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Boasting stunning mountain scenery, ancient monasteries, vibrant tribal culture, and abundant wildlife, Arunachal Pradesh is truly one of India's most spectacular destinations. As a relatively unexplored state in the northeast, planning your Arunachal Pradesh itinerary can be challenging. To help you experience the best this region has to offer, here are the top 10 places you simply must visit.
Overview of Arunachal Pradesh’s Must-See Destinations
Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh dazzles visitors with its incredible diversity. Snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, powerful rivers, and thick forests come together to create an unforgettable landscape. Beyond the scenery, Arunachal Pradesh is also home to indigenous tribes with fascinating customs as well as important Buddhist sites.
This list of the top places to visit covers Arunachal Pradesh's essential attractions:
Scenic valleys like Ziro and Tawang
Impressive temples and monasteries
Pristine National Park is brimming with wildlife
Quaint hill towns for immersing in local culture
Magnificent viewpoints and mountain passes
Thundering waterfalls and rivers
Keep reading for more details on exactly where you should go to experience the highlights of this mesmerizing state.
Remote but spectacular, Mechuka wows visitors with its:
Famed for its verdant beauty and tribal heritage, the Ziro Valley is one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most popular attractions. Home of the Apatani tribe, Ziro Valley impresses with its:
Lush paddy fields and pine forests
Colorful wooden houses on stilts
Apatani tribe’s unique customs and attire
Picturesque Hapoli town
Excellent hiking and cycling opportunities
Don’t miss the vibrant Tungri and Murung festivals held in Ziro Valley around February or March. This is one of Arunachal Pradesh’s essential destinations.
Tawang
The main center of Tibetan Buddhism in the region, Tawang is famous for its imposing 17th-century Tawang Monastery perched high in the hills. Tawang is also spectacular for:
Incredible Himalayan views including snowy peaks
Sacred sites related to the 6th Dalai Lama
High-altitude lakes and hot springs
Trekking routes through rhododendron forests
Visit in March for incredible views during the Torgya Festival at Tawang Monastery.
Namdapha National Park
For an incredible wildlife experience, add Namdapha National Park to your Arunachal Pradesh itinerary. Highlights include:
Spotting elusive tigers and leopards
Diverse bird species like hornbills
Stunning landscapes with the Noa-Dihing River
Go on jeep safaris, treks, and rafting adventures to discover Arunachal’s wildlife in this pristine national park.
Itanagar
As the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar makes a great base for exploring the region. Top attractions include:
Ancient archeological sites like Ita Fort
Ganga Lake for boating with Himalayan views
Tribal handicrafts and cuisine in the markets
Day trips to Ziro Valley, Nameri, and other destinations
Check out the vibrant Nyokum Yullo festival held annually in February or March.
Tezu
Nestled in the scenic Lohit Valley surrounded by hills, Tezu provides a peaceful gateway to tribal culture. Highlights are:
Friendly locals from Mishmi tribes
Beautiful hikes to Parshuram Kund or Temple of Lord Shiva
Insight into traditions at Mishmi Village
Local handicrafts and organic coffee
Mechuka
Remote but spectacular, Mechuka wow visitors with its:
Dramatic river valley location
Ancient Buddhist monastery dating to 17th-century
Starting point for treks to exotic places like Tobu Poteng
Mechuka is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Arunachal Pradesh.
Bomdila
A scenic stop near Tawang, Bomdila delights with its:
Buddhist gompas on hilltop perches
Apple orchards and nature walks
Craft shopping and monastic factory tours
Use Bomdila as a relaxing change of pace during your Tawang travels.
Along
Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, the picturesque town of Along is a peaceful spot to immerse in nature and tribal culture. Key highlights are:
Day hikes to view Mt. Kangto and valleys
Tour a traditional Adi tribal village
Visit 300-year-old Along Monastery
Road trip on the stunning Arunachal Highway
Pasighat
Situated along the Siang River, Pasighat is the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh’s central region. The top attractions are:
Mighty Siang River views
Day trips to Bhismaknagar Fort and Tuting
Pasighat Monastery and Hindu temples
Tribal villages showcasing indigenous crafts
Dirang
The hill station of Dirang makes an idyllic stop when traveling between Bomdila and Tawang. Visitors come for:
sweeping valley views at Kalachakra Monastery
Hot springs baths to relax tired muscles
Sheep Farm for close encounters with fuzzy livestock
Dirang’s natural beauty and monasteries perfectly complement a visit to Tawang.
Can foreigners visit Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, foreign nationals can visit Arunachal Pradesh with a few extra requirements. All foreign tourists need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) issued by the government to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan have additional restrictions and need prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The inner line permit for Arunachal can be obtained quickly online. Foreigners should carry passport copies and Indian visas when applying. With the permit, foreigners can freely travel to all open areas and enjoy Arunachal's incredible scenery, culture, and activities. The permit fees are minimal.
What is the best season to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
The autumn and early winter months from October to December are considered the best season to visit Arunachal Pradesh for most travelers. During this time, the monsoon rains have ended bringing clear blue skies and excellent views of the Himalayan peaks. The daytime temperatures are still fairly mild at around 15°C making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Many of Arunachal's tribal festivals like Diwali and Losar also take place in the fall and winter. The crowds and prices are lower as well since it is not the peak domestic holiday season. While October to December has ideal weather, visitors should be prepared for very cold temperatures at higher elevations like Tawang.
Which are the places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh for families?
Some top family-friendly destinations in Arunachal Pradesh include Ziro Valley, Namdapha National Park, Dirang, Along, and Itanagar. Ziro Valley has gentle hikes, colorful tribal villages, and family-oriented festivals. Kids love spotting tigers at Namdapha and interacting with baby sheep at Dirang's Sheep Farm. Along is great for short nature walks and monastery visits.
As the capital, Itanagar has plenty of parks, markets, and museums to occupy families. Gardens, boating, and easy day trips make Itanagar an ideal base. Many leading hotels offer family suites and activities as well. With stunning scenery, friendly locals, and cultural immersion, Arunachal Pradesh offers an unforgettable family adventure.
Start Planning Your Trip!
With breathtaking scenery, fascinating culture, and abundant adventures, Arunachal Pradesh promises an unforgettable experience. Use this list of the top 10 places to visit as a starting point, then customize your own ideal itinerary. Just be sure to allow enough time to take in the magic of Arunachal Pradesh. Have an amazing trip!