Travel To Arunachal Pradesh
Awareness
Arunachal Pradesh borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south and shares international borders with Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east and is separated from China in the north by the McMahon Line. Itanagar is the capital of the state.
This state is home to picturesque mountains, unexplored passes, amazing lakes and famous monasteries. Arunachal Pradesh presents an amazing destination for an amazing holiday. Snow Capped Mountains, glaciers, meadows and tropical forests with vast amount of flora and fauna adds beauty and tranquility to this place. During winters as snow covers the mountains, atmosphere and surroundings presents a state of calmness and freshness in the region.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required by Indian Citizens and foreigners are required have the Protection Area Permit (PAP) for entering into Arunachal Pradesh.
Obtaining ILP / PAP
Arunachal Pradesh falls under restricted area due to security concerns and official permission is required to enter the state. Hence travelers travelling to this place must obtain official permission that is checked at the gates.
There are two kinds of official permits issued by Government for entering into any area within Arunachal Pradesh. They are,
Inner Line Permit (ILP) : This permit is required by Indians other than natives of Arunachal Pradesh for entering into any place in Arunachal Pradesh. The ILPs are issued by the Issuing authorities of Government of Arunachal Pradesh with offices at Delhi, Kolkata, Tezpur, Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur and Jorhat.
Protected Area Permit (PAP): Foreigners visiting Arunachal Pradesh require this permit. They can obtain the Protected Area Permit from, Indian Missions abroad, Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRRO) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai, Home Ministry, Govt. of India and Home Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.
Traveler can also obtain these permits online by visiting the official website and uploading the soft copy of their relevant identity documents.
Tawang
Tawang is a charming little hill station situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 metres (10,000 ft) in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh with a rich culture and history. Tawang houses India’s largest monastery and is a revered destination among Buddhists. In and around the Tawang town, unexplored hiking trails with pine groves and rhododendrons abound.
The town’s overwhelming scenic beauty peppered with snow-capped Himalayan peaks, entrancing alpine lakes and captivating waterfalls is a true travel destination for passionate nature lovers and adventure seekers who are always in lookout for destinations less explored and roads less travelled.
By Air: The nearest airports are at Salonibari Airport, Tezpur which is connected with flights from Kolkata and Guwahati. It takes around six hours drive from the airport to reach Tawang.
By Rail : The nearest train station is Rangapara which is about 27 kms from Tezpur. Traveler can reach Guwahati and can avail Guwahati – Naharlagun shatabdi express that reaches Rangapara at around 18:30.
By Road : Vehicles are readily available from Tezpur Bus stand. The route taken is Tezpur- Bhalukpong- Bomdila. Shared Jeeps/ Sumos are also available they cover the whole distance from Tezpur to Tawang in a single day. But this travel can takes a toll on your body.
There are budget and midrange hotels available at tawang. There are home stay available for traveler that wants to mingle with local residents.
Hotel Yangzom: This hotel has all the facilities of a hotel together with the warmth and care of a home stay. The Yangzom family, who own the hotel, stay on the top floor, and the motherly lady of the house is on her rounds all day, ensuring that everything is spick and span and that every guest feels personally cared for.
Dolma Khangsar Guest House: Its location is ideal, as it is close to the Tawang monastery.
Tenzin Home Stay: Clean spacious Rooms, Provides generator back up in case of power cut. Food is delicious and very reasonable. Views are great from first floor rooms.
Hotel Tawang Holiday: This hotel is located about a kilometer away from the Giant Buddha Statue which one of the major tourist attractions in Tawang, the rooms, sheets, wash room are very clean. The food is tasty and has room service. Wi-Fi facility is available.
The Oak: This hotel consist of deluxe double, twin and triple rooms. The rooms are designed for a cozy and comfortable stay. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, room heaters, geysers with private bathroom, flat TV, electric kettle, free parking.
Hotel Dolma Chhinkar: This is a gem for travelers looking to stay close enough to the most popular tourist attractions of Tawang. The famous Tawang Monastery lies at a distance of just one kilometer from this hotel.
Hotel Tashi Ga Tsel: Located at a distance of just 200 m from the General Parade Ground, Hotel Tashi Ga Tsel proves to be one of the most convenient accommodation options for travelers who are looking for comfortable accommodation.
Sela Pass: Sela Pass and Himalayas combine to enchant one and all by their mystic beauty. One of the most stunning gifts of nature to the North-East, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as it is the only way that connects Tawang district of the state to the rest of the country. 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.
Tawang Monastery: The best time to be there is during prayers, that starts around 3PM.
