Spread across the Northern corner of Northeast India, bordering Tibet on 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 place. This is one of the best destination for a offbeat holiday in Northeast India. Surround by steep hills on one side and Luhit river on the other side it makes one of the thriving places to visit in Northeast India. The road is still under construction in many places. Once you reach Anini you instantly fall in love with the place and forget all your tiredness of the long road trip. This pristine land makes for an offbeat excursion for those looking to escape the grind.
Some attractions worth exploring in Anini are Asohiso, Dri Valley, Athupopu, 7 lakes trek etc.
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. Due to road under construction and arduous road one need to a holt at Roing for one night to reach Anini the next day.
You may be interested in a Road trip to Tawang.
2. Mechuka – A place for Offbeat lovers
Located in the Shi-Yomi district in the Northern flangs 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 McMahon Line near Tibet it is a small town surrounded by heavenly hills. Mechuka is home to 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 6 – 7 hrs 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 – 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. Plan your trip with our Sangti Valley tour package.
Take in the panoramic views from the hilltops, sit by the serene river, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this untouched paradise.
Where to stay: Homestay, cottages and tent.
Check our Tawang Tour package
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 agriculture cultivation of maze, 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.
You may be interested in Top 10 places you don’t want to miss in Tawang.
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 sow in the winter months from January – 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 4 -5 hrs 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 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.
You may be interested in top road trip destinations in Northeast India.
6. Namsai – The land of Golden Pagoda
Located in eastern Arunachal Pradesh 119 km away from the Dibrugarh district of Assam Namsai is the hometown of Tai Khampti and Singpho tribes.
Dotted with many small pagodas this is the best place to enjoy ethnic food and culture. The splendid Burmese-style golden pagoda (Kongmu Kham ) is the noticeable landmark of this place. It is a great place to unwind in nature near Assam. Check our Eastern Arunachal tour package to book a tour in Namsai.
Top places to visit: Apart from 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 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 golden hues of paddy from August – September. It is a great place for culture and offbeat seekers.
The best time to visit Ziro is from September to October during that 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 time to explore the valley and observe the lifestyle and tradition of local tribes closely.
Check How to enjoy Ziro music festival like a local.
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 settled behind the Kameng River in a scenic backdrop. It is located 142 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 on top of 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 district of Assam.
9. Dong
Dong is the place where the first sun rises in Arunachal Pradesh as well as India. It is located in Anjaw District in the eastern corner of India bordering China on its right. It is a serene and unspoiled destination in Northeast India still away from tourists due to lack of Infrastructure. India-China LAC at Kaho Pass is located around 35 km from here. Check package tour to Dong to plan an amazing holiday in this less touristy destination in India.
You can pay homage to the brave warrior at the war memorial in Walong War Memorial. Known for its memorials dedicated to the Indians who died there during the hard times of the 1962 Sino-India war, this place is located on the “Helmet Top” where the hot water springs attract a great number of tourists from other parts of India.
The major attraction of Dong Valley is the spectacular sunrise. Trekkers reach the valley early morning to see the sunrise. During trekking, the confluence of the Lohit and Sati Rivers can be seen with a splendid view.
Top places to visit: Some of the awe-inspiring places to explore near Dong are Tidding, Chaglagam, Walong, kibithu etc.
Where to stay: Govt operated lodges 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 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 the 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: Tradition homestay and tent 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 the Dibrugarh (6-7 hr drive) district of Assam. It is best to hire a private vehicle from Dibrugarh or Tinsukia district of Assam to reach Basar.
Check the best festivals in Northeast India to know more about the culture and lifestyle of 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.
