Arunachal Pradesh Tourism And Travel Guide

If you are on a lookout for a destination that is remote, a bit untouched and a true nature’s haven, then pack your bags and head to Arunachal Pradesh. With some unexplored trails, breathtaking landscapes, lakes surrounded with quietude and monasteries with rich spiritual history, the state will definitely stun your senses. From being a cultural hub to a nature lover’s paradise, Arunachal Pradesh will offer you an array of exciting tourism experiences that you will carry for a long time. The ideal time to visit would be the summer between the months of April and June. Read on to understand more about Arunachal Pradesh in this travel guide.

Arunachal Pradesh is extremely well-connected when it comes to roads. With a wide range of activities to do, we are sure you will be eager to get to this place. Monsoon might prove to be a little tough to navigate as it hampers the accessibility; but it is still doable.

By Air:

Tezpur airport is the most accessible and is located at a distance of 260 km. If this is not feasible then you can get to Kolkata or Guwahati airport and take a taxi to Arunachal Pradesh.

By Train:

Harmuti train station (Assam) is the nearest one to Itanagar. It is about an hour’s drive, estimated to 43 km.

By Road:

The connectivity with the tourist destinations of the surrounding states is excellent. The state transport and private buses operate on effective models and can be explored without any stress.

With a climate that can refresh and recharge you in any mood, Arunachal Pradesh welcomes you in any season.

Summer (April to June):

With the temperatures fluctuating between 20°C - 35°C, the heat hardly makes a difference. This is the ideal time to go camping and trekking as the weather is manageable and rains don’t spoil your party.

Monsoon (July to September):

Interestingly, the monsoon is quick to come and quick to leave, creating a moderate temperature range of 18°C - 29°C. Though it is heavy and the weather keeps altering in between, affecting some of your plans now and then.

Winter (October to March):

You can pull out your warm garments and head to this state as the temperature lies between 8°C - 14°C. The weather is pleasant and ideal for long walks, quiet camping, local festival participation and much more. 

No matter what, one thing that is guaranteed with Arunachal Pradesh is the fact that you will never run out of activities to do. Whether it is going to spiritual trips or exploring the hidden gems of nature, you will be busy in having to choose what to do and what not to do.

Namdapha National Park:

Being the third largest protected area in India, this park is home to several rare and endangered species. Snow leopard, red panda, clouded leopard are some of the animals that you can spot and if you want to be sure, then just get a local guide and take the suitable trail. April to October is the right time to explore this amazing place.

Trek to Talle valley:

In this trek you will be able to explore three more valleys, including Pangey Valley, Talle Valley, and Ziro Valley. The trek will expose you to some raw and scenic mountain valleys, streams and nature at its purest best. You will also encounter the local Apatanis people who guard the forests out of passion and belief.

Tawang Monastery:

Being the largest monastery in India, this place is a call away for the seekers. Find your peace in the monastery nestled amidst the lush greenery. Known as the 'celestial paradise in a clear night', the monastery will allow connecting with your inner self and helping you find real peace.

Rafting:

It is impossible that you visit Arunachal Pradesh and do not indulge in the adrenaline rushing activity of rafting. The rafting at Kameng River is meant for seasoned players.

Sela Pass:

If you have a motorbike, then this is the tallest point you can reach. Exploring it on wheels will be fun. You can check the huge number of lakes that you will chance upon this pass, which is considered to be pious by the Buddhist followers.

Camping:

Though you have multiple choices when it comes to camping here, the best is Daporijo. You can rest by River Subansiri and spend some quality time with yourself here.

Though rice is the staple food of the state, what makes it interesting is that it is cooker either in a hollow bamboo or over coal which adds a distinctive flavour to it. Along with this goes the notorious bamboo shoot which is omnipresent in almost every dish of their local cuisine. From vegetables to pickles to curries, every delicacy has a hint of bamboo shoot which makes it mandatory for you to taste it. The Apatani people make a famous kind of pickle known as Pika pila that is a result of bamboo shoot and pork fat.

Apong, which is nothing but rice beer, is a must try when you go visiting the hills. Another locally made alcohol is the Marua which is made out of millet. Sounds quite healthy, isn’t it? Then comes the usual momos, thupkas and various dishes made out of meat.

You will find yourself caught amidst some mind-blowing handicrafts. Brace yourself to shop some excellent souvenirs as you put your journey to an end. From Buddhist artefacts to exotic carpets, wooden items, silver ornaments, and a wide range of items carved out of bamboo and cane. Apart from this, you will also have to make a choice with other craft items made out of ivory, pottery and so on. You might run out of cash but you will never run out of things to buy!