THE BEST EXPLORE PLACES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH IN 2018

Itanagar

The picturesque town of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh’s capital, is located in the southernfoothills of the Himalayas. Pleasant weather, rich biodiversity, and vast stretches of breathtaking landscapes make Itanagar a superb destination for long holidays, throughout the year. Home to a large number of Nyishi tribals who speak a language of Sino-Tibetan origin, the city is known for its unique culture and friendly populace.

A visit to the city’s Craft Centre and Emporium is the best way to acquaint yourself with the impressive collection of handicrafts that Itanagar has to offer. Itanagar also has a bustling market, where visitors can browse through a range of handicrafts from across the state.

Things to See & Do

Itanagar was declared the capital of Arunachal Pradesh in 1974. Situated at an elevation of 350m, the quaint town is renowned for its fine Tibetan architecture and varied tribal culture.

Ita Fort

Constructed in 15th century CE by the Ahom dynasty, Ita Fort lends its name to this town. The fort is in the centre of the Capital Complex and has three magnificent entrance gates. It was an imperial structure, and is said to have been constructed using 80 lakh bricks. Now, only the ruins remain, standing amidst sprawling gardens and offering splendid views of the city.

Ganga Lake

Also known as Gyakar Sinyi, this popular picnic spot is 7km from the city. The charming lake is surrounded by thick forests. The lake is frequented by locals and visitors alike, but still manages to remain serene, enabling one to enjoy solitude. You can carry some food and feed the fish in the lake, and even enjoy a boat ride.

Adventure Activities

The city and its outskirts offer plenty of outdoor activities such as rafting, trekking and angling. Trekking is a popular activity here, with Itanagar-Pashighat being a famous trail. It passes through Ziro and Daporijo. Other trails are the Jong-Tawang and the Jorhat-Tawang trails.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to antelopes, Himalayan black bears and over 400 bird species.

Where to Stay & Eat

Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok (Tel: 0360-2212626-27; Tariff: ₹4,650–7,500) is the best choice here. Hotel Todo (Tel: 2290347, Cell: 09774282545; Tariff: ₹2,000–4,950) and Hotel Blue Pine (Tel: 2212042; Tariff: ₹1,200–2,500) offer well-furnished rooms and dorms. The restaurant onsite serves Indian and Continental dishes. Hotel Kameng (Tel: 2212869; Tariff: ₹1,200–2,000) is also a good option.

How to reach

How to reach Itanagar by Air

Lilabari airport is the nearest airport to the city which is easy to reach. You can take car, taxi or bus to reach the airport conveniently. This airport is about 57 km far from the city and provides regular flights to different destinations. Nahariagun airport is another nearby airport which is located 67 km far from the city.

Nearest Airport : Lilabari Airport, Lilabari

How to reach Itanagar by Rail

Harrmoty railway station is situated 23 km away from the city. With the presence of various transport facilities, you can easily reach the station and get your train.

How to reach Itanagar by Road

This city is facilitated with various public transports which take you to your desired destination. Roads are well connected to various cities and states which make your journey comfortable. Daily bus services are available from the bus stand of the city. Jorhat (319km), Dibrugarh (197km), Lakhimpur (62km) and Guwahati (324km) can be reached from Itanagar by road.

Tawang

Tucked in the northwestern corner of Arunachal Pradesh that juts into Bhutan, and is shouldered by Tibet, the small hill town of Tawang has had an eventful history. It was here that the 14th Dalai Lama and his entourage quietly crossed over into India from Tibet in 1959, taking an impossibly arduous route; and it was also in Tawang’s vicinity that a pitched battle was fought during the Indo-Chinese War of 1962.

Tawang is notoriously difficult to navi-gate, owing to its location at an altitude of approximately 3,505m and a harsh mountain terrain. Apart from the one road connecting Assam to Tawang, helicopters used to be an easy, albeit expensive mode of transport, but the service was stopped when the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu, was killed in a fatal helicopter crash in 2011. Despite the difficult route and an inhospitable terrain, every year Tawang sees a reasonable number of tourists who come here to soak in its natural beauty and to visit the ancient gompas.

Things to See & Do

Half the fun of visiting Tawang lies in getting there, as it involves driving through the plains of Assam and the mountains of Arunachal – beginning at Guwahati or Tezpur and following the age- old trade route linking Tibet to the Brahmaputra Valley. A laid-back town, Tawang, comes alive during festivals. The most important of these is Losar, the Buddhist New Year, in February or March. The three-day Torgya celebration is held every January to ward off evil spirits and natural disasters.

