 |
The best time to visit though is winter! The months from October to March bring you beautiful views of the mountains, misty valleys and a beautiful carpet of virgin snow. Tawang also gives you a thrilling taste of winter sports on the snowy mountain slopes. The hiking and trekking trails in Arunachal, especially in Ziro and Bomdila are best enjoyed during the winter months. The most popular trail in Arunachal is the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which blooms to the peak during winters. The month of October is ideal too, for countless music connoisseurs flock here every year for the Ziro Festival of Music. When thinking Arunachal, think winters!
The staple food of Arunachal Pradesh is rice, and the locals mostly eat boiled or smoked food. One of the main ingredients is bamboo shoot and they eat a lot of strictly boiled or steamed leafy vegetables, fish, and meat. Here are some of the most delicious foods (traditional and street food) you must try: Chura Sabji, Bamboo Shoot, Wungwut Ngam, Pehak, Lukter, Pasa, Ngatok, Momos, Rice pitha, Guguni (matar chaat) etc.
You will get beautiful bamboo and wooden handicrafts, woven carpets, masks, handlooms, ornaments etc. from Arunachal Pradesh. There are State Emporiums which offer wide range of souvenirs and decorative items for you to buy. There are brass items, wood carvings, hats of different shapes, cane belts, bamboo mugs and some items made from fishbone! There is exquisite pottery, silver articles and paintings for to buy here.
Even though English is the official language of the state it is Hindi that is the connecting and communicating language of the state. Arunachal has 26 tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes. There are more than 50 dialects but only a few languages that have scriptures.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – (AS OF MARCH 2023)
1. MONASTERY CITY TAWANG
The biggest attraction in Tawang is the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Asia, and the second-largest in the world. Regardless of a guest being a Buddhist or otherwise, the monastery will impress you with its aesthetics.
The Tawang Monastery is one of the best hands-on cultural experiences, where you learn the Tibetian culture through experience. Fun Fact, while in Tawang, you are just 30 km away from Bhutan and China.
Places to visit in Tawang: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Sangetsar or Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Falls, War Memorial
2. BOMDILA
Bomdila is a perfect place if you are aiming to have a stunning view of snow clad Himalayan mountain ranges. It is situated 8000 feet above the sea level. The cool climate is enjoyable and so are the apple orchards and the beautiful surroundings. You could find a centre for crafts where local crafts are on display and a shopping centre.
Places to Visit in Bomdila: Bomdila Monastery, Apple Orchards, Bomdila View Point, Eagle’s Nest Wildlife sanctuary
3. ZIRO
Ziro is famously known as Apatani Plateau. Declared as a World Heritage Site, Ziro offers some of the best attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. While you are here, ensure that you visit Talley Valley, fish farm and Wild Life Sanctuary. Pine Bamboo groves found here looks enchanting.
Places to Visit in Ziro: Tarin Fish Farm – Paddy cultivation, Kile Pakho View Point, Meghna Cave Temple, Shiv Linga
4. DIRANG
Dirang is an unexplored gem, hidden away in the wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh. This quaint village is a stoppage for many tourists proceeding towards Tawang from Assam. A major influence of Buddhism and Bhutanese culture can be found here, through the presence of Kalachakra Gompa and Dirang Dzong. Explore this beautiful village while going towards Tawang.
Places to Visit in Dirang: Sangti Valley, National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang Dzong, or the Dirang Fort, Mandala Top
5. PASIGHAT
Named the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh, this is the oldest town of the state. It is located on the banks of Siang River and it is 155 meters above the sea level. The place is blessed with the kindness of nature and you will find mind-blowing views. The majestic river Brahmaputra flows to this place from Tibet. Pangin and Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary are two top attractions here.
Places to Visit in Pasighat: Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, Pangin, Kekar Monying, Komsing, River Siang
6. SELA PASS
Sela Pass, with a height of 13,714 ft. However, it is one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Indeed it’s considered to be heaven on earth because in winter is entirely lined with snow. Before reaching this pass, the travellers are welcome by another lake, which is thought of as Paradise Lake.
The SELA PASS and the SELA LAKE situated at an altitude of 4170 meters are a gateway to Arunachal and in a way tell you the treasures that lie ahead within the state. Being at Sela Pass and gazing into the frozen Sela Lake one cannot help but marvel at the wonder that is the Himalayas. Sela pass lies on your way to Tawang city which is some 80 km from the pass and does make a great place to stop and relax admiring the awesomeness of the surroundings.
7. ALONG
Along is a place to be if you come along to Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated near Assam’s border. The valley is picturesque surrounded by mountains with rivers flowing through them. The place has various attractions. Kane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated here, houses wild species such as elephants and deer. The Hanging Bridge on River Siang is made of cane and bamboo. You could go River Rafting and Trekking if you are keen to have some activity to challenge your physical ability.
8. ITANAGAR
With the snow capped Himalayas towering on the northern end and the fertile Brahmaputra River plains on the southern, Itanagar is a natural paradise and one of the most picturesque hill stations in the country. Itanagar is the largest city and the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The mediaeval Ita Fort is one of the top attractions of the region and draws many tourists all around the year.
Places to Visit in Itanagar: Ita Fort, Ganga Lake, Namdhapa National Park, Gompa Buddhist Temple, Itanagar Wild Life Sanctuary
9. BHALUKPONG
Apart from being the nature lover’s paradise, Bhalukpong can provide you a complete experience with wildlife and a host of activities complimenting its natural beauty and the environment of a place lesser known
The Kameng River running in the forest surrounding it makes the town even more attractive. In Bhalukpong you’ll find yourself making the most of hiking, trekking, camping and fishing. The Pakhui game sanctuary can be visited to see birds as exotic as the place itself, along with tigers, elephants, barking dear and more.
Places to visit in Bhalukpong: Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
10. DAPORIJO
Paddy Fields, rainforests with bamboo trees along with beautiful Subansiri River flowing along the town, Daporijo is a small town on the way from Ziro to Along.
Daporijo is a scenic town situated 600 meters above the sea level in the upper Subansiri district of the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. Daporijo is typically a good town to stopover on the route of Along to Ziro for a break.
Places to visit in Daporijo: Kamala forest reserve, Temple dedicated to Lord Lakulisha, Subansiri River
11. MECHUKA
Mechuka is a famous destination in Arunachal Pradesh for exotic tribes and the scenic beauty it engulfs. The other name for Mechuka is Menchukha. It is a small town nestled above the sea level in Mechuka valley. It is home to Memba, Ramo, Bokar and Libo tribes. The natives are the followers of Buddhism, Donyi-Poloism and Christianity. With time Mechuka has become a famous tourist destination because of its historic as well as religious significance. The beauty of River Siyom, locally known as Yargyap Chu is yet another reason for its fame.
12. CHANGLANG
Changlang District shares international boundary with Myanmar (Burma) and is best known for its bio-diversity and scenic beauty and a unique culture that makes it standout from the nearby areas.
Changlang has a subtle uniqueness in its attitude, nature and environment, hinting towards an exotic and distinct identity. What it shares, however with the rest of the state is lush green surroundings, pleasant environment and picturesque sceneries. One can visit the Namdapha National Park (Heritage Site) and enjoy the nature’s blessings to the area.
Places to visit in Changlang: Lake of No return, Miao, Namdapha National Park, World War II Cemetery, Nampong