Things to do in Arunachal Pradesh

Spot Endangered Wildlife on an Elephant Safari at Namdapha National Park

If you believe jungle safari is too common, indulge in an offbeat way to explore nature and spot endangered wildlife with an elephant safari in the Namdapha National Park. Elephant safari will enable you to experience the beauty of the national park in a thrilling way while passing through dense natural vegetation and crossing the jungle rivulets. If you are lucky, you can even spot Red Panda in the Namdapha National Park along with other animals.

Did you know: Namdapha National Park is the third largest national park in India and among the 20 protected areas in India aimed at conserving the endangered Red Panda population?

Pro tip: You can even hike or trek through the dense jungles in the Namdapha National Park for a more wilderness vibe. You can hire a local guide and take a rainforest hike till Lisu Village to increase your chances of spotting Red Pandas.

Drive Through Sela Pass and Catch a Breathtaking View of the Snow-Clad Mountains

Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, located on the border between Tawang and West Kameng districts. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 13700 feet (4200 meters). Driving through Sela Pass while soaking in the beautiful views of the snow-laden mountains around is one of the best things to do in Arunachal Pradesh. The unparalleled natural beauty of Sela Pass makes it a haven for nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts.

Fun Fact: It is believed that Sela Pass is surrounded by around 101 lakes and is considered sacred by Buddhists. In fact, many tourists drive up to the pass to especially explore the beauty of the Twin Lakes, popularly known as Sela Lake.

Participate in Ziro Music Festival held in the Ziro Valley

Ziro Valley is the home to the Apatani tribe who are known for their deep love towards music. Ziro Music Festival is an outdoor music festival hosted by the members of the Apatani tribe in Ziro Valley. The festival spans over four days and brings together talented musicians from India. The happening festival is one of its kind and showcases the talent of independent artists from all over India.

Ziro Music Festival takes place in the lap of nature amid the beautiful valley and the mountains which makes you fall in love with the beauty of nature along with the music. If you truly want to experience the best of music, art and culture, this festival is a must-attend when you are in Arunachal Pradesh.

Good to know information: Ziro Music Festival takes place every year in the month of September.

Go for a Trek to Dirang

Dirang is a small town in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at an elevation of 4,900 feet because of which the weather here remains pleasant throughout the year. It is a backpacker’s paradise. A trek to Dirang will give you an opportunity to come across many native tribes and learn about their unique local culture and way of living.

Dirang Valley trek is a newly discovered trekking route and it is soon becoming a trekker’s delight because of its untouched beauty. The unspoiled forest, scattered wooden houses amid the unending valley of buckwheat field, and chirruping birds make it a captivating route for trekking.

Must-know information: The trekking route starts from Dirang Dzong to Napdey Village and can be done in half a day. The best time to go for a trek to Dirang is between October and April.

Spot Mishmi Wren-Babbler in Dibang Valley

Mishmi Wren-Babbler, also called Rusty-throated wren Babbler is a rare species of bird found only in the Mishmi Hills in Lower Dibang Valley in the entire world. You can see these endemic birds in various parts of the Mishmi Hills.

Apart from Mishmi Wren-Babbler, you can also spot other unique species of birds in the upper and lower regions of Mishmi Hills like the Blyth’s Tragopan, Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Temminck’s Tragopan, Bar-winged Wren-Babbler, Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon, Ludlow’s Fulvetta, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rusty-fronted Barwing, and several parrotbill species.

Sip on Rice Beer at the Solung Festival in Pasighat

Taste the homemade rice beer (Apong), a local alcoholic beverage brewed and served fresh during the Solung Festival in Pasighat. This rice beer is made over a three-month process of drying, smoking, and fermenting rice. The taste of the beer is malty and sweet and is served in hollowed bamboo shoots.

Solung Festival is celebrated by the Adi tribes of Arunachal to mark the beginning of the harvest season. It is a seven-day festival that takes place around August and September month. Apong i.e. rice beer is served on all days of the festival along with a wide variety of meat dishes.

Ski on the Frozen Pankang Teng Tso Lake in Tawang

Skiing on the famous Pankang Teng Tso Lake, or the Ptso Lake, is one of the most exciting things to do in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Pankang Teng Tso Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 12,000 feet above the sea-level.

It is one of the most sought-after lakes in the state and especially during the winter season, it transforms into an ethereal sight surrounded by green grassy meadows and towering snow-covered peaks. During winters, the lake completely freezes and turns icy, giving ample reasons to try ice skating.

Get a Close Encounter with Tigers at the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary

Observe tigers closely at the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular tiger reserve sanctuary in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Spread in over 862 square km wide area, the sanctuary is every wildlife enthusiast’s dream place.

Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 500 species which includes three large cats i.e. the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard and clouded leopard. Apart from these animals, you can also spot wild dogs, Asiatic jackals, jungle cats, binturong, elephants, gaur, sambar, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, yellow-throated marten, hog deer, barking deer, and more.

Apart from exploring wildlife, you can spot colourful birds, enjoy nature walks and watch tribal dance in Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pro tip: The best time to visit Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is between November and April.