Sela Pass

At 4,048m, Sela Pass is the highest motorable pass in the Northeast. The road to Sela involves a steep ascent, and is usually marked by fog and traces of landslides. Caution is advised while driving up the last mile, which is particularly treacherous.

About 20km down the road from Sela Pass is the Jaswantgarh War Memorial, named after Jaswant Singh Sawant, who played a crucial role in the defence against Chinese forces in the 1962 Indo-Chinese War. The camp has a statue of the soldier, his personal memorabilia and plaques recounting his tenure in the army. There are graves of other soldiers, and bunkers dating from the days of the war.

Tawang Gompa

The largest monastery in India and the second largest in Asia, Tawang Gompa boasts a picturesque location atop a hill. On one side of the gompa, the slope gently spreads into a valley, while on the other side is a sharp cliff-face, making the place susceptible to landslides. It is advisable to avoid visiting the place during monsoons.

Officially called the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, the monastery was built in the 17th century. The gompa follows the Gelugpa sect of Mahayana school of Buddhism, and is associated with Lhasa’s Drepung Monastery. It is said that this association, as well as its location so close to the border with Tibet, is partly the reason China has incessantly laid claim to Tawang.

The monastery has living quarters, a library, and can house 700 monks at a time. The highlight of the monastery is the massive three-storey du-khang or Assembly Hall, at the centre of the compound. A museum (Entry ₹10) within the complex displays masks, statues of Buddha dating back to the 10th century and scriptures and manuscripts from the 17th century.

Timings Sunrise–sunset Photography ₹20 Videography ₹100

Urgelling Gompa

Built in 1489, the Urgelling Gompa makes for a great day hike from Tawang. About 6km by road, downhill from Tawang Gompa, this is where the 6th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Gyamtso, was born in 1683. The monastery is closed most days, but ask for the caretaker who holds the only set of keys to open it for visitors.

Tawang War Memorial

Just outside the town, the Tawang War Memorial stands tall, commemorating the soldiers of the Indian army who lost their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War. The structure was blessed by the Dalai Lama in 1997. Names of over 2,000 soldiers are inscribed in gold on black granite plaques that surround the structure. The memorial has two halls, which house maps and photographs from the time of the war, and recreate the story of soldiers with sound and light.

Where to Stay & Eat

The best hotels are located in the main bazaar and provide basic facilities such as hot water and TV. Hotel Shambhala (Tel: 03794-222348, Cell: 09436652814; Tariff: ₹850–1,500) and Hotel Nefa (Tel: 222419; Tariff: ₹900–1,800) are good options. Other decent hotels include Hotel Gorichen (Tel: 224151; Tariff: ₹800–1,800) and Hotel Buddha (Tel: 222954; Tariff: ₹1,000–1,500).

Location At an elevation of 3,505m, near the Indo-Bhutan border Air Tezpur (360km) and Guwahati (532km), the latter is better connected with daily flights Rail Rangapara North served by the Guwahati-Naharlagun Express and Kamakhya M25 Express

Namdapha National Park

A few kilometres from the town of Miao, the Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot. The park stretches along the international border between India and Myanmar.

Established as part of Project Tiger in 1983, Namdapha NP has a core area of 1,808sq km and a buffer zone of 177sq km. The vegetation here changes from tropical moist forests at the lower altitude to montane forests and alpine meadows at the higher elevations. The lower reaches, have a dense undergrowth, with abundant bamboo and canebrakes. With trees reaching as high as 150m, the jungle has a thick canopy.

Namdapha is home to tigers, leopards (both clouded and snow), elephants, red pandas, deer and even the endangered hoolock gibbons. The park is also home to several avian species, including white-bellied herons, white-winged wood ducks, pied falconets, and five species of hornbills. A variety of butterfly species, such as the koh-i-noor, red caliph, cruiser, wizard and fluffy tit, also live in these environs.

Orientation

The entrance to Namdapha is located close to the town of Miao. After you drive past the entry gate, it’s a 22km drive to the campsite of Deban, set up by the Forest Department. Deban is the farthest motorable point as well.

Things to See & Do

Deban

Located on the northern banks of the Noa-Dihing River, Deban is an excellent base for exploring the park. The site is a haven for naturalists, offering plenty of birding opportunities. It also offers amazing trails for trekking.

Treks

Trekking is the only way to thoroughly explore Namdapha and experience nature at its wildest. The first part of the trek involves crossing the Noa-Dihing River. When the flow is less, you can simply walk on the stones and cross the river over shaky yet reliable wooden bamboo bridges, but when the water level is high, you will need a ferry (arranged by the Forest Department) to take you across the roaring rapids.

