Angling and Rafting in the Subansiri River
An epic river journey down a pristine valley in the wild Himalaya of Arunachal Pradesh — rapids, riverside camps, and a shot at the golden mahseer.
The Subansiri — the ‘gold river’ — is one of the largest tributaries of the Brahmaputra. It rises beyond the Great Himalayan Range, enters India at Asaphila and runs through the isolated mountains of Arunachal Pradesh to meet the Brahmaputra at Majuli. For long stretches there are no roads at all, just sheer rock walls and very few people, and the valley keeps an ancient, untouched feel. The river is fast and demanding, and beautiful. The hill communities along its lower reaches still hold traditions shaped by their animist faith. On this trip you run the hidden valley by raft, past old tribal settlements and forest full of wildlife, camping on sandy beaches under the stars, and fishing for the big Himalayan species, the golden mahseer above all.
Traveling with Greener Pastures means hassle-free, insightful journeys in the hands of passionate experts. All our naturalist guides are from the region and have deep knowledge of the local wildlife, terrain, and communities. Every tour can be tailored to your interests and fitness level.
At a Glance
Himalayan Whitewater
Paddle down the untouched valley of the Subansiri in the wild eastern Himalaya.
Golden Mahseer
A rare chance to hook the prized fighting fish, the elusive golden mahseer.
Riverside Campsites
Camp on forested sandy beaches beside the river under clear, starry skies.
Day by Day
Dibrugarh
Arrive at Dibrugarh airport and check in at the clubhouse. Spend the afternoon by the river, and the evening in the lively market or at a good restaurant.
Dibrugarh
Arrive at Dibrugarh airport and check in at the clubhouse. Spend the afternoon by the river, and the evening in the lively market or at a good restaurant.
Dibrugarh - Basar
A long drive to the remote settlement of Basar (7-9 hours), across the plains, over the Brahmaputra by ferry, and up into the green mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. You stay in a basic guesthouse.
Dibrugarh - Basar
A long drive to the remote settlement of Basar (7-9 hours), across the plains, over the Brahmaputra by ferry, and up into the green mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. You stay in a basic guesthouse.
Basar - Dumporijo
An early drive through the central hills to Dumporijo to meet the rafting crew. After a safety briefing, the river journey begins, to camp above the ‘Bend’ rapid, where the deep pools below the grade 3 rapids give a good chance at golden mahseer, and the silent gorge below is good for chocolate mahseer. Evening by the campfire.
Basar - Dumporijo
An early drive through the central hills to Dumporijo to meet the rafting crew. After a safety briefing, the river journey begins, to camp above the ‘Bend’ rapid, where the deep pools below the grade 3 rapids give a good chance at golden mahseer, and the silent gorge below is good for chocolate mahseer. Evening by the campfire.
Dumporijo - Sigun Camp
Fish while the crew packs up, then raft through moderate rapids and green mountains to the Sigun campsite, or float on to Kadung Kamang. Evening by the fire.
Dumporijo - Sigun Camp
Fish while the crew packs up, then raft through moderate rapids and green mountains to the Sigun campsite, or float on to Kadung Kamang. Evening by the fire.
Sigun Camp - Sibe Rite Camp
Good fishing above and below camp early and late. Then into the grade 3+ Kamala rapids, a challenging mile-long stretch, with excellent fishing all the way to Sibe Rite. Evening by the fire.
Sigun Camp - Sibe Rite Camp
Good fishing above and below camp early and late. Then into the grade 3+ Kamala rapids, a challenging mile-long stretch, with excellent fishing all the way to Sibe Rite. Evening by the fire.
Sibe Rite Camp - Leopard Camp
Further down the valley through fun grade 3+ and ‘feather’ rapids to Pool Camp or Leopard Camp, named for the secretive cats of the surrounding forest. Evening by the fire.
Sibe Rite Camp - Leopard Camp
Further down the valley through fun grade 3+ and ‘feather’ rapids to Pool Camp or Leopard Camp, named for the secretive cats of the surrounding forest. Evening by the fire.
Leopard Camp - Demon’s Head Camp
A mix of slow water and moderate rapids, past the Sipla confluence to Demon’s Head Camp. Evening by the campfire.
Leopard Camp - Demon’s Head Camp
A mix of slow water and moderate rapids, past the Sipla confluence to Demon’s Head Camp. Evening by the campfire.
Demon’s Head Camp - Pasighat
The last three hours on the river through grade 2 feather rapids to the take-out at the Subansiri dam site, then drive to Pasighat, where the Siang comes down into the plains. You stay at a family-run camp.
Demon’s Head Camp - Pasighat
The last three hours on the river through grade 2 feather rapids to the take-out at the Subansiri dam site, then drive to Pasighat, where the Siang comes down into the plains. You stay at a family-run camp.
Pasighat - Dibrugarh
Drive to Dibrugarh airport (3 hours) for your flight. End of trip.
Pasighat - Dibrugarh
Drive to Dibrugarh airport (3 hours) for your flight. End of trip.
Your Retreats
01The Gymkhana Clubhouse
With an open, small-town atmosphere, the Gymkhana Clubhouse in Dibrugarh is run by enthusiastic locals and has genuinely good modern rooms, plus a pool and a gym. The clubhouse, built in 1923, holds a restaurant and a well-stocked boutique bar.
“A 1923 clubhouse with a well-stocked bar and a small-town welcome.”
02Donyi Hango Camps
Run by the Dai family, early promoters of tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. The campsite is comfortable, with clean, spacious tents, and Mrs. Dai — a formidable Adi woman in her own right — is always happy to have travelers from around the world. It is the best option in Pasighat.
“Mrs. Dai has been hosting travelers here longer than most.”
Why Travel With Greener Pastures?
Curated Experiences
Our itineraries are one of a kind, carefully detailed from our own personal travel experiences — from choosing the best logistically correct routes to the most interesting stay options.
Native Guides
With guides native to the region, you get an insider view of local life and culture.
Experts in the Region
You are in the hands of a team who know and are passionate about Northeast India.
“By choosing us, we share together a pledge towards responsible tourism, and a belief that travel has the power to positively transform local livelihoods, cultures, and the environment.”
— The Greener Pastures Promise
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