Bum La Pass: To visit Bum La, you will need to apply for a pass the previous day from the DC office. It encompasses two permissions. One from the SDM and the other from the Army. To save time, it is recommended to employ a travel agent for this. The pass is valid for a single day only. You cannot therefore use the same pass for visits on subsequent days.
Sangetsar Lake: A Lake formed out from an earthquake. Restaurants are available.
Nurunang Falls, War Memorial and Local market for curios shopping are also some of the other places of visit.
Note: It is not advisable to drive through any part of these terrains after sundown, unless you are a local. In the East part of the country, sunrises are typically early and sunsets too. Evening 4:30 PM should be the time you should plan to conclude the journey for the day. The locals all through out the states of North East were warm, friendly and keen to help or assist. The roads are not of the highway variety and expect a lot of bouncy toppling tracks.
Pasighat
Pasighat serves as the headquarters of the East Siang district. Located at an altitude of 155 m above sea level, Pasighat rests on the banks of the river Siang and is the oldest town in Arunachal.
This is a peaceful town, blessed with an enchanting scenic beauty of lush forests, majestic mountains, and sparkling waterfall. The ever beautiful ‘Siang River’ flowing through the middle of this charming town and provides serene views for all the lovers of the nature.
Pasighat also has to its pride, a rich culture which makes it a popular cultural tourism spot of the region.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport at a distance of around 170 kilometers.
By Rail: The best way to reach Pasighat through rail, is to reach either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia. Travelers travelling from north can avail New Delhi- Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express. People from South can take Bangalore New Tinsukia express. Traveler reaching Guwahati can avail Guwahati -Dibrugarh Shatabdi Express. From either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia, one can get a prepaid taxi to Pasighat.
By Road: Though Pasighat can be reached from Dibrugarh, Itanagar or Guwahati by road. The road from Dibrugarh to Pasighat via Bogibeel bridge is one of the most scenic and beautiful journey route and road itself is also smooth.
There are limited staying options available in the form of hotels and home stays.
The Serene Abode: The hotel is strategically located in Pasighat. This hotel is the ideal place for travelers and those on business to feel at home when in the city. Many have also reviewed the hotel to be among the sought after Hotels in East Siang.
Donyi Hango Eco- Resort and Homestay: Located 5km from Pasighat Main Market, This is a eco resort, with basic amenities, located besides Brahmaputra, provides a paradise for nature lovers.
Narmi Rooms: This home stay has a good location overlooking a deep valley and is close to the Barshey Rhododendron Sanctuary. The food is good and plentiful and the rooms are comfortable. The guest will love the privacy and views of the forest all around.
Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 30 kms from Pasighat, this is a nature’s paradise. It is situated on an Island, hence can be accessed only by a boat ride through river. Number of birds and mammals are present in this serene forest.
River Rafting: The River Siang and Brahmaputra provides an ideal location for all the adventure seekers who love river rafting.
Yinkiong
Yinkiong is headquarter of the Upper Siang district, gets its name from River Siang that flows besides this district. This region is known for its diverse and colorful ethnicity. It is a mountainous region endowed with rich natural resources and biodiversity, deep gorges and fast flowing streams and rivulets, which form the tributaries of the mighty Siang River.
This peaceful city is still an untouched destination in the tourist map and is known for its scenery and a tranquil ambience. This is an ideal destination for a traveler spending peaceful time in the lap of Mother Nature, away from noise of crowded city.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport. Pawan Hans Helicopter service is available for airways journey to Upper Siang (Yingkiong) via Pasighat. It is available every Wednesday at 10.05 AM (IST). It is 35 Mins journey to Yingkiong.
By Rail: The best way to reach Yingkiong through rail, is to reach either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia. Travelers travelling from north can avail New Delhi- Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express. People from South can take Bangalore New Tinsukia express. Traveler reaching Guwahati can avail Guwahati -Dibrugarh Shatabdi Express. From either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia, one can get a prepaid taxi to Pasighat. From Pasighat shared taxis for Yingkiong are available.
By Road: The best road for Yingkiong is from Pasighat which is about 123 kilometers. There are other routes as well but they are treacherous and during rains and becomes mud clad.
As this part is yet untouched by tourists, there is very limited number of hotels available. But home stays are available and people here are very warm and friendly and always welcome guests.
Circuit House Yingkiong: One can stay at the Circuit House of Yingkiong which is the best place to stay. As this is a government residence, the booking is subjected to visit by government official. In case of any such visit, the bookings are cancelled for travelers.
There are number of villages with serene natural beauty.
Gandhi bridge, Mouling National Park, Gelling are some of the places to visit.
