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

Rainfall:

At times, the monsoon rains start to lessen, although there are likely to be sporadic downpours. The view of the surroundings is beautiful, but unfortunately, it looks more like a forest flooded since the recent rain.

Humidity:

The humidity level remains tolerable here; after the monsoon arrives, the air feels fresh and healthy.

Visibility:

A break in cloud formation presents clear and friendly skies and eye-opening views of the surrounding environment.

Temperature

High-altitude Areas (Tawang, Bomdila):

The region has a cool, chilly climate, with an average temperature between 10°C and 20°C.

Mid-Atitude Areas (Ziro, Dirang):

Depending on the season, it can get hot- between 15 and 25°C, which is perfect for sightseeing and other physical activities.

Low-altitude areas (Itanagar, Pasighat):

It’s warmer, relatively warmer, and more humid than the previous period, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.

Activities and Attractions

Bomdila Viewpoint:

For a traveller, Bomdila Viewpoint is one of the favourite spots because it offers a view of the Eastern Himalayas. It provides clear views of essential mountainous regions and natural green items like valleys. Moreover, the rainy season is monsoon, so it could be slightly uncomfortable if they are not into walking in the rain. However, the post-monsoon during September makes it even more evident to help give some remarkable views to capture photographs and take a break.

River Rafting at Siang River:

One of the thrilling activities on the Siang River is river rafting. In September, the water is high, and steep rapids can be expected for the adventurers. This is helpful for those looking for some entertainment as they wander around.

Village Tours:

Travelling to the less-discovered conventional settlements in Arunachal Pradesh shall also raise awareness of the community and their day-to-day existence. There are many villages, such as Thembang and Ziro. Those villages, which are content with primitive ways of life, are truly valuable for learning about the heritage, local culture, and architecture of tribes.

Ziro Valley:

Ziro Valley is conveniently located in Arunachal Pradesh. One of the most sought-after tourist attractions is the panoramic scenic view of the valley and the Apatani tribes. Valley: According to the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation, the location is a World Heritage site. There are famous rice territories and bamboo forests on this island. The monsoon season in the valley stretches up to September; therefore, if one is planning to visit that time of the year, he gets to relax in a pleasing climate with green all around.

Hot Spring Baths:

The whole place has hot springs even today, but they are particularly beautiful during the post-monsoon season, especially in Arunachal Pradesh. Some of the main attractions for people visiting Dirang and the town of Tawang are these hot water springs, which can reduce the tension and stress of daily life.

Cultural Festivals

Solung Festival:

This festival is performed by the Adi tribe. It especially focuses on harvest festivals, wherein rituals performed through dances and songs are used to please the gods and ensure a good yield. It usually lasts five days and provides tourists with a colourful, thrilling cultural experience.

Pham Kho Sowai Festival:

This annual celebration of the Bugun tribe is where the people dance, sing, and feast in celebration of the event. However, it is a cultural festival, and people will get a rare opportunity to witness or even participate in the cultural practices of the Bugun tribe.

Mongmong Festival:

Observed with pomp by the Sangtam tribe of Nagaland, the Mongmong Festival lasts for six days, during which routine rituals, tongue twister dances, and community lunches are performed. This is a harvest festival by the Sangtam tribe to celebrate the year’s production, thanking the gods for the abundance of food grown in their fields.

Heikru Hidongba:

Heikru Hidongba is a traditional boat race festival performed by the Meitei community and it utilises elongated worried and beautiful boats floating on the canal of the Sagolband area. It is a joyous and contested occasion with significant turnovers to entertain the masses and elate the spirit of Juliana.

Trekking and Hiking

September is still considered a rainy season though the trails are dry, and therefore it is wise to engage in trekking and hiking. Some popular treks include:

Monsoon Treks:

Tawang to Bumla Pass:

This trek involves hiking through beautiful plains and badlands, as well as high ground. It is still rated as moderate to high due to the need to be in good physical shape to partake in the trek and acclimatised.

Mechuka Trek:

This is in the West Siang district and covers valleys, rivers, and famous tribal areas on the treks. This trail is moderate and appropriate for inexperienced and rigorous hikers.

Ziro Valley Trek:

This easy trek is known for its scenic beauty, rice fields, bamboo, and the refined taste of the Apatani tribe. It is one of the most basic treks recommended for those who want to explore culture actively.

