Red and gold monasteries glisten in the green dales
Prayer flags flutter over the icy rivers and the mountain trails.
The icicles of the cascade shine bright as they drip
These are just some of the many sights you will see on your Arunachal Pradesh trip.
Nature, culture, heritage, adventure and fun awaits in the “Land of Dawn-lit Mountains.” Plan your own trip to Arunachal with my insider tips on how to get there, places to see, where to stay and best time to visit. This Arunachal travel guide also, includes information on permits required for your visit.
“Tashi Delek” from the north-easternmost state of India – Arunachal Pradesh. The mountainous state captivated me with its kaleidoscope of experiences – emerging from its vibrant culture owing to over 26 Arunachal Pradesh tribes, mesmerizing landscapes, delightful nature and unique wildlife. Add dollops of hospitality to this mix and you have an amazing offbeat destination for families and youngsters.
However, as I discovered, planning a tour of Arunachal Pradesh is not straightforward. It requires a fair bit of planning. There isn’t much available online to help you with questions like what are the best places to visit in Arunachal, how to get there, what to pack etc. Thus, I have created this handy travel guide on Arunachal Pradesh to get you started.

Arunachal Pradesh is a border-sensitive state – with China (Tibet) to its North and North east, Bhutan to its west, and Myanmar to east. Naturally, there are requirements for inner line permits or ILP in Arunachal. (For foreigners, it is a PAP or Protected Area Permit). You also, have to consider the rugged high-altitude terrain and the health precautions that come with it. Also, it is the largest northeastern state – which means you cannot cover it all in one single Arunachal Pradesh tour plan. Luckily, you have come to the right place to help you get started with your Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary.
In this blog post, I have covered the important Arunachal Pradesh travel guidelines including the permits you require for your trip. I have also, included details on the various tourist circuits that you can consider for your Arunachal Pradesh trip plan. I have included a glimpse of my Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary that includes some of the most famous places in the state. My recommendations on where to stay, how to go around, best time to visit etc will help you modify the suggested travel itinerary for Arunachal or choose a completely different circuit.
In short, I have you covered! So, let’s get started.
Contents
- 1 About Arunachal Pradesh – some facts and history
- 2 What is the best way to get to Arunachal Pradesh?
- 3 What is the best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
- 4 How to get Arunachal Pradesh ILPs (Inner Line Permits) and PAPs (Protected Area Permit)?
- 5 What are the key tourist circuits of Arunachal Pradesh? (Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh)
- 5.1 1) Tezpur – Bomdila – Tawang – Dirang
- 5.2 2) Tezpur – Seijosa – Pakhui – Bhalukpong – Tippi
- 5.3 3) Itanagar – Ziro – Basar – Aalo – Pasighat
- 5.4 4) Ziro – Palin – Nyapin – Sangram – Koloriang
- 5.5 5) Pasighat – Jengging – Yingkong – Tuting
- 5.6 6) Dibrugarh – Deomali – Hakanjuri – Khonsa
- 5.7 7) Dibrugarh – Roing – Mayuda – Anini
- 5.8 8) Dibrugarh – Kanubari – Longding
- 5.9 9) Margherita – Miao – Namdhapa – Vijoynagar
- 5.10 10) Margherita – Jairampur – Manmao – Nampong – Pangsau
- 5.11 11) Tinsukia – Tezu – Hayuliang tourist circuit in Arunachal Pradesh
- 5.12 12) Aalo – Mechuka circuit.
- 5.13 13) Doimukh – Sagelee – Pake Kesang – Seppa
- 5.14 14) Daporijo – Taliha – Siyum – Nacho circuit – an adventure lover’s pick.
- 6 Preparing for high altitudes on a trip to Arunachal Pradesh
- 7 What is the best way of getting around and exploring Arunachal Pradesh?
- 8 Tips on where to stay in Arunachal Pradesh
- 9 A packing guide for your visit to Arunachal Pradesh
- 10 How many days are required to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
- 11 What and where to eat in Arunachal Pradesh?
- 12 Mobile connectivity during your Arunachal Pradesh trip
- 13 What can you buy in Arunachal Pradesh? Arunachal Pradesh shopping tips
- 14 A glimpse at my Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary
- 15 Common FAQs about Arunachal Pradesh trip
About Arunachal Pradesh – some facts and history
A place of piety, tranquility and peace – Arunachal Pradesh finds a mention in the ancient puranas and the epic tale of Mahabharat. This is the place from where Lord Krishna’s wife – Rukmini hailed and where Lord Parshuram did his penance. However, the earliest documented history lies in the Tibetan texts and that goes back to the 7th century. There are mentions of many Tibetan and Assamese kingdoms that were spread across the present-day Arunachal Pradesh.

