Arunachal Pradesh Tribal & Adventure Trail (8 Nights, 9 Days)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Guwahati – Bhalukpong Transfer - Gateway to Arunachal

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Guwahati Airport (GAU) or Railway Station. Our representative will warmly greet you.

Day: Begin your comfortable road transfer to Bhalukpong (approximately 5-6 hours drive), a charming town nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, serving as the entry point to Arunachal Pradesh. Complete necessary permit formalities upon arrival.

Late Afternoon:

Tippi Orchidarium: Visit the renowned Tippi Orchid Research Centre, home to thousands of orchid species (best seen during blooming season), offering a vibrant introduction to the region's biodiversity.

Evening: Check into your hotel in Bhalukpong. Relax and prepare for your adventure into Arunachal.

Night: Overnight stay in Bhalukpong.

Day 2: Bhalukpong – Itanagar Transfer - The Capital City

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Bhalukpong hotel.

Day: Begin your journey to Itanagar (approximately 5-6 hours drive), the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. The drive takes you through scenic plains and then into the hills.

(Optional Activity: River Rafting in Jia Bhoroli): For the adventurous, a short session of river rafting on the Jia Bhoroli River can be arranged (subject to river conditions, operational season, and additional cost), if time permits and logistics align perfectly. This would require an early start and may extend the travel day significantly.

Evening: Upon arrival in Itanagar, check into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure or explore the local market if time permits.

Night: Overnight stay in Itanagar.

Day 3: Itanagar – Ziro Transfer - Apatani Tribal Homeland

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Itanagar hotel.

Day: Embark on a scenic drive to Ziro Valley (approximately 4-5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee, famous for its picturesque landscapes and the unique culture of the Apatani tribe.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Ziro, check into your hotel/homestay. Begin your cultural immersion.

Nyishi Tribal Village: En route or upon arrival, visit a Nyishi Tribal Village to observe their distinct lifestyle and traditions.

Apatani Tribal Villages: Start exploring the fascinating Apatani Tribal Villages such as Diibo, Hija, Bulla, Hari, and Hong. Witness their traditional bamboo houses, unique facial tattoos and nose plugs on older women (Apatani women), and their sustainable methods of wet rice cultivation.

Night: Overnight stay in Ziro.

Day 4: Ziro Exploration - Valley & Culture Deep Dive

Morning: After breakfast, continue your in-depth exploration of the stunning Ziro Valley.

Visit more Apatani villages, interacting with locals and understanding their animistic beliefs, traditional farming practices, and social structure.

Explore the picturesque landscapes of the valley, dotted with paddy fields and pine-clad hills.

Afternoon:

Apatani Cultural Interaction: Engage in a deeper Apatani Cultural Interaction, perhaps witnessing a local craft demonstration or a traditional performance (subject to availability and local schedule).

Visit the local market for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

Night: Overnight stay in Ziro.

Day 5: Ziro – Daporijo Transfer - Untouched Wilderness

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Ziro accommodation.

Day: Embark on a challenging but rewarding drive to Daporijo (approximately 7-8 hours), a remote town nestled on the banks of the Subansiri River, known for its untouched natural beauty and diverse tribal groups. The road conditions can be rough.

En Route:

Nyishi & Tagin Tribal Villages: Pass through and perhaps stop at local Nyishi & Tagin Tribal Villages, observing their unique way of life, distinct from the Apatanis.

Evening: Arrive in Daporijo. Check into your guesthouse/basic hotel.

Night: Overnight stay in Daporijo.

Day 6: Daporijo – Aalo (Along) Transfer - Rivers & Tribes

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Daporijo accommodation.

Day: Continue your journey to Aalo (Along) (approximately 6-7 hours drive), a beautiful town located in the Siang River Valley, home to the Galo and Adi tribes. This is another long travel day.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Aalo, check into your guesthouse/hotel.

Siang River Valley: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Siang River Valley, known for its lush greenery and the mighty Siang River (Brahmaputra in its upper course).

Galo & Adi Tribal Region: Begin to observe the distinct cultures of the Galo & Adi Tribal Region, known for their unique traditions and hospitality.

Night: Overnight stay in Aalo (Along).

Day 7: Aalo (Along) – Mechuka Transfer - The Hidden Valley

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Aalo accommodation.

Day: Embark on a long and adventurous drive to Mechuka (approximately 6-8 hours drive), a stunning and relatively unexplored valley close to the Indo-China border, known for its pristine beauty, Buddhist monasteries, and friendly Memba tribe. The roads can be very challenging.

Afternoon/Evening: Upon arrival in Mechuka, check into your guesthouse/homestay.

Mechuka Valley: Be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the Mechuka Valley, with its rolling hills, pine forests, and the meandering Yargyapchu (Siyom) River.

Night: Overnight stay in Mechuka.

Day 8: Mechuka – Pasighat Transfer - Gateway to the East

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Mechuka accommodation.

Day: Begin the long journey from Mechuka to Pasighat (approximately 9-11 hours drive). This will be one of the longest travel days, showcasing the diverse landscapes of central and eastern Arunachal Pradesh.

Siang River: You'll follow the course of the mighty Siang River as you descend towards Pasighat.

Passi & Minnyiong Tribal Region: Pass through the regions inhabited by the Passi & Minnyiong Tribal communities.

Evening: Upon arrival in Pasighat, check into your hotel/guesthouse.

Night: Overnight stay in Pasighat.

Day 9: Pasighat – Dibrugarh Departure - Journey Across the Brahmaputra

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Pasighat accommodation.

Brahmaputra River Ferry Crossing: Transfer to the ferry point at Bogibeel/Oriumghat (near Pasighat) for a memorable Brahmaputra River Ferry Crossing to the other side of the river, reaching the Dibrugarh district in Assam.

Note: Ferry timings are specific and subject to river conditions and weather. Delays are possible.

Afternoon: After reaching the other side, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to Dibrugarh Railway Station or Dibrugarh Airport (DIB) for your onward journey, filled with incredible memories of your 'Arunachal Pradesh Tribal & Adventure Trail'.

Inclusions:

8 Nights Accommodation (1N Bhalukpong, 1N Itanagar, 2N Ziro, 1N Daporijo, 1N Aalo (Along), 1N Mechuka, 1N Pasighat) on Twin Sharing Basis (mix of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays based on availability in remote areas)

Daily Breakfast at accommodations

Comfortable Private Vehicle (SUV/Jeep) for all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary

Assistance with Inner Line Permit (ILP) applications for Indian Nationals

Brahmaputra River ferry crossing from Pasighat to Dibrugarh side

All applicable taxes

Exclusions:

Airfare/Train fare to Guwahati and from Dibrugarh

Lunch & Dinner (unless specified)

Entry fees to monuments, museums, parks, attractions, and tribal villages (e.g., Tippi Orchidarium, Apatani Village entry/guide fees, etc.)

Charges for optional activities like River Rafting in Jia Bhoroli

Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, medical emergencies, etc.

Any additional sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Travel insurance

Inner Line Permit (ILP) fees for Indian nationals.

Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) fees and any associated charges for foreign nationals.

Any costs incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as road closures, bad weather, flight delays, etc.