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The northeast transforms into a winter paradise, and the places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December reflect that beauty in every direction. Mist above the valleys, ancient monasteries echo in the cold silence, and the mountains wear a fresh coat of snow. December is also ideal for exploring tribal traditions, seeing high-altitude lakes, and exploring what this Himalayan state offers. Travellers looking for raw, untouched landscapes will find the journey as rewarding as the destinations. Each place during this month carries a quiet charm that is hard to match.
10 Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh In December
This is the list of places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December, from snow-covered passes to quiet valleys, offering comfort, culture, and scenic beauty
1. Tawang
Photo: Kingshuk Mondal / Wikimedia Commons
Tawang in December is a snow-wrapped sanctuary immersed in spirituality and high-altitude beauty. This Buddhist town is home to the iconic Tawang Monastery, the largest in India, which stands quietly under frost-kissed skies. A visit to Madhuri Lake, partly frozen in winter, offers a surreal experience. Explore the Tawang War Memorial, which glows softly with lamps at dusk, honouring fallen soldiers. The weather dips below zero at night, so proper layering is necessary. Those who love snow, mountain roads, and cultural depth will find Tawang one of the most captivating places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (330 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Rangapara North Railway Station (383 km)
Cost: ₹800–₹1500 per night; local transport starts from ₹300/day
Major Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake, Tawang War Memorial
2. Ziro Valley
Photo: Arunachal2007 / Wikimedia Commons
Ziro Valley is located in the Lower Subansiri district and is the heartland of the Apatani tribe, known for their sustainable farming and traditional homes made from bamboo and wood. December is off-season for festivals, to experience village life in its natural rhythm. Spend time walking through Hong and Hari villages, where elders gather by the fire and children run across chilled fields. The Ziro Puto viewpoint offers crisp views of the rolling countryside, and local guides can take you to lesser-known trails. It remains one of the most authentic and peaceful places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Lilabari Airport (110 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Naharlagun Railway Station (100 km)
Cost: ₹600–₹1200 for homestays; taxis ₹500–₹800/day
Major Attractions: Ziro Puto, Apatani tribal villages, Pine Grove, Bamboo Grove
3. Bomdila
Photo: Arijit1604 / Wikimedia Commons
Bomdila welcomes travellers with crisp air, sweeping mountain views, and the gentle rhythm of monastic life. In December, the skies stay clear, and the town basks in bright sunlight during the day while nights turn chilly. The Bomdila Monastery, which mirrors the design of Tsona Gompa Monastery in Tibet, becomes a warm hub of prayer and light during the winter season. Visitors can walk to the Bomdila View Point, one of the best places to watch the snow-covered peaks of the eastern Himalayas stretch across the horizon.
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (150 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bhalukpong Railway Station (100 km)
Cost: ₹700–₹1300 per night; taxi ₹1000–₹1500/day
Major Attractions: Bomdila Monastery, Bomdila View Point, Craft Centre, Apple Orchards
4. Dirang
Photo: Kunal Dalui / Wikimedia Commons
Dirang is located in the West Kameng district, lower than Tawang, making it slightly warmer and easier to access during winter. The Dirang Dzong, an old fortress and settlement built in the 17th century, still houses families. The Dirang Hot Springs is where travellers often dip their feet in steaming water surrounded by icy air. Sangti Valley is dotted with grazing black-necked cranes and rolling meadows that stay green even in winter. If you want to pause and reflect, Dirang is one of the most comforting places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (193 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Bhalukpong Railway Station (145 km)
Cost: ₹600–₹1000 per night; taxis ₹1000–₹2000/day
Major Attractions: Dirang Dzong, Sangti Valley, Hot Springs, Yak Research Centre
5. Itanagar
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Itanagar is the vibrant capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. The city blends tribal traditions with modern living. The centuries-old Ita Fort, built with carefully cut stone blocks, stands at the heart of the city. Near it, the yellow-roofed Gompa rises peacefully against the clear winter sky, its fluttering flags. Ganga Lake is a calm retreat with emerald waters framed by thick forest. A visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum offers insight into the diverse tribes of the region. Itanagar adds a cultural pause to the more scenic places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Lilabari Airport (57 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Naharlagun Railway Station (15 km)
Cost: ₹800–₹2000 per night; transport within ₹1000/day
Major Attractions: Ita Fort, Gompa, Ganga Lake, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum
6. Mechuka
Photo: Quentin Talon & Mario Geiger / Wikimedia Commons
Mechuka in December is a remote Himalayan valley where the cold air sharpens every colour and sound. On the hills above, old monasteries with their walls decorated by faded murals and butter lamps glowing inside. The route from Aalo to Mechuka takes you across narrow mountain roads, through thick forests. One of the highlights is the Samten Yongcha Monastery, which holds centuries-old relics. Suspension bridges made of bamboo and rope cross the Siyom River, offering a view that stays with you. It stands out among the most unforgettable places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport (500 km approx. via Aalo)
Nearest Railway Station: Murkongselek Railway Station (430 km)
Cost: ₹1500–₹3000/day including travel and stay
Major Attractions: Mechuka Valley, Samten Yongcha Monastery, Hanging Bridge, Mechuka River
7. Pasighat
Photo: ঈশান জ্যোতি বৰা / Wikimedia Commons
Pasighat is the oldest town in Arunachal Pradesh, carrying the calm of winter without the harshness of snow. Located at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Pasighat lies beside the Siang River, a powerful stretch of the Brahmaputra that enters India from Tibet. Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary is just a short drive from the centre. The hanging bridges in the nearby villages, made of cane and bamboo, offer a unique view of the valley. Among the places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December, Pasighat brings together culture, nature, and winter light.