Witness a Spectacular Sunset in Roing

For nature lovers, one of the best things to do in Arunachal Pradesh is to watch an amazing sunset in Roing. Set beside the Dibang River, Roing provides a pleasant and scenic location where you can sit and stare at the sun setting down and the sky changing colours. The lush green surroundings add to the beauty and charm of Roing. Add this experience to your next Arunachal Pradesh itinerary and we assure you that it will be one of the most memorable sunsets in your life.

Admire the beauty of Nuranang Falls in Tawang

Praise the beauty of nature at the picturesque Nuranang Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in Andhra Pradesh. Nestled deep within the forests of Tawang, this picture-perfect waterfall is surrounded by towering hills cloaked in lush greenery, scenic views and tranquil nature.

The spectacular waterfall originates from the Nuranang River that comes from the Sela Pass until it meets the Tawang River. The waterfall cascades from a height of approximately 100 meters, making it a must-visit place in Tawang. The waterfall is known for its crystal-clear water ideal for swimming.

Participate in Losar Festival Celebrations at Mechuka

Mechuka is the most beautiful valley town in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the most pious places and a hidden gem near the Tibetan border. While you are in Arunachal Pradesh, you must attend the Losar festival at Mechuka. It is unlike the typical festival celebration you will come across anywhere in India.

Mechuka’s Losar is celebrated by the Memba Tribe with a lot of pomp and show. People gather and prepare delicious food, serve local rice beer and perform traditional singing and dancing rituals to welcome the New Year. Monks offer their prayers for a happy new year and perform the very famous Cham Dance.

Trek to Talle Valley

Talle Valley trek is a rare jungle trek in Arunachal Pradesh. The trekking trail winds up and down rocky mountains, lush valleys and across picturesque rivers. The path is incredibly beautiful with endless grasslands and free-flowing forest streams.

The Talle Valley trek route covers three valleys i.e. Talley Valley, Pangey Valley, and Ziro Valley that are primarily inhabited by the Apatani tribe. A trek to Talle Valley gives you a peek into the clan’s rich history, culture, tradition and customs.

Did you know: Talle Valley trek is a bird watcher’s paradise where you can spot a wide variety of colourful birds including crested kingfisher and common green magpie.

Experience the Thrill of White-Water Rafting at Kameng River

Test your rafting skills in the strong currents of the Kameng River. This is one of the highly recommended things to do in Arunachal Pradesh. The river is surrounded by a calm North-East ecosystem including astounding bio variety, deep woods, a sumptuous riverine system and the awe-inspiring beauty of Mother Nature.

White water rafting at Kameng River is not for the faint-hearted as the changing grades of rapids make it a thrilling activity. Moreover, all rapids here are Grade 4 and above.

Pro Tip: The best time to enjoy river rafting at Kameng River is post-monsoon when the river is in full force.

Drive through Asia’s largest Orchidarium – Tipi Orchidarium

Tipi town in Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its orchid farms so much so that it bags the title of having Asia’s largest Orchidarium. Driving through Asia’s largest Orchidarium can be a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be missed.

The research and conservation center in Tipi shelters over 500 varieties of orchids which grow abundantly in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Owing to Arunachal’s wet and humid climate, dense, moss-laden forests, and deep gorges, Orchids bloom throughout the year in this region.

Test Your Kayaking/Rafting Skills at the Brahmaputra River

Enjoy a kayaking or rafting ride of a lifetime on the world’s longest and one of its greatest rivers, the Brahmaputra. Rafting or kayaking through the Brahmaputra River is worth the goosebumps! The ride begins from the upper Brahmaputra (Siang) river in Tuting and goes up to Pasighat, covering 180 km of the river.

While riding on the Brahmaputra, you will experience the thrill of encountering exciting rapids and passing through secluded remote gorges with impenetrable dense tropical rain forests.

Get a Bird’s Eye View of the Gorgeous Hills and Valleys with Paragliding

Add an extra dose of excitement to your Arunachal Pradesh tour with a paragliding expedition that offers a unique opportunity to glide over snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, lush green hills, crystal-clear rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Paragliding in Arunachal Pradesh is the best way to soak in the scenic beauty of this surreal state.

There are several locations in Arunachal Pradesh including Tawang, Bomdila, Mechuka, Pappu Valley in Lumdung, and Dirang where you can experience paragliding adventures.

Our recommendation: The best time to indulge in paragliding in Arunachal Pradesh is between September and November; and March and May, when the skies are clear and the weather is pleasant.

Walk Across the Hanging Bridge over the Siang River

An exciting walk across the hanging bridge over the Siang River is a highly recommended thing to do in Arunachal Pradesh. Across the state, people have traditionally built bridges with the help of bamboo. These gently swaying bridges built against the backdrop of lush green hills and the scenic Siang River offer unparalleled views and excellent photo opportunities.

Safety advice:

If you have a fear of heights or vertigo issues, you may skip this place.

Beware of patches in the bridge where steps are missing.