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Arunachal Pradesh

   Arunachal, one of themost sparsely populated states of India, borders China, Bhutan and Myanmar. There are five major rivers - Kameng, Subansiri, Siang (later the Brahmaputra in Assam), Lohit and Tirap and the mountain ranges follow the river systems. Home to a complex mix of communities, its people are friendly, colourful and simple, its rich flora ranges from the alpine to the subtropical, from rhododendrons to orchids. Its verdant forests, turbulent streams, lofty mountains and snow clad peaks make it a unique place offering the tourist numerous opportunities for rafting, hiking and mountaineering. 

     Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in the literature such as the Kalika Purana and in the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is believed that the remains of the brick structure, scattered around two villages in the hills north of Roing was the palace of Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. The sixth Dalai Lama was also born on the soil of Arunachal Pradesh.

     

Misty mountains

     Arunachal is huge and travelling around its vast and mountainous tracts can be arduous. But for many this has been a challenge. The tough terrain is a trekker's delight and its amazing range of flora and fauna a naturalist's dream. Itineraries can be customised to enjoy the full range of Arunachal's  glorious assets to one's own needs and the limitations of the Inner Line Permits which can be easily obtained from the Resident Commissioners / Deputy Resident Commissioners at Delhi, Kolkata, Shillong, Guwahati or the Deputy Commissioners of districts.

     Hidden among est its verdant valleys are Arunachal's tribal villages offering a dynamic insight into the fashioning of this land and its people. Discover the intriguing traditions of ancient lifestyles lived out against one of the most diverse ecological settings in the country. Uncover the myths and legends of this land and its people . Marvel at its cultural and religious wealth and antiquity. The stunning combination of its haunting beauty, the treasure house of exotic flora and fauna and its rich tribal heritage make Arunachal a fascinating journey for the discerning traveller.

Dirang Valley

     Arunachal is vast- its terrain difficult. But vacationing in Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure - an exciting, enlightening and incredible adventure - reminding you again what a wonderful privilege it is to savour the delights of wild beauty at its very best.

   

Itanagar

     The land of the dawnlit mountains, Itanagar. Arunachal's capital is also its biggest town. The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has archaeological finds from Its Fort to which you can trek up. Housed crafts, jewellery, textiles and a variety of tribal headgear, which gives you an insight into Arunachal's tribal culture. Try the local brew Apong, rice beer that's drunk warm. You might stumble upon some of the Nyisi tribals who have around here. You will recognzed them by their massive knot of heir rolled into a bun over their forehead. In their headdress they wear feathers of the great horn bill. Arunachal's signature bird. Shop at the craft emporium for local mementos. Just 6 km away is the picturesque setting of Ganga Lake.

Ganga Lake, Itanagar

     Itanagar doesn't have an airport. However, there are airports at Tezu, Pasighat, Along. Daporijo, Ziro and Lilabari, the nearest. Itanagar is connected by road to the other state capitals in the North East. The convenient rail heads are Harmuty (33 km) and North Lakhimpur (60 km). It is best to visit from October to May.

Tezpur

     The gateway town to the Arunachal hills. Tezpur lies on the banks of Brahmaputra and is well linked to Guwahati airport. Bakulpong (58 km northeast from Tezpur) dotted along the foothills dividing Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is reputed for its hot springs, orchid centre and the Nyethidow festival in March Nearby. Tipi is famed for its orchidarium (7500 varieties of native orchids) and its cuttlower experiments. 

     Stadding the lush environs of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam is the nearby Nameri Sanctuary. Famous for its golden Mahseer - an angler's passion, you can take an elephant ride and find out more about the endangered clouded leopard and white winged wood duck, which have made these forests their home. The Patasali Eco-camp here, run by forest department, can arrange river rafting, fishing expeditions, except during the monsoons. The Orang Wildlife Sanctuary 65 km away replicates Assam's Kaziranga landscape in miniature and amongst its residents are the one-horned rhino, Asiatic buffalo, Hoolock gibbon and the Bengali florican.

Bomdila

     The district headquarters of West Kameng. Bomdila is a delightful stopover amidst apple orchards, lush forests and trakking trails where time seems to stand still. There are a couple of picturesque gompas here and the draft centre has a delightful range of handwoven carpets, woven by the local Monpa tribe. This is also home to the gentle Sherdukpen tribes.

     Nereby, Dibong is famous for its pretty gompas and colourful Kalchakra celebrations. If your visit doesn't fit in with its timing, do visit the yak breeding centreit can be quite enlightening. Enjoy a dip in the enervating waters of the local hot spring in verdant surroundings. Famous for its apples, it has also started kiwi cultivation. In the winter, you'll spy the black-neck crane of Ladakh here. As you climb to the higher reaches of mountain road to Tawang, the forest things out and air becomes increasingly colder. 

Tawang

     With its centuries-old great fortress monastery against the dramatic setting of the snow-mantled peaks. Tawang is a accessible by car in a dramatic drive through mesmeric alpine country. The sinuous road to Tawang passess through the dragon gates on the awesome heights of the great Sela Pass (13,714 ft). Jaswantgarh located here is a memorial to the brave soldier who single-handedly tried to hold of the approaching Chineses from the Pass during the 1962 Indo-Chinese war. The stupa-like Tawang War Memorial also salutes the heroes of the war. There's strong Tibetan presence in Tawang. Prayer-flags flutter in the breeze. Monks in their soft robes slip silently through the square attending their daily chores. There are 500 of them attached to the great monastery on its dramatic perch on the spur, a short distance from the main town. It is supposed to be the biggest monastery after Lhasa's Potala. The current Dalai Lama is said to have passed through the township on his escape from Tibet. The Urgelling Monastery here is also associated with the birth of the 6th Dalai Lama. It features his preserved footprints and fingerprints, which are much revered by Buddhist devotees.

Tawang Monastery

   
The great Tawang Monastery, with its dramatic background is eye-catching. A stunning 8 m high gilded statue of Buddha dominates the sanctum. The great rotating prayer wheels.... priceless tangkhas....... the drone of the monks in prayer....... sputtering butter-lamps are an evocative vision. its assembly hall is massive - rising 3 stories high. Attached to the monastery is a library with priceless manuscripts, scriptures and literature, there's a school hunts for the monks and a great community kitchen. Its museum has rare and beautiful tangkhas and ritual vesseles amongst other important artifacts, including some possessions of the 6th Dalai Lama.

     The craft centre in Tawang sells beautiful masks, hand-woven carpets, tangkhas, jewellery in silver, turquoise, coral and amber, chubas the local dress and delightfully affordable mementos.