Spread across the Northern corner of Northeast India, bordering Tibet to its North and Bhutan in its west, Arunachal Pradesh has plenty up its sleeve for all kinds of travellers. It is one of the enriching destinations surrounded by lush hills, charming tribal villages and soothing scenic beauty all around. It is a breathtaking destination that is still unexplored. Because of tenacious road connectivity and dense hilly forest, it’s one of the top attractions for offbeat seekers. Team Nexplore unearths the best-kept secrets of this land for your next offbeat getaway. In this post, we write about the most exciting offbeat places in Arunachal Pradesh that are worth a visit once in your lifetime.
Best offbeat tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh.
1. Anini – Hidden gem of Arunachal Pradesh
Located in the Upper Dibang Valley district, Anini is the most charming place in Arunachal Pradesh. Tucked away in the northeasternmost corner of Arunachal Pradesh, Anini is a remote yet breathtakingly beautiful town that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. With its unmatched beauty and pleasant weather, it is one of the most popular destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. The road trip to Anini is an experience for a lifetime. The road is covered by steep hills on one side and the Luhit River on the other side.
Once you reach Anini, you instantly fall in love with the place and forget all your tiredness from the long road trip. This pristine land makes for an offbeat excursion for those looking to escape the grind. It is one of the best destinations for an offbeat holiday in Northeast India. Anini is home to the Idu Mishmi tribe, known for their unique customs, traditional dresses, and deep connection with nature.
Places to Visit in and around Anini are
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Mipi Village – A beautiful tribal settlement showcasing Idu Mishmi culture.
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Mathun Valley – Known for its green meadows and snow-covered peaks.
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Meyodi River – Perfect for nature walks and peaceful picnics.
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Seven Lakes Trek – A challenging trek leading to high-altitude lakes, offering mesmerising views.
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Anini township
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Acheso (Acheshon) – A Border village of India in Arunachal Pradesh, famous for Chingu Camp and many thrilling waterfalls.
Where to stay: A couple of basic homestays and lodges are available. A guesthouse/homestay costs around Rs 1,500 per person for a night, including meals.
How to reach: It is located 380 km away from Dibrugarh and 225 km away from Roing. It’s best to hire a car from Dibrugarh or Roing to visit Anini.
2. Mechuka – A place for Offbeat lovers
Located in the Shi-Yomi district in the Northern flanks of Arunachal Pradesh, sitting at an altitude of 6,000 feet, Mechuka is a hidden treasure. It is one of the best offbeat destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. Located around 29km from the McMahon Line near Tibet, it is a small town surrounded by heavenly hills. Mechuka is home to the Memba community of Arunachal Pradesh. Read our complete travel guide to Mechuka.
It is a very popular destination among adventure seekers. The place facilitates many adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, Rafting etc. It hosts an annual adventure festival which starts in November every year. Mechuka is one of the top offbeat destinations in Arunachal Pradesh. A tour to Mechuka is an experience of a lifetime.
Top places to visit: The best destinations to visit in Mechuka are Dorjeeling village, Old Gompa(Samten Yongcha Monastery), New Gompa, Gurudwara, Salman viewpoint, Haning bridge, Yarlung Army Camp, etc.
How to reach: It takes around 7 hrs to reach Mechuka from Along. Along is around a 6 – 7 hour drive (252 km) from Dibrugarh and 668 km from Guwahati. The road to Along from Dibrugarh is pretty good.
Where to stay: One can enjoy the hospitality of the Memba tribe in Mechuka, where you stay in a homestay and relish traditional food and observe their lifestyle.
3. Sangti Valley – the most loved offbeat destination of Arunachal
Sangti Valley is a breathtaking destination located just 15 km from Dirang on the way to Tawang. A paradise for campers, trekkers, and bird lovers, this hidden gem offers lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and a peaceful ambience. The moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by its unspoiled beauty.
Enjoy the stunning vistas, wander freely through the valley, and listen to the soothing sounds of nature—from grazing cattle to the rustling leaves. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a fun-filled getaway with kids, or a relaxing escape for your parents, Sangti Valley has something for everyone.