Cut to the 17th century, when the 5th Dalai Lama – possibly the most powerful one, imposed taxation and built dzongs around Arunachal Pradesh to monitor and collect them. Four of these dzongs or administrative citadels include – the Dirang dzong, Taklung dzong, Senge dzong and the Gyankhar dzong (that took care of Tawang). These mini fortresses still exist in some form and you can add one of them to your list of places to add to your Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.

The concept of Dzongs -fortresses that doubled up as administrative and religious centers is still prevalent in Bhutan. Explore one of the most beautiful dzongs in Punakha – with an interesting history.
The 6th Dalai Lama was in fact, born in Arunachal Pradesh (I visited his maternal home) but later was kidnapped and killed on his way to Beijing. The Tibetan influence continued till the British took over. With the McMahon line drawn between Tibet and India in 1914, the current state came into existence but at that time was known as North East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Peaceful coexistence continued even after India got its independence and China infringed into Tibet. However, in 1962, the terrible Sino-India war took place and China captured parts of Arunachal – from Tawang to Bomdila. However, they returned it back in 1963 when they retreated behind the McMahon line.
NEFA was declared as a union territory and got a new name – Arunachal Pradesh in 1972. In 1987, it finally became an independent state of India with its capital in Itanagar. That is the brief history of Arunachal Pradesh.

Now for some facts that you will enjoy if you are planning to visit Arunachal Pradesh
- It is the largest state in North East India with an area of 84,000 sq km. Naturally, you cannot cover it in one single trip.
- Almost 80% of Arunachal Pradesh is an evergreen forest
- It is home to unique animals like the Mithun and Takin as well as the white-winged duck.
- Arunachal Pradesh is known as the land of orchids. It is home to 560 species of orchids and its state flower is the Foxtail orchid.
- There are 26 major tribes in Arunachal Pradesh and each have their own language. Thus, the common language here is Hindi.
- One of the most revered and popular Arunachal Pradesh monuments is the Tawang Monastery. This is the 2nd largest monastery in Asia.
I guess, that is enough to add some more excitement into your trip planning for Arunachal Pradesh.
What is the best way to get to Arunachal Pradesh?
There are three ways to get to Arunachal Pradesh – by air, road and rail. Depending on which circuit you plan to do for your Arunachal Pradesh tour, you will have to pick a combination of these options.
Arunachal Pradesh by air:
There is only one Arunachal Pradesh airport and that is the Donyi Polo airport, 25 km from the state capital – Itanagar. The airport has just opened in 2022 and has very limited flights – mostly from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Owing to the mountainous landscape, there aren’t other airports within Arunachal Pradesh. These Arunachal Pradesh flights are not direct flights and hence, owing to the time taken, you will end up wasting a day of your trip.
The other airports that you can use to fly in are in Assam. The Libari airport in Hanagar is 72 km from Itanagar and again, has very limited flights. These flights are mostly from Kolkata and New Delhi. I would not recommend this airport.
The 2nd and the most popular choice is the Guwahati international airport. Though this is further away from most places in Arunachal, it has the best connectivity with international connections to neighboring countries like Nepal. On advice from Sange at Holiday Scout, I chose this one for a flight from Bengaluru to Guwahati. It also, worked well for the Tawang circuit that I did on this trip to Arunachal Pradesh.
You can also, opt for Dibrugarh airport in Assam – especially if you are look at circuits that begin from there.

