Virginal Arunachal Pradesh appears as a giant patch of green on India’s map. The country’s wildest and least explored state, Arunachal (literally, ‘land of dawn-lit mountains’) rises abruptly from the Assam plains as a mass of improbably steep and densely forested hills, culminating in snowcapped peaks along the Tibetan border. Arunachal lures travellers with the promise of adventurous journeys to remote mountain valleys and encounters with some of its 26 indigenous tribal peoples. Tourism infrastructure – such as hotels or even homestays – has yet to reach many areas; this is travel far beyond standard tourist trails.
5 Experiences to love in Arunachal Pradesh
1. Visit Tawang
Tawang Monastery is one of the best cultural experiences not only in Arunachal Pradesh but in all of India. While you’re in Tawang, you are just 30 km from both Bhutan and China.
Tibetan Buddhism (and even saying the Dalai Lama’s name) is illegal in China, so here you can see the people worship in peace and speak their local language.
2. Hang with monks in Bomdila
Less than 10,000 people live in this highly elevated town. There are many tribes, like the Monpa and Aka.
You have to pass through Bomdila to reach Tawang and many people don’t stop… but you should! There are only two hotels here and the people are so kind to strangers passing through.
3. Eat ALL the momos
Tibet is in the blood of many people here in Arunachal Pradesh and that means MOMOS! These are the greatest invention of all the foods, of all time. Steamed or fried, plain or with chili sauce, you can’t go wrong. Ask to try momoloco, the Tibetan bread, and Thupka a Tibetan noodle soup. You are not going to do well here if you’re on a diet.
4. Staying in homestays with local people
There are few hotels here and they aren’t what you might be used to.
You can request things like a boiled kettle of water to add to your shower bucket, or a space heater you can only leave on a few hours (or die from the fumes apparently).
But what’s better? Staying at a homestay. Sleeping next to a fire with a local family.
Eating dinner with your mom for the day instead of ordering room service. Learning how to make momos.
All the personal touches are worth taking a cold bucket bath in their outhouse in -5 degree temperatures because after you can cuddle up with their big blankets and cuddle one of the many cats!
5. Meeting the Apatani Tribe of Ziro Valley
I have saved the best of Arunachal Pradesh for last! Ziro Valley is home to the Apatani tribe and you can meet them.
They worship the sun and moon, give animal sacrifices, and have facial tattoos and nose plugs. You can stay with them in their home or just go for the day.
SPEAKZEASY 