Arunachal yatra, A journey to the Land of the Rising Sun

2019-12-31T14:35:00.000+05:30

20 Off-Normal Must Dos for 2020 in Arunachal Pradesh

As we end the year 2019 today, a compilation of 20 Not-So-Normal Must Dos have been compiled for all those Arunachal Enthusiasts to plan in the coming year.

Raft down the River Subansiri:

The distance by road from the launch point Daporijo to Gerukamukh is 260 kms but if you raft down the Subansiri River, it is about 65 kms With camps on white sand river beaches, this four day at-the- mercy- of –nature trip will leave you in awe for a long time.

‘Off Roading’ at 15000 Feet above Sea Level

The road is paved, metalled a little beyond Y Junction (22 km distance from Tawang). The real adventure of ATV ride for the next 4-5 Hours can be enjoyed by all adrenaline rush seekers, while riding across bare mountain passes and beautiful high altitude lakes. As you descend and reach a small Hamlet- Mago, the hot natural sulphur spring will greet you to relax the aching muscles.

Bike Ride to Mariyang and Beyond:

140 KM on NH 513 up to Yingkiong and back is every bikers dream ride. The ascend to Mariyang and the breathtaking view of the valley below with terraced paddy field, while watching the sunset on the western ridge is something words cant describe.

“The Bailey Trail” Trek:

The Bailey Trail", traces the historic route taken by British officers (Lt. Col. F M Bailey and Capt. H T Morshed), to survey the lands between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet during 1913.

Tse la Pass (4550 meters) is the highest point of this trek, while traversing high mountain passes, glacial rivers, crystal clear lakes, Monpa Villages and camp at locations which will fill you with admiration. An ancient trade route of sorts, traders crossed the Sela ridge along a yak trail, with their caravans of wool, skins, precious stones and yak butter to reach the barter markets in Assam and exchanged their loads for salt, tea, cloth, and other commodities. This was used by the Chinese army in 1962 to strike deep into Arunachal Pradesh

Trace and relive the escape route of HH Dalai Lama

The 1959 escape route of HH the 14^th Dalai Lama from Kenzamane in Zemithang (Tawang District) to Bhalukpong is a trip down history for many and a pilgrimage for the devotees.

Catch the first Sunrays of India at Dong

Dong, the eastern most part of India gets the first light of the sun in the country. The novelty of catching the first light of the country in the pristine locale of Dong in Anini begins with a two-three hour trek before dawn from Walong to the Dong Plateau.

Mahseer game fishing at Dibang River

Ask any fishing enthusiast and all would unequivocally say that Mahseer game fishing at Dibang is a must do. Even for a novice/amateur angler, the River has much to offer as luxury beach camps are set far away from habitation.

Trek down from Mago to Thingbu

This 23 KM High Altitude trek is an out of the world experience with numerous ascends-descends though alpine forests along the Mago-Chu River. Walking along the maple leaves turned into hues of gold is a rare delight.

Go Takin sighting to Dibang Valley

During the month of August thousands of Takins flock the remote valleys of the Dibang valley District. 10 days trek to the location from Anini will bring the life time experience of this extraordinary spectacle to you.

156 KM ATV ride to Vijaynagar

Off-Roading with ATV through the Namdapha National Park is a mix of wildlife sighting-adventure- culture trip. Post the adventure and enjoying the sighting of rich bio-diversity of the park, the experience of meeting the beautiful Yobins and immersing in their culture is something to look forward to.

MONK for a Day

Rat race associated stress can be paused for a while. Live like a monk in a monastery for few days and appreciate the uselessness of the modern day pursuits. Who knows? You may like to continue.

Tiger sighting at Pakke Tiger Reserve & Para Sailing at Papu Valley

Though rare, sighting tiger in Pakke is an agenda worth trying. Never mind, if not successful, the Hornbill conservation by the locals is a rare treat. Must adopt a Hornbill nest.

Papu Valley in East Kameng has off late become an para sailing destination. The vast expanse of the valley with paddy will be view worth seeing from the top.

A Shepherd at Sangti Valley Dirang

The picture in the story of the shepherd boy crying wolf always fascinates for the view of him in a beautiful pasture with large flock of sheep. The pristine Sangti valley and the sheep breeding farm is ideal locale.Don’t cry wolf, though!!

Camping in the Orange Orchard at Dambuk

Dambuk oranges have no parallel. Camping in an orchard in Dambuk and relishing the delicious oranges straight from the tree is an amazing feeling to take pleasure in.

Cross over to “the Lake of No Return”

Visit a country without visa! ‘The lake of No Return’ with historical relevance of World War II and the Stillwell Road, is essentially a swamp lake across pangsau Pass in North Myanmar. Shopping in the small village for low value Chinese product feels cool and is worth the cheap thrill.

Live a Bro'k Pa (Yak Herdsman) life

Milk a yak, make your own cheese & butter and live the semi-nomadic, tough life of a Bro’k Pa, away from civilisation. Well, the Tibetan Mastiff is there to give you company.