While it is possible to trek 14km to Bulbulia – the third base camp – and return to the starting point the same day, it can be extremely tiring and is only recommended if you are pressed for time. However, if you can manage a couple of nights in the jungle, you will be able to sight both birds and animals during the early hours as well as during sunset. It is simply stunning if you get to photograph them. Be careful, though.

The trail from the river will take you up an incline for about 300m, before you walk a short distance along a ridge to the picturesque Haldibari campsite. Set up an overnight camp and listen to the sounds of the jungle – the birds calling out to each other, the hoolock gibbons sounding off warnings and the rustle of leaves in the wind. The next campsite, Hornbill Glade, is only 5km away, but the path that leads to it is nothing short of enchanting, with rays of sunshine filtering through the dense tree canopy.

Tigers can be mostly spotted in the park’s core area, in the interior of the jungle, which is nowhere close to navigable. Even today, the Forest Department finds it an uphill task to set up monitoring and image-capturing devices in order to determine how many tigers there still are in the park. So, while you may not run into a tiger during your time there, which might make you scoff, remember that you are on foot, so take due caution when visiting these areas.

Where to Stay & Eat

There are few staying options now in Deban. But there are a few small eateries in the market where you can get by.

The Forest Department has a Fothe Field Director, Namdapha National Park, Miao (Tel: 03807-222249).

Tip Book your stay well in advance. Charge your electrical devices beforehand

The tourist huts in Deban, especially, enjoy a spectacular location near the river. There’s no electricity or running hot water; the camp organiser will be happy to heat water over fire, if need be. Solar lamps are provided, but you’ll also get a box of candles if you stay in the huts.

Location Adjacent to the Myanmar border Air Dibrugarh (197km) in Assam Rail Tinsukia (150km) in Assam

Ziro

Pretty much at the edge of the Indian map, a trip to Ziro is worth the effort for the smell of the mist, the taste of the breeze and the sound of the forest.

T

Ziro town, comprising the original Ziro village and the new town Hapoli, doesn’t have too many tourist sights to offer. After navigating the town, hire a taxi (₹5–8 per km plus fuel) and head out to the Apa Tani villages that are at a distance from the new town. It’s best to reach the villages before 7.00am; or else you’ll have to wait until evening, when the villagers head back from the fields and bamboo groves.

Mithun-spotting

A cross between the wild gaur and the buffalo, the mithun prefers the quiet of the forests and the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 38km away, to the banter of the villages and towns. The Apa Tanis too let the mithun be, until, that is, there’s a bride price or a fine to be paid or a sacrifice to be made.

Government Handicrafts Museum

Situated at the other end of the new town Ziro, this outlet is the best place to buy souvenirs, including Apa Tani weaves, cane and bamboo products.

Festival harvest

Being an agricultural community, festivities are often timed around agricultural activity and the cycle of the seasons. The Mloko Festival (March–April) is celebrated at the beginning of the agricultural cycle, and is associated with the popular local sport, Bobo. Bamboo poles are installed in open spaces with cane ropes stretched between them, on which the locals perform acrobatics.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

Ziro has just a few stay options. Among these, the Circuit House and Old Ziro Inspection Bungalow stand out for their ‘frozen-in-time’ quality and excellent locations. Situated on a hilltop near Pai Gate, the Hotel Blue Pine (Tel: 03788-224812, 224974, Tariff: ₹1,320–3,500) has 30 rooms with hot water, attached baths and a restaurant. It also offers travel assistance. Ziro Valley Resort (Cell: 09856910173, 08729947186; Tariff: ₹1,200–4,000), located in Biirii village, has 15 spacious rooms, with a restaurant and arranges treks on request. Hotel Pine Ridge (Tel: 224725; Tariff: ₹1,300–1,500) has 20 rooms and a restaurant.

Location In the lower Subansiri District Air Lilabari (100km) Rail North Lakhimpur (91km)

FAST FACTS

When to Go May–June, October–March

Tourist Office

Directorate of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Papum District, Itanagar, Cell: 09436040531

Permits

Deputy Resident Commissioner, GS Road, Rukiminigaon, Dispur, Guwahati. Tel: 0361-2412859, 2416720

Deputy Resident Commissioner, Parvati Nagar, Tezpur, Assam, Tel: 03712-260173

Resident Commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Kautilya Marg, ChanakyapuriNew Delhi. Tel: 011-23013844, W arunachaltourism.com

STD code Itanagar 0360

GETTING THERE

Air Nearest airport: Lilabari in North Lakhimpur (60km). Taxi costs ₹4,000–6,000 per day (seasonal), which includes fuel, vehicle and driver

Rail Nearest railhead: Naharlagun (12km) in Assam, served by Guwahati-Naharlagun Express. This train also connects Rangapara North. Buses and taxis connect Naharlagun to Itanagar

Road From Guwahati (430km) take NH37 to Kaliabor, then NH37A to Tezpur and NH52 to North Lakhimpur Bus State and private buses operate (11–12hrs) daily between Guwahati and Itanagar from ISBT.

