Arunachal Odyssey: Explore the Himalayan Wonderland
Discovering the Enigma
Arunachal Pradesh, tucked in the northeastern part of India, reveals its beauty with captivating views, diverse cultures, and a rich heritage. Known as the “Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains,” it showcases pristine landscapes where the sun paints a unique picture every morning.
Geographical Marvels and the Cultural Symphony
Arunachal Pradesh, with its green valleys, snowy peaks, and winding rivers, shares borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. This cultural melting pot, home to various tribes, each with its customs and languages, weaves a tapestry of diversity that enhances its charm.
A Tapestry of Yesteryears
Ancient stories unfold through monasteries, archaeological sites, and remnants of the past. The Tawang Monastery, perched on a hill, reflects the spiritual legacy, while medieval forts and ruins narrate tales of bravery.
A Rising Star on the Travel Horizon
Arunachal Pradesh has become a haven for adventurers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. It offers outdoor activities, from trekking in the Eastern Himalayas to exploring wildlife in sanctuaries. The tranquillity of the landscapes and the warmth of its people make it an ideal destination for a unique journey.
Optimal Moments for an Arunachal Expedition:
Spring (March to May)
- Spring brings pleasant weather (15°C to 25°C) for outdoor activities like trekking and enjoying nature.
Summer (June to September)
- Summer turns Arunachal Pradesh into a lush spectacle despite heavy rain, with temperatures around 20°C to 30°C.
Autumn (October to November)
- Autumn is ideal with clear skies, and mild climates (10°C to 25°C), perfect for various outdoor activities.
Winter (December to February)
- Winter covers the region in a chill, with snowfall at higher altitudes, offering a magical touch. Temperatures may drop to 0°C.
Considering the Kaleidoscope of Festivals
Torgya Festival (January)
Held at the Tawang Monastery, Torgya features masked dances and rituals, offering a glimpse into the Monpa community’s practices.
Si-Donyi (January)
- Si-Donyi is celebrated by the Tagin tribe, and it is an agricultural festival.
- The festival involves rituals, dances, and prayers to seek blessings from the gods for a prosperous year.
- People exchange traditional food items and participate in various cultural events.
Pangsau Pass Winter Festival (January)
- The annual Pangsau Pass Winter Festival in January in Nampong, Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, is a three-day cultural extravaganza.
- Featuring vibrant arts, traditional dances, and local folklore, the festival aims to preserve and celebrate the rich ethnicity of the Arunachal tribes.
- Additionally, the event provides a unique opportunity to witness the cultural showcase of diverse tribes from neighbouring Myanmar.
Losar Festival (February/March)
Celebrated by the Monpa tribe, Losar marks the Tibetan New Year with vibrant processions and cultural ceremonies.
Nyokum (February)
- Nyokum is the festival of the Nyishi tribe, celebrated to appease the gods and goddesses for a bumper harvest.
- Rituals involve the sacrifice of animals and prayers for the well-being of the community.
- Traditional dances and songs are performed during the festival.
Loku (February)
- The Nocte Tribe in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the significant agricultural festival known as Loku. Derived from the combination of “Lofe,” meaning to take out, and “Rangku,” signifying season, the festival holds cultural importance as it marks a season associated with agricultural activities.
- Loku is a vibrant celebration observed by the Nocte community to commemorate and rejoice in the agricultural endeavours of the season.
Sangken Festival (April)
- Sangken is the New Year festival of the Theravada Buddhists, mainly observed by the Khampti and Singpho tribes.
- Water is symbolically poured on Buddha statues and elders to cleanse and purify for the New Year.
- People engage in water fights as a way of celebrating and enjoying the festival.
Mopin (April)
Celebrated by the Galo tribe, Mopin is an agricultural festival that involves various rituals, traditional dances, and offerings to please the deities for a good harvest.
Dree (July)
- Dree is an agricultural festival celebrated by the Apatani tribe. The festival involves rituals to invoke the gods for a good harvest and prosperity.
- Traditional dances, songs, and various sports and games are organized during Dree.
Ziro Music Festival (September)
The Ziro Music Festival in Ziro Valley showcases the state’s cultural diversity through music and art.