Tips for Monsoon Treks:

Gear:

Carry items like waterproof clothing, a good pair of trekking shoes or sandals, a first-aid kit, and other equipment.

Fitness:

You are recommended to be fit, healthy, and able to endure the different altitudes you will encounter on the trek.

Guide:

Hiring a local guide to help you on your trip is an added advantage because the person will be familiar with and helpful with the terrain.

Wildlife Watching

September is a flawless time for wildlife watching in Arunachal Pradesh, as the monsoon has rejuvenated the forests and many animals are active. Here are some excellent locations:

Pakke Tiger Reserve:

This lovely tiger reserve is home to the barrel-chested tiger. This makes it among the best destinations for wildlife lovers. Not to forget, the reserve is also an ornithological site. So, be prepared to get a view of different bird species.

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary:

Eaglenest is famous for its bird population. The sanctuary houses more than 200 varieties. Among these is the Bugun liocichla, which is critically endangered. Well, the place also has other mammals, such as the red panda and Asiatic elephant.

Namdapha National Park:

Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers are going to love this place as it is home to several rare and endangered species. During September, the park’s lush, dense forests are teeming with wildlife activity, making it an ideal time for a visit.

Tips for Wildlife Watching:

Best Time:

Wildlife watching is recommended in the early morning and late afternoon, depending on the animals they observe.

Guides:

This makes it easier to have a professional guide who can also bring people closer to the animals, thereby increasing the chances of the people seeing them.

Gear:

Recommended items to bring include binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, and a field guide.

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati and Transfer to Tezpur

Arrival in Guwahati, Assam and drive to Tezpur (approx. 4-5 hours drive). Check-in at the hotel and spend your time at leisure. You can explore the local markets and Agnigarh Hill.

Day 2: Tezpur to Bomdila

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and then leave for Bomdila (approx. 6-7 hours drive). Check in at the hotel and visit Bomdila Monastery. Additionally, you can explore Bomdila Viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas.

Day 3: Bomdila to Dirang

After a fun day at Bomdila, time to explore Dirang. So, post a delicious breakfast at the hotel you must leave for Dirang (approx. 2-3 hours drive). Visit Dirang Dzong and Sangti Valley, a prime spot for bird watching and picturesque landscapes. Check in at the hotel and relax with a traditional Monpa dinner.

Day 4: Dirang to Tawang

Begin Day 4 with a healthy breakfast at the hotel and then leave for Tawang via Sela Pass (approx. 6-7 hours drive). The reason you must visit Sela Pass is its stunning beauty. Stop at Sela Lake as well and also visit Jaswant Garh War Memorial on the way. Later, continue your journey to Tawang for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Tawang Sightseeing

In Tawang, visit Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India. Do not forget to explore Nuranang (Jang) Waterfall, which is robust and scenic in March. In the evening, visit local markets and experience the local culture.

Day 6: Tawang Cultural Exploration

On day 2 in Tawang, you can visit the Tawang War Memorial and Urgelling Monastery, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. In the afternoon, engage in local cultural activities or visit a local festival if you are available. At night, return to the hotel and rest.

Day 7: Tawang to Ziro

Day 7, after breakfast at the hotel, drive to Ziro (approx. 8-9 hours). Check in at the hotel in Ziro and leave to explore the local Apatani villages.

Day 8: Ziro Exploration

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, which is accessible and picturesque in March. Explore the paddy fields and bamboo forests, enjoying the unique charm of early spring.

Day 9: Ziro to Itanagar

Time to transfer to Itanagar. Leave your hotel post breakfast and drive to Itanagar (approx. 4-5 hours). Check-in at the hotel in Itanagar and then visit Itanagar Fort. Also, explore the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum and the local markets.

Day 10: Itanagar to Pasighat

Leave for Pasighat after a delicious breakfast at your hotel (approx. 6-7 hours drive). Check in at the hotel and visit the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary. Explore the banks of the Siang River and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Day 11: Pasighat Exploration and Departure

Time to explore Pasighat. Engage in river rafting or fishing in the Siang River. You can also visit local attractions or enjoy a nature walk. Depart for Guwahati in the evening and return back home.