Getting to Arunachal Pradesh by rail:
Again, a very limited option. There is only one main railway track in Arunachal and the station connected to it is Naharlagun. This is 15 km from Itanagar and you will get Arunachal Pradesh trains only from New Delhi and Guwahati.
Arunachal Pradesh by road:
This is an unavoidable option when you are in Arunachal. Even if you land in Arunachal by air or use the train, you still have to take the road to traverse the state. That said, it is also, the best option given the stunning vistas and amazing roads that this state has.
By Bus:
There are buses and SUVs (Xylos, Sumos and Force vehicles) run by Arunachal Pradesh state transport system (APSTS). You can find them at all the key bus stations in Tezpur, Guwahati, Bomdila, Dirang, Tawang, Itanagar and other towns of Arunachal Pradesh. While affordable, the catch is that these are quite infrequent.
There are private buses too, like the Network buses that you can opt for.
Close to the APSTS bus counters, you have Sumo taxi counters that offer shared cabs. You can opt for one that traverses your route. Remember though, you will be sharing it with 10 other people and there might not be too much space for your luggage.
By private cabs:

I know this is an expensive option but a better one as you will need a car to travel around Arunachal Pradesh. I recommend booking one through reliable travel operators like Holiday Scout. They have locals who know the mountainous routes very well and have good vehicles that can safely transport you – be it snow or rain.
Airports and railway stations have a lot of booking counters but without any reviews, I would be skeptical of using them.
A final word and caveat – No matter what mode of transport you use to get into the state, make sure you have your Arunachal Pradesh entry pass or permit ready. You will need to show it at the various entry points into the state – be it the airport, railway or bus station or the state borders. More on how to get one coming up in the later sections.
Should I book one of the Arunachal Pradesh tour packages?

Given that you will need a car all through your Arunachal trip, plus have to arrange for travel permits and stay, it is better to opt for a good Arunachal Pradesh tour package. Having travelled with Holiday Scout, I highly recommend them for their honest and reliable services, variety of destinations – including offbeat places and depth of knowledge.
Sange, the owner who invited me, knows exactly what you need as a traveler and will not hesitate to include it into your Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary. There are many times during my own trip where he improvised based on the conditions (snow at one destination, festival at another). At Holiday Scout, they really know how to provide an experiential and a safe holiday.
What is the best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
The best season to visit Arunachal Pradesh would be early summer (spring in some parts) and post monsoon. In terms of months, this would be between Mid-February to May and between October to November. Monsoons bring in really heavy rains and you might find it hard to enjoy the outdoor expeditions.

Rhododendrons, magnolias and primula laden paths greet you wherever you travel in the months of March, April and May. If you have included places like Tawang and Bomdila in your Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary, then you might experience temperatures in single digits – owing to the high altitudes (over 8000 feet above sea level). In fact, I even experienced snowy landscapes (and those are gorgeous) when I travelled to Sela Pass and Bumla Pass. Places like Dirang have pleasant temperatures ranging between 8 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius.
October and November treat you to rolling greens and pretty blossoms. The temperatures are quite manageable and similar to the summer/ spring season.
Arunachal Pradesh has an interesting calendar of festivals that you should consider when planning a trip here. Here are a few of these Arunachal Pradesh festivals that are worth visiting. You can check the exact dates through this website.
- Ziro music festival – takes place at the end of September. It is a four-day music festival with tons of international bands that transcend various music genres.
- Tawang festival – A very popular cultural fiesta that takes place during October (mostly end of the month). You can enjoy the Buddhist and Monpa tribal cultures through their food, music and dances.
- Orange festival – Another music festival that takes place in Dambuk during the 3rd week of December
- Torgya festival – A religious Buddhist festival that happens across Arunachal Pradesh. It is usually around mid January. You can experience the fiesta across the various monasteries of Arunachal.
How to get Arunachal Pradesh ILPs (Inner Line Permits) and PAPs (Protected Area Permit)?
As I mentioned earlier, Arunachal Pradesh has three international borders – China to the north, Bhutan to its west and Burma to its east. Many of the Arunachal Pradesh tourist spots like the Bumla Pass and towns like Tawang fall in this sensitive region. Thus, from a perspective of safety, Arunachal Pradesh permits are mandatory for all visitors -whether Indians or Foreign nationals.
ILP (Inner line permit)
As per the Arunachal Pradesh travel guidlelines, an ILP is required for the Indians. It is better to apply at least 5 days prior to your trip. There are four ways to get it –
- Through the eILP website – Here you will have to fill a form, furnish your Government photo ID (passport, Aadhar, PAN or voter’s id) and a passport-sized photo. The process is quick and you can get your eILP within 3 – 4 days.
- By visiting the Deputy Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh office. This is a time-consuming process. You will have to fill a form with the above proof and submit it. The offices are set up in key metros, Guwahati and Itanagar.
- At the ILP counters at the various ports of entry – The process is the same and the permit will take a day or more to be issued. These ILP counters can be found at Itanagar airport, Guwahati airport, at the border crossing between the states and the key railway stations like Naharlagun
- Through an authorized Arunachal Pradesh tour operator – A lot of good tour operators like Holiday Scout help you with the processing of the ILP from their end. It is generally included as a part of their Arunachal Pradesh package tours.
If you are traveling in a group, then only one permit is required. When filling the form, you will have to indicate which districts you are visiting. The permit is valid for a maximum of one month. The permit costs around INR 100 and is not required for kids below 14 years of age.

