Dirang Explorative
Our signature slow travel itinerary showcasing the beauty and culture the Dirang Valley in West Arunachal has to offer
Snapshot
- Dates: 25 Dec – 01 Jan
- Region: Arunachal Pradesh
- Duration: 8 days
- Activity: Culture, Family
- Grade: Easy
- Price: Rs.42,500 + GST
Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure that is every explorer’s dream! Remote valleys covered in lush green forests that can be only reached on foot, snow-capped mountains glistening under the sun, gushing rivers carving deep gorges. Arunachal’s rugged beauty is sure to charm you like no other.
For most tourists Dirang is nothing but an overnight stop enroute Tawang. Yet there is so much more this valley has to offer, both in terms of culture and natural beauty. Reinforcing our philosophy of slow travel, we set out to explore Dirang valley like no one else. Visit little know villages of the Monpa and Sherdukpen tribe whose history and Buddhist culture are intertwined with eastern Bhutan and southern Tibet. Their backyards offer stunning landscapes for our hikes through temperate forests and gushing rivers. If you are a person who likes to absorb rather than visit , then this is the trip for you.
- Visit villages of 3 different communities in Dirang
- Hikes through picturesque landscapes of Dirang valley
- Taste traditional brew and cuisine
- Stay in a house boat on the Brahmaputra on New Years Eve
Photos
Day 1: Guwahati to Nameri 210 kms; 5.5 hours
Pickup from Guwahati airport and drive to Nameri National park, located on the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Most parts of Nameri are covered by Moist Mixed, Deciduous Forests with over 600 species of plants to be found in the area. Tropical evergreen and Semi-evergreen forests mingle here with the moist deciduous forests while cane and bamboo brakes and narrow strips of open grassland can be found along the many rivers.
In the evening relax and unwind around the warmth of a bonfire. O/n at Nameri
Day 2: Nameri to Dirang 164 kms; 5 hours
Today you will see a complete change in landscape as you leave behind the plains of Assam ,to climb up the verdant mountain slopes of West Arunachal. This region is drained by the mighty Kameng river, which originates from Seppa. Relax for the remainder of the evening . O/n at a hotel in Dirang
Day 3: Dirang
After breakfast we will start the day with a hike to a Monastery of the Lish people. Lish people were once upon a time herders/ Brokpa (in local language). The hike will take you through the new Lish village and the old abandoned one as well. By late morning We return back to the hotel to freshen up and fuel up with a scrumptious lunch.
After lunch we will drive to Thembang , once the most powerful village in the entire region. During the 15th century this village fought many wars with the Tibetans , for which they had built a fort. Much of the fort area still exists today, and we will walk around to learn about their rich historic past. Over here you will be able to learn about the Monpa culture and get to see their traditional houses.
On the way back we will make a pit stop at old Dirang to visit the Dirang Dzong, quite similar to Thembang but in a smaller scale and well maintained.
O/n at the hotel.
Day 4: Dirang
the second half drive to Sangti, a picture perfect valley which seems like a place straight out of fairy tales. Its serenity accentuated by the lazy meandering of the Sangti river through the broad open valley, patched with golden paddy fields and slender pines. From Sangti you will drive further down to the end of the road from where you will commence a picturesque hike , initially skirting the river and then climbing up to a ridge. Walking up through the sub temperate forests will give you a good idea of the flora of the region.
Day 5: Dirang to Shergaon 91 kms; 3.5 hours
The road less trodden will take us to the village of Shergaon , inhabited by the Sherdukpen community. The journey itself is a very picturesque one and on a clear day we will get good views of the Gorichen range. On the way we will take a halt at Mandala top to pay obeisance at the 108 chortens. From Mandala the road winds down small quaint Monpa villages like Phudung, Morshing and Domkho.
In the second half walk around the old part of Shergaon village, learning about the Sherdukpen culture. O/n in cottages
Day 6: Shergaon
In the morning we will go to pay homage to a 200 year old monastery above the village settlement. After some peace and prayer hike up to Choskorong waterfall. The road towards the waterfall is easy to access by foot. Those interested can also take a dip in the cool refreshing waters. We will enjoy a picnic lunch on the bank of the river, set in the tranquillity of nature.
In the second half we will visit an apple farm where the famous “Golden apple” is grown by the locals. Evening will be for Bonfire and starry night along with local wine made of wild berries and kiwis. O/n in cottages
Day 7: Shergaon to Guwahati
It will be an early start on this last leg of the trip but not to forget it will be a scenic one.
Upon reaching Guwahati we will check in into a boat house on the Brahmaputra.
The evening will be a laid back one with ethnic Assamese cuisines and that’s how we will mark the end of 2022. O/n in a house boat
Day 8: Guwahati
After breakfast drop to Guwahati airport
Cost per person(for Indian nationals): Rs.42,500/- (+ 5% GST)
Included
- Accommodation on a twin sharing basis
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Transportation using Tempo Traveler
- Knowledgeable Guide through the trip
Not Included
- Flights
- GST
- Excess stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport
- Soft drink charges, table drinks, bottled water, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, liquor charges, and tips
- Any other item not mentioned in “Cost Includes” section above
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