Arunachal Pradesh Tour Packages

1. About Arunachal Pradesh
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Arunachal Pradesh
4. Arunachal Pradesh At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Arunachal Pradesh
6. Best Time To Visit Arunachal Pradesh
7. Top Things To Do In Arunachal Pradesh
8. Top Places to Visit In Arunachal Pradesh
9. Shopping In Arunachal Pradesh
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
    
11. Foods To Try Out In Arunachal Pradesh
    
12. Art And Culture In Arunachal Pradesh

Numerous local kingdoms and chieftains ruled Arunachal Pradesh back in the medieval age, most of whom had Tibetan roots. There was also an influence of the Ahom kingdom in the region. Arunachal Pradesh eventually came under the control of the Ahom kingdom, who set up administrative centers in the area. The region became of interest to the British colonial administration in the 19th century, and they started to launch various expeditions in the area.

In order to administer the region, the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) was established in 1914. The region, however, became a part of the Indian Union after India’s independence in 1947. The North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) gained a new identity and was renamed the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972 according to the North Eastern Areas (reorganisation) Act of 1971.

Although Arunachal Pradesh has several primary, middle, and secondary schools, the state’s literacy state continued to remain among the lowest in the country during the early part of the 21st century. The Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), which was previously known as Arunachal University, was established in February 1984.

Only a small portion of the state’s land is under cultivation even though over half of the population practices agriculture. Despite the considerable expansion of settled agriculture since the late 20th century, most of the hill folk engage in shifting agriculture. Some of the main crops that are cultivated using this method are rice, millet, corn, and buckwheat. The primary commercial crops in Arunachal Pradesh include vegetables, potatoes, sugarcane, ginger, and oilseeds.

• Arunachal Pradesh is home to the largest monastery in the country, which is the Tawang Monastery.
• Arunachal Pradesh is an ethnically diverse state with 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes.
• The state is the largest producer of kiwis in India.
• Arunachal Pradesh is known as the orchid state of India as it’s home to the highest number of orchid varieties in the country.
• The state is called ‘the land of the rising sun’ since it’s the first place in India to witness the sunrise.
• Arunachal Pradesh is likely the only state in the country that’s home to the four major big cats, namely leopard, tiger, snow leopard, and clouded leopard.
• Arunachal Pradesh has a temple that’s home to the largest naturally formed Shiva Linga in the world.
• Arunachal Pradesh has the cleanest district in northeast India, which is the Tawang district.

• The higher altitudes in Arunachal Pradesh can often induce altitude sickness; therefore, ensure to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated to avoid dehydration.
• Some of the important things to pack for a trip to Arunachal Pradesh are warm clothes, rain gear, comfortable footwear, and sun protection.
• Non-residents of Arunachal Pradesh are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit most of the areas within the state, especially the restricted areas and border regions. This permit is also needed to visit popular areas like Tawang, Itanagar, and Bomdila.
• The public transportation options are quite limited in the sparsely populated regions of Arunachal Pradesh, which is why one of the easiest ways to travel around the state is by hiring a private car or professional cab.

The following are some of the main reasons why you should immediately book one of our Arunachal Pradesh tour packages:

Arunachal Pradesh has a fascinating and diverse culture and has 26 major tribes, each of which has its own distinct customs and traditions. The Donyi Polo religion, which is followed by numerous tribes in the state, worships the sun and the moon as their main deities. The culture of Arunachal Pradesh also shines through in the form of the many festivals celebrated across the state. Since agriculture is a vital part of the economy of Arunachal Pradesh, many of the festivals are associated with offering thanks to the gods for a good harvest.

The stunning landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh offer the best backgrounds for riveting outdoor adventures. Be it white water rafting, trekking, rock climbing, or boating, adventure seekers will never run out of thrilling activities to enjoy in Arunachal Pradesh. Owing to the abundance of water bodies in the state, such as streams, lakes, and rivers, travellers can enjoy fishing and angling to their heart’s content.

Arunachal Pradesh will leave you mesmerised with its natural beauty, starting from the forests and mountains to its lakes and hills. Numerous types of forests populate the state, including tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, alpine forests, temperate forests, and pine forests. Arunachal Pradesh has about 4,500 species of flowering plants and more than 500 distinct varieties of orchids, thereby making it a paradise for anthophiles.