                                                          THANKS

     Comments below

Top 10 Destinations in Arunachal Pradesh.

Tawang

If you want to have a look at the historical sites set on an emerald green meadow, Tawang is the ideal place for you. The entire Tawang region is nestled amidst Gudpi and Chong Chugmi ranges and bathed by the water of Tawang Chu River. Tawang Monastery is an around 113 feet long and 80 feet wide edifice which is a famous Buddhist temple. The interior of the building is stunningly beautiful and a 28 feet high golden statue of Lord Buddha is worshiped here.  Indo-China border is another significant tourist spot in Tawang. Jaswant Garh, Tawang War Memorial, Tawang Craft Centre, Brahma-dung-chung Ani Gompa, Urgelling Gompa are some of the important sightseeing places. Madhuri Lake and Pangateng Tso Lake exude enchanting view. Do not forget to have a glimpse of Bap Teng Kang Waterfall and Nuranang Falls. The best time to visit Tawang is May. 2-3 days tour will be enough to explore the land up to the brim.

How to reach: Tezpur is the nearest airport while Rangapara is the nearest rail station. Bus and taxi services are available on demand.

Bomdila

Bomdila is an attractive summer vacation getaway in Arunachal Pradesh. This wonderful getaway is located at a height of 8000 ft above sea level. Idyllic destination for family outing, Bomdila will indulge you to get closer with your loved ones. Stroll across the land to have a glimpse of the snow packed Himalayan peaks and clearer views of Kangto and Gorichen Peaks. If you are adventurous enough you can trek through the hills of different levels or simply stroll through the long quiet trails of the luxurious slopes. The most important sightseeing spot in Bomdila is Bomdila Monastery which is rich in art and craft. The Local Craft Centre displays samples of local craft of Bomdila. If you are ready to take a short tour, visit Sessa Orchid Sanctuary where 2600 orchids of 80 species are cultivated. To witness the orchid cultivation more closely trekking routes are developed which is truly amazing.

How to reach: One can reach here without any trouble, as the vicinity is well connected with major cities of North-East. Tezpur is the nearest airport while Rangapara is the nearest rail station to Bomdila.

Ziro

Ziro is an ideal place for trekking in Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated on a plateau and known to be one of the most beautiful hill stations in Arunachal Pradesh. The native tribal people of this place spend an easy lifestyle where the perplexities of mundane city life hardly bother them. The undulating terrains are perched with deep green forests which add to its scenic view. Walking through the pine forest edging the paddy field will soothe your strained nerves. Along with its own attractions, Ziro is the gateway to a number of other attractive tourist spots. Kardo Hills, Talley Valley, Talley Wildlife Sanctuary are the best of them. Ziro Putu is a perfect spot to have a bird’s eye view of the entire Ziro Valley. Do not miss the 25 ft high and 22 ft wide Shiva Lingam at Kardo Hills. Talley Valley is located 32 km away from Ziro and offers the best trekking route by the bamboo, orchids, ferns, and rhododendron forests. Talley Valley Reserved Forest and Talley Wildlife Sanctuary are situated at an elevated level and rivers like Karing, Subansiri, Sipu, and Pange flow through them. Apart from being home to the endangered snow leopard, Ziro is home to many other rare and exotic animals making it a wildlife lover’s delight.

How to reach: Tezpur is the nearest airport to Zero, whereas, North-Lakhimpur is the nearest Railway Station.

Itanagar

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar is the state capital and a well connected city. The township is situated at an altitude of 350 m above sea level. Apart from the state administrative headquarters, the city presents a number of rich architectural wonders. The historical Ita Fortis made of special bricks and is significant from a socio-cultural point. For a simple holidaymaker to an archeologist, this place can be of great value to be explored. The legendary Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinwi) is a famous picnic spot in Itanagar which is 6 km from the heart of the city. Jawaharlal Nehru Museum is a wonderful repository of indigenous tribal culture of Arunachal. Gompa Buddha Vihar is an astounding yellow roofed shrine. One can have a glimpse of the surrounding countryside from the gompa premise. Buy some local artifacts, wall paintings, herbal dyed yarns and bamboo/cane-made attractive utility items from Craft Centre and Emporium. Polo Park, Indira Gandhi Park, and Zoological Park are some of the evening leisure walk spots.