Solung Festival (September)
- Solung, a widely celebrated agricultural festival among the Adi Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, is dedicated to fostering prosperity and a bountiful harvest.
- Typically observed in the first week of September, this monsoon festival marks the culmination of the seed-sowing season, emphasizing the community’s strong connection to agriculture and nature.
- The festival serves as a vibrant expression of gratitude for a successful planting season and hopeful anticipation of a fruitful harvest.
Siang River Festival /Yomgo River Festival (December)
- The Siang River Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, also known as the Yomgo River Festival, was formerly a part of the Brahmaputra Darshan Festival in Tezu and Pasighat until 2005.
- This renowned celebration, dedicated to communal harmony, promotes tourism and eco-tourism while highlighting the adventurous travel opportunities in the state.
- Held in the East Siang region, specifically in towns like Tuting, Yingkiong, and Pasighat (Arunachal’s oldest town), the festival takes place along the Yomgo River, a tributary of the mighty Siang or Brahmaputra River.
These are just a few examples, and many more festivals are celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh, each with its unique customs, traditions, and significance. The dates of these festivals may vary from year to year based on the lunar calendar and other factors.
Enigmatic Trails and Concealed Jewels:
Daporijo to Along Trek
Embark on an exciting trek from Daporijo to Along, passing through forests, hamlets, and rivers. Encounter diverse indigenous tribes along the way.
Mechuka Valley Exploration
In the West Siang district, Mechuka Valley offers stunning vistas and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Trek to villages, interact with locals and witness the blend of Indian and Tibetan cultures.
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Trek
Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, spotting rare birds like the Himalayan Monal in lush woodlands.
Talle Valley Trek
Accessible from Ziro, Talle Valley Trek winds through bamboo groves, rhododendron forests, and Apatani villages. Camp by the riverside and enjoy the serenity.
Mayodia Pass Expedition
For high-altitude lovers, the Mayodia Pass expedition provides panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and alpine meadows.
Navigating the Trail
Indigenous Guides and Agencies
| COMPANY NAME | NAME OF DIRECTOR / PROPRIETOR / MD | ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS | AREA AND TYPE OF OPERATIONS |
| ABOR COUNTRY TRAVELS | Oken Tayeng | B Sector Itanagar | Customized Tours (Culture, |
| Arunachal Pradesh – 791111. Phone : 9436053870, 9436860903 | Adventures Tours) | ||
| Email : aborcountry@yahoo.com / aborcountry@gmail.com. | |||
| www.aborcountrytravels.com | |||
| A1 TRAVEL MANAGEMENT | JAMOH UMBREY | Phone : 8794724401, 9436095632,9366044031 | India (Inbound & Outbound) Customized Tour (Culture & |
| Adventures Tours) | |||
| Email: a1travelmanagement@gmail.com | |||
| ARUNACHAL TOURS & EXPEDITION | CHUKHU TAKI | Papu Nalah Near Niba hospital,Naharlagun . District Papum Pare (A.P) – 791110 | |
| Phone : 9612249912, 9615288033 | |||
| Email : arunachalexpedition@gmail.com | |||
| ARUNACHAL TRIP | |||
| BAC VOYAGES | BENGIA MRINAL (Bully) | P-Sector Nirjuli, District Papumpare Arunachal Pradesh- 791109 | North East India Cultural, Birding |
| Phone : 7005527546, 8794583187 | |||
