Until recently, travel to Arunachal Pradesh was
highly restricted to foreigners due to its proximity to China. Arunachal Pradesh literally means land of the dawn-lit mountains. It is also known as the
Orchid State of India. Geographically, it is the largest among the North-east Indian states. However, the Indian government relaxed permit requirements in
2008 and added five new tourist circuits, bringing the total number to 11. Perhaps the most superb tourist attraction in Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang Monastery.
Perched at 10,000 feet above sea level, it overlooks the Tawang Valley near the border of Bhutan. The monastery is the largest Buddhist monasteries in India.
It also has a fascinating collection of thangkas (Tibetan paintings). If you can, visit it during the Torgya Festival. Those who like white water rafting
should try the stretch along the Kameng which passes through the Kameng Gorge. Extreme north East cocoons a mystical land of bliss known as Arunachal Pradesh.
Land of Rising Sun has many wonders and attractions for travelers. The wavering rivers, the snow clad mountains, the stubborn plains, exclusive flora and
fauna, legendary cultural heritage trailing since ancient times, the habitat of wild savages, the thick woodlands, the historical heritages, the tribal
terrains, etc. Among the thousands of species of orchids are found in Arunachal Pradesh India. The foreign tourists to Arunachal Pradesh require a Restricted
Area Permit and the Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit. Three main Monasteries are Tawang, Bomdila & Urgelling and are worth visiting. 400 year old
Tawang Monastery in the extreme north - west of the state, provides some historical evidence of the Buddhist tribal people. The sixth Dalai Lama Tsangyang
Gyatso was born in Tawang. Some of the major tribe of Arunachal Pradesh Nyishi,Apatani, Galo, Adi, Monpa, Mishmi, Shingpo, Khamti, Serdukpen,etc. The main
rivers of the states are the Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap, all are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets. Some
suggested routes for travel or trekking are
• Tezpur – Tipi – Bomdila - Tawang - Sela pass
• Tinsukia – Tezu - Parasuramkund
• Margherita – Miao - Namdapha
• Itanagar – Ziro - Daporijo – Along (or Aalo) – Pasighat
Some of the important festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyat-Sowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Mol, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh,
Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu, celebrated with folk tribal dance and music. Few festivals like the Festivals of Apatani (Myokoh, Dree and Murung), Festivals
of Nishi (Siron Molo Socham, Nyokum, Yulo), Festivals of Monpa (Losar, Jomu and Chosker), Festivals of Adi (Mopin and Solung), Festivals of Idu (Reh),
Festivals of Bangni (Mlokom yulo), Festivals of Tazin (Si-Doni), Festivals of Hill Miri (Boori Boot ) are held in the state. Arunachal is incredibly beautiful
state and has more than 500 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are highly endangered. It has one of Asia’s largest Orchidarium almost every
district of Arunachal Pradesh has its own exclusive and rare variety of orchids. Arunachal Pradesh is home to picturesque mountains, unexplored passes,
tranquil lakes and famous monasteries.
Airways - Tawang and Itanagar has two airport in Arunachal Pradesh with Chopper service from Guwahati. Nearest
major airport is Guwahati and is nearly 385 kilometers drive from Itanagar. There is a regular flight to Itanagar from Guwahati. Lilabari Airport of Assam is
the nearest airport for the state distance wise.
Railways - It is well connected with rest of India. The closest railway station is Harmuty located at a distance of
33 kilometers from Itanagar. Otherwise Guwahati is the nearest Major Airport. Guest generally drive by road due to its beauty.
Roadways – A good connectivity by bus is provided by Arunachal State Transport and Private Transport operators. A
direct bus facility from Guwahati is 381 kilometers, Shillong is 485 kilometers, Tezpur is nearly 220 kilometers, Dibrugarh is 375 kilometers, Tinisukia is
415 kilometers, Jorhat is 245 kilometers, Nagaon is 275 kilometers and Namsai is 500 kilometers connects to Itanagar.