Overview

Arunachal Pradesh, often called the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich culture, and unparalleled adventure. Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, this state is a haven for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and thrill-seekers. Known for its lush landscapes, snow-capped mountains, serene valleys, and vibrant tribal cultures, Arunachal Pradesh offers some of India’s most enchanting and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The state is home to breathtaking spots like Tawang, famous for its stunning monastery and scenic beauty, and Ziro Valley, with its unique Apatani tribal culture and lush rice fields. For adventure enthusiasts, Arunachal Pradesh offers exhilarating experiences such as trekking, rafting, and exploring its pristine national parks, including Namdapha National Park.

Trip Highlights

Tawang Monastery: Visit the largest Buddhist monastery in India.
Ziro Valley: Explore the lush landscapes and unique Apatani tribal culture.
Namdapha National Park: Trek through one of the most biodiverse parks in India.
Mechuka Valley: Discover the untouched beauty and cultural richness of this remote valley.
Bomdila: Enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas and visit monasteries.

Day 01 :

Itanagar

History buffs delight as today you will visit the state’s most important historical sight, the Ita Fort, from which the capital gets its name. Dating back to the 14th century, the fort is perched on the top of a hill and offers gorgeous views of the valley beneath. Literally translating into a fort of bricks, it has three main entrances to the West, East and South.

The Craft Centre & Emporium at Itanagar is next on your list and is a great place to admire and buy local arts and crafts. You will find traditional costumes, paintings, sculptures, handicrafts and more such local delights here.

For lunch, head to Zero Point for a variety of Indian cuisine or to Poong Nest to try the local delicacies of Arunachal Pradesh.

Day 02 :

Bomdila

Begin your day with a visit to the Bomdila Monastery belonging to the Mahayana Buddhism sect. Among the most popular tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh, this monastery also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Spend your afternoon in one of the apple orchards in Bombila. Take a stroll through the fields, pluck fresh apples off the farm and buy some for your home before leaving. Winter is the best time to visit the fields and capture pretty orchard views, blooming with apples.

Day 03 :

Bomdila

Nature lovers can head to RR Hill early in the morning to capture a mesmerising sunrise and uninterrupted views of the roads leading to Bhutan.

A great way to spend your morning will be opting for a safari at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of approximately 220 square kilometres, it is home to a waterfall flowing into the Kameng River. Don’t forget to carry your camera along as the sanctuary is the habitat of many exotic varieties of flora, fauna and birds. Birds like Eagles, Hornbills, Kingfishers and more, and animals such as the majestic Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Langur, Black Bear and Red Panda can be spotted here.

Reserve your evening for a visit to the Bomdila market to soak in the local flavour. While you are here, dig in to a delicious plate of momos, thukpa, soups and noodles made in the traditional manner.

Day 04 :

Tawang

Leave for Tawang early in the morning today as the journey will take you at least six hours (170 kilometres). On your way, stop at the offbeat Nuranang Waterfalls, about 100 metres high. The waterfalls are one of the most precious hidden gems of the Northeast, situated at an elevation of around 6000 feet. They further plunge into the Tawang River and make for one of the most photogenic spots here too.

Tawang town lies 25 kilometres ahead of the Nuranang Waterfalls, so it will be late evening by the time you reach.

End your day with a fulfilling meal at Dragon Restaurant located in Tawang’s Old Market. The best of local cuisine can be tried here along with a cup of Tibetan yak-butter tea.

Day 05 :

Tawang

After breakfast, head to the Tawang War Memorial to pay your respect to the brave who fought in the 1962 Indo-Sino War. An important landmark in the Indian history, the memorial is a must visit when in Arunachal Pradesh.

Next on your list is the biggest attraction of Tawang, the Tawang monastery, home to the iconic Giant Buddha Statue. The monastery is the largest in India and the golden statue is 26 feet tall.

Alternatively, you can also visit the famous pilgrimage site Taktsang Gompa. Literally translating into Tiger’s Den, this place of worship is located at an altitude of 13000 feet. The crisp invigorating mountain air and the peaceful environs of this Gompa make it the ideal place to meditate for a while.

If time allows, you can also head out to explore the picturesque Madhuri Lake. April to September is the best time to visit the lake as it remains frozen the rest of the year. A hot cup of tea and Maggi as you enjoy the lake views makes for a perfect day out with your loved ones.

For those interested in culture, the Tibetan Settlement Market is a great place to spend your evening at. Also known as Vihara Market, it is home to various kiosks and small shops selling souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and local food items.

Photo of The Perfect 5-day Itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh by Ragini Mehra

The market is also home to a number of shops selling prayer wheels, flags, Lord Buddha statues, wall hangings, paintings and more for you to take as souvenirs for friends back home.