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

Temperature and Precipitation

High-altitude Areas (Tawang, Bomdila):

These regions have relatively warm temperatures, ranging between 10°C-20°C. The snow from the winter months has started to disappear and is replaced by greener vegetation, mostly around the fertile regions.

Mid-Altitude Areas (Ziro, Dirang):

The weather in this region is moderate, characterised by temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Trekking and finding your way through the valleys is easy due to the comfortability of the weather.

Low Altitude Areas (Itanagar, Pasighat):

The climate is milder than continental conditions, where the temperatures fluctuate between 20 and 30°C. There could be periods of rain that help in breaking the scorching heat.

Weather Highlights

Clear Skies:

Based on the available climate information, the month of May can be described as being mainly sunny, making it a perfect time to go sightseeing or engage in other outdoor activities.

Blooming Flora:

During the month of May, people observe flowers growing in large numbers to dress up the already beautiful scenes across the region.

Mild to Warm Temperatures:

The temperature ranges are moderate to high, suitable for activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing.

Visit Tawang Monastery:

Tawang Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery in Tawang. It is the largest monastery in India and the second largest worldwide. This spiritual place is calm and welcomes everyone interested in exploring the natural beauty of mountains and the serenity of the place.

Explore Sela Pass:

Sela Pass is one of the highest passes accessible by automobiles. This place offers snow-clad mountains and lies beside the lake. The pass links Tawang to the rest of the state, and there are scenic vantage points that have the potential to be the next ‘Kerala Tourism’ tagline shot.

Discover Dirang Valley:

Dirang Valley has pleasant weather conditions, beautiful textures, and rich apple production. It is an ideal place for nature walking trails and bird watching, and above all, it is a perfect relief for those who wish to have a break and spend some quiet time in the valley’s natural surroundings.

Experience Ziro Valley:

Ziro Valley, with the members of the Apatani group, is known for its beautiful paddy fields and bamboo-constructed houses. It is a good place to learn the local people’s ways, go on a nature trail, and join community activities.

Rafting on the Siang River:

As an offtrack indicated, it is equally fascinating for those who love to get their hands dirty to experience enthralling rafting on the Siang River. The excitement of these overpowering raft tosses and seeing the beautiful adjacent territories make the river a crucial destination for white-water rafting tourists.

Camping and Star Gazing in Dambuk:

Dambuk provides a rare chance to camp near the dam and watch the stars at night. May is preferable, specifically when there are no rainy days, and it becomes appropriate to sleep outdoors. Moreover, travel to the Dambuk orange orchards and taste the locally grown oranges, which are in ample supply in the current season.

Paragliding in Sela Pass:

Take a mermaid paragliding ride over the ranges of Sela Pass covered under snow. This activity can be best done out in the open, and due to better climatic conditions, May is the most favourable month. You can also have an excellent view of the other mountains and valleys and the calm and crystal-clear Sela Lake.

Visit the Orchid Research Center of Tipi:

The Orchid Research Center in Tipi is a huge facility with many types of orchids. The best time to visit the area is in May when many of the known species of orchids are at their best flowering. It is informative to learn about the sorts of orchids at the centre and the organisation’s various conservation activities.

Cultural Festivals

Moatsu Festival:

The Ao Tribe of Nagaland celebrates the Moatsu Festival in the month of May, and this is an epithet of the end of the sowing festival, with leisure and joyfulness as its undertone. At the festival you will find the natives dancing to their local music, enjoying their local food and dressed in their native attire.

Trekking and Hiking

Gorichen Base Camp Trek:

This trek offers beautiful views and sightseeing, with the Gorichen Peak of Arunachal, one of the state’s tallest mountain peaks. The journey goes through fabulous sceneries, including the countryside, forests, alpine meadows, and undeveloped rivers of good angles for taking shots.

Bailey Trail Trek:

The Bailey Trail trek is popular and follows the same route that the British officers followed in the 19th century. It mixes cultural and physical elements through thick forests and high-altitude regions.