Along Or Aalo
Along or Aalo is headquarter of West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a town with naturally beautiful villages situated on the banks of two rivers Yomgo and Sipu surrounded by hills and beautiful orange orchards. Along offers a quiet, pristine and refreshing experience with nature with widespread plantations and is the route to the scenic Mechuka Valley. Along is also quite popular for adventure lovers and is popular for trekking, hiking.
By Air: The nearest busy airport is Dibrugarh Airport. One can avail taxi to Along.
By Rail: The best way to reach Aalo through rail, is to reach either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia. Travelers travelling from north can avail New Delhi- Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express. People from South can take Bangalore New Tinsukia express. Traveler reaching Guwahati can avail Guwahati -Dibrugarh Shatabdi Express. From either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia, one can get a prepaid taxi to Aalo.
By Road: Though Aalo can be reached from Dibrugarh, Itanagar or Guwahati by road. The road from Dibrugarh to Pasighat via Bogibeel bridge is one of the most scenic and beautiful journey route and road itself is also smooth, and from Pasighat one can reach Aalo by sumos that are readily available or by bus.
There are small and medium budget hotels and home stays available in Aalo. They have basic amenities. Do not expect extra comfort in these hotels and home stays.
Hotel Mansons Plaza: This hotel offers free internet facility. This hotel in Aalo accommodates 14 well-furnished rooms. All rooms are equipped with amenities like bottled drinking water, television, separate seating area, telephone and an attached bathroom with hot and cold water facility.
Circuit House: One of the cleanest accommodations one can find in Aalo. The place is not luxurious but the rooms are large with a big bed, mosquito net, and sofa. Bathroom have geyser. But the room does not have TV.
Ramakrishna Mission Campus, Pantum Bridge, Bagra Village, Donyi Polo Temple are places to visit.
Kamki Hydrpower Dam situated about 25km from Aalo and a beautiful place to visit.
Siyom hanging bridge is a 70m long bamboo and cane bridge.
Mechuka
Mechuka is situated at 6,000 feet in a forested valley, surrounded by pine trees and thorn bushes. The river Yargyapchu flows in the valley of Menchuka. Mechuka is 187 kilometers northwest of Aalo and is only 29 kilometers away from Indo-Tibet border. This place is quaint and extremely beautiful. The road to reach here is bumpy at few places. But the place would make you forget all the trouble one took in reaching here.
By Air: The nearest busy airport is Dibrugarh Airport. One can avail taxi to Aalo and from Aalo one can get SUV to Mechuka.
By Rail: The best way to reach Along through rail, is to reach either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia. Travelers travelling from north can avail New Delhi- Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express. People from South can take Bangalore New Tinsukia express. Traveler reaching Guwahati can avail Guwahati -Dibrugarh Shatabdi Express. From either Dibrugarh or Tinsukia, one can get a prepaid taxi to Aalo. From Aalo one can get SUV to Mechuka.
By Road: One can hire a SUV from Aalo to Mechuka. The condition of road is mostly good with few stretches of bumpy ride. It is about 187 kms from Aalo to Mechuka. The road is not straight and has lot of turns. The travelers with motion sickness should take extra precautions.
There are home stays available in Mechuka. They have basic amenities. Do not expect extra comfort in these home stays.
This surreal valley is one of those places on earth that define raw and untouched natural beauty. Its captivating landscape, glittering lakes, snow-capped mountains and verdant sloping hills will leave you speechless.
Human Camp: God Human face is engraved in a mountain.
Gurudwara: Guru Nanak dev came here to meditate.
Samten Yongcha Monastery: It is believed that this monastery is older than the Tawang Monastery. There are no proper roads towards this monastery and generally very few drivers go there. Traveler needs to negotiate with the driver. This monastery is located on the highest peak; one can get the view of whole Mechuka which is amazing.
Durgling: This place surrounded with caramel colored mountains.
Ziro
Ziro is the headquarter of Lower Subansiri, situated at an altitude of 1500 m this region is surrounded by mountains that are covered with pine trees. Summers are cool and winters are even cooler. It is a perfect place to connect with nature, revive the body, mind and soul, and feel fresh. People are friendly and helpful. It is very safe to walk around the town and valley. Around the 3rd week of September an annual Ziro festival of music is organized, where top music artists from across the country come down to collectively entertain, camp and celebrate.
By Air: The nearest connecting airport is Guwahati Airport which is about 450 kilometers.
By Rail: The best way to reach Ziro through rail, is to reach Guwahati. From Guwahati traveler can avail the Guwahati- Naharlagun shatabdi express that departs at 15:20 and reaches Naharlagun at 21:45. Itanagar is about 16 kilometers from there. One can avail bus or taxis to Ziro from Itanagar.
