Tourist Places in Arunachal Pradesh

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh. Verdant forests at the backdrop of the lofty placid mountains, colourful tribes with their curious social customs make the land a picturesque one.

Tawang

Tawang, the land of the Monpa and Sherdukpen tribes with centuries-old monastery, Dragon gates, hundred pristine lakes and numerous waterfalls, situated high up in the misty-eyed Eastern Himalaya. Savouring its wonderful isolation. The true beauty lies in the unpampered vistas, serenity of its lakes, restlessness of brooks, and the spiritual fragrance and ever smiling people.

The soggy, rocky mountains, snowcapped summits and old Monasteries looming large in the skyline, are the real treasures of the place. The township stands on the spur of a hill over 12,000 ft. above the sea level. It is the major centre of the Mahayana Buddhist and the headquarter of Tawang district.

Tawang Monastery : Tawang is famous for its 400 years old Buddhist Monastery locally called Gumpha.It is the fountainhead of spiritual life of the followers of the Gellupa sect of the Mahayana school of Buddhism. The Tawang Monastery is associated with the famous Torgva festival which is held in the eleventh Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah during Dec-Jan as per the Buddhist Calendar. The Tibetan influence here is unmistakable, with the elaborately painted wooden windows and other motifs. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze outside. There is an 8 meter high gilded statue of Lord Buddha here. A must visit is the craft centre which produces very fine woolen carpets of colourful designs and masks.

Around Tawang

Se La Pass, Lies on the way to Tawang .The World's Second highest Pass, the Sela Pass at 4,125 meter, which runs through a small ridge and along a placid lake called the Paradise Lake , in India. The highest pass of the state of Arunachal Pradesh and the third highest of the world is a wonderful place to visit .

Pakang Teng Tso Lake, the spectacular lake lies at about 17km from Tawang and a dazzling example of the hidden treasure amidst the vast green vegetation.

Urgelling Monastery: The birth place of Tsangyang Gyasto, the sixth Dalai Lama of a Monpa Mother, and belonging to Nyingmapa sect is situated at a distance of 5km from Tawang.

Bomdila

The headquarters of West Kameng district is situated at a height of 2,530 metres. Offers spectacular panoramic views of Himalayan landscapes and snow clad mountains. Bomdila, lies amidst apple orchards, wild orchids, forests and cascading waterfalls. This area has had strong Tibetan and Buddhist influences over many centuries and hence there are many Buddhist monasteries called 'Gumphas' here. There is a craft centre here which produces very fine carpets of colourful designs and masks. Other places of interest here are apple orchards and the Ethnographic Museum .

Around Bomdila

Bhalukpong a beautiful picnic spot was the capital of Bhaluka, the grandson of King Bana. This beautiful place lies at 64km from Tezpur on the foot of Aka Hills (Arunachal Pradesh). The remains of the fortification of the kings are still visible. The hot spring, a big orchid garden at Tipi and the unspoiled beauty of nature, is the priced possession of the place. Jia-bharali River passing through the place is angler's paradise. This picturesque spot lies on the way to Bomdila and is the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh, from the south west.

Tipi, Asia's largest orchidarium, the Orchid Research Centre is located here in the West Kameng district. The Orchid centre on the bank of river Bharali, surrounded by evergreen forest has more than 500 species of orchids. On display are some of the finest species with names like the Dainty Lady's Slipper or the more formal sounding Dendrobium. Arunachal has the largest range of orchids in India and at Tipi; scientists are creating new, hybrid species using the latest techniques of bio technology. Buses are also available from Bomdila and Bhalukpong.

Dirang is the sub-divisional headquarters in West Kameng districts; situated in between Bomdila and Tawang. Of interest are Apple orchards, yak breeding farms, a few kilometers from Dirang and hot springs where people go for a holy dip to wash away sins and diseases and Kalachakra Gompa. Ideal for Trekking and hiking. Recommended clothing is heavy woolen in winter and light woolen in inclement weather and cotton in summer.