Ziro Valley Trek:

The Ziro Vallery Trek is an easy trek that starts from Ziro and passes through some of the beautiful terrain across the valley region of Arunachal Pradesh. You will see paddy fields, bamboo forests, and the beautiful Apatani village site.

Hike to Madhuri Lake:

Madhuri Lake, also called Sangestar Tso, is another fascinating attraction near Tawang. The trek to the lake offers tremendous mountain and valley views. Of course, May is the most suitable time for this hike since the paths do not appear slippery, and the weather is fine. The lake, situated among beautiful and picturesque territories, is the best place for resting and having a picnic.

Wildlife Watching

Bird and wildlife watching is best in Arunachal Pradesh during the month of May as the area is full of bird life and forest. Here are some top spots for wildlife enthusiasts:

Namdapha National Park:

This is a bio-geographical park with many endemic fauna species. It houses the Snow leopard, the Clouded leopard and the Red panda to name a few.

Mouling National Park:

This national park is situated in the Siang district. It houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, namely – the takin, the red goral, Sclater’s monal, and many others. Hikers can enjoy numerous stunning trails and rare animal sightings here.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary:

It is always pointed out as one of the best places for bird watching, and one can spot the Bugun liocichla and many other species here.

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary:

This place is also ideal for observing some species of plants and animals, such as orchids, ferns, bamboo, and other plants. It is one of the best places for animal photography and strolling in the natural environment. This includes the Blyth’s Tragopan pheasant, a bird of prey on the threatened species list, and the Black-necked Cranes.

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati and Transfer to Bhalukpong

Arrive in Guwahati, Assam and drive to Bhalukpong (approx. 5-6 hours). Check in at the hotel and relax. In the evening, explore the banks of the Kameng River and enjoy leisure time.

Day 2: Bhalukpong to Dirang

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Tipi Orchidarium in Bhalukpong to witness a variety of orchids blooming. Later, drive to Dirang (approx. 4-5 hours) and check in at the hotel. Towards the evening, explore Dirang Dzong and the hot springs.

Day 3: Dirang to Tawang

Transfer to Tawang via Sela Pass (approx. 6-7 hours drive). In May, the pass is adorned with blooming rhododendrons. On the way, you can also visit Sela Lake and Jaswant Garh War Memorial. By evening, reach Tawang and check in to your hotel.

Day 4: Tawang Sightseeing

Day 4 is dedicated to sightseeing in Tawang. Visit Tawang Monastery, Nuranang (Jang) Waterfall, and the local markets and enjoy the cultural atmosphere.

Day 5: Tawang Cultural Exploration

After a lovely breakfast at the hotel, continue your Tawang tour. Participate in local cultural activities and explore the town. Visit Urgelling Monastery and Tawang War Memorial. Return to the hotel and rest.

Day 6: Tawang to Ziro

Leave for Ziro after a delicious breakfast. This long drive will take you through scenic routes and varied landscapes. Upon arrival, you can rest at the hotel or visit local Apatani tribal villages.

Day 7: Ziro Exploration

In Ziro, visit Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, accessible and picturesque in May. In the evening, return to the hotel and enjoy a traditional Apatani dinner.

Day 8: Ziro to Pasighat

Transfer to Pasighat (approx. 6-7 hours drive). After completing the check-in formalities at the hotel, visit the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also explore the banks of the Siang River and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Day 9: Pasighat Adventure

At Pasighat, you can raft or fish in the Siang River. You can also explore the local attractions or enjoy a nature walk. By evening, return to the hotel and rest.

Day 10: Pasighat to Itanagar

After a healthy breakfast at the hotel, leave for Itanagar (an approximate 6-7-hour drive). Check-in at the hotel and visit Itanagar Fort. Later, explore the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and local markets.