How to Reach

By Bus: Regular luxury bus services are available from Guwahati. It will take approx 11 hours to reach.

By Air: From Guwahati to Naharlagun (Itanagar) Pawan Hans Helicopter Service is available for making the travel convenient, whereas Tezpur is the nearest airport.

Pasighat

Pasighat is at a distance of 270km from Itanagar and known to be the oldest town of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the headquarter of East Siang District and situated at a height of 152m. Siang River, the main tributary of Brahmaputra flows by Pasighat. The snowcapped mountain peaks, rock-strewn mountains and a variety of flora and fauna present abundant options to explore natural wonders. Pasighat-Jengging-Yingkiong-Tuting Tourist Circuit is the best option to have a look at the main attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. Siang River is a prime destination to enjoy water sports, especially river rafting. This expedition is quite challenging and begins at Tuting in Upper Siang. Do not miss to visit the Daying Ering Wild Life Sanctuary which is a popular sightseeing spot in Pasighat. It is also the confluence point of Dihang and Lohit rivers with the Brahmaputra. Jengging is 195km away from Pasighat and known for Mouling National Park where rare species of animals are found roaming in their natural environment.

How to reach: Bus services are available from Guwahati, Lakhimpur and Itanagar. The nearest airports are Lilabari of North Lakhimpur, and Mohanbari of Dibrugarh

Roing

Whether you are planning for a tour with your better half or with your buddies, the diverse land of Roing will present you ultimate satisfaction. This picturesque valley is situated on the bank of Dibang River. Geographically this tranquil tourist spot is located in the Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. Nehru Van Udyan is a breath-taking forest park set on the riverbank at Deopani. While going from Roing to Bismaknagar, you can see the vibrant orange orchards.

Bhalukpong

The gateway to Arunachal, Bhalukpong is only 56 km away from Tezpur Town. Located in West Kameng District, this is a historical place where one can look back to the days of the Mahabharata. Nestled amidst the dense forest and rinsed by the Kameng River, the region is a popular picnic spot. For the adventure lovers, there are abundant scopes to explore the region to the fullest. Different levels of trekking can be enjoyed here. You can enjoy rafting on Kameng River or get involved in angling on the bank of this mighty river. Have a glimpse of Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary which is very close to Bhalukpung. If you are visiting the place in March, you can enjoy the local Nyethidow Festival.

How to reach: Nearest airport is Tezpur/ Guwahati. Tezpur is the nearest railway station. Bus and taxi are available from both the stops.

Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are passionate enough about wildlife photography and want to take the best clicks of big cats flaunting their might in the open air, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is the paradise for you. Located on the foothills of the Himalaya, this is a wonderful land rich in flora and fauna. There are 2000 species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 300 species of avi-fauna, 36 species of reptiles and 30 species of amphibians in this place. Some of the members of this forest are globally threatened species. The most important animal of this sanctuary is the tigers as it is a famous tiger reserve forest as well. Three types of big cats: common leopard (Panthera pardus), (Panthera tigris), and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) are found here. Other than that five smaller cats – jungle cat, leopard cat, golden cat (Catopuma temmincki), fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) are also found in this reserve forest. For witnessing the activities of multihued butterflies, May to October is the best time.

How to reach: This location is accessible from Tezpur as well as Bhalukpong very easily. Nearest airport is Tezpur and Rangapara is the nearest rail station.

Namdapha National Park

Being the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalayan sub-region, Namdapha National Park is the largest national park in India in terms of area. The park covers an area of 1,985 sq km of which 177 sq km is in buffer zone and 1808 sq km in the core area. The park is bordered by Dapha Bum Range, Patakai Range and an important tiger reserve forest. It is set on different levels of altitudes perched with unique varieties of flora. From subtropical broadleaved forest to alpine meadows covers the area with lush green carpet. The wildlife repository is rich in rare species of animals like Asiatic Small Bears, Eurasian Otters, Wolves, Clouded Leopards, Dholes, Red Foxes, Tigers, Red Pandas, Musk Deer and Fishing Cats. For birders, it is a paradise, as more than 500 species of birds are available here.

How to reach: Accessing the location of Namdapha is an easy task for every traveler as the destination is well connected with other parts of the country by air, rail and roads. Dibrugarh is the nearest airport from Namdapha. Tinsukia is the nearest rail station.

Sela Pass

Tezpur is the nearest major city to Arunachal Pradesh, the land of natural wonders, and Sela Pass is the connecting point of Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of India. While moving towards Tawang, one has to go over this mystic motorable pass. It is 2244 m high from the sea level and a wonderful trek to be explored by the bikers and other trekking fans. The blue water natural lake, snowcapped mountain peaks and scarce grass coating portray the landscape of this stunning getaway. Strolling on the pass turns pleasing when moving clouds touch you with its freezing feel.

