-: Arunachal :-

Rising from the tropically lush valleys of the Brahmaputra River, the serried ridges and peaks of the eastren himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh stand vigilant over one of the most compelling holiday destinations in india. The remotest outpost of the North Eastern states, Arunachal's mysterious, unspoiled loveliness entices the adventurer with its verdant valleys, misty mountain peaks, swift rivers and the finest sanctuary for some of india's most endangered flora and fauna. It's virgin isolation, due to restricted entry regulations, has been a blessing in disguise as Arunachal still retains intact its centuries old pristine vistas, diverse tribal heritage and exotic geographical features.

Strung out along the misty hill tops and deep valleys, its picturesque townships and villages are the first in the land to be kissed by the rays of the morning sun giving Arunachal its unique position as literally " the land of the rising sun." Living in isolated splendour this exciting, new holiday destination shares its remote borderlines with Myanmar, Bhutan and China (Tibet).

Plunging down from rugged peaks are emerald valleys fed by the intricate cobweb of rivers and streams that criss-cross this vast land. The mighty Siang River fed by thousands of rivers and streams en route through Arunachal is the mighty Brahmaputra River of Assam. Other primary rivers are the Kameng, Subansiri, whose turbulent waters and lush regions, with their remote tribal villages, offer tourists limitless opportunities for white river rafting, angling, climbing, trekking and tribal tours.

Arunachal - Delights Unlimited

Arunachal is huge and travelling around its vast and mountainous tracts can be arduous. But for many this has been a challenge.Arunachal is vast -its terrain difficult. But vacationing in Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure - an exciting, enlightening and incredible adventure - reminding you again what a wonderful privilege it is to savour the deights of wild beauty at its very best.

Itanagar

The land of the dawnlit mountains, itanagar, Arunachal's capital ia also its biggest town. The Jawaharlal Nehru Museum has archaeological finds from ITA FORT to which you can trek up. Housed here is also an interesting collection of arts and craft, jewellery, textiles, and a variety of tribal headgear, which gives you an insight into Arunachal's tribal culture .
open:Tue-Sun; 10 am-5 pm. Try the local brew Apong, a rice beer that's drunk warm. You might stumble upon some of the Nyishi tribals who live around here. You'll recognize them by their
massive knot of hair rolled into a bun over their forehead. In their headdress they wear feathers of the great hornbill, Arunachal's signature bird. Shop at the craft emporium for local mementos. Just 6 km away is the picturesque setting of Ganga Lake (Gekar Sinyi).

Itanagar doesn't have an airport. However, there are airports at Tezu, Pasighat,Along, Daporijo, Ziro and Lilabari, the nearest. Itanagar is connected by road to the other state capitals in the North East. The convenient railheads are Harmuty (33km) and North Lakhimpur (60 km).It is best to visit from Ocotober to May

Tezpur

The gateway town to the Arunachal hills, Tezpur lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra and is well linked to Guwahati airport. Bhalukpong (58 km northeast from Tezpur) dotted along the foothills dividing assam and arunachal pradesh is reputed for its hot springs,orchid center and the Nyethiddow festival in March.

Buddhist Pilgrimage

The Taktsang monastery, 45 km from Tawang, is also known as the Tigers Den. Guru dmasambhava is supposed to have visit this ancient monastery in the 8th century.Some of the other important monasteries are the Rigyalling monastery in the deep cover of lush forest.

one of the oldest Ani Gompa (nunneries) is the Brahma dung-chung Ani Gompa, located 12 km from tawang. Commissioned by karchen yeshi Gelek in 1595, it houses about 45 nuns .The Gyanganga Ani Gompa is about 5 km from town and has about 50 runs living here. Built by Gonpaste Rimpoche, the singsur Ani Gompa, home to 45 nuns, is 28 km from Tawang

The 12th century Gorsam Chorten at Zemithang, the largest in the area, is 92 km from Tawang .

FESTIVALS OF ARUNACHAL

Losar Festival :- The Losar Festival is the beginning of the New Year according to the Monpa calender. This 15 days festival falls in january / February. its highlights are the colourful Aji Lhamu Dance, Lion and peacock dance and the yak dance.

Torgya Festival :-

The Torgya Festival is a 3-day affair. This important festival signifies the destruction of evil spirit and harmful forces and seeks the rule of prosperity and happiness amongst the people .

Saka Dawa :-

Celebrated in the 4th month of the lunar calendar, the Saka Dawa festival marks Gautam Buddha's achievement of Nirvana.

Dukpa Tse-Shi :-

The Dukpa Tse-Shi festival celebrates the preaching of the four nobel truths at sarnath by Buddha. It falls in the 6th month of the Lunar calendar.

Best Time to visit:-

October to may is Best time to visit Arunachal

Getting There
By Air
Nearest Airport Lilabari (North Lakhimpur) in Assam (60 km from itanagar)
Alliance Air , Guwahati-Lilabari Regular Bus services are available from Lilabari to itanagar. For Tawang-Bomdila-Tezpur, Lilabari is the nearest airport.

By Rail
Nearest railhead harmuty in assam (33 km from itanagar).
Trains include Arunachal express frm Guwahati. A more convenient railhead is North lakhimpur in assam, 60 km from itanagar, 407 km from guwahati. It is also served by Arunachal Express. Journey time from Guwahati, about 11 hours by bus. Buses are available from Harmuty and North lakhimpur to itanaga, for your onward journey.

By Road
From Guwahati, one travels mostly on NH 52 to reach itanagar, 429 km away. Direct buses are avaliable from Guwahati.