Day 11: Itanagar Exploration and Departure

Early in the morning, visit Ganga Lake and enjoy a peaceful boat ride. By brunch, explore local markets and enjoy some last-minute shopping. Towards the afternoon, depart for Guwahati for your journey back home.

Clothing:

May is hot in Arunachal Pradesh, especially in the plain areas, and the climatic variance continues as you go up the altitude. Daytime should generally have sun and a few showers, so t-shirts and shorts are comfy during the day and warm and dry clothes at night. If the day will be a bit colder, one should also not forget a waterproof jacket just in case it begins to rain.

Hiking Essentials:

If you plan to trek or trail, please carry boots, good-quality trekking bags, a hat, and sunscreen on your sunglasses. Lastly, ensure you do not forget the following items, which are optional but recommended: the first aid kit, sun cream, and insect repellent if you are going to the tropics.

Permits and Documentation:

Foreigners are permitted to enter certain restricted regions in Arunachal Pradesh after obtaining the necessary clearances. Depending on the region you’re heading to, you’ll most likely need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) or a Protected Area Permit (PAP). These can be downloaded online or collected from one of the offices mentioned below.

Respect Local Culture:

The state of Arunachal Pradesh houses people with distinct cultures and the unity of various tribes. Hence, one must adhere strictly to the local culture and seek permission before photographing religious structures or holy places.

Plan for Contingencies:

Even though May is a relaxed time but there is always a possibility that you might be stranded due to unfavourable weather conditions, road accidents, or any other circumstances that may cause a change in plans.

Pack Appropriately:

May is the summer season but carry warm clothes with you, for the climate could turn chilly at higher altitudes.

Stay Hydrated:

Keep yourself hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.

Acclimatise:

Take time to rest at the base before beginning any hike. This will help you to get acclimatised to the altitude.

Spectacular Rhododendron Bloom

Peak Blooming Season:

May is one of the most important seasons for the flora, as its blossoms paint the landscape red. So, if you are a lover of flowers then this is the right time to observe flowers from the Sela Pass and other areas of high altitude.

Photography Opportunities:

The beautiful flowers offer excellent points for taking pictures of the natural scenery of Arunachal Pradesh from where the picture was taken.

Perfect Climate for Exploration

Transition to Summer:

May is usually the last month of spring and is well suited for tours and excursions since it is quite warm and sunny throughout the day. This makes it an appropriate period for trekking, hiking, or off-track exploring the natural resources-endowed northeastern region, but not during the winter or monsoon seasons.

Comfortable Travel Conditions:

The climates are usually favourable, with few clouds and little rain and wind, thus enhancing the visibility of spots of interest and scenes in the vast terrains.

Thrilling River Adventures

Prime Rafting Season:

The river Siang, fed by melting Himalayan snows, provides interesting and adventurous rafting on white waters. Rafting activities can be done at Parous River, and those who seek more exciting water currents should try it in May.

Safe Water Levels:

The water levels for rafting are suggested as optimal, not too high or too low, allowing tourists to get an adrenaline rush while feeling confident in their safety during the rafting session.

Refreshing Waterfall Visits

Maximum Water Flow:

May is the month when snowmelt from the higher reaches fills up waterfalls—it is the perfect time to visit waterfalls like the Nuranang or the Jang. At their best, these falls are majestic and picturesque and perfect for food and water, a leisurely nature trail, or a brisk stroll.

Scenic Beauty:

There is much vegetation cover and many water sources, which make it ideal for relaxation and especially effective for good photography.

Mild Weather for Relaxation

Pleasant Temperatures:

The climate in May is relatively moderate and does not experience extreme temperatures that would be associated with extreme conditions; some of the activities that may be carried out include nature walks, picnics, and other sightseeing activities, as it is not extremely hot or extremely cold to limit one’s movement.

Comfortable Accommodations:

The warm weather implies that, for instance, the accommodation facilities in the region, such as the hotels and guest houses, provide comfort to the travellers, making it even more enjoyable.