Arunachal Pradesh in February – How to Plan, A Detailed Travel Guide and Itinerary

Temperature and Precipitation

High Altitude Areas (Tawang, Bomdila):

These regions still record cool weather, ranging from – 2°C to 8°C. Snow is still likely, especially in the first half of the month, and the climate is cold, creating a winter atmosphere with snowy scenery.

Mid-altitude areas (Ziro, Along):

These areas are a little cooler, ranging between 4°C and 15°C in temperature. The conditions may turn rather warm, though frost is still present in the mornings and evenings.

Low-altitude areas (Itanagar, Pasighat):

The climate is temperate or rather moderate, with temperatures hovering between 10 degrees centigrade and 22°C. Rainfall is lacking, so getting to these areas during winter is less arduous, though still cold at higher elevations.

Advantages of February Weather

Clear Skies:

The default weather is mostly sunny or at least partially clear, which ensures a good view of the sites.

Transitional Beauty:

The work contains a split of snow, and the first flowers planted are beginning to grow in stinking Siberia, which is especially picturesque.

Comfortable Exploration:

Outdoor activities, especially in the lower and middle sky regions, can be practised with relative ease as the weather conditions are comparatively moderate, with a little colder than in wintertime.

Snow Activities

Tourists can enjoy winter activities like snow sports in the higher altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh, especially in Tawang, which is at a higher altitude during February.

Skiing:

Tawang’s beautifully undiscovered slopes offer skiing for those who want to start and those who wish to continue. The amount and quality of this snow and its ability to easily form a thick, powdery layer gives the region a perfect environment for this thrilling sport. Local operators provide ski renting services and direct skiing sessions to ensure the experience is enjoyable and safe.

Snowboarding:

Among such activities that one might want to try at least once, snowboarding is extremely popular for those who like having an adrenaline rush. Tawang has one of many beautiful slopes for snowboarding beginners and could also be very useful for some professionals to practice and then ride.

Snowball Fights:

One can just have a casual and fun fight with snowballs or construct beautiful snowmen. These are some of the fun yet easy activities to carry out, making it perfect for families or friends during winter time.

Cultural Festivals

February is typically a month of cultural renaissance in Arunachal Pradesh; hence, culturally sensitive travellers will find lots to engage themselves in terms of celebrations there.

Reh Festival:

The best-kept secret festival is performed by the Idu Mishmi tribe. It is a form of prayer for wealth, health, and a favourable year, which includes dancing, praying, and feasting. It provides a visual insight into the typical setting of the Idu Mishmi tribe as well as their customs and values.

Donggin Festival:

A well-known agriculture festival of the Adi tribe, it is a harvest festival symbolic of worshipping the power for good crop production. The main attractions at this festival include singing and dancing traditional tunes and other community functions.

Boori Boot Festival:

It is a festivity performed by the Hill Miris, which comprises prayers intended to get the gods’ favour and gain health and wealth. Some parts of this performance include music, dances, and other physical activities such as the embrace of sports.

Hega Festival:

The Apatani hold this annual festival, which usually precedes the farming calendar, to acknowledge and invoke God’s help.

Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi:

It is known that the Singpho tribe performs this festival to ‘pay homage’ to the family ancestors. It implies usual dances and songs and some preparation of special meals, reflecting the beautiful face of Singpho culture.

Tamladu Festival:

This festival is observed by the Digaru Mishmi tribe. The main performance is worshipping the gods and goddesses to give them lots of blessings in return for prosperity and protection against disasters such as floods.

Oriah Festival:

Soulitch is a festival of the Wancho tribe that is marked by rituals, dances, and communal feasting as the tribe performs some rites for crop yield and prosperity.

Nyokum Yullo Festival:

Also known as the Bohag Bihu or the Rongker Puja of the Nyishi tribe, this harvest festival is a plea for a successful future with auspicious songs, dances, and other celebrations. Tourists can observe and even be involved in experiencing the cultural practices of the Nyishi tribe during this period.

Sekrenyi Festival:

The Angami Naga Tribe observes this festival, which includes rituals of purification, songs, and dances, fighting sports, etc.

