Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh and Things to Do

Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh and Things to Do

Arunachal Pradesh, the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, diverse tribal cultures, and unspoiled natural beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of Tawang to the lush valleys of Ziro and the pristine wilderness of Namdapha, the state offers an unparalleled experience for every traveler. However, exploring Arunachal Pradesh can be a challenge due to its vast and rugged terrain. That’s where our highly optimized guide of Arunachal visiting places makes a difference.

Unlike typical guides, we have categorized the places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh and things to do based on its well-defined tourist circuits. This approach not only introduces you to the must-visit destinations but also provides a clear roadmap for exploring them efficiently. By focusing on tourist circuits, we help readers understand the optimal route, time required for each circuit, and essential logistics such as transportation and accommodation options.

Whether you’re planning a serene retreat to Tawang, an adventure in the Siang Valley, or a cultural dive into tribal traditions, our guide ensures a seamless journey through Arunachal Pradesh’s wonders.

Arunachal Pradesh is divided into several tourist circuits to make it easier for travelers to explore. These circuits showcase its diverse attractions, from snow-capped mountains to tribal heritage. Here are the key tourist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh with places to visit & things to do:

1. Tawang Circuit (West Arunachal)

Bum La Pass, Tawang
Bum La Pass, Tawang
  • Route: Tezpur → Bhalukpong → Bomdila → Dirang → Tawang → Zemithang
  • Key Attractions:
    • Tawang Monastery (largest in India)
    • Sela Pass and Sela Lake
    • Nuranang Waterfalls
    • Jaswant Garh War Memorial
    • Bumla Pass (Indo-China border)
    • Sangti Valley in Dirang

2. Ziro Circuit (Lower Subansiri)

  • Route: Itanagar → Ziro → Hapoli → Talle Valley
  • Key Attractions:
    • Apatani tribal villages
    • Ziro Valley (UNESCO tentative list site)
    • Talle Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Dree Festival (Apatani Festival)
    • Meghna Cave Temple

3. Roing-Anini Circuit (Dibang Valley)

Immersed in Nature’s Canvas: Journeying through the Lush Mishmi Hills en route from Anini to Alinye Village. Discover the monsoon allure of Arunachal Pradesh, a haven for explorers seeking the tranquility of Dri River, the majestic beauty of Mayudia, and the cultural gems of the Idu Mishmi Heritage Center. #AniniAdventures #MonsoonMagic
  • Route: Tinsukia → Roing → Mayudia → Anini
  • Key Attractions:
    • Mayudia Pass (snow-covered in winter)
    • Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Idu Mishmi tribal culture
    • Dibang River views

4. Along-Mechuka Circuit (West Siang District)

 

  • Route: Pasighat → Along (Aalo) → Mechuka
  • Key Attractions:
    • Mechuka Valley (pristine high-altitude valley)
    • Siyom River
    • Hanging bridges of Aalo
    • Samten Yongcha Monastery

5. Tawang Chumi Gyatse Mago Thingbu Circuit

A hidden gem in Arunachal Pradesh, this circuit offers a mix of spiritual serenity, tribal culture, and breathtaking landscapes near the Indo-China border.

Key Highlights

  1. Tawang
    • Visit Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Nuranang Waterfalls, and Bumla Pass.
  2. Chumi Gyatse (108 Sacred Waterfalls)
    • Explore the sacred site with cascading waterfalls and trekking trails.
    • Very Near to the Indo-China Border. Chinese villages seen clearly.
  3. Mago Village
    • Discover Monpa tribal life and serene alpine landscapes.
  4. Thingbu Village
    • Trek to picturesque valleys and interact with the local community.

Best Time to Visit

  • March to October for pleasant weather.

How to Explore

  • Day 1: Tawang sightseeing.
  • Day 2: Visit Chumi Gyatse.
  • Day 3: Explore Mago Village.
  • Day 4: Visit Thingbu and return to Tawang.

Travel Tips

  • Permits: ILP for Indians; PAP for foreigners.
  • Transport: 4WD recommended.
  • Stay: Hotels in Tawang, homestays in villages.
  • Guide: Essential for offbeat trails.

6. Bomdila-Seppa Circuit

  • Route: Tezpur → Bhalukpong → Bomdila → Seppa
  • Key Attractions:
    • Bomdila Monastery
    • Apple Orchards
    • Orchid Research Centre
    • Kameng River activities
    • Tribal villages near Seppa

7. Pasighat-Tuting-Galling Circuit (Siang Valley)

  • Route: Dibrugarh → Pasighat → Yingkiong → Tuting → Gelling
  • Key Attractions:
    • Siang River rafting
    • Hanging Bridges
    • Pangin and Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Adi tribal culture
    • Mouling National Park
    • Gelling Village

8. Namdapha Circuit (Eastern Arunachal)

  • Route: Tinsukia → Miao → Namdapha National Park → Vijaynagar
  • Key Attractions:
    • Namdapha National Park (tiger and red panda habitats)
    • Miao Museum and Buddhist Monastery
    • Tribal villages of Lisu and Chakma communities
    • Vijaynagar (remote area with stunning views)

9. Itanagar-Bhalukpong Circuit

  • Route: Guwahati → Tezpur → Bhalukpong → Itanagar
  • Key Attractions:
    • Itanagar Gompa
    • Ganga Lake (Gyakar Sinyi)
    • Ita Fort
    • Craft Centre & Emporium
    • Bhalukpong for trekking and fishing

10. Tirap Circuit (Eastern Arunachal)

  • Route: Dibrugarh → Khonsa → Longding
  • Key Attractions:
    • Khonsa Museum
    • Tribal culture of Nocte, Wancho, and Tangsa tribes
    • Traditional crafts and dances
    • Lush green landscapes

11. Tezu-Hayuliang Circuit (Lohit District)

  • Route: Tinsukia → Tezu → Hayuliang
  • Key Attractions:
    • Parashuram Kund (pilgrimage site)
    • Glow Lake
    • Lohit River views
    • Tribal villages near Hayuliang

12. Palin-Nyapin-Sangram-Koloriang Circuit

  • Route: Ziro → Palin → Nyapin → Sangram → Koloriang
  • Key Attractions:
    • Nyishi tribal culture
    • Scenic villages
    • Trekking opportunities

Travel Tips for Arunachal Pradesh:

  • Permits: Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign tourists require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
  • Best Time to Visit: October to April for pleasant weather and festivals.
  • Transport: Private vehicles or hired taxis are recommended as public transport is limited.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local traditions and seek permission before photographing people or entering villages.

These circuits offer a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion, making Arunachal Pradesh a dream destination for travelers.

Written by 

Me, Debojyoti Dey Mazumder, one of the directors of Promise India Tourism Pvt Ltd, has been in the tours and travel business since 2010. Having experience of operating tours to different destinations of India I wish to share my knowledge to promote them through discussions, blogs, articles, photo stories etc on different platforms.

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