Trekking In Arunachal Pradesh: Discovering The Thrilling Routes And Nature’s Allure

A view of hikers hiking through the unconventional trails surrounded by giant peaks.

Sharing its border with Bhutan, Myanmar, Tibet, Assam and Nagaland, the state of Arunachal Pradesh is a popular tourist attraction due to its exceptional scenic beauty and magnificent Himalayan peaks. The state is enmeshed in the rich mythology of India, as the Aruna Mountains. The state is also very rich in flora and fauna and has been rightfully declared a hot spot for Himalayan biodiversity. Trekking in the verdant trails of Arunachal Pradesh is a one-of-a-kind experience indeed. Here are some of the best spots where you can go trekking in Arunachal Pradesh.

Factors Affecting Trekking In Arunachal Pradesh

Trekking in Arunachal Pradesh is an immersive experience depending on various factors.

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While Arunachal Pradesh is a popular place where people from far and wide take on a trekking adventure, here are some factors that you must keep in mind.

Weather: The trekking routes in Arunachal Pradesh get slippery during heavy rainfall and thus trekking is rather unfeasible during the rainy season in Arunachal Pradesh.

Terrain: At the highest altitudes, Arunachal Pradesh has typically alpine terrains, while at lower altitudes, there are forests, valleys and river banks. Vertical ascents to the Himalayan peaks may be difficult for some trekkers to navigate.

Restricted areas: Arunachal Pradesh has been the subject of dispute between both India and China since the very 1962. There are certain areas which lie very close to the autonomous Tibetan region and may be out of bounds to travellers and trekkers. You may require an Inner Line Permit or a Restricted Area Permit. It is important to follow the necessary protocol.

Health: Higher altitudes might trigger mountain sickness in some individuals and it is important to carry medicines as a precaution.

Safety: Since Arunachal Pradesh has a diverse terrain, flora and fauna, beware of landslides and wildlife encounters.

Types Of Trekking In Arunachal Pradesh

From high altitude to remote areas, there are many types of hiking in this region.

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Arunachal Pradesh treks are not for the faint-hearted. Below-mentioned are some types of treks that you can indulge in for an exhilarating experience.

High-Altitude Trekking: Since Arunachal Pradesh is home to multiple Himalayan peaks, high-altitude trekking is very common among travellers who visit the state. This type of trekking may involve ascending to a height of 3,000 to 10,000 feet, at points where oxygen in the air drops drastically. However, you can discover beautiful vistas such as snow-capped peaks, exotic alpine wildlife, and lush trees during such treks. Such trekking involves special gear, so make sure that you do your research well.

Duration: Around 3 to 9 days

Remote Area Trekking: This kind of trekking entails going off to places that are less heard of. It may not give you a chance to depend on local guides and information on the Internet, but gives you the thrill of discovering the unknown or lesser-known. Make sure you speak to the locals well and reserve enough time for such treks. If you are looking for solitude amidst the serene mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, then remote area trekking is the perfect option for you.

Duration: Up to 8 hours or even a full day

Multi-Day Trekking: This kind of trekking involves trekkers to spend days in the arms of nature. It involves carrying a lot more stuff than you would for just an overnight trek. It calls for a change of lifestyle for a few days. You can spend a lot of time getting yourself familiar with a location you have never visited before and even interact with the locals. It gives you a multi-faceted glimpse of the state you are visiting and is a delight for those who love an immersive travelling experience.

Duration: 5 to 10 days

Popular Trekking Spots In Arunachal Pradesh

Here are few popular locations for an adrenaline-pumping trekking in Arunachal Pradesh.

1. Bailey Trail Trek

People hiking Bailey Trail Trek, one of the best spots for trekking in Arunachal Pradesh.

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This trek gives you an overall glimpse into the rhododendron forests and the Gorichen and Kangto mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. The trail gets its name from the route covered by British officer Lt. Col. F.M Bailey during the colonial period. He began this journey to conduct a hands-on survey of the state’s border back in 1911 and the famous Bailey Bridge commemorates his journey. The trail for this trek starts from the village of Thembang and continues to Tse La and then Mago Village. You can also visit the Tawang monastery, the Kameng River and the quaint hamlet of Lagam.