Trekking and Hiking

February offers an excellent opportunity to trek, particularly during winter, for which Arunachal Pradesh is an ideal location as the climate ranges from deep winter to the onset of spring. Popular trekking routes include:

Tawang to Madhuri Lake:

This trek provides goosebumps as you view the snowy mountains and beautiful, silky frozen lakes. Another trekking destination is the Sangestar Tso, also known as Madhuri Lake, which is best viewed during winter. The atmosphere is fresh and clean, with white powder throughout the trip, so trekking is very exciting here.

Ziro Valley Trek:

Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is Known for having a less demanding trek, though scenic, like any other trek in the area. This start of the spring is seen towards the end of the valley with flowers blooming and the sky being clear, which makes it the best time to make your way through pine forest and rice paddies terrains.

Tips for Winter Treks:

Preparation:

Check your winter equipment, such as thermal wear, gaiters, waterproofs, spare gloves and boots, and trekking poles. Layering is quite important to remain warm and be able to mix or remove some layers as the temperatures continue to fluctuate during the day.

Guides:

Carrying equipment like cameras, video recorders, and other valuables requires the services of a local guide so that safety precautions against any attack by wildlife can be guaranteed. Historical guides understand the importance of the terrain or area they are from.

Fitness:

One should always engage in exercise before embarking on the trip to prepare one’s body for the tiresomeness of the trekking exercises. This also applies to altitude sickness, so acclimatisation to higher altitude is also important.

Wildlife Watching

Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and February offers unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their winter habitats:

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary:

Bird watching is what most tourists might enjoy, and this sanctuary is found to be a hub of bird followers with many kinds of birds like the Bugun Liocichla are found here. It is, however, harder to locate them during the winter, even though this period offers a better environment for taking pictures.

Namdapha National Park:

Accessibility to Namdapha is easy during winter, and the area is home to various species like snow leopards, red pandas, and birdlife. The long routes in winter are a unique chance to enjoy the sights of the park and become friends with people from these places without garbage and vandals around.

Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary:

Similarly, Pakhui is famous for its bio-diversity with tigers, leopards, elephants, and many others. The sanctuary offers a relaxing way to observe wildlife.

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati and Transfer to Itanagar

Arrival in Guwahati, Assam and transfer to Itanagar (approx. 6-7 hours drive). Check-in at the hotel, rest and spend the day at leisure.

Day 2: Itanagar Sightseeing

Post a healthy breakfast visit Itanagar Fort and Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum. Also, explore the Ganga Lake. In the evening, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Itanagar to Ziro

Post a delicious breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ziro (approx. 4-5 hours). Check in at the hotel and visit local Apatani tribal villages. Enjoy the serene surroundings of the valley, which are especially scenic in February.

Day 4: Ziro Exploration

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and then visit Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (accessible and picturesque in February). Later on, explore the paddy fields and bamboo forests, which have a unique charm in February. Return to the hotel at night.

Day 5: Ziro to Bomdila

Post breakfast drive to Bomdila (approx. 6-7 hours). Check in at the hotel and visit Bomdila Monastery. In the evening, visit Bomdila Viewpoint for panoramic views of the Himalayas and the local markets.

Day 6: Bomdila to Tawang

Drive to Tawang via Sela Pass (approx. 7-8 hours). This pass is especially stunning in February with snow-covered landscapes. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Sela Pass and Jaswant Garh, often snow-clad this time of year. Reach Tawang complete the check-in formalities and enjoy the overnight stay. Check-in at the hotel in Tawang for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Tawang Sightseeing

Explore Tawang today and visit Tawang Monastery. Later head to the Pangateng Tso Lake, which in February would be frozen but offers a unique winter scene. In the evening visit local markets and return to the hotel.

Day 8: Tawang to Dirang

After a lovely breakfast, you will be transferred to Dirang (approx. 5-6 hours drive). In Dirang, visit Dirang Dzong and hot springs, which are particularly inviting in the cold weather of February. Overnight stay at the hotel in Dirang.

Day 9: Dirang to Bhalukpong

Drive to Bhalukpong (approx. 4-5 hours). In Bhalukpong, visit Sangti Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and as a haven for bird watchers. Check in at the hotel and rest. Enjoy a traditional Monpa dinner.