| Email : bengiab@gmail.com / bacvoyages@gmail.com | |||
| www.bacvoyages.com | |||
| BOJO YOMGAM | YUMJO YOMGAM | Aalo west siang district Arunachal Pradesh Phone : 8794902658 | |
| Email : bojoyomgam124@gnail.com | |||
| BONI TOURS & TRAVELS | BHOKTA NEWAR | F – Sector, Boa House, Itanagar Phone : 9436048933 | North East India |
| Email : bonitours@yahoo.com | Cultural and customized tour | ||
| www.bonitours-travels.com | |||
| BORDER TREK & SERVICE | KOJ KORMO | Near. APST Bus station, Gate no 2. RK Mission Hospital Road. 791113. (Ar. P) Phone : 0360-2217534. 9436040912. | |
| Email: bordertrek.inbound@gmail.com. bordertrek.outbound@gmail.com Lawrencekoj@gmail.com | |||
| Branch office. Opp – Civil terminal gate ziro Airport(ALG). Mobil no. 9383346548 airport | |||
| assistant | |||
| BRAHMAPUTRA TOURS | KOJ MAMA | CH ,road,Hapoli. P.B.No27. | Northeast India. Monastic, Cultural and Wildlife filming |
| Ziro -791120 Arunachal Pradesh Phone : 8575248013 / 8794063370 | |||
| Email : brahmaputra_tours@yahoo.com kojmama@yahoo.co.in | |||
| www.brahmaputra-tours.com | |||
| DAPHA VALLEY TRAVEL | |||
| DISCOVER SHANGRI-LA | JAMBAY DONDU | Tawang | Custom Tours in Tawang |
| Phone:9862170012/ 8794664418 | |||
| Website: www.discovershangrila.in (Under Construction) | |||
| DONYI HANGO ADVENTURE TOURS | NINO DAI | Near IGNOU Office, C-sector, Naharlagun, | |
| Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh 791110 | Adventures Tours all over Arunachal-Fishing, Angling Tours, Trekking, Rafting, Cycling Etc | ||
| India | |||
| Phone: 087942 66978 | |||
| Website: https://donyihangotours.com | |||
| DONYI TRAVELS | TUKA NATAM | Chandranagar Near SRPL NH Road PO/PS Itanagar (A.P | All Arunachal Pradesh |
| Phone : 9362156474 | Tour Packages , Adventures Cultures , Taxi Services , Online booking services etc | ||
| tukanatam08@gmail.com | |||
| www.donyitravels.com | |||
| DUYU TOURS & TRAVELS | DUYU TAMO | Duyu Tours & Travels.Adress Vivek Vihar, College Road itanagar Arunachal Pradesh | All Arunachal Pradesh |
| Phone: 9436044905. | Tour Packages , Adventures Cultures , Taxi Services , Online booking services etc | ||
| Email: duyutours@yahoo.com | |||
| EARTHLINK TOURS & TRAVELS | TENZIN NEEMA | House no. D47, Shop No. 5, Rainbow Complex Zambala House, | Northern / Central India and Arunachal Pradesh Pilgrimage, Money Exchange, Western Union Money Transfer, Visa Services & |
| New Camp, Majnu – Ka – Tilla, Delhi – 110054 Phone: 9911623114 / 9911333114 | international Packages. | ||
| Email : earthlinkdelhi@gmail.com | |||
| EASTERN VOYAGER TRAVEL & EXPEDITIONS | BAMIN BARO | Banu Home | North East India Cultural, Birding |
| Abulyang Hapoli P.O. Ziro | |||
| Lower Subansiri Distt. (A.P.) 791120 Ph : 9436047542, 9615763324 | |||
| Email : tours@easternvoyagers.com baminbaro@yahoo.co.in | |||
| www.easternvoyagers.com | |||
| GIBBON TRAVELS | JK RIBA | ||
| HIMALAYAN HOLIDAYS | TSERING WANGE | Main Market, Bomdila -790001 Arunachal Pradesh | Culture & Adventure Tours |
| Phone : 9436045063/8794891760 | |||
| Email : himalayan-holidays@USA.net | |||
| www.himalayan -holidays.net | |||
| HAPPY DESTINATION | |||
| HILL BIRD TRAVELS | GEORGE TAGGU | Mowb-II, Itanagar Arunachal Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Email : hillbirdtravelsita@gmail.com | |||
| HIMALAYA TRAVEL | |||
| HOLIDAY SCOUT | SANGE TSERING | Phone : 9540698458 | North East India Cultural, Leisure & |
| Email : holidayscoutindia@gmail.com | Customized Tours | ||
| www. : theholidayscout.com | |||