Arunachal Pradesh is the ideal holiday destination for wildlife enthusiasts. You will be able to witness creatures such as the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, barking deer, snow leopards, clouded leopards, and elephants during your trip to the land of the rising sun. Some of the best places to spot the rich wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh include the Pakke Tiger Reserve, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, and Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

The rich diversity of Arunachal Pradesh is well reflected in its cuisine. The food of the state is a wonderful mixture of local ingredients and tribal influences. Rice forms a staple part of Arunachali cuisine. Although non-vegetarian dishes dominate the cuisine, you will also find fresh green vegetables in the meals cooked in the state. On the other hand, there are certain ingredients and elements that are smoked, dried, or fermented so as to preserve them, and this includes bamboo shoots and meat.

The state of Arunachal Pradesh enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year since it is located at a high altitude. Let’s take a look at what each season in Arunachal Pradesh is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Arunachal Pradesh tour packages:

The temperature in Arunachal Pradesh during the summer season oscillates between 10 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. There is a bit of the pleasantness of winter that’s displayed during the month of March. In fact, March and April are almost considered spring like months in Arunachal Pradesh. If you visit the state with our Arunachal Pradesh tour packages during this time, you will experience hot afternoons, warm winds, and comparatively cooler evenings.

Summer is considered as the ideal time to go trekking and explore the Buddhist monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh. When the summer days get hotter and the temperatures soar, tourism usually declines. This is when there are fewer visitors, and it’s the perfect time to get discounts and deals on flights and hotels. One of the festivals you can witness during your trip at this time is Kro Cheykor.

Different regions in Arunachal Pradesh experience different temperatures during the monsoon season. The low-lying areas witness temperatures between 25 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius and the hilly regions fluctuate between 15 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. There is heavy rainfall during this period, with certain areas receiving more rainfall as compared to others. You might experience quite a bit of precipitation during this season, and July is usually the wettest month of the year in Arunachal Pradesh.

The monsoons reveal lush greenery throughout the state, transforming the landscape into something worth witnessing for sure. However, despite the visual beauty, there are certain risks during the rainy season that tourists should be aware of. For instance, heavy rainfall could trigger heavy floods and landslides. You could also end up feeling a bit uncomfortable when the humidity rises. A few essential things to pack if you’re travelling to Arunachal Pradesh during this season are umbrellas, raincoats, gumboots, and any other rain gear. The festivals that occur in the state during this period include the Ziro Music Festival and Dree Festival.

While the hilly areas of Arunachal Pradesh experience temperatures between 5 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius in the winter months, the low-lying regions usually stay between 10 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. The state turns into a winter wonderland, with snow carpeting the region and cold winds swirling all around. Due to heavy snowfall, certain activities could be restricted during this time, such as sightseeing or trekking. However, winter is still usually considered as the best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh, especially for those seeking snow based activities.

Make sure to carry items such as sweaters, caps, thick boots, scarves, and thermals to protect yourself from the cold. During the winter season, the festivals that are hosted in Arunachal Pradesh include the Siang River Festival, Pangsau Pass Winter Festival, and Losar Festival.

Arunachal Pradesh is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Here are some of the best places to visit in the state with our eclectic Arunachal Pradesh tour packages and the thrilling adventures to embark on:

Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Pakke Tiger Reserve and Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, is a wildlife reserve situated in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district. Sprawled over an area of 862 sq km, it has the Pakke River to its east and the Kameng River to its west. It is located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and contains tropical and subtropical forests, thereby making it the ideal sightseeing spot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The reserve is home to more than 2000 species of plants, almost 300 bird species, close to 40 species of mammals, and certain species of reptiles and amphibians. Some of the creatures you can witness at this wildlife reserve are leopards, tigers, elephants, gaurs, wild boars, barking deer, and jungle cats. The sanctuary is responsible to protect the Royal Bengal Tiger.

The Tawang War Memorial was erected in memory of the 2,420 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Standing at a height of 40 feet, the stupa is decorated with the names of the soldiers and their regimens, along with messages that pay tribute to their sacrifice. Also known as Namgyal Chorten, it overlooks the Tawang Chu valley. In 1997, the Tawang War Memorial was visited by the Dalai Lama. There is one room on each side of the memorial. While one of the rooms contains maps, photographs, and artefacts, the other room puts up a light and sound show that narrates the journey of the martyred soldiers.

The Namdapha National Park, which is both a national park and a tiger reserve, covers an area of 1,985 sq km. It is situated on the international border between India and Myanmar in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. In 1983, it was declared a tiger reserve, making it India’s 15th tiger project. The park is home to several endangered and rare species of animals. This includes snow leopards, clouded leopards, and red pandas. Some of the other animals you can spot at the Namdapha National Park are elephants, deer, gaurs, red foxes, Eurasian otters, Asiatic black bears, and Asian golden cats.

