Arunachal Pradesh is my all-time favorite. Area-wise it is the largest among the seven sister states of India. The natural beauty around the place is unmatched. But till date, only a part of Western Arunachal Pradesh (that too Tawang) has gained popularity among travelers. Recently, Ziro is also gaining popularity. Also, we may have heard the name of Pasighat due to its airport and Itanagar as the state capital.
Except for these, we have not even heard the other names in the state. A large portion of Arunachal is still unexplored by people. However, there are more and more travel enthusiasts who are developing a keen interest in the wildlife, adventure, and tranquility of Arunachal Pradesh.
Here are 9 names for you from Arunachal Pradesh which you may not have heard the name of.
1. Vijoynagar
Vijoynagar is the most remote town in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Prior to 1961-62, this place was little known to the outside world. This beautiful pristine location is endowed with natural beauty and surrounded on three sides by Myanmar while the other side is flanked by the large chunk of a thick forest of Namdapha National Park.
Vijoynagar can only be reached on foot via Namdapha National Park, or by air via the Vijoynagar Airport. 55% of the population belong to retired Assam Rifle personnel and 45% are Civilians comprising mainly Yobin people. The natural beauty of this place can not be expressed in words. A motorable road connection from Miao has been proposed. After that, the hardship of the local people will be minimized.
Distance from Nearest town:
Miao is the nearest major town to Vijoynagar. It is 157 km away and take about 6 days walk by foot.
2. Mayodia Pass
The Mayodia Pass is a small village bordering China and is an ideal destination especially for those who want to experience snowfall. It is located at an elevation of 2655 m above sea level. Mayodia is popular among local tourists due to the snowfall it receives during winters. There are a few virgin trekking routes in the nearby forests which you can explore with the help of local people.
If you are planning to visit Roing, you can add this place to your itinerary. In India, you will get numerous places to enjoy snowfall. However, the seclusion which Mayodia provides to the tourist is unmatched. Also, this place is a favorite for bikers.
Distance from Nearest town:
The nearest town to Mayodia is Roing. It is only 56 km from Roing. Mayodia can be easily reached by road from all major cities of Assam. From Dibrugarh it is 144 km.
3. Thembang
Though Thembang is located in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh very few people have heard its name. Thembang is an ancient, fortified village, which was said to be established before the first century AD. It is located at an altitude of 2300 m from sea level. During the Sino-Indian war in 1962, the village has witnessed a fierce battle between the Indian and Chinese armies.
Thembang Dzong is believed to be constructed before 1100 CE. Thembang village and Dzong are surrounded by the majestic beauty of lush green hills, steep gorges, and snow-clad peaks. Due to the richness of heritage structures found in the village, locals consider the village of Thembang itself as a monument. In 2014, Thembang has been included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
Thembang is rich with biodiversity and a wide variety of wild animals, including rare species such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear. If you are planning to explore the Tawang side, you should keep one day for Thembang from Bomdila.
Distance from Nearest town:
Thembang is 50 km from Bomdila. It will take only 1.5 hours to reach Thembang from Bomdila.
4. Dambuk
Dambuk is a little town located at the mesmerizing hillock in the deep inside of Eastern Arunachal. It is one of the 10 least populated districts in Arunachal. Dambuk is known to produce one of the best qualities of oranges in the country. During the season, the traveler can have a taste of it as the local vendors at the side of the highway sells oranges.
Reaching Dambuk is an adventure in itself because one has to cross the rugged roads in a jeep ride. While you reach the destination, it will take your breath away. As the place is scarcely populated and very new for the tourist, the virginity of this place still remains.
Distance from Nearest town:
Dambuk is 180 km from Dibrugarh, and it will take nearly 4-5 hours to cover it. You can also approach to Dambuk from Roing which is 35 km apart.
5. Anini
Anini is a hidden gem in Arunachal Pradesh. The scenic beauty, white fog, and verdant landscape of Anini are incomparable to other places of Arunachal. This small town with mystic air and unexplored terrain makes it the perfect destination to unwind and find your inner peace.
Visiting Anini is a different experience altogether as it is surrounded by a bunch of tribal villages. You can explore them and also experience the purity of different types of tribes and their culture. Once you reach Anini you instantly fall in love with the place and forget all your tiredness of the long road trip. Some attractions worth exploring in Anini are Asohiso, Dri Valley, Athupopu, 7 lakes trek, etc.
Distance from Nearest town:
Anini is located 380 km away from Dibrugarh and 225 km away from Roing. It is best to hire a car from Dibrugarh or Roing to visit Anini.
6. Menchukha
In Memba dialect, 'Men' means Medicine, 'Chu' means Water streams, rivers, etc. & 'Kha' means Snow. So, the meaning of Menchukha is "the land blessed with medicinal snow-fed water- river & streams". It is located at an altitude of 6,000 feet. Menchukha is also known as Mechuka. It is home to the Memba community of Arunachal Pradesh. It is an ideal destination among adventure seekers. Mechuka facilitates many adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, and rafting, etc.
Mechuka is one of the cleanest places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. The main attraction in Mechuka is the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha Monastery. It houses numerous ancient statues, including that of Guru Padmasambhava. Many Tibetan festivals, especially Losar, are celebrated here with reverence. The Siang River, which originates from the glaciers around the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, flows through Mechuka and provides a breath-taking view of the valley.
Distance from Nearest town:
Menchukha or Mechuka is located 186 km away from Aalo, the nearest town to Menchukha. It will take around 5 hours to reach Menchukha from Aalo.
7. Dong
Dong is a small village in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. At an altitude of 1240 meters, Dong is placed at a strategic location of tri-junction of three countries i.e., India, Myanmar, and China. The place is enriched with natural beauty and is a photographer’s paradise. India-China LAC at Kaho pass is located around 35 km from here.
Snow-capped mountains and beautiful pine forests make Dong immensely inviting. This village is also one of the villages from where the earliest sunrise can be witnessed. The millennium sunrise was witnessed by people from across the world at Dong on 1st Jan 2000.
Distance from Nearest town:
Dong can be accessible from Walong. The nearest town to Walong is Tezu. It is around 200 km from Tezu.
8. Tezu
Tezu, a small town that boasts of beautiful rivers and valleys, is in Lohit district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Mishmi tribes are the early inhabitants of this land and their history dates back to the period of the epic Mahabharata. Many other ancient tribes also live here.
One of the important tourist destinations in Tezu is Parshuram Kund, a famous pilgrimage place that attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims from all over India and from neighboring countries. Tezu is a must-visit place for those who are seeking authentic and traditional lifestyles. Appealing to photographers, this village is home to Glow Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and looks right out of a storybook.
Distance from nearest town:
Tezu is 175 km from Dibrugarh, and it takes about 4 hour to reach.
9. Namsai
Namsai District comes into its existence on 15th July ’2014. This place is ideal for the culture and history buff. However, this place will not let you down if you are an adventurist or birder. The major attraction of Namsai is the Golden Pagoda. It is built in the Thai/Burmese style, sits majestically amidst a beautiful, landscaped garden surrounded by lush greenery. The Buddha Vihara in Chongkham is also a must-visit place in Namsai.
From Namsai, you can also go to Wakro which is 64 km apart. Cool winds, sunny weather, quaint paddy fields, views of the Mishmi hill from Wakro will mesmerize you.
Distance from nearest town:
Namsai is well connected by road with the neighboring towns of Assam. From Dibrugarh airport it is only 123 km and from Tinsukia railway station it is 80 km.
Apart from the places mentioned above, there are many other exciting, offbeat places in Arunachal Pradesh that are yet to be explored.
If you want to suggest more names, please mention in comment section.
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