PAP (Protected area permit)
This permit is for foreign nationals taking a trip to Arunachal Pradesh. There are only two ways to get this –
- Through the Deputy Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh – You will need to visit the office before 2 pm and furnish your passport copy, visa (with the entry stamp to India) and a duly filled application form. The PAP takes around 2 -5 working days and you will have to pick it up at the same office.
- Through a tour operator – This is the most recommended option as it is hassle free.
The Arunachal Pradesh permit for foreigners unlike the ILP has to be procured for each individual. Note that the PAP for solo travelers does not give the visitors access to areas like the Bumla pass (Indo-China border). The only way you can visit these areas is in a group of at least two people. The validity of these permits is for a maximum of one month and they cost USD 50 per person.
What are the key tourist circuits of Arunachal Pradesh? (Places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh)
There are 14 tourist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh that you can choose from – based on your interest and convenience. You can also, add more than one tourist circuit to your Arunachal Pradesh trip plan. Some of these circuits not just include places to explore in Arunachal Pradesh but also, a few destinations in Assam. Culture and nature are common themes across these places, but you have a few heavy on adventure, wildlife, or history.
I have compiled this handy map of Arunachal Pradesh with the fourteen circuits. As you can see, these are quite spreadout. However, from the map you can see there are a few combinations that you can consider for your Arunachal trip. Your entry into Arunachal Pradesh will have to be planned based on which route you decide to take. Below are the highlights of what you can expect in each of them.
1) Tezpur – Bomdila – Tawang – Dirang

This is probably one of the most popular circuits and the one that I did on my recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The destinations include showcase a vibrant culture, rich wildlife and surreal landscape. There is a fair bit of heritage included too and a scope for adventure – if you so desire.
You will enjoy the Monpa and Sherdukpen culture when you embark on this route. Tawang is home to the 2nd largest monastery in Asia and to reach there you drive through Sela Pass – an Alpine route interspersed with frozen waterfalls and stunning lakes. Bumla Pass too, is another enchanting route with an intriguing gurudwara situated on top a cliff and a poignant memorial close to the Indo-Tibet border.
Sange from Holiday Scout also, included a few offbeat Arunachal Pradesh destinations to this mix. I shall share be sharing more details on this in a separate post.
2) Tezpur – Seijosa – Pakhui – Bhalukpong – Tippi

I did touch Tippi and Bhalukpong in the modifications that were made to my itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh but you can do it separately if you take this circuit. The route is a testament to why Arunachal Pradesh is called the land of orchids. Besides the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, you will see these flowering epiphytes at the Orchid Center in Tippi. The wildlife sanctuary also, includes the Pakke tiger reserve, where you can hope to spot some Royal Bengal tigers.
3) Itanagar – Ziro – Basar – Aalo – Pasighat
This circuit is next on my wish list – especially for the Apatani tribes and the Ziro valley’s unique fish farms – where they cultivate rice and rear high altitude fish. Besides these, you can enjoy Talley Valley and Pasighat for its scenic terrains. Pasighat is also, known for bamboo hanging bridges that invoke a sense of thrill and adventure. Itanagar is also, an archaeological haven.
Menga cave on this circuit is a revered stops for all Shiva devotees while Malinithan is connected to the lore of Lord Krishna who is believed to have stopped with Rukmini when he was on his way to Dwarka
4) Ziro – Palin – Nyapin – Sangram – Koloriang
Another Ziro valley option to enjoy the Apatani culture and the unusual Tarin fish farm that combines rice cultivation with fish farming. In this one though, you also, get another cultural experience with the Nyishi tribes.