The Sela Pass is a high altitude mountain pass situated between the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located at a height of over 13,700 feet, and stays open throughout the year unless landslides occur. The best time to visit Sela Pass is between November to February. There are about 101 lakes located around the Sela Pass. One of the most famous lakes from that list is Sela Lake, which is also known as Paradise Lake.

The story behind the name of the location is both intriguing and heartbreaking. Legend says that Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was fighting near the pass against the Chinese soldiers during 1962’s Sino-Indian War. A local Monpa woman named Sela, who deeply cared for the soldier, would bring him food and ammunition, along with her sister. However, the woman’s father was against this match, which led to him betraying them. Once the Chinese army killed Jaswant Singh Rawat, Sela committed suicide after witnessing his dead body, and that’s how the location was named after her.

The Nuranang Falls, also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls, is a waterfall situated in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It falls from a height of about 100 metres, and swimming in its crystal clear waters is one of the best activities to indulge in. The base of the waterfalls is where tourists can find the Jang Hydal Plant which produces electricity by harnessing the force of the Nuranang Falls. The waterfall gained further prominence when it was featured in movies like Koyla and Hiya Diya Niya, thereby bringing the spotlight on the region’s astounding beauty to a bigger audience.

The Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district. Spread over an area of 218 sq km, it forms a part of the Kameng Elephant Reserve. It’s home to more than 500 bird species, which is why it’s a renowned destination among birdwatchers. The birds you can expect to spot at this wildlife sanctuary include eagles, hawks, vultures, woodpeckers, kingfishers, pigeons, parrots, wagtails, starlings, and flowerpeckers. The bird species known as Bugun liocichla was spotted for the first time in 1995. The sanctuary also houses numerous mammals, such as snow leopards, red pandas, leopard cats, Asian golden cats, clouded leopards, and the Asiatic black bear.

The Siddheshwar Nath Temple is located in the Ziro town of Arunachal Pradesh. The temple is known to have the largest naturally formed Shiva Linga in the world, which stands at a height of 25 feet. The mythology associated with the temple adds to its mystic value. This is because the ninth volume of the Shiva Purana mentions in its 17th chapter that the highest Shiva Lingam will be discovered in a place known as Lingalaya, which will later be called Arunachal. The prophecy came true when a naturally formed Shiva Linga was discovered by a woodcutter back in 2004, with four feet of the linga being under the ground.

The Tawang Monastery is not only the largest Buddhist monastery in the country but also the second largest in the world. In the 17th century, the monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, as per the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. The monastery, which is more than 400 years old, is situated at a height of about 10,000 feet above sea level. It’s a part of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, thereby making it an integral cultural and religious spot for Buddhists. The monastery also goes by the name of Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, which translates to ‘the divine paradise of complete victory’ in the Tibetan language. The Tawang Monastery has three stories and is surrounded by a long compound wall that stands 925 feet tall.

• Trekking in Talle Valley and Sela Pass
• White water rafting in Kameng River and Siang River
• Kayaking on Kameng River, Siang River, Subansiri River, and Par River
• Paragliding in Ziro Valley
• Angling in Kameng River, Subansiri River, and Siang River
• Mountain biking in Mechuka

Visiting Tawang is akin to being welcomed by unending natural beauty, picturesque sceneries, tranquil waterfalls, and crisp mountain air. It is known to be the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. Situated about 448 km northwest of Itanagar, the town is perched at a height of about 3,048 metres. The top tourist attractions to visit in Tawang are Tawang Monastery, Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, Sela Pass, and Bumla Pass.

Ziro Valley, in addition to being one of the prettiest valleys you will ever come across, is one of the oldest towns in the state. Populated with charming hamlets, bamboo huts, paddy rice fields, and rich flora and fauna, it is situated at a height of about 1,500 meters. The valley is known to host one of the most exciting outdoor musical festivals, the Ziro Music Festival, which is a conglomeration of music, culture, and art set against the backdrop of Ziro’s mesmerising landscapes. As you explore Ziro with our Arunachal Pradesh tour packages, make sure to visit the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Tarin Fish Farm, Meghna Cave Temple, and Hapoli.

Bomdila is a town located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The average elevation of Bomdila is 2217 metres, and the town serves as the headquarters of the West Kameng district. Some of the tribes that call this town home are the Miji (Sajalong), Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), and Bugun tribes. The Bomdila Monastery is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Bomdila. Established in 1965, it was built by the 12th reincarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. If you wish to learn more about the lifestyle and culture of the Bomdila, visit to the Craft Centre and Ethnographic Museum.

Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and also its largest town. The best tourist spots to visit in Itanagar are Ita Fort, Ganga Lake, State Museum, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gompa Buddhist Temple. Lovers of history and architecture must visit the Ita Fort, which was built during the 14th or 15th century. The name of the fort literally translates to ‘fort of bricks’ as ‘ita’ means ‘brick’ in Assamese. Located 350 metres above sea level, Itanagar is brimming with striking mountains and sublime lush greenery.

Dirang is a lovely little village located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The natural hot water springs of Dirang are known for their medicinal properties. It’s believed that they help in treating rheumatic ailments and skin diseases. There are also apple orchards and kiwi farms in Dirang that you can explore. The other must see places in the town are the National Research Centre on Yak, Sangti Valley, and Kalachakra Gompa.

The shopping scene in Arunachal Pradesh is as diverse as the culture of the state, which is something you will get to witness with GT Holidays’ Arunachal Pradesh tour packages. Listed below are some of the souvenirs to grab from Arunachal Pradesh and the places to shop from:

The handicrafts found in Arunachal Pradesh reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state. As you stroll around exploring the shops and stalls, you will come across intricately woven baskets, wooden utensils made by local artisans, and elegantly decorated home décor pieces. These unique souvenirs made by the skilled craftsmen of the state serve as the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

If you’re a jewellery lover, then you will find the most unique and exquisite pieces of jewellery in Arunachal Pradesh. The local tribes of the state don’t just use silver or create to create jewellery. Instead, they utilise varied elements such as feathers, bamboo, wild seeds, and glass beads to create different kinds of ornaments. You will find rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made out of traditional motifs, gemstones, and much more.

Handwoven carpets are some of the best things to buy in Arunachal Pradesh, and Tawang is the ideal place to visit for this purpose. The town sells beautiful handmade Tibetan carpets in the most vibrant colours along with intricate floral motifs and geometric patterns. Different colours of woolen yarn are used by skilled artisans to create carpets containing designs of flowers, birds, dragons, and snow lions.

Whether you’re looking for tea bags, tea leaves, or organic tea, Arunachal Pradesh has it all. When you travel to Tawang with our Arunachal Pradesh tour packages, you can get your hands on their aromatic and flavourful teas. Some of the different kinds of tea you will find in Tawang are black tea, green tea, white tea, and butter tea.

Looking for something to wrap yourself in during the winter season? Grab some of the cosy and warm handwoven shawls sold in Tawang. Made using silk or wool, these are made by skilled artisans and have intricate designs.

Thangkas are Tibetan Buddhist paintings that you will find at several homes and monasteries in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. These exquisite pieces of artwork usually contain designs of symbols, religious scenes, and deities, thereby serving as depictions of meditation and devotion. Thangkas are often made using gold and natural pigments, and are seen as symbols of the state’s cultural richness and spiritual ambience.

• Bomdila Market: For local fruits and vegetables and yak cheese.
• Craft Centre & Emporium: For wall paintings, carpets, shawls.
• Nehru Market: For jewellery, shawls, handmade goods, textiles.

• English is widely spoken in the markets of Arunachal Pradesh, so you probably won’t have any issues while interacting with the shopkeepers.
• Bargaining is common while shopping in Arunachal Pradesh, so feel free to negotiate while also being respectful to the shop owners.
• The best time to visit the Tawang Flea Market is between 10 am to 2 pm.

• The Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh is recognised as the cleanest district in Northeast India. Therefore, as a tourist, remember to keep the state clean. Make sure not to litter, throw everything in waste bins, and try to limit the use of plastic.
• Stay away from political discussions, and if you do encounter such conversations, make sure to respect the various perspectives you hear.
• Engaging in illegal activities such as wildlife trafficking, unauthorised trekking, or vandalism of any kind.
• Dress modestly when visiting the religious sites in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Always seek permission before taking pictures of monks and religious rituals.

The cuisine of Arunachal Pradesh is influenced by the diverse ethnic groups in the region, all of whom have their own distinct culinary traditions. Rice is one of the staple foods of the state, and is served along with various vegetable and meat curries. You will find plenty of locally sourced ingredients in Arunachali cuisine, such as wild mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and numerous herbs and greens. The food of Arunachal Pradesh incorporates different types of meat, including chicken, fish, pork, and deer. The parts located closer to Tibet consume plenty of dairy products, while the western regions rely more on plant based ingredients and vegetables. Let’s explore some of the lip-smacking dishes you must try with our Arunachal Pradesh tour packages:

Rice is such an integral part of Arunachali cuisine that we had to include it at the first position on this list. Almost every meal in the state includes a generous helping of rice that’s usually accompanied by a vegetable or meat based curry. The unique part about the rice you will consume in Arunachal Pradesh is that it’s cooked over charcoal and on a bamboo dish to lend it a special flavour.