Go WW-II wreckage Hunting

Over 400 American soldiers are believed to have gone missing in aircraft crashes while crossing ‘The Hump’ from India to China. The Hump, over the Himalayas, was the main supply route between India and China during World War II, after Myanmar was captured by Japanese troops.

Very few wreckages have been recovered so far. There are experts who can be requested permission to tag along.

Horse riding in Mechukha

The vast Mechukha Valley’s beauty always fascinates and one wonders, what joy it would be to ride horses in the valley through the pine groves and frozen lakes. Seems outlandish, but doable.

Speed boat from Pasi Ghat to Bogi-Bheel Bridge and Back

People have been doing speed boating from Pasighat to Bogibheel and back. It will be fun to float past the Daying Ering Wild life Sanctuary and reach the iconic bogibheel bridge, have chaiand ride back.

Trans-Arunachal Highway Road Trip

The Trans-Arunachal Highway(NH13), is an under construction two-lane highway project in Arunachal Pradesh. The 1600 KM highway extends from Tawang in the west to Kanubari(Longding) in the east. NH-13 Road tripwill be a must do favourite in the times to come. Hopefully the balance stretch completes soon.

NIRVANA

2007-05-03T12:14:00.000+05:30

A typical place of worship of the Himalayas called the "Gompa" in Mechukha.. When serenity beckons on you, the urge for salvation/ nirvana is but spontaneous .. check out the snow clad mountains at the backdrop..

2007-04-28T11:46:00.000+05:30

The river that flows by the mechukha valley

Gateway to heaven

2007-04-25T11:31:00.000+05:30

This is the proverbial Gateway to heaven!! A photo taken by my friend in Mechukha

The bridge down the river mechukha

2007-04-20T18:45:00.000+05:30

Check this out!! Seems unreal..this is the uphill stream which flows along Mechukha...A perfect place for those who loves to trek along the river upstream,angling and all those who appreciate untouched nature in its pristine glory

ME-CHU-KHA:'Fire-water-ice'

2007-04-20T11:08:00.000+05:30

Well. all this while my blog has been focusing only one part of the vast beautiful state 'arunachal'. Today I am starting a new series highlighting another beautiful destination in the state-MECHUKHA valley, which literally translated means 'Fire-water-ice'. The other version says that the name mechukha is derived from the word 'Menchukha', which means 'The Rivermouth of Healing'.Legend has it that the area had a water source which had power of healing and oft used by the locals and claimed to have medicinal value.

This lovely place is a part of the west siang district and home to the memba tribes. The membas are buddhist by faith and very hospitable lot. The destination was only connected by air until recently which now has a motorable road. I am told pollution in mechukha is negligible, attributable only to the fire wood burnt by the locals for domestic purposes and occassional visits of the IAF planes. This is nature lovers paradise at its highest glory. some call it the switzerland of the east while others tend to draw parallal with other destinations.. for me mechukha is one of its kind with no parallal... you got to see to believe ..

Alot of beautiful photos are lined up on mechukha... until next time.. plan ur next trip to mechukha

A custom made trip to Tawang

2007-04-17T10:41:00.000+05:30

For long I have been recieving queries for the best way to enjoy a trip to Tawang from people who intend to visit Tawang. I have realized that almost all visitors make a half baked programme of the visit. This results in a tired spoilt holiday and also end up not seeing the lesser known beauties of Tawang. It is in this light that I have made an attempt to design a whole some trip to tawang with health on the top priority.

From Kolkata:

1. The alliance air flies to Tezpur tri-weekly which is the nearest airport. One can take the flight.
2. From Tezpur drive up to Bhalukpong(1000 ft approx) for 2-3 hrs and halt for a day or two. The area is a typical monsoon forest with the kameng river flowing through it. This is a paradise for adenture sports such as white water rafting and angling. Halt in B'pong also works as a accclimatization programme which is a must before taking the hieghts.
3. From B'pong you can drive to Dirang valley (3000 ft)via Bomdila for 4-5 hrs. Dirang valley is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauties of the valley. You can visit the local sightseeing places of interest of which bird watching is a hot favourite .
4. From Dirang driving at the wee hours of the morning with the aim to reach the Sela pass(18000 ft) by sunrise is an effort worth it. the sunrise at Sela is by far the most breathtaking spectacles i have ever seen. One can take a easy drive thereafter to reach Tawang by evening.
5.The next morning you can see the nearby places of interest in and around tawang.This is also to rejuvenate your lost energy after a long drive..
6. Organise a picnic with packed food towards T Gompa, Sangetsar lake to have a close interaction with nature.Enjoy the sight of glacial lakes, the wild golden ducks,yaks etc..the next day.
7. For those who like to stretch things to the limit a long trek to Mago/Thingbu would be icing on the cake. but proper guide a must for this.camping in the wild with tents is a lifetime experience one should not miss...
8. Return and halt at Bomdila(10000 ft approx) site seeing.. and back to tezpur..
This itinery can be further customised to suit individual needs

The wheel of life

2007-01-14T08:33:00.000+05:30

Well!! My first post inthe new year has to be to be the wheel of life. This is a picture of a "MANE" with mantras inscribed on it in the bodhi language and the mantra goes as ' OM MANE PADME HUNG' which literally means the jewel in the center of the lotus. It is a mantra invoking the AVALOKITESWARA-the Buddha of compassion.This is the mantra to develop compassion towards all sentient beings which is the main underlying philosophy of Buddhism. All buddhists chant this mantra and also revolve this prayer wheel with the belief that the mantras inscribed on it will be carried by the wind horse(Lung Ta) in all directions to spread the feeling of compassion.