Nearest Airport: Pasighat Airport (local flights from Guwahati)
Nearest Railway Station: Murkongselek Railway Station (36 km)
Cost: ₹1000–₹1500 for hotels; ₹500–₹1000/day for transport
Major Attractions: Brahmaputra Riverfront, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, Hanging Bridges
8. Roing
Photo: Anu007bora / Wikimedia Commons
Roing is located in the Lower Dibang Valley at the edge of forested hills and quiet lakes. The weather is cold but not harsh, making it comfortable for travellers who want to explore without snow blocking the routes. Not far from town lies Bhismaknagar Fort, a 12th-century archaeological site made of stone and burnt bricks, still holding on to its shape and mystery. A drive uphill to Mayudia Pass offers snowy views without needing full winter trekking gear. Roing brings together ancient history and a peaceful rhythm, making it one of the most inviting places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport (160 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Tinsukia Railway Station (120 km)
Cost: ₹500–₹1000 for budget stays; local taxis ₹800–₹1200/day
Major Attractions: Mehao Lake, Sally Lake, Bhismaknagar Fort, Mayudia Pass
9. Aalo (Along)
Photo: Mousourik / Wikimedia Commons
Aalo offers an immersive experience of tribal life, river landscapes, and remote mountain roads. In December, the air turns crisp, the skies remain mostly clear, and mornings begin with soft fog rising from the Siyom River. The town is surrounded by villages belonging to the Galo tribe, known for their bamboo architecture and harvest celebrations. Walking across the cane-and-bamboo hanging bridges offers a view of the water rushing. The Donyi Polo Temple, with its white dome and peaceful courtyard, symbolises the indigenous faith. It remains one of the most genuine places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Pasighat Airport (160 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Murkongselek Railway Station (180 km)
Cost: ₹600–₹1200 for accommodation; transport ₹1000–₹1500/day
Major Attractions: Donyi Polo Temple, Patum Bridge, Tribal Villages, Hanging Bridges
10. Namdapha National Park
Photo: Aparajita Datta / Wikimedia Commons
Namdapha National Park in December offers one of the richest wildlife experiences in the entire northeast. December is a dry month, which makes the trails more accessible and the wildlife easier to track. Most visitors enter from Miao, a small town where forest permits and local guides are arranged. You can reach Deban, a forest camp near the Noa Dihing River, where basic cottages and rest houses face the flowing water. For nature lovers, Namdapha is one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December.
Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport (160 km to Miao)
Nearest Railway Station: Tinsukia Railway Station (140 km).
Cost: ₹100–₹500 for entry; ₹1500–₹2500 for guides and stays
Major Attractions: Jungle treks, Hoolock Gibbons, Hornbills, Noa Dihing Riverbed
The places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in December carry traditions, solitude, and natural rhythms in beauty. From the silent prayer halls of Tawang to the fog-wrapped lakes of Roing, every destination is open, welcoming, and full of winter charm. Whether you are drawn to mountain monasteries, remote tribal valleys, Arunachal Pradesh has it all. Explore more such packages offered by TripXL for an unforgettable experience of the far-off destinations.
Cover Photo: কুমুদ ঘোষ / Wikimedia Commons