Day 10: Bhalukpong to Guwahati

Drive back to Guwahati (approx. 5-6 hours). In Guwahati, visit Kamakhya Temple if time permits. Departure from Guwahati.

What to Pack for February

Clothing:

• It is a good idea to pack thermal garments, as they are the first layer of clothing that keeps one warm.

• A high-quality insulated jacket will keep you warm during cold days and at night.

• February oversees occasional rainfall in the lowlands. Raincoats are useful for protecting oneself from water and avoiding feeling cold and uncomfortable.

• Coats, scarves, gloves, and hats are ideal for covering the head and reducing the risk of contracting cold diseases.

Footwear:

• Trekking boots with good grips on the sole for waterproof and insulated conditions are required while traversing through snow or any wet terrain.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around during different urban trips or when the weather is relatively mild.

Other Essentials:

• Hats, caps, sunglasses, and lip balms containing SPF are necessary since sun rays might be quite powerful.

• The air is cold and very dry, especially in winter, so bring a moisturiser to prevent your skin from drying out.

• Always have a small ‘first-aid box’ with some over-the-counter medications for minor ailments, disposable first-aid items, and any prescribed medicines.

Road Conditions in February

Arunachal Pradesh’s road conditions can vary significantly in February, influenced by weather and regional topography.

Mountainous Terrain:

Locations like Tawang and Bomdila may still see roads covered by snow or ice even in April. So, drive cautiously.

Lower Regions:

Usually, regions like Itanagar and Ziro are better suited in terms of roads and infrastructure, but the occurrences of rain make the roads slippery.

Remote Areas:

Some roads may be less travelled, and this means that those leading to the more isolated regions might be poorly constructed. It is highly recommended to use a 4×4 car in those regions.

Passes and Accessibility

Sela Pass:

It is one of the most important passes connecting Tawang district and the rest of Arunachal Pradesh. During February, Sela Pass may be snow-clad and sometimes remain closed during winter due to excessive snow accumulation.

Bum La Pass:

Like the Sela Pass, the Bomdila Pass may also be covered with snow.

General Tips

• Always ensure to have an Inner Line Permit (ILP) if they require one to enter Arunachal Pradesh. These permits are compulsory for all domestic tourists who wish to tour Sikkim.

• Poor mode of transport is common in areas with few inhabitants. Taking a professional cab or hiring a private car is sometimes more advantageous.

• Always ensure that you have emergency food, water, and a flashlight on you, especially if you are going through a remote area.

• Regularly monitor the latest weather forecast and local television or radio stations for any weather and road conditions changes.

Early Signs of Spring

Blooming Flora:

As February continues, the first signs of spring surface. Some plants start to bloom, and a coating of snow sometimes remains.

Milder Weather:

This is because the coldness of winter is gradually replaced by the relatively warmer weather of spring, making the reverse a bit more bearable to those who are not used to it.

Ideal for Trekking

Less Crowded Trails:

Certain trails, such as the Tawang-Madhuri Lake trek and the Ziro Valley Circuit, are less frequented and, therefore, provide rare and serene experiences.

Snow-Capped Peaks and Clear Paths:

The partially melted snow added to the remaining accumulated snow makes it perfect for trekking, resulting in snow-covered trails.

Exclusive Wildlife Sightings

Active Wildlife:

Cougars are active as they begin their courtship, and females with cubs are also getting ready for spring because many animals are more active around this time of the year.

Bird Migration:

This is good news for bird lovers because many migratory birds will begin to visit the region, and the bird variety will also increase.

• Perfect Time for Photography

Transitional Landscapes:

People are free to freely move around with their cameras and capture snow or early spring flowers in a captivating, picturesque combination.

Golden Light:

Although the sunlight is not as intense as during the summer, February presents favourable conditions because the skies are usually clear.

Off-Peak Travel Benefits

Better Accommodation Deals:

Thus, based on the information, seeking accommodation costs and availability, travelling in February allows you to get better prices for a stay, as February is not the height of the tourism season.

Quieter Attractions:

Many tourist attractions or destinations are not as busy or congested as they used to be before this widespread health risk.