How to reach:  Guwahati is 340 km from Sela Pass and Tawang is situated at a distance of 78 km. State transport buses are available to Bomdila or Dirang from Guwahati.

10 Famous Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh and its culture.

Arunachal Pradesh is a must visit destination and it is the largest state in Northeast. This place is blessed with various attractions, wildlife and spiritual shrines along with many tribes. Although Arunachal has 26 major tribes, there are more than 100 sub-tribes. Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh will guide you to learn about the tribes like Adis, Apatanis, Buguns, Hrusso, Singphos, Mishmis, Monpas, Nyishi, Sherdukpens, Tagins, Khamtis, Wanchos, Noctes, Yobin and Khambas and Membas. They are the principal tribes that are spread in the huge state of Arunachal Pradesh. The tribal’s are a skilful people and are a specialist in making baskets, weaving, smithy work, pottery, wood carving, painting and more. In fact, the women play a major role in such art works while the men work in the field. With each tribes being distinct from each other, there are few features of the principle tribes of Arunachal as well.

The 'Adis' tribe is democratic and organized tribal people and the women are known for their very good weaving skills. The 'Apatanis' tribe are a settled agriculturist and are good cultivators of both wet and terrace cultivation. The 'Buguns' and 'Monpas' are a gentle and hospitable tribe. 'Hrusso' tribe are mainly focused in the trading of clothing and various items. The 'Singphos' tribe are an expert blacksmiths and good weavers. 'Mishmi' tribes are good in agriculture and are also good in trade. The 'Nyishi' are a large tribe inhabiting the major part of Lower Subansiri district, the ‘Tagins’ inhabitant Upper Sunansiri district and the 'Sherdukpens' are a small tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. You must plan a tribal tour to Arunachal Pradesh and witness the distinct skills and speciality of these tribes of India.

Adis Tribal Culture 
The Adis Tribe have two main divisions - the Bogum and the Bomis. Under both the tribes there are a number of sub-tribes. The Minyongs, Karkos, Shimongs, Bomdo, Janbos, Paggis, Pailibos, Bogum, Padams, Milangs and so on from one group; while the Gallong and seven other groups form another group of Adis. The Adis by nature are democratic and posses organised village council called Kebang. Their traditional dance called Ponung is famous in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. Adi village tour will take you to the villages mostly located on the spurs of hills. Polyandy is unknown but polygyny is practised. Adi women are very good weavers and weave cloth with exquisitely artistic designs.

Apatanis Tribal Culture
The Apatanis Tribe are settled agriculturist tribes domesticating the valley around Ziro - the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. The older men-folk tie the hair in top-knots and tattoo the faces. Wearing of circular nose plugs and tattooing of faces is the most common characteristics of ornamentation of older Apatani women. However, present generation of Apatanies have stopped this practice of tying hair knot, nose plugs and face tattooing since early 1970s. The Apatani are good cultivators and practice both wet and terrace cultivation. Paddy cum fish culture is very popular among them. Unlike other tribes of Arunachal their economy is stable.

Mishmis Tribal Culture
Mishmis Tribe form the bulk of the population of Lohit, Upper Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts. There are also the Khamtis, the Singphos and a few Adi settlement. The Mishmis are divided into three main groups namely - Idus or Chulikatas, Digarus or Taroan and Mijus or Kaman. A section of the Idu Mishmi are also called Bebejia Mishmi. Their women are expert weavers and make excellent coats and blouses. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of this community. By nature they are traders. The chief items of trade are deer – musk, wild medicinal plants, animal skins , Mishimi – tita etc

Monpas Tribal Cultural Tours 
The Monpas Tribe are simple, gentle and friendly people. They possess a rich heritage and culture. They dress well in artistically designed clothes. Their communal life is rich and happy. Cultural tours of Monpas tribe will give you an insight of the religious aspect of this tribe. They follow Buddhism and profess Mahayana Buddhism, which centre round the Tawang Monastery. Each house has a small chapel attached to it. Worth a visit heritage structure in Arunachal.

Nyishi Tribal Culture
The Nyishi Tribe are the largest groups of people inhabiting the major part of Lower Subansiri district. Their menfolk wear their hair long and tie it in a knot just above the forehead. They wear cane bands around the waist. The Sulungs or Puroik are considered to be one of the oldest of the tribes in the area. Their dress and constumes are simple, and the religion is a form of the ancient 'spirit culture'.