By Road: Night service bus operated by APTC is available from Guwahati to Ziro. There are taxis available from Itanagar to Ziro which is about 113 kilometers. Bus service is also available from Itanagar and Ziro. Shared taxis are also available from Aalo to Ziro.
There are number of hotels and homes stay available at Ziro.
Zimin Ziro: This hotel has 35 rooms, Check-in time is 11 AM. Credit card is accepted and has Wi-fi and parking facility.
Siiro Resort: This resort is built with fully thick log, Resort is located at Siiro village on the way to Talley Valley, scenic grassland which is surrounded by the natural forests with full of grown blue pine trees and which is 2.5 km away from Hapoli.
Home Stays: There are a number of homes stay available in Ziro. They offer accommodation along with food.
This place is one of those places on earth that define raw and untouched natural beauty.
Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Talley Valley is a wildlife sanctuary as well as a bio-diversity hot spot located at a distance of 35 kilometers from Ziro, Comprising sub-tropical and alpine forests it has a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. The place offers great trekking opportunities. Fir trees orchids, ferns and bamboo trees are in plenty. The endangered clouded leopards are also found here.
Shiv Temple: There is a motor able road up to the temple itself and no more walking needed. A all weather road is under from Hapoli. A good temple is also being constructed. The view of Shivalinga is great and the temple is called the Siddeswarnath temple.
Kile Pakho: This is situated 7 km away from old Ziro. This provides travelers with the glimpse of entire Ziro valley along with snow clad mountains on one side. This point is a major tourist attraction that is also a photographer’s delight.
Dolo Mando: This is a hillock situated west of Ziro. This is a romantic point, hillock that symbolizes the love affair of Dolo and Mando. The trek to the point is really exciting and one can view the Hapoli town from one side of the peak and the old Ziro from the other side.
Pine Groove: Situated at about 3 kilometers away from Old Ziro. This is a serene place full of pine trees. A little ahead there is also a little kiwi garden where one can have a taste of fresh kiwi fruit.
Itanagar
Itanagar is capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, has a number of archeological sites of historical value. This is an enthralling tourist destination that has always lured avid travelers and holiday makers from across the nation. This is a well planned city. This city provides a quiet and peaceful time to all the travelers who look forward to a rustic holiday experience somewhere in the lap of Mother Nature.
This place has a rich cultural heritage, major festivals includes ‘Losar’, ‘Mopin’, ‘Reh’ and ‘Nyokum’. Each festival belongs to a different ethnic tribe of the region, the enthusiasm of the celebrations along with colorful folk dances and acrobatic performances provides for a grand spectacle to traveler.
By Air: The best connecting airport is Guwahati Airport which is about 320 kilometers from Itanagar. Traveler can avail shared taxis, hired taxis or Overnight Bus from Guwahati.
By Rail: The best way to reach Itanagar through rail, is to reach Guwahati. From Guwahati traveler can avail the Guwahati- Naharlagun shatabdi express that departs at 15:20 and reaches Naharlagun at 21:45. Itanagar is about 16 kilometers from there and communication to Itanagar is readily available. Pawan Hans provides helicopter facility between Itanagar and Guwahati thrice a week.
By Road: Night service bus operated by APTC is available from Guwahati to Itanagar. This place is well connected by road, and shared / hired taxis are available from Guwahati and from all other places important cities in Arunachal Pradesh to Itanagar.
Hotels for different budgets are available in Itanagar.
Hotel Donyi Polo: This hotel is one of the most preferred First Class Hotels in Itanagar. The hotel lies close to the bus stand and the main market area in Itanagar. It offers exclusive rooms and suites, a fine dining experience and a host of other facilities that makes your stay worthwhile and memorable.
Hotel Pybss: This is a 60 Room, 7 storey property located at a convenient place in Itanagar near IG park. Ample parking space are available with good food quality.
Hotel Kameng: This hotel is located at one kilometer from Bus stand and houses 16 rooms spread across 2 floor. Each room is equipped with bottled drinking water, TV, and desk./
Blessed with natural beauty, this place an many thing to offer.
Geykar Sinyik (Ganga Lake): This is a beautiful natural lake locally known as Geykar Sinyik surrounded by landmass of hard rock and thick forest that are rich with bamboo trees.
Ita Fort: The fort has an irregular shape, built mainly with bricks dating back to the 14th-15th Century of Mayapur of Ramachandra, a king of the Jitari Dynasty. It is situated in the heart of the city.
Museum: The Museum covers a wide range of subjects such as the people, house types, festivals, dances, handicrafts, textile designs, musical instruments, weapons of war.
Polo Park: This is a small botanical garden located on top of a ridge near Naharlagun is filled with pine trees.
Zoo: Zoological park has a variety of flora and fauna. It is located at Chimpu.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)