Clothing

Layered Clothing:

Pack a combination of tropical and heavier clothing to prepare for changed weather conditions. In the daytime, wear casual and informal clothes, and in the evening and on higher grounds, wear formal and warm clothes.

Rain Gear:

However, sometimes the area may still experience rain despite being in monsoon season. Take a compact, efficient rain jacket or poncho and appropriate footwear that will not be affected by water logs.

Comfortable Footwear:

Sturdy hiking boots or Trekking shoes for hiking in rough terrain and decent shoes for the roads and towns, streets, and villages.

Accessories

Sunglasses and Hat:

Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Sunscreen:

Nevertheless, heat becomes more intense during the summer, and even on cooler days at higher elevations of the mountains, the sunbeams can be scorching.

Insect Repellent:

It is used as anti-mosquito and anti-insect clothing or gear, especially in the forest or rural regions.

Travel Gear

Backpack:

A good quality backpack bag for your everyday carry or day hikes and adventure trips.

Waterproof Bag Covers:

As rain sometimes surprises you, you should use waterproof bag covers to avoid your clothes, shoes, and belongings getting soiled.

Power Bank:

Make sure that your electronics are fully charged. In most of these regions, you will likely switch off your devices due to power shortages.

Health and Safety

First Aid Kit:

Should be a pain reliever, antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages, tablets for motion sickness, and prescription medication.

Hydration:

It is wise to depend on bottled or purified water to prevent water-borne illnesses, especially when access to clean water is difficult.

Food Safety

Freshly Cooked Food:

To prevent infections, it’s recommended to limit one’s intake of foods that may have been left out for a while.

Avoid Street Food:

His favorite food is street food. However, the drawback is that it can cause stomach aches. Eat from hygienic places to avoid falling sick and missing sessions.

Altitude Sickness

Acclimatization:

This means that if one is traveling from a low-altitude region such as Guwahati to a high-altitude region like Tawang, there should be a section of the journey reserved for acclimatization. There’s no need to rush; just carry a warmed-up bottle of water with you at all times.

Medication:

It’s advisable to carry medicinal supplies used to treat altitude sickness, particularly if the individual is prone to it.

Peaceful Exploration

Less Crowded Tourist Spots:

The off-season implies fewer visitors. Hence, overcrowded attractions are avoided, and the places are quite serene.

Better Deals on Accommodation:

The downside is that fewer tourists are around, which translates to greatly reduced accommodation prices – it is cheap to travel to the islands.

Pleasant Weather

Comfortable Temperatures:

The temperature is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and wildlife viewing, among others, because no extreme hot or cold period is experienced.

Refreshing Atmosphere:

Due to its geographical location, it has a cooler climate than the rest of the plains, making it a resort-like place.

Rejuvenated Landscapes

Lush Greenery:

The Monsoon period gifts Arunachal Pradesh green terrains, beautiful plants and trees, and refreshed river bodies, making it excellent for nature enthusiasts, photographers, or those in search of the state’s picturesque beauty.

Clear Skies:

This is especially true when the skies turn clear, as they eventually do during the transitional to dry seasons, offering clear views of the mountains and valleys.

Enhanced Photography Opportunities

Vibrant Post-Monsoon Colors:

The landscapes are making their debut on this occasion and look much more vivid as everything has been washed clean. Due to its beautiful vegetation, bouquets, and clear blue sky, it becomes the best time for photographers to capture major natural and animal bans.

Misty Mountains:

Monsoons are usually followed by snowy mornings and evenings, which are quite dramatic and perfect for setting up picturesque shots.

Adventurous River Activities

Optimal River Conditions:

There is a huge amount of water, and the flow rate is excellent for water sports, especially in the rivers, during September after the monsoon levels, which makes it perfect for activities like whitewater rafting and kayaking on the rivers, which are also huge, such as Siang.

Scenic Waterfalls:

Waterfalls are at their best, most imposing, and most forceful when tourists can walk to them on steep, adventurous treks or have a meal fit for a king beside them.

Comfortable Trekking Conditions

Ideal Trail Conditions:

The trails are well maintained during the period following the monsoon, as the days are cooler and visibility is better. Some of the most famous treks are the Ziro Valley Trek and the Tawang to Bumla Pass Trek, which are pleasing during this time.

Flora and Fauna:

The trails are also located in areas filled with dynamic vegetation and wildlife, making the trekking experience unique and lively.