Arunachal Pradesh is the northeastern state of India, famous for its snow-covered mountains, Buddhist monasteries, tribal culture, dense forests, and scenic valleys. Arunachal Pradesh is especially known for adventure tourism, Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist heritage, orchids, and diverse indigenous tribes. Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
Top Tourist Destinations & Religious Sites in Arunachal Pradesh (District-wise):
Tawang District’s Attraction:
Tawang city is headquarter of this district famous for scenic Himalayan area, high altitude lakes and Buddhist culture. Must visit tourist attractions in Tawang district are:
- Tawang Monastery: One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India housing 28-foot-high golden statue of Lord Buddha. This site is famous for Tibetan Buddhist culture, mountain views and spiritual importance.(Nearby City: Tawang).
- Urgelling Monastery: Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyasto, and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.(Nearby City: Tawang)
- Sela Pass: A high-altitude Himalayan pass connecting Tawang city to rest of the country. Famous for snow, lakes, and breathtaking mountain scenery.(Nearby Towns: Dirang / Tawang).
- Bum La Pass: An historic Indo-China border pass known for snow-covered landscapes and patriotic significance, requires special army permits to visit.(Nearby Town: Tawang)
- Madhuri Lake: A scenic high-altitude lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains, also known as Sangestar Lake.(Nearby Town: Tawang)
- Nuranang Falls: This waterfall is one of the most scenic natural wonders and much popular among nature lovers.(Nearby Town: Jang)
- Tawang War Memorial: A memorial stupa honouring martyred Indian soldiers of 1962 Indo-China War. (Nearby Town: Tawang)
- Jaswant Ghar: Memorial dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh (MVC), a hero of 1962 Indo-China War. (Nearby Town: Tawang)
Papum Pare District’s Attraction:
Papum Pare is a mountainous district headquartered in the town of Yupia. Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, is located in the Papum Pare district. Key Attractions:
- Ita Fort: A major historical site located in the heart of the city, this fort of bricks gave Itanagar its name
- Ganga Lake (Geker Sinying): A serene natural lake surrounded by lush green forests and popular for boating and picnics, located just outside the Itanagar city.
- Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area home to asian elephants, barking deer, tigers, and diverse birdlife.
- Itanagar Gompa (Buddhist Temple): A beautiful, yellow-roofed monastery, also known as Thupten Gatseling Monastery), consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama, offering panoramic views of the Itanagar city.
- Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum: This museum located in Itanagar, houses a rich collection of tribal costumes, weaponry, and handicrafts highlighting Arunachal’s heritage.
- Craft Centre & Emporium: A living museum in Itanagar for shopping authentic Arunachali crafts, handlooms, bamboo & cane items and traditional costumes.
- Dikrong River: A charming river site offering scenic views, peaceful relaxation, and water activities.
West Kameng District’s Attraction:
West Kameng is a scenic biodiversity rich district with its headquarter in hill station town of Bomdila. Key tourist attractions are:
- Gorsam Chorten: A large Buddhist stupa known for its Bhutanese-style architecture and annual festival. (Nearby Town/City: Zemithang)
- Dirang: A beautiful hill town known for hot water springs, monasteries, historic fort and apple/kiwi orchards. (Nearby Town: Bomdila)
- Bomdila Town: Famous for Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, and pleasant weather.
- Sangti Valley: A highly scenic valley known for river scenery, black-necked cranes and peaceful surroundings. (Nearby Town: Dirang)
- Other Attractions: Bomdila Monastery, Sela Pass, Shergaon (Village tourism destination), Chillipam Monastery.
East Kameng District’s Attraction:
East Kameng district known for beautiful valleys, rivers and rich indigenous culture is having its headquarter in Seppa, a scenic town on the bank of Kameng River. Key tourist attractions are:
- Pakke Tiger Reserve: Famous for hornbills, elephants, and tiger conservation (Nearby Town: Seijosa)
- Other Attractions: Chayangtajo Hill station, Bameng Hill station, Pakke Valley, Pappu Valley, Passa Valley, Ramgarh hanging bridge. Seppa Museum.