Singphos Tribal Culture
The Singphos Tribe tour represent a section of the Kachin tribe of Burma. They live on the banks of Tengapani and Noa Dehang rivers. They are agriculturists and expert blacksmiths. The ladies are good weavers. They follow the Buddhist culture but at the same time believe in a host of spirit.

Khambas and Membas Tribal Culture
Khambas and Membas reside in the northern part of West Siang. They are Buddhist by religion. Polyandry is prevalent among them. But it is more in vogue among the Membas. A tribal tour will help you understand that why agricultural activities are common among them. Millet and Maize are their staple food. They also grow cotton and barle.

Sherdukpens Tribal Culture
The Sherdukpens are a small tribe. They are good agriculturist but their main interest is in trade. Their religion is an interesting blend of Mahayana Buddhism and tribal magico-religious beliefs.

Khamtis Tribal Culture
The Khamtis Tribe are believed to have migrated from the Shan states of Burma. They are the only tribe in Arunachal who have a script of their own. They are Buddhist (Hinayana cult) by religion, and bury the dead in a coffin. They include Khamyang tribe.

Wanchos Tribal Culture
     The Wanchos Tribe inhabit the western part of Tirap district, bordering Nagaland. They are a carefree, cheerful and hard-working people. Head hunting was customary with them in the old days. It was connected with many of the social activities of the tribe. Their society is divided into four classes the Wanghams ( chiefs ), the Wangpana, the Wangaue and Wangaas. The women are good weavers but the art is restricted to the members of the chief’s families only. They are expert in wood carving also.



IF Some Missing Please, Comment Down Below. THANKS

10 Most Popular Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh

Siang River Festival

The Siang River Festival is held to celebrate the communal harmony in Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier this festival was celebrated in the form of Brahmaputra Darshan Festival in Tezu and Pasighat but since the year 2005, the festival is celebrated as Siang River Festival in places like Tuting, Yingkiong and Pasighat in the month of December each year. It is one of the most popular festivals in Arunachal Pradesh and is an attempt to promote eco-tourism and offer a lot of adventure and fun activities like elephant race, traditional boat race, Didi – the mock war game of Mishmis, River rafting, Food Festivals, Folk dances, Cultural Shows, Hot air balloon & Para gliding and Exhibition of local model house. Apart from this an exhibition of handloom and handicrafts by the different districts is also held.

Pangsau Pass Winter Festival

This is a modern day winter festival which started in the year 2007 and since then has been gaining a lot of popularity in the state. This festival is celebrated in Nampong which is situated in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Pangsua Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) is a three-day fest that takes place in the month of January each year. At this festival, the people of Arunchal Pradesh celebrate their extravagant ethnicity and perform folk dances and sing folk songs. Also, handicraft and handloom articles from different parts of the state are put up for exhibition. Along with displaying the variety of culture and tradition of Arunachal, PPWF offers a platform for the neighbouring country of Myanmar to exhibit its culture as well. The festival conjoins the tribes of both North East and Myanmar and gives them the opportunity to showcase their culture and traditions to each other.

Ziro Festival of Music

This festival is Arunachal’s own version of the Sunburn Festival. Ziro Festival of Music is the biggest outdoor music festival in the state and is the most happening event in Arunachal Pradesh as well. Music lovers from all over the state and the North East region gather at Ziro, where this festival takes place. It is a four-day festival where the music lovers enjoy the performances of international and domestic music artists. Folk acts from all across the North East are also organized; therefore it is a good opportunity to learn about the different cultures here. People make merry and spend four unforgettable days at the Ziro Festival of Music.

Solung

An agriculture festival, Solung is celebrated in the month of monsoon (July /August). This 10 days festival is amongst the most famous festivals in North East India, especially celebrated by the Adi community in West Siang district, East Siang district, Lower Dibang Valley district, Upper Dibang Valley district and Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The date for the festival is different each year and is decided by Kebang or the village council keeping the convenience of the villagers in mind and once the date is fixed the preparation of the local beer Apong starts. On the first day, the Indian Bison along with pigs are slaughtered in the early hours of the morning. On the second day, 1/3rd of the meat is distributed among the relatives; also a grand dinner feast is arranged for neighbours, women and children. On the fourth day of the festival which is also called the Oinnyad, one of family member goes to the field and sacrifices a fowl especially for ‘Kine Nane’. On the seventh day or Ekob, men assemble at the village dormitory known as ‘Mosup’ to make bows and arrows, which are then fastened on the doors of every house in the village. On the tenth and final day of the festival, village people uproot the weak plants of paddy that get spoiled by worms and insects and this process is known as Irni. This act is done in the hope that ‘Kine Nane’ (the Goddess) will drive away the worms and insects out of the fields.