| HORIZON EXPLORER | BAMIN CHADA | SSB Gate Abulyang, Ziro | North East India Cultural, Birding |
| Ph : +91 8014232370 / 9402237994 | |||
| Email : bamin_chada@yahoo.co.in | |||
| HORNBILL HOLIDAYS TOUR & EXPEDITION | |||
| ITAMOTO TRAVEL | LIKAM MARKIA | NH45, Itamoto office builing, H. Sector, Itanagar, A.P | 8787395780 |
| 8787395780 | |||
| KUNU TOURS & TRAVELS | NICKEY TABRI | B.Sector Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Phone : 9612572149 | |
| Email : nickeytabri123@gmail.com | |||
| L B TOURS & TRAVEL | LOBDE BOGO | Aalo west siang district Arunachal Pradesh Phone : 8132897327 | |
| Email : lomdebogo.lb@gmail.com | |||
| MAUNGLANG TOURS & TRADES | CHAU ENSENG MANTOW | Lathao village | North East |
| P.O /P.S/Dist: Namsai Phone : 8974643450 | |||
| Email : ensengmantow@gmail.com | |||
| MERCY TOURS AND TRAVEL | TADAR ROBIN | Phone : +91-9612322035 / +91-6009063682 | Northeast India & International CulturalTour , Adventure |
| Email : mercy4travel@gmail.com | Tour, Passport, Visa and All | ||
| Customized Tours. | |||
| MIAOPUM TOURS & TRAVELS | BELA TIKHAK | Upper Colony, Worang Hills | Northeast India, |
| P.O. Miao, Changlang District Arunachal Pradesh – 792122 Phone : 9862988007 | Homestay, Rafting, wildlife & Cultural Tourism | ||
| bellatikhak@gmail.com | |||
| MY ARUNACHAL TRIP TOUR & TRAVEL | |||
| N E ADVENTURE | MICHI RAJEN | Tintin House, Mowb-II Itanagar, (A.P) – 791111 Phone : 8837042027 | North East India Cultural |
| Email : neadventure@rediffmail.com | |||
| NAMBROG TOUR & TRAVEL HOLIDAY | |||
| NAMDAPHA TOURS & TREKS | |||
| NATURE UNLIMITED | |||
| NEVERLAND TOUR AND TRAVEL | TORIK TALOH | HQ- Pasighat | Pasighat (east siang), yingkiong and Tuting (upper siang) |
| Phone : 9863229641,9366884736 | Trekking | ||
| Email : neverlandtourstravels00@gmail.com sanjaynorbu@gmail.com | |||
| https://neverlandtours.in | |||
| NORTH EAST DISCOVERY TOURS & TRAVELS | TAPAN GAB | ||
| NORTH EAST HIMALAYAS | |||
| NORTH EAST HOLIDAY TOURS & TRAVELS | MICHI TAJO | Phone : 8014012558 / 8259997531 | |
| Email : northeast-holiday@gmx.us | |||
| OMPU TOUR & TRAVELS | NABAM OMPU | Vill – Sengree, Po/Ps-Doimukh, Distt. Papum Pare, (A.P) -791110 | |
| Phone : 7627928056, 9774147143 | |||
| Email : Omputours@gmail.com | |||
| www.Omputours.com | |||
| PANGSAU KAAN TOURS & TRAVELS | SIMON RONRANG | Premnagar Jairampur | |
| P.O Jairampur Changlang (A.P) | |||
| Email : simon.monlin@gmail.com | |||
| PINERIDGE TOURS AND TRAVELS | |||
| RANG FRAH TOUR | NYASAM JONGSAM | Phone : 9436837639 | Arunachal Pradesh & N E States. |
| Email : nyasamjongsam@gail.com | |||
| SEI DONYI TOUR & TRAVEL | |||
| SIANG ADVENTURE TOURS AND TRAVELS | LIYUM LOYI | Phone : 8837718071 / 9774684156 | North East India |
| Email : siangadventure3127@gmail.com | Rural & Adventure Tourism, Passport, Awareness camp | ||
| and customized tours. | |||
| SONO TOURS | |||
| SUBANSIRI TOURS & TRAVELS | MENBI RIDDI | North East | |
| TADO TOUR & TRAVEL | TAKAM POVITRO | Pybss Ground Floor, Itanagar. Phone : 9205609761 | |
| Email:sunnygroupservices.co.in@gmail.com. | |||
| TAWANG TOUR AND TRAVEL | LOBSANG PHUNTSOK | Mandrelling, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Phone : 8826888897 | Tawang, Arunachal, Northeast and Indian Himalayas. |
| Email : tawangtravel@gmail.com | Customised. Trekking, wildlife, Orchid, cultural, | ||
| leisure and religious. | |||
| TOYA EXPEDITION | |||
| TRIBAL ADVENTURE TOURS | JOHN PANYE | North East, India Angling, trekking, Village tour, Cultural tours, Expeditions and | |