Trek Distance: 74 km
Duration: 14 days

2. Talle Valley Trek

A scenic view of people hiking through the majestic rocks and stairs in Talle Valley.

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Relish the panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayas, as you trek through the Talle Valley. This trek is mostly through a dense forest trail of the Talle Valley Forest Sanctuary. The trail makes you ascend and descend erratically and is no less than a thrilling roller coaster ride through the heart of a forest. As you reach the River Pange, the trek becomes easier to navigate, and a flat terrain follows. The Hong village, which is home to the Apatani tribes, is a part of the trek trail and is a beautiful countryside wonder.

Trek Distance: 40 km
Duration: 4 days

3. Helieu River Trek

tle: Helieu River Trek 
Alt Text: People hiking at Helieu River, one of the scenic spots for trekking in Arunachal Pradesh.

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The trail of this trek is located in the heart of the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. The route is slightly difficult to navigate for beginners. What sets this trail apart is that it is open to tourists throughout the year. If you wish to listen to the song of the birds, then this trek is perfect for you. You can sight several bird species, including kingfishers, hornbills, bulbuls, flowerpeckers, and parrotbills during this trek. This area is also involved in the protection of the Asiatic Elephant.

Trek Distance: 8.4 km
Duration: 3 days

4. Tawang Chu Valley Trek

A quaint view of two people hiking their way up to the majestic peaks surrounded by mist.

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The Tawang Monastery has an ancient origin and is located at a high altitude of 3000m. It is known to host ceremonies, rituals and dances associated with the Buddhist religious practices. The monastery had been established according to the Vajrayana Buddhism principles and it is a sacred haven for Buddhist monks. 65 residential buildings are located within the monastery complex. The colourful gate at the entrance is called Kakaling. The marvellous mandalas on this structure are a treat for lovers of history and culture. The monastery is an architectural wonder, amidst the mountainous paradise of the Tawang Chu Valley.

Trek Distance: 30 km
Duration: 5 days

5. The Seven Lakes Trek

People hiking at the Seven Lakes, one of the top spots for trekking in Arunachal Pradesh.

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This trek is known for being one of the most breathtaking treks in the country. The trek trails through the Anini area of Dibang Valley and offers picturesque views around multiple lakesides. Trekkers have to ascend higher altitudes for at least 6 hours in a day during the course of this trek. The Dini, Chene, and Huhu lakes are three of the most beautiful lakes covered during this trek. The trail also covers the Mishmi Hills and the rainforests of Arunachal Pradesh. The Emuli Grassland is also a beautiful stretch of land that mesmerises tourists from all over the world.

Trek Distance: 26 km
Duration: 13 days

Arunachal Pradesh Trekking Price

The price of the exhilarating activity is quite feasible depending on various factors.

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The cost of Trekking in Arunachal Pradesh depends on your accommodation preferences, the number of days, and how you choose to travel. The average cost for trekking in Arunachal Pradesh can be around ₹5,000 and can go up to ₹65,000.

Arunachal Pradesh is perfect for those looking for a thrilling spin of adventure. You can unveil the lesser-known trails and soak in the beauty of nature’s allure. You can travel to this scenic abode with your family or enjoy a solo trip. Trekking in Arunachal Pradesh has a lot to offer and if you are looking forward to this experience, then make your bookings now with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Eric Sanman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to go for a trek in Arunachal Pradesh is during October, when the rainfall recedes, till April.
Nishi is a language commonly spoken among the locals of Arunachal Pradesh.
It is very cold in the higher altitude regions but the places in lower altitudes are hot and humid.
There are 26 tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, which are further divided into a number of subtribes.
Arunachal Pradesh does not seem to be a very hot state, but it is always advisable to carry sunscreen and skin protection when you trek here.

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