May the year 2007 be a year of peace for all

Himalayan flora

2006-10-03T19:40:00.000+05:30

A rare sight of adaptation by plants to the harsh environment in the

higher reaches of Tawang

Wild Wild East

2006-09-02T17:58:00.000+05:30

The transhumance nomads milking the yaks for their "daily butter". In the background is the temporary stone shelter...

"Cotton field"

2006-08-25T14:26:00.000+05:30

Well, early monsoon picture taken of the panorama around the district.. the monsoons are the times when rains are aplenty and life both flora and fauna is at its best.. infact it is one of the sights one would not afford to miss.. come what may.

"How green is my valley?"

2006-08-19T12:50:00.000+05:30

This is another beautiful location untouched by 'civilization', en-route the trek to Mago-Thingbu in Tawang district. This valley b'coz of its mind blowing view is oft sought after by trekkers and nomads to make it a transit stop over point. The tents once pitched, you feel a strange sense of liberation(mukti) from the worldly complexities and sense of fulfillment prevails over you which no amount of money can buy you. You will be on the proverbial lap of the serene nature enjoyin the view and pollution free air. Infact the air is so pure that some times one finds problem inhaling the air here.. The only price one pays to reach this crescendo is a hard trek of about 50 odd Kms from the nearest point of road connectivity.. And I assure you that the price you pay will be more than compensated by the dividends you get once you reach the place.... The best time to plan a trek here is in the month of April. Anyone game?

Tso-kyo-The crooked lake

2006-08-18T17:14:00.000+05:30

Well!!! as the name suggests this is an arc shaped lake about 15 kms above the town towards to the Chinese border. let me assure u that the sight of this lake with all the wild yaks grazing in the vicinity will be etched in ur memory for a long time to come .. If you are lucky u might even spot some migratory pair of golden ducks from Siberia.. It is also an ideal place for picnic but let me warn you that since all the 108 lakes in the district are sacred to the locals, littering the place will be taken in bad taste.. I had recently been to this lake and had done a circumambulation and it was great fun..the flora around the lake is unique... since I was there in the spring time the flora in full bloom the sight was breath taking. The more adventurous ones can also dare taking a plunge in the lake.

Tsa-Nga-Phu : Mt Gorichen- The white giant

2006-08-16T13:37:00.000+05:30

This is the photograph of Mount Gorichen located in Tawang district, Gorichen is one of the highest peaks (22,500 Ft) of Arunachal Pradesh. It is covered by snow twelve months a year and that's why many refer to it as the 'White Giant'. It is revered as Sa-Nga Phu, which literally means the Abode of the guardian deity and therefore, sacred to the Monpa tribe. Gorichen is a delight for all the mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts. The months of September and October are the ideal time to indulge oneself to taming this 'White Giant'(Warning:Ventures by the untrained could prove to be fatal).The mountaineers have classified this giant as "Gorichen Main-6488" and "Gorichen east 6222m" in terms of its hieght and difficulty to scale. Let me inform you that many of the peaks are still unclaimed and you could be the first to scale them and get a peak named after you- doesn't it sound exciting?.

TAWANG - 'Blessed by the Horse'

2006-08-15T12:51:00.000+05:30

Welcome to 'TA-WANG', which literally means blessed('WANG') by the horse('TA'). Legend has it that Saint Mera Lama wanted to built a monastery in this region and was not sure of the location. It was his horse that chose the place on the picture as the ideal place to built the monumental structure and hence the name "TAWANG". This monastery is one of the oldest and largest in Asia and imparts religious knowledge to 500 inmates(Monks/Lamas).
The district is home to the MONPA tribe. The Monpas are buddhist by faith and the entire socio-cultural activities of the Monpas revolve around this Monastery which is called the "Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Gompa".

The Back View of the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Gompa Monastry. Breath taking view!!

The entrance to Heaven!!! That small pagoda welcomes travel weary visitors to the beautiful town of Tawang. All the scenic spots are within a radius of 15 Kilometers from the town, though the unexplored natural beauty will call for a welcome 100 KM trek, anybody game?

Birds eye view of the Tawang Town, taken from the monastry, taken using a point and shoot camera.

An Unnamed Glacial Lake in Tawang

2006-08-14T18:57:00.000+05:30

This beautiful view is of an unnamed glacial lake in Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh. This place is 80 miles trek from the point of last possible signs of civilization towards Chinese border. I assure you that this breathtaking sight is one of its kind in India and most of all unexplored to all the nature buffs...

Enjoy and posts your comments and queries..

Next update- very soon, with lots of pictures.

We are planning to take one district at a time, and will be posting a lot of pictures from Tawang in the first Installment.