Top Destinations In Arunachal Pradesh

“The last of the great Shangri-La.." ‘Shangri-La is a mystical, harmonious valley’ or so goes the description in James Hilton’s 1993 novel, Lost Horizon. Hilton went on to describe a Garden of Eden on Earth: a land of milk and honey in a hidden Himalayan valley, where nobody grew old or ugly. Over the years, there’s been no shortage of contenders for the title of ‘Lost Shangri-La’ but now there’s a new kid on the block: Arunachal Pradesh”. The thunderous Himalayan peaks so little known that few have been named, let alone climbed, plus jungles teeming with life forms that scientists are yet to catalogue, delicately tattooed and pierced tribal peoples living in long houses in the forest, magnificent Buddhist Temples and a severe dose of near limitless adventure. Lonely planet’s top 4 regions in the world.

Arunachal Pradesh, a veritable treasure house of nature, tucked away in the north eastern tip of India, invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and vales encircled on three sides by Bhutan, China and Myanmar. Come to Arunachal Pradesh to relive in nature in its full splendour. Enjoy the salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable people. Snowy misty, famous monasteries, unexplored passes and tranquil lakes come together to form some of the prettiest mountain spots in Arunachal Pradesh. For a tourist the options are varied, each more tempting than the other.

Itanagar

Known for its scenic beauty, Buddhist culture and heritage, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, offers a perfect experience with its inimitable culture and friendly locals. Itanagar, also known as the land of dawn-lit mountains, is a venue for a number of cultural extravaganzas including the fun-filled outdoor festival of Ziro that witnesses talent from the northeastern region, coming together on one platform. Each of the other festivals like Mopin, Reh and Losar represents an ethnic tribe of the state and are celebrated with dance and music. A wide variety of fauna including tigers, barking deer, sambars and panthers and the not-to-be-missed state bird, hornbill, are also found here in large numbers.

The city is home to a large population of Nyishi tribe, the largest ethnic group in the state who follow Buddhism and celebrate one of the most famous festivals of the state, Nyokum. The other tribes including Moplas and Monpas celebrate the festival of Losar.

Legend has it that the city was mentioned in Kalika Purana as well as in the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. It was called Mayapur during the period when Jiti dynasty ruled here in the 11th century.

Tawang

A stunning contrast of nature's colour palette, where dense emerald jungles give way to stark icy peaks and snow-blanketed passes, the quaint town of Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh, is a pristine and unspoilt tourist destination. Flanked by majestic snow-capped mountain ranges on the east and dotted with picturesque Buddhist monasteries, Tawang takes you on an adventure, which starts with reaching the town through zigzagging and winding mountain passes, including Sela, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

The colourful gompas and Buddhist prayer flags dot the landscape and invite visitors to experience a unique culture while being welcomed by the warm people of the town. While spectacular lakes and serene waterfalls provide a beautiful natural retreat, the bustling markets and an active adventure scene offer thrilling and delightful opportunities. You can also indulge in shopping to your heart's content as the tribal communities craft unique handicrafts that incorporate centuries-old skill.

Tawang valley is popular as the land of the Monpas, a major ethnic group of Arunachal Pradesh. They have a glorious heritage of arts, crafts and handlooms. Their homes have furniture made of beautifully carved wood and the interior decor mirrors their traditional and cultural ethos, making a stay in this hamlet very pleasing to the senses. Add to this, the misty mountainous landscape, gorgeous walking trails and mesmerising views that this valley offers and Tawang becomes the perfect destination for travellers.

It is located in close proximity to the international borders of China to the north and Bhutan to the south-west. Tawang is located at a distance of approximately 555 km from Guwahati and 320 km from Tezpur at an average elevation of 2,669 m above sea level.