Where to stay: Homestay, cottages and tents.
4. Shergaon – Scenic workstation amidst nature
Shergaon is an untrammelled and lovely destination; simply a drive through the place guarantees a scenic odyssey. Located on the way to Tawang before reaching Dirang, it is the home of the Sherdukpen tribe. Located in West Kameng District, bordering Bhutan this place is known for agricultural cultivation of maize, kiwi, tomato, apples, oranges, plums, etc. Picture-perfect hills, stunning village and bountiful natural surroundings make it an outstanding destination for the offbeat seeker. A tour to Shergaon will offer you a peaceful holiday amidst nature, away from city life.
Top places to visit: Pay a visit to the 200-year-old monastery Zengbu Gompa, trek to the stunning Choskorong Waterfall (requires around 30 minutes of trekking). Visit Jigaon, Rupa, Kalaktang, Chilipam Gompa, Lhagyala Gompa in Morshing are some remote villages where you can experience the lifestyle of the Sherdukpen tribe.
How to reach: To reach Shergaon by car, it takes around 4 hours from Tezpur and 7 -8 hours from Guwahati. The road to Shergaon is pretty good. You can hire a taxi from Tezpur or Guwahati and enjoy your Workation holiday.
Check our Arunachal tour Package with Shergaon and Sangti valley
5. Mayodia – A place for snow lovers
Mayodia is a peaceful paradise conveniently located in the Lower Dibang Valley district in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It is a stunning location to play with snow in the winter months from January to February. It’s one of the lowest-altitude places where snowfall can be seen. Heavy snowfall can be experienced here in the 1st and 2nd weeks of January. It is around a 4 -5 hour drive from the Dibrugarh district of Assam.
Mayodia is a breathtaking mountain pass located on the way to Anini. It is a part of the Himalayan evergreen forest where many rare species of birds and animals, and medicinal plants can be found. It is one of the best offbeat locations in Arunachal Pradesh.
How to reach: Mayodia is 157 km away from Tinsukia and 647 km from Guwahati in Assam, and 56 km from Roing. Daily Bus service is available from Tinsukia to Roing (100KM). From Roing you have to hire a car to reach Mayodia, which is 57 km. The better way to explore Mayodia is by your own car/bike or hire a car from Tinsukia.
6. Namsai – The land of the Golden Pagoda
Located in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, 119 km away from the Dibrugarh district of Assam, Namsai is the hometown of the Tai Khampti and Singpho tribes. Dotted with many small pagodas and Buddhist monasteries, this is the best place to enjoy ethnic food and culture. The splendid Burmese-style golden pagoda (Kongmu Kham ) is a noticeable landmark of this place. Check the Eastern Arunachal Pradesh tour package to plan your trip to Namsai.
Top places to visit: Apart from the Golden Pagoda – Namsai Monastery, the Hindu pilgrimage Parsarum Kund is also located around 58 km from Namsai. Chongkham is a must-visit village near Namsai for its grand pagodas and rich cultural experiences in Khampti and Singpho villages.
Where to stay: Golden Pagoda Resort, Hewly Homestay etc.
How to reach: Namsai is a two-hour drive (123 km) away from the Mohanbari (Dibrugarh) airport. Taxis are easily available at the airport.
7. Ziro – Charming destination for offbeat lovers
Ziro Valley is one of the pristine valleys in Arunachal Pradesh. It is the home to the Aptani tribes, which are well known for facial tattoos. The unique cultivation method of the Apatni tribes is a great example of a sustainable ecosystem where only indigenous techniques are used. It is a jewel for offbeat lovers. Ziro Valley is covered with the golden hues of paddy from August to September. It is a great place for culture and offbeat seekers.
The best time to visit Ziro is from September to October, during which time the valley looks most beautiful with golden coloured paddy fields. Ziro Music Festival is the best time to visit the valley to enjoy its stunning beauty and outdoor music. Apart from this, Muko Festival and Dree Festival are the best times to explore the valley and observe the lifestyle and tradition of local tribes closely.
Where to stay: Plenty of hotels, resorts and homestays are available for stay in Ziro. Some of them are Sirro Resort, Kasa Resort, Absa Homestay etc.