| Phone : 8414080717/9436252013 | Documentations | ||
| Email : johnpanye3@gmail.com / | |||
| tribaladventuretours@gmail.com | |||
| TRIBAL DISCOVERY TOUR & TRAVELS | DAVID SANGTAM | Old Market, Tawang Arunachal Pradesh – 790104 | |
| Phone : 03794 222483 /223151 | |||
| /97629964775/ 8135955584 | |||
| Email : tribaldiscovery@yahoo.co.in davidsangtam@yahoo.com | |||
| http//tribaldiscoverytour.com/ | |||
| www.tribaldiscoverytour.co.in | |||
| VIRTUAL TECH | MARPI RIRAM | Aalo West Siang District Arunachal Pradesh Phone : 9612752880 | |
| Phone : ligekarvak@gmail.com | |||
| WORLD ONE TOURS | |||
| XTREME HIMALAYAS | LHAKPA TSERING | Behind VIP BUNGALOW NO 6, ESS SECTOR, ITANAGAR 791111. | Arunachal Pradesh And Abroad |
| Phone : 7642919866, 8415002242 | Pure Adventure Sport | ||
| Email : lhakpahornbill@gmail.com | Tourism | ||
| YOMGAM TOURS & TRAVEL | |||
| YTG TOUR AND TRAVEL | TUMBI GADI | YTG Tour &, Travel, Gohpur Tinali, Itanagar AP | Arunachal Pradesh Leisure tourism |
| Phone : 9914167336/9402812252 | |||
| Email : Tumbigadi1@gmail.com | |||
| ZAMBULING TOURS & TRAVEL | |||
| ZIRO FESTIVAL | |||
| ZIRO VALLEY TOURS & TRAVELS |
Permits and Authorizations
Obtain necessary permits for trekking in specific zones, respecting local regulations and seeking consent from village authorities.
Visit: http://arunachalilp.com/
Camping and Accommodations
- Experience adventure by camping in the wilderness or choose homestays in remote villages for an authentic cultural immersion.
Packing Prudently
- Travel light, carrying essentials like water, first aid, and weather-appropriate attire. Practice responsible tourism to respect the environment and local communities.
Travel essentials for your trip
Embracing Diverse Tapestry
Explore the cultural mosaic of Arunachal Pradesh by engaging with indigenous tribes, opting for homestays, participating in festivals, exploring monasteries, and respecting local customs. Contribute to sustainable tourism and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage.
Culinary Extravagance and Festivities
Embark on a gastronomic journey through Arunachal Pradesh’s delicacies, including Thukpa, Momos, Bamboo Shoot and Pork Curry, Thenthuk, and Zan. Join food tours, indulge in home-cooked meals during homestays, attend food festivals, and celebrate harvest festivals to savour the cultural significance of local cuisine.
Cozy Retreats: Homestays in Remote Villages
Discover the essence of Arunachal Pradesh through homestays in remote villages. Experience authentic cultural exchange, contribute to heritage preservation, enjoy unmatched hospitality, support environmental and social sustainability, and venture off the beaten path for a unique travel experience.
Backpacking Essentials for Northeast India:
Pack wisely for Northeast India’s diverse terrains and weather conditions. Consider clothing for various climates, sturdy footwear, essential travel accessories, backpacks, health and hygiene items, tech gadgets, camping gear if needed, and communication tools. Stay informed about local customs and test your equipment beforehand for a hassle-free adventure.
In conclusion, Arunachal Pradesh invites exploration with its beauty, cultural richness, and diverse experiences. Follow this guide for a Himalayan escapade beyond the ordinary. Embrace diversity, explore the unknown, and create lasting memories in the enchanting landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh. Your adventure awaits!