Lohit District’s Attraction:
Lohit district offering unique blend of lush nature, cultural heritage and spiritual landmarks is having its headquarter in Tezu town. Key attractions in Lohit district are:
- Parshuram Kund: A sacred Hindu pilgrimage site on the Lohit River, especially visited during Makar Sankranti. (Nearby Town: Tezu).
- Museum & Craft Cente, Tezu: Housing Mishmi tribal costumes, weapons, art and rare manuscripts.
- Kamlang wildlife Sanctuary: Home of diverse flora, endangered fauna and hoolock gibbon spices of Mishmi Hills.
- Glow Lake: A scenic lake situated about one day trek from Tezu.
- Other attractions: Dong valley, Golden Pagoda (Kongmu Kham), Lohit viewpoint.
Upper Siang District’s Attraction:
Upper Siang district located along the Siang River is having its headquarter in Yingkiong town, key attractions are:
- Mouling National Park: Known for dense forests, trekking and rare Himalayan wildlife species. (Nearby Town: Yingkiong)
- Siang River: Known for river rafting, adventure sports and scenic beauty. (Nearby Town: Pasighat)
- Eco-Dumping (Riutala): This area is challenging trekker’s paradise offering scenic views, holy caves and lakes (Sipit lake & yammeng lake).
- Tuting: A scenic remote town near Indo-China border, gateway to scenic valleys and trekking expeditions.
- Gelling: A village offering view of ‘MacMohon Line’ and rich Tibetan-Buddhist cultural heritage.
Lower Subansiri District’s Attraction:
Lower Subansiri district known for pine clad rolling hills and indigenous Apatani tribe, Ziro town is its headqyarter. Key attractions are:
- Ziro Valley: A UNESCO tentative heritage site famous for green valleys, Apatani tribal culture and paddy fields. (Nearby Town: Ziro)
- Other Attractions: Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Kardo hills Shiva Lingam, Ziro Musical festival, Naara Aaba winery (organic kiwi wine) and Tarin Fish Farm.
Shi Yomi District’s Attraction:
Shi Yomi district having its headquarter in Tato town is known for snow capped Himalayan peaks, key attractions are:
- Mechuka Valley: A remote scenic valley near the Indo-China border known for mountains, trekking and Adi tribal wooden homes & tribal culture. (Nearby Town: Aalo)
- Samten Yongcha Monastery: An old Mahayana Buddhist monastery on hilltop in Mechuka, serving as major pilgrimage site.
- Neh Premashubu: A sacred meditation cave at about 13 kms from Mechuka.
- Sikodido Waterfall: A scenic waterfall between Hirgo and yapik villages.
Dibang Valley District’s Attraction:
Dibang Valley district, headquartered in Anini town, is famous for high altitude lakes and Idu Mishmi tribal culture, Key attractions are:
- Anini Town: Anini town, located on a plateau between two rivers, is famous for untouched Himalayan beauty and adventure tourism.
- Other attractions: Dibang Windlife Sanctuary, Mathum & Dri Valleys, Athupopu (Local sacred site), Mayodia pass, Mawu Aando Waterfalls (near acheso).
Lower Dibang Valley District’s Attraction:
Lower Dibang Valley district headquartered in Roing town is famous for biodiversity, Himalayan views and archaeological heritage.
- Roing Town: A scenic destination known for lakes, waterfalls, trekking, and tribal culture.
- Bhismaknagar Fort: An ancient archaeological site.
- Other attractions: Mehao Wildlife sanctuary, Iphni Ghat, Sally Lake & Nehru Van Udyan, Mayudia Pass.
Changlang District’s Attraction:
Changlang town itself is headquarter of this district, Key attractions are:
- Namdapha National Park: A rich biodiversity zone famous for rare wildlife like snow leopard & hoolock gibbon and dense forests. (Nearby Town: Miao)
- Other Attractions: World War II Cemetery, Miao Town (Museum), Pangsau Pass, lake of No Return, Stilwell Road (Historic route to China during World War II).