Arunachal Pradesh is the largest of the cluster of eight states that comprise the north east. Flanked by China in the north, Bhutan in the west and Myanmar in the southeast, the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh echoes Tibetan-Burmese influences in terms of its languages, architecture, and Buddhist spiritualism. Situated in the lap of the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh is a land of idyllic beauty as yet unspoilt by the ravages of tourism. A treasure trove of exotic flora, Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 500 species of orchids. For the thrill seeker, the place offers some of the best river rafting expeditions as well as trekking stretches in the country. Yet, Arunachal remains one of the most unexplored places in India. This is perhaps to its advantage for it has earned Arunachal the distinction of being one of the top 4 tourist destinations in the world by Lonely Planet.
The Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh is a hot spot for adventure junkies, offering a wide range of water sports like rafting, angling and kayaking. The river has several Grade IV and V rapids for the most thrilling river rafting expeditions. Angling is another sport popular in Arunachal due to the presence of so many rivers. The Siang and Subansiri rivers are ideal for angling as they have an abundance of the endangered fish called Golden Mahseer. Trekking routes in Arunachal Pradesh are aplenty especially on the Himalayan range with hundreds of hidden paths and crevices. An Arunachal Himalayan expedition typically includes a trek to the Mishmi hills with their myriad hues of green. A good northeast adventure tour company can provide a varied catalogue of trips that are sure to set your heartbeat racing.
Ziro valley in Arunachal is deemed one of the most beautiful landscapes in India. This pristine valley in Arunachal is not so easily accessible and remains an idyllic paradise nestled within the mighty Himalayas. Besides the breathtaking beauty of its environs, one of the biggest highlights of Ziro is the annual Ziro Music Festival. This four-day festival sees performers and music lovers flocking to this remote town from around the world. This is one of the best tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh as it showcases the rich music tradition of the place and its confluence with other forms of music. You can stay in camps for the duration of the festival or opt for a home stay with locals.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to some of the oldest temples and Buddhist monasteries in the country. Most Tawang tour organisers offer a visit to the celebrated monastery on their tours. The Tawang monastery is the second largest in the world after the Drepung monastery in Tibet. It was established in 1681 by the legendary Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso and is a holy site for Tibetan Buddhists as the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. A 400- year old monastery belonging to the Mahayana sect in Mechukha is another popular stop on a Buddhist pilgrimage. Operators of Arunachal tours also include Malinithan and Parasuram Kund on their itineraries. These are holy sites for Hindus and date back to as early as the 10th century.
The wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh is as varied as it is rare. Where else can you spot the red panda, the Himalayan black bear and the exclusive primate Takin? For ornithologists, Arunachal offers a wide variety of local and migratory birds like the Bengal Florican, White Winged Wood Duck, Mishmi Wren etc. Namdapha National Park, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Kane Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the notable wildlife reserves in Arunachal.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to a large community of indigenous people. The Monpas are the largest ethnic group in the region. Adis are an old tribal community that lives in the adjoining hills and forests of the Siang valley, in perfect harmony with nature. The remote Ziro valley is home to the famous Apatani tribe, recognised by their trademark facial tattoos and traditional nose pins. The best Arunachal tours let you experience the rich cultural diversity of the land with visits to some of these tribal villages. See the rural lives of the indigenous people up, close and personal and discover their amazing art like mask making, thangpa and weaving.
Arunachal is blessed with a topography that is as beautiful as it is diverse. Nestled in the Himalayas, Arunachal boasts of several important peaks and mountain passes. Significant among these are the Gorichen Peak (22,000 ft) and the Bumla Pass (over 15,000 ft). There are also several natural lakes and waterfalls that are popular tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh. The PT Pso Lake in Tawang is a favoured stop for Tawang tour organisers. Arunachal also has several natural hot springs. The sulphur in the springs is known to have a healing effect on skin problems. The Mago spring near Tawang is noteworthy.
Visitors to Arunachal Pradesh can enjoy the vibrant fairs and festivals celebrated around the year. These are mostly religious festivals held to appease the Gods for their continued benevolence. The New Year’s festival of Losar is the most important festival of the Monpas and celebrated with much gaiety. The best Arunachal tours give you an authentic taste of the cultural and social life of the region. Gorsam Kora and Saga Dawa are some of the other festivals of Arunachal.
Arunachal Pradesh is truly Heaven on Earth. Its untouched natural beauty has to be experienced first- hand. The best Arunachal tours give you a taste of the varied attractions of this charming hill-state, waiting to be discovered.