Bamboo shots are used to both prepare and serve food in Arunachal Pradesh. The best part about bamboo shoots is their versatility. They can be eaten by themselves or added to other dishes to amplify their taste. You will find them in meat dishes, vegetable curries, chutneys, and also pickles. Bamboo shoots are boiled to get rid of the bitter taste, and you can eat them alongside noodles as well. One of the ways of eating bamboo shoots is by shredding them, breaking them into little pieces, and finally adding some spices to give them a savoury flavour.

While momos are famous all across the country, they are particularly beloved in the northeastern region of India, and Arunachal Pradesh is no different. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of momos you will find in the state. The veg ones are usually stuffed with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. The non-vegetarian momos could contain chicken, mutton, or beef. These are usually served alongside spicy chutneys that enhance the taste of the entire dish.

Lukter is among those unique Arunachali delicacies that you must try during your trip. Consisting of dry meat and chilli flakes, it is usually consumed with rice and is popular during the winter season. In order to make this dish, thinly sliced meat is roasted over charcoal. After this, the meat is slathered with a paste that is made using roasted and ground red chilli peppers. The usage of bhut jolokia or king chilli gives the dish a fiery and delicious taste.

Chura sabji is one of the most popular traditional dishes of Arunachal Pradesh. It’s made using chilli flakes and fermented cheese, wherein the cheese could belong to cow or yak milk. The dish also consists of vegetables and local herbs and is typically served with rice. The presence of king chillies adds an extra spicy flavour to the curry.

Thukpa is a wholesome noodle soup that is widely consumed in the Himalayan areas of the country and is particularly popular in the northeastern regions. Each state has its own version of thukpa, depending on the local produce, thereby deciding the kind of meats and vegetables that go into this dish. In Arunachal Pradesh, a bowl of thukpa includes noodles, stock, meats, and vegetables, all of which combine to create a hearty and filling dish.

Although pehak is a side dish, it’s still considered to be an important part of Arunachali cuisine. It’s a scrumptious chutney that is made using fermented soybeans and king chili. The usage of king chillies gives it a spicy, tangy, and hot flavour. This chutney is usually served alongside plain rice.

Pika pila is a type of pickle made in Arunachal Pradesh that was founded by the state’s Apatani tribe. It’s often served along with numerous main dishes, including rice, curries, and dried fish. Made using bamboo shoots, pork fat, and king chillies, it doesn’t have an overwhelmingly spicy flavour.

For those looking for something sweet to consume in Arunachal Pradesh, koat pitha is a great option. The main ingredients that go into making this sweet dish are bananas, rice flour, jaggery, water, and oil. All of these ingredients are mixed to form a thick batter. The batter is then turned into tiny balls that are deep-fried in mustard oil. Resembling doughnuts, the reason koat pithas are different is mainly because of the presence of mustard oil.

The history of creating ornate art and craft has deep roots in Arunachal Pradesh. Tourists can find various handmade items during their trip, including wood carvings, woven goods, paintings, pottery, and jewellery. In areas such as Tawang and West Kameng that have a significant Buddhist influence, you will find Tangkha paintings, which are Tibetan Buddhist paintings. The state is also renowned for its handwoven and high quality carpets, shining through with their detailed craftsmanship, vibrant hues, and intricate patterns. Local craftsmen utilise bamboo and cane to create a wide array of products, such as belts, baskets, containers, and hats.

Various festivals are celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh throughout the year for religious, agricultural, and socio-cultural purposes. There is the Losar Festival, which is celebrated by the Monpa tribe in late February or early March. This two week event is the New Year’s festival of Arunachal Pradesh, during which prayers are said, incense is burned, and religious flags are raised to make the local deities happy. There is the Nyokum Festival, which is celebrated by the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Rituals and prayers are performed by the head priest during this festival to bring about harmony, peace, and prosperity to the people. Some of the other important festivals in the state are the Solung Festival, Dree Festival, and Mopin Festival.

Dance and music are integral elements in the lives of the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. These dances are often performed during weddings, festivals, and other significant celebrations. The Aji Lamu dance is performed by the Monpa tribe. It’s a narrative dance form that depicts the triumph of good over evil and is essentially an adaptation of Ramayana, the Hindu epic. Some of the other folk dances that you could witness during your trip with our Arunachal Pradesh tour packages are the Ponung dance, Popir dance, Khampti dance, and Yakjong dance.