5) Pasighat – Jengging – Yingkong – Tuting
I have to admit that I am fascinated by the hanging bridges and the whole bamboo layout in Pasighat. Besides the adventures that you can have on them, you also, have the option of river rafting in Pasighat. This route also, includes some glacial lakes in Gehang as well as an offbeat wildlife sanctuary and national park. The Siang river that flows in from China can be seen at Yingkong – where it becomes Brahmaputra.
6) Dibrugarh – Deomali – Hakanjuri – Khonsa
Another great combination of culture, wildlife, nature and adventure, this Arunachal Pradesh tour starts in Assam. A unique Arunachal Pradesh culture awaits you in Kheti and Lapnan villages with the former headhunting tribe of Tirap. The tribe is also, well known for its tattoo culture as well as handicrafts. The Khonsa Museum of culture is a great induction into the various tribes of Arunachal.

7) Dibrugarh – Roing – Mayuda – Anini
If you are looking for more heritage, this Arunachal Pradesh package tour or route will interest you with its oldest archaeological site at Bhismaknagar. The place dates back to the 8th century and is mythologically believed to have been the capital of King Bhismaka – the father of Rukmini Devi (the wife of Lord Krishna).
Besides this site, you can visit Chimri Fort as well as enjoy rafting and hiking at Nizamghat. Dibang Valley and Jia hotsprings are the other two Arunachal Pradesh destinations on this circuit.
8) Dibrugarh – Kanubari – Longding
The Arunachal Pradesh tour packages on this circuit include a visit to the Wakka village where the Wancho tribes live. The circuit takes you close to the Myanmar border.
9) Margherita – Miao – Namdhapa – Vijoynagar
If you are keen on World War II stories, then you will enjoy the Pangsau Pass near Nampong for its tales. Close to the Myanmar border, is a WWII cemetery with over 1000 graves of the Allied forces. They include Indians, Kachins, British, Americans as well as Chinese. There is also, an intriguing Lake of No Return – rumored to have absorbed several airplane crashes during WWII.
The other Arunachal Pradesh attractions on this route include the famous Stilwell road that connected India and Myanmar to Kunming in China (a WWII construction) and a Tibetan camp with a gorgeous monastery.
The Namdhapa National Park adds a bit of nature and wildlife to this mix.
10) Margherita – Jairampur – Manmao – Nampong – Pangsau
This is an alternative to the above WWII circuit. You get to visit the last village in the east – Nampong and instead of a national park, get to enjoy a hilly town – Jairampur.
11) Tinsukia – Tezu – Hayuliang tourist circuit in Arunachal Pradesh
If you ever want to experience the first sunrise of India, then you should head to Dong Valley on this circuit. It is literally where the sunlight hits the first in the country. The valley is also, gorgeous with its confluence of rivers. This Arunachal Pradesh tour plan also, includes the hot springs at Walong as well as the Glowlake at Wakro. Tinsukia allows you to enjoy the Buddhist culture that strongly prevails in this state.
12) Aalo – Mechuka circuit.
Mechuka is one of those tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh from where you can see the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. It is also, home to one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh. Aalo on the other hand is popular for its orange orchards and the Siyom hanging bridge. This circuit also offers a bit of adventure with rafting in Aalo Valley as well as a melange of tribal experiences with the Galo, Memba and Bokar tribes.
13) Doimukh – Sagelee – Pake Kesang – Seppa
Wildlife, nature and culture are the key experiences on this Arunachal Pradesh tourist circuit. You can enjoy the traditions and practices of the Nyishi tribe while enjoying the Papum Valley which is filled with rare flora and fauna.
14) Daporijo – Taliha – Siyum – Nacho circuit – an adventure lover’s pick.
Located along the Subansiri River, there are tons of activities that one can do on this route. From rafting to hiking and camping, this is what I think an adrenaline junkie will enjoy.

