Discover Arunachal Pradesh – The Far East

"The austere serenity of Shangri-La..." describes James Hilton in his 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, "allured by a land of milk and honey in a hidden valley in the Himalayas." Over the years, this has led explorers to venture deep into the Himalayas, scouting one valley after another, and founding their own perceptions of a paradise on earth. For some, this search brings them to Arunachal Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh, due to its easternmost location on the map of India, is called "the land of dawn-lit mountains". The entire terra firma falls under the eastern Himalayan landscape, a land of supreme natural beauty and rich in ancient traditions. The altitudinal and climatic variation of the state results in a variety of landscapes and forests which harbors one of the planet's last great biodiversity.

In this exploratory journey to the wildest frontier of India, the very east of Arunachal Pradesh and the Indian subcontinent, you will come across the 3 Mishmi sub-tribes. This region is the most remote frontier of India, supremely beautiful and picturesquely framed by large Eastern Himalayan Rivers such as the Lohit, Dibang, and the Dihing. The population of the region is the sparsest, with just 3 to 4 people living per square kilometer.

Starting from Dibrugarh in the eastern plains of Assam, you will first visit Namdapha National Park situated on both sides of the Dihing River as it emerges from the mountains. On a clear day, one can see the glorious Dapha Bum, the highest peak in this region. A visit to the national park will introduce you to the rare flora and fauna of the region, while you will also get to interact with the Singpho tribespeople who reside in this region.

After a short visit to the Theravada Buddhist pagodas and temples of Namsai and Chowkham, the journey will progress to the valley of the turquoise Lohit River. The important Hindu pilgrimage site of Parsuramkund is located right where the river touches the plains. You will follow the river upstream all the way to the border with China at Kibithu, the easternmost part of India. The mountains here are one of the remotest in the country and the landscape is very scenic. Enjoy leisurely walks in the highlands and visit the villages of the Meyor and the Miju Mishmi tribespeoples.

Returning to the plains, the last stop of your journey will be at Roing, located at the foothills of the Mishmi Hills, where the Dibang River emerges from its mountainous journey. The scenic laid-back town and its surroundings remain home to the fascinating Idu Mishmi tribespeople. You will go on leisurely village walks and also get to visit the pretty Sally Lake.

While interacting with the Mishmis, you will find them to be as equally mysterious as the mountains they inhabit. Devoted animists, the Mishmis are superbly skilled craftsmen who use bamboo and cane extensively to live a sustainable life independent of modern influences.

This tour is one of the most offbeat and breathtaking experiences available in the country, a truly unique experience of visiting the very far east of the Indian subcontinent and escaping into blissful valleys, and jungles, and experiencing the frank nature and loving hospitality of simple tribal folk.