The district of Tirap has been so named after the River Tirap that flows through it and the region’s hugely populated by local tribes. An offbeat tourist getaway, the area’s decorated with waterfalls, brimming brooks, lush green deep valleys, hills and more. The weather here’s mostly comfortable and cool and experiences heavy showers during the monsoon season. Tirap thrives on Agriculture as its main occupation and you’d find plains rarely here, owing to which the locals mostly cultivate on hilly slopes and the major crops here constitute Millet and Rice, with some focused on Jack Fruit, Betel and Bananas. Tourism in Tirap is abundant with rain forests, tropical vegetation and wildlife that includes Hillock Gibbon, Jungle Cats, Elephants, Loris and other endangered animal species. Some of the most popular tribes living here include the Nocte, Wancho and Tutsa. Here’s a travel guide that will help you explore Tirap and its adjoining areas better.

With Naharkatiya being the nearest train station to Tirap and the closest airport being in Dibrugarh, there are multiple ways of reaching Tirap, with public transport options available from neighboring cities like Guwahati and Tinsukia as well.

By Air:

Dibrugarh’s the nearest air terminal to Tirap District at a distance of 119km and is also well connected with Guwahati, which is quite a popular airport connect with most Indian cities. You can explore flight options from Kolkata, Itanagar, Nahaar or Lagun to Dibrugarh and also try the Helicopter Service from Dibrugarh (with daily operations). The Helicopter Service to Khonsa Helipad from Dibrugarh is operational once a week.

By Train:

Since Tirap doesn’t have its own train station, the closest one to it is the Naharkatia Train Station at a distance of 70km approx. or next in Tinsukia at 110km and then in Dibrugarh at 119km. For the onward journey to Tirap, you can always hire a taxi from either of these stations.

By Road:

Tirap is well accessible by road and you can board a state bus or private buses from Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia or other neighboring regions to reach Tirap. You can also explore buses operating during the night or look at traveling by cab.

Getting Around:

While traveling by taxi/cab is always better when exploring Tirap, you can also hire a local auto, which is readily available or go around enjoying a long walk/trek on foot.

Summer (March-June):

Given its close proximity to places like Khonsa and Changlang, the weather in Tirap is more or less unpredictable and varies according to the region you’re in. With summers being the best time to visit Tirap, the climate is pretty cool and comfortable, with an average temperature range of 35°C-32°C. Summers also receive ample rainfall in Tirap.

Monsoon (July-September):

The region receives torrential rainfall during Monsoons, which not only brings life to a standstill but also affects any travel plans or outdoor activities adversely. In the neighboring areas, Khonsa sees July being the wettest month in the year, as is Changlang when July through September’s mostly damp and wet the entire season.

Winter (October-February):

Winters are quite chilly in Tirap District with the lowest temperature being 1°C and can be quite dampening on exploring any outdoor activities. However, you can enjoy going out in Khnosa where winters are comfortably mild and the average temperature’s 7°C. You’d love winter season in Changlang especially, where the weather’s at its best for sightseeing and temperatures range between 28°C and 12°C.

Safari at Namdapha National Park:

The Namdapha National Park’s vast expanse is considered one of the best for exploring wildlife safaris and visitors can expect thrilling expeditions on an Elephant, exploring the wilderness through some pretty dense forests and crossing the jungle streams with rare animal sightings. The forestry is perfect for bird watching, nature treks and long walks. You can go camping here by the riverside or enjoy boating. The National Park also houses the Miao Museum where you’d find authentic animal specimen exhibits from the Forest and be exposed to the daily lifestyle of the local tribes here.

Cultural Events:

Tirap is abundant with a vibrant and exuberant community and enjoys a melee of social gatherings and festivals throughout the year. Some of the most renowned festivals here include Loku from the Nocte Tribe which involves bidding farewell to the old season during the months of July-August and witnesses celebratory events over a 3 day period. Then, there’s the Tutsa PongTua, a 10-day festival with Wancho Tribe’s Oriya Festival in March-April.

Outdoor Activities:

Brimming with lush greenery everywhere and natural marvels like rivers, deep valleys and abundant water bodies, Tirap has a bunch of renowned adventure sports in its kitty that include treks, hiking, angling, boating, mountaineering, camping, biking and river rafting. With over 60% of the region filled with flora and fauna, Tirap is an adventurer’s paradise for outdoor activities.

People in Tirap prefer eating green leafy vegetables, rice, fish and meat produce mostly with tribal variations that differ from region to region. You’d find an assortment of cuisines to explore here and a very special beverage which is Apong, a rice beer, available in different flavors. With Lettuce being the most common ingredient here, the vegetable’s used in most dishes in combination with coriander, ginger and green chilies. Food in Tirap is usually prepared differently from other regions in A.P. You’d find an abundance of shrubs and wild herbs as part of the local cuisine. You can explore places like the Hot Knife Restaurant at the Lower Market Road; 8/8 near the KVK Steel Bridge, Khonsa-Lazu Road; Circuit House, Lazu; Café Longding for eating out in Tirap.

Tirap’s popular for some incredible and captivating set of artifacts handcrafted by the local artisans. From colorful bead jewelry and accessories that are donned by both men and women to bamboo products and cane crafts to local textiles, there’s no dearth of keepsakes and things to shop for that best represent the region’s cultural heritage. The District Emporium in Khonsa houses a wide range of handlooms and handicrafts placed by the government of Arunachal Pradesh and would be a one-stop-shop for your take-back home gifts.