Note though that the highlights do not cover all the Arunachal Pradesh sightseeing places and destinations on that particular circuit. You can always edit your Arunachal Pradesh tour plan to include more than one circuit. There are plenty of offbeat Arunachal Pradesh villages on these routes that a good tour operator would be able to suggest. I found some charming ones during my Arunachal Pradesh trip.
Preparing for high altitudes on a trip to Arunachal Pradesh
In many ways, I found preparing for an Arunachal trip is similar to a Ladakh trip. Quite like Ladakh, many of the Arunachal Pradesh tourist places are located at a high altitude. Tawang itself is at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above. Se La Pass is at 13,700 feet while Bum La is even higher at 15,200 feet. Visiting all these places requires you to acclimatize and take it slow – especially if you want to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

Like I mentioned in this post, AMS can hit a perfectly healthy person and is mostly caused due to the thin oxygen levels at these heights. You can sense the same if you experience some of these symptoms –
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sleeplessness
- Shortness of breath
To prevent the same, you need to ensure you do not ascend quickly and take time to acclimatize. Each of the Arunachal Pradesh circuits has a recommended place for acclimatization. In my Tawang circuit, Bomdila is highly recommended for the same. Include at least one day and an overnight at these places in your Arunachal Pradesh trip plan.
Also, drink a lot of water and keep high-energy food handy. More details on this are available in this post.
What is the best way of getting around and exploring Arunachal Pradesh?

The only way of getting around is by road and for that, you need a car or a taxi. Buses are not common here owing to the mountainous terrain. You do have shared cabs available near the town’s bus stand but then there is no guarantee on when and how long they would take.
Most Arunachal Pradesh travel packages include a dedicated car for the entire duration of the trip. This takes away the hassle of constantly finding transport at the various stops that you are making. You will rarely find a cab to flag down nor will you find your regular Uber and ola options.
Also, with your own car or cab at your disposal, you can make the most of your Arunachal Pradesh road trip. You will almost always find a striking lake or a dazzling cascade (frozen one maybe) or a picturesque viewpoint along the way. A private cab allows you to stop and enjoy these small moments on your trip.
Tips on where to stay in Arunachal Pradesh

Most of the places have well-developed homestays, boutique stays and lodges. Some of them like the Bomdila embassy and Dirang boutique cottages are not only comfortable but have a very scenic setting.
Bigger towns like Tawang and Itanagar have a few hotels that you can consider including in your Arunachal Pradesh trip package.
You do not need to pre-book these if you are opting for any of the Arunachal Pradesh tourism packages offered by the agents. In case you do, you can always look up websites like Booking.com for your stay arrangements.
A packing guide for your visit to Arunachal Pradesh

There is no place for shorts and sleeveless outfits on this trip. You need to plan for layers as it is pretty cold throughout the year. You might even want to consider adding a padded jacket to your list along with thermals – especially if your Arunachal Pradesh tour plan takes you to the snow-capped summits.
Here is a quick checklist that you can use.
- Thermals
- Woolens
- Gloves (especially if it snowing)
- Padded jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen – at the higher altitudes, you will need it.
- Woolen cap
- A hot water bag (especially when you are staying in homestays)
- Pocket warmers (in Tawang, the temperature went into single digits and it was quite windy. These really came handy)
- Hiking shoes – waterproof ones are the best
- Warm socks
- Essential medicines – including Diamox for AMS
How many days are required to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
I would recommend a minimum of 7 – 10 complete days in Arunachal Pradesh. A 10-day Arunachal Pradesh trip itinerary will help you comfortably cover circuits like the Tawang one that I did.
Remember there is a lot of traveling within Arunachal Pradesh that you will be doing – which will eat into your days. That said, the road trip is how you will find the gems of Arunachal Pradesh.
What and where to eat in Arunachal Pradesh?
I found a lot of similarities in the local food of Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan and Ladakh. For one, they favor a lot of Yak milk and Churpi (Yak Cheese). This tastes quite different from regular dairy products and is a bit of an acquired taste.