How to reach: Ziro is located 470 km ( 8 – 9 hrs) away from Guwahati and 110 km ( 4 – 5 hrs) away from Itanagar, the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
8. Seppa
Seppa is a small town located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The beautiful town is settled behind the Kameng River in a scenic backdrop. It is located 142 km away (4.5 hrs) from Bomdila and 198 km(5 hrs) away from the Tezpur district of Assam. It is one of the breathtaking destinations, but bad road connectivity keeps this place at the top of the mysterious places in Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Paragliding Festival is held in Pappu Valley near Seppa every year in November.
Where to stay: Several basic hotels and lodges are available for stay in Seppa.
How to reach: It is located 160 kilometres from Itanagar and 213 kilometres from Tezpur, connected by motorable road From Itanagar and Tezpur districts of Assam.
9. Dong
Dong, located in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, is the place where the first sunrise in India can be seen. Situated in the easternmost corner of the country, this serene and untouched destination shares its border with China to the right. Far from the crowd of mass tourism, Dong offers travelers a rare opportunity to witness pristine beauty and cultural richness. Just about 35 km from here lies Kaho Pass, marking the India–China Line of Actual Control (LAC).
For those looking to explore this hidden gem, a Dong tour package can help you plan an unforgettable holiday in one of India’s least explored destinations.
Major Attractions in Dong Valley
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Spectacular Sunrise
The main highlight of Dong is its magical sunrise. To witness it, visitors take an early morning trek to the hilltop, where the first rays of the sun touch India. The panoramic view is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. - Hanging Bridge Walks
Walking across the traditional hanging bridges in the valley is an adventurous experience, offering both thrill and scenic views. -
Hot Water Springs
Natural hot springs in the region provide a relaxing retreat, perfect after a morning trek. -
Local Village Experience
Travelers can explore nearby villages (bastis) to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle, traditional huts, and warm hospitality of the people. -
Walong War Memorial
A visit to the Walong War Memorial is a humbling experience. It stands as a tribute to the brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1962 Sino-India War. -
Easternmost Villages of India
Extend your trip to visit Kaho and Kibithu, the easternmost villages of India. Their untouched landscapes and unique location make them must-visit spots for explorers.
Where to stay: Govt operated lodges and basic homestays are available for stay in Dong, having basic amenities. Camping options are also available in a few lodges.
How to reach: One needs to trek for around 6 hrs to reach Dong from Walong. Walong is at a distance of 323 km from the Tinsukia district of Assam and 60 km west of Diphu Pass in the easternmost corner of Arunachal Pradesh.
10. Basar
Located 183 Km from Dibrugarh (6 hr drive), Basar is the home of the Galo Tribes, one of the unique and hidden places in Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by bountiful natural beauty, it is a perfect destination to escape the madding crowd, a place to relax and escape chaotic city life.
It is truly a divine destination situated in a remote corner, perfect for offbeat lovers. You can enjoy staying in traditional sang bungalows (slit houses) of Galo tribes here. A guided tour is essential to visit this place.
Basar Confluence is held here every year in January, which is the best opportunity for outsiders to visit this unconventional, stunning place.
Where to stay: Traditional homestays and tents are the only accommodation options available here. You can also stay in a cottage at Artist Village, which is constructed for the guests coming to Basar during the annual Basar Conference.
How to reach: Basar is 183 Km from Dibrugarh (6-7 hr drive), a district of Assam. It is best to hire a private vehicle from Dibrugarh or the Tinsukia district of Assam to reach Basar.
Check the top festivals in Northeast India to know more about the culture and lifestyle of the tribes closely
Apart from the places mentioned above, there are many other exciting offbeat places available in Arunachal Pradesh. Check our blog post for more updates on offbeat places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the entire Northeast India. This bustling land is covered with dense forest in most parts, which can be accessed by track only. Apart from the Tawang circuit, the road connectivity and infrastructure are still underdeveloped, and it will be completed within 2 -3 years, which is a big hope for all kinds of travellers.
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Check our Arunachal Pradesh tour package if you want to book a mesmerizing holiday in Arunachal Pradesh.