Nyokum

Nyokum is the festival of the Nyishi tribe and is celebrated for the harmony and prosperity of the people. Nyokum is celebrated on the 28th of February every year in East Kemang district, Lower Subansiri district, Kurung Kummey district and Papumpar district. The term Nyokum came from two words from the native dialect and can be broken as Nyok meaning Land and Kum meaning People. It is a 2-day festival in which the Nyishi tribe enjoys singing, dancing and gathering up. Men and women hold hands and form a circle to perform a traditional dance. The major rituals are performed by the high priest and prayers are offered to the spirits to bring tranquility and prosperity to each household.

Lossar Festival

It is the festival of the Monpa tribe in Arunachal Pradesh and is celebrated to welcome a new year. Monpa is the dominating tribe of Tawang and West Kemang district; therefore one can consider Lossar as one of the major festivals here. Tawang is amongst the most popular tourist attractions in North East India and visiting it during the festival is indeed the ideal time. The festival falls usually in the month of February or in early March and lasts for about 8 to 15 days during which homes are cleaned, prayers are offered, religious flags are hoisted atop each house, holy scriptures are read and lamps with butter are lit in all the houses. The local deity is also worshipped by the Monpas for the welfare of the society and the people. Losar is also the time to relish the taste of local made drinks and savour the traditional cuisine.

Dree Festival

Celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm, Dree Festival is a crucial part of the Apatani tribe of Lower Subansiri district. Ziro is the ideal place to see the celebration of Dree. During the festival people offer sacrifice of fowls, eggs and animals to the Gods and pray to the deities of Tamu, Metii, Danyi and Harniang. Prayers are offered to God Tami so that he protects the plants from harmful pests and insects. Metii is worshipped for controlling of famine and epidemics. Danyi, on the other hand is offered prayer for the protection and prosperity of mankind. God Harniang is worshipped for ensuring the fertility of soil and preventing the paddy plants from getting dried. During the fest a local beer called Apong is prepared by each house. The venue for the worship is decided by the high priest (Nyibu), which is often a placed near the paddy fields.

Boori Boot

This festival is the way to offer gratitude for successful harvest of the crops. It is a 3 days festival that is celebrated by the Hill-Miris in the Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri district in the month of February (4 – 6 Feb). Boori Boot means to get together irrespective of caste, creed, age and sex to celebrate the arrival of spring. Another aspect of this festival is that people pray to the spirit of Boori Boot so that it blesses them with prosperity and frees them from diseases. People from all over Arunachal Pradesh come to Upper and Lower Subansiri districts to be a part of this festival and and zealously participate in all the activities organized during the fest. The high priest who is known as Nibu’ performs the rituals and conducts the sacrifice on behalf of the people.

Loku

Loku is the main festival of the Nocte Tribe of Tirap district and is celebrated to bid farwell to the winter. The term Loku came from two words from the local dialect – Lofe, which means to drive out and Rangku, which means the season. Loku or Chalo Loku is celebrated in the month of February and is considered an agriculture festival. The date of festival is decided by the elders and is according to the days of the waxing moon. It is a 3 days festival which starts with a day called Phamlamja; on this day animals like pigs and buffaloes are slaughtered for meat and the village people engage in preparations for the next day. Also people check their traditional costumes, which would be worn during the celebrations. The second day of the festival is known as Chamkatja and on this day the Noctes enable the male members of the family to become full-fledged members of the Paang (decision-making committee). It is in fact mandatory that each household performs a ritual called Chamkat for each of its male member who has attained adolescence on the day of Chamkatja. The third and final day is called Thanlangja, and on this day villagers, irrespective of sex, age or social status participate in folk dances. The dances are performed at the house of the Chief and in the premises of the Paang. The families who have observed Chamkat invite the dancers to perform at their houses and in return offer food and drinks to the participants. Thanlangja is also a day for the people to visit their relatives and friends.

Sanken

This is one of the most important religious festivals in Arunachal Pradesh and is celebrated on 14^thFebruary each year. It is mainly celebrated by the Khampti tribe of Lohit district; however, it is celebrated in entire Arunachal Pradesh. Sanken or Sangken is a three-day festival in which people bathe the idol of Buddha. The festival also marks the beginning of the New Year. On the first day of the festival prayers are offered for the well-being of all by beating of drums and gongs. During the entire festival, people abstain from killing animals, taking intoxicating drinks and indulgence in illicit sexual activities. People also refrain from all forms of manual work, gambling and even cutting trees. After ritual bathing of the images of Buddha and holy shrines, people sprinkle clean water on each other and exchange greetings.On the final day, the idol of Lord Buddha is installed back in the main temple and a community feast is organized.

THANKS