Quite like the Ema Datshi of Bhutan, one of the traditional dishes here is Chura Sabzi and Solpa I also, enjoyed the momos and thukpa options available at several local restaurants. Thenthuk is yet another dish that felt like soul food for me. Don’t miss tasting the local pickles made with fermented soya beans and chili – locally called Chamin.
Most Arunachal Pradesh travel packages do not include all meals and hence, you will have to either request it off your homestay or head to the local restaurants. Homestays are a great option for authentic Arunachal Pradesh traditional dishes. When it comes to local restaurants, most of the larger towns have multicuisine ones. There is also, a strong café culture in some of the belts like Tawang.
And of course, there are Maggi stops along the way if you are famished. I highly recommend them at least in one leg of your journey. After all, a mountain road trip is not complete without it.
Mobile connectivity during your Arunachal Pradesh trip
Airtel works the best in Arunachal Pradesh. It is so good that even at the border it seamlessly connects to international roaming – which is an issue given that you are not really stepping out of India and you might have to contest the forced charges.
What can you buy in Arunachal Pradesh? Arunachal Pradesh shopping tips

Shopping is one of the most recommended things to do in Arunachal Pradesh. With the flourishing tribal arts, you will be spoilt for choice. From hand-woven carpets and scarves to wooden handicrafts and Tibetan jewellery, there is tons to increase your bag weight.
I could not resist the cute monk curios, Buddhist bells and prayer flags. They not only make great memories of your Arunachal Pradesh vacation but also, gifts that bring luck to the receivers.

You can always buy these at the local market but remember to bargain well. Also, if you have a Buddhist monastery outlet like the one in Tawang Monastery, you will find the same artifacts at a much cheaper rate. Of course, the best is if you can buy it straight from the artist when you visit any of the tribal art workshops. That way the artist gets a direct benefit for his work.
A glimpse at my Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary

My itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh was for 12 days, including travel from Bangalore. I shall soon share a detailed blog with the key places to visit in Arunachal on this route. For now, here is how it looked at a glance.
Day One – Arrive at Guwahati and drive to Nameri. Overnight at Nameri
Day Two – Early morning walk/ safari at Nameri national Park and then head to Bomdila. Overnight at Bomdila
Day Three – Explore Bomdila town
Day Four – Day trip from Bomdila to Shergaon and Morshing villages
Day Five – Leave for Tawang via Sela Pass
Day Six – Explore Tawang town
Day Seven – Head to Bumla Pass
Day Eight – Visit Jang. Overnight at Jang
Day Nine – Head to Dirang.
Day Ten – Explore Dirang and Sangti Valley
Day Eleven – Head to Kaziranga national park.
Day Twelve – Head back to Guwahati and catch a flight for Bengaluru.
The above trip plan not only included attractions like the key Arunachal monasteries and villages but immersive experiences like the Arunachal dances, Basti walks (village walks), momo-making classes and more.
With that, I conclude the key sections of this Arunachal Pradesh travel guide. I am sure you are now planning your own visit with these tips. Do share the blog post around and keep traveling.
Common FAQs about Arunachal Pradesh trip
What is the average Arunachal Pradesh trip cost?
You can plan for a budget of INR 45000 – 50000 per person for a 10 day trip to Arunachal Pradesh. This includes your travel, transport and stay costs in the mid-priced range.
Is Arunachal Pradesh worth visiting?
Definitely yes. It is one state that is still nascent, unspoiled and not touristy. The surreal landscapes are a big draw as is the tribal culture and heritage. There are a lot of options for adventure lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts.
Are there any trains to Arunachal Pradesh?
At the moment, there is only one major train station in Arunachal Pradesh at Naharlagun – 15 km from the state capital at Itanagar. There are trains from New Delhi and Guwahati to this station.
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P.S - I was invited to explore Arunachal Pradesh by Holiday Scout. However, the opinions and suggestions expressed in this post is truly and honestly my own.
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
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