Tourism in the Mighty Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh

Dibang Valley is a district of Arunachal Pradesh named after the Dibang River. It is the least populated district in India and has an area of 9,129 square kilometres. Dibang Valley is bordered in the north and the east by the People’s Republic of China. In the west it shares its boundaries with the Upper Siang District and in the south by the Lower Dibang Valley District. The region is also a biodiversity hotspot in the world and is the home to various wild orchids which are exclusive to this region. The region comprised the hilly Himalayan terrain and deep gorges formed by the rivers, which are perennial in nature. The major rivers of the region are Mathu, Dri and Ithun which flow through the ranges. According to the 2011 Census the population of the area is about 8,004 and the total area of the region is 9,129 km 2 which makes the largest district in area wise in the entire State. Anini is the headquarters of the Dibang Valley District, and it has three administrative Subdivision namely Mipi Anini Alinye, Etalin Malinye and Anelih Arzoo sub-division to meet the required administrative control of the district.

The Dibang Valley is situated in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh. The Dibang Valley District administrative history began in 1914, when it was a part of the North Eastern Frontier, Central and Eastern portion. The area became known as Mishmi Hill District since it is primarily populated by the Mishmi (Idu, Digaru and Miju) people. The tract was renamed in 1919 as the Sadiya Frontier Tract. in 1980, a separate Dibang Valley District was created by curving out the Lohit District. It was on December 16 th 2001 that the then undivided Dibang Valley was bifurcated into two Districts namely Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley Districts with its headquarters at Anini and Roing respectively.

Best time to visit Dibang Valley :

Since Dibang Valley is located at an elevation of more than 1000 metres Msl, it typically rains here during most months. One might only encounter dry and clear weather in the winter. The closest town to the area is Roing in (Lower Dibang Valley district), which is around 200 kilometres away. The area is accessible by road, and occasionally helicopter services are also offered. The only way to get there is via the currently under construction National Highway 313. The months of October through February are undoubtedly the greatest for travel.

Best Places to Stay in Dibang Valley :
 

One might stay in a different kind of accommodation. There are several hotels and homestays, and the internet has extra information. One can experience the traditional style of living in one of these homestays, which offers a pure and rich traditional experience. Also, one can sample the tribe's delectable traditional cuisine and diet. For any visitor, staying in the Dibang is completely a thrilling experience.

Mishmi Takin Homestay is a beautiful homestay in Anini with local hosts and comfortable rooms.

Chigu Resort, Anini is a new property that has come up in Acheso, which is about 3 hours from Anini. It is a beautiful location with cottages, waterfalls and guests can also indulge in adventure sports.

Things to do in Dibang Valley:

Dibang Valley is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure opportunities. Here are some things to do and places to visit in Dibang Valley:
 

Places to Visit in Dibang Valley:
 

Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary: The Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare mammals like the Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, and Asiatic black bear.
Anini View Point: Offers breathtaking views of the valley and is a popular spot for photography.
Sally Lake: A picturesque lake resort with clear waters and lush green surroundings.
Deopani Park: A beautiful park with a forest guest house offering scenic views of the river Deopani.
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary: A paradise for nature lovers with a variety of flora and fauna.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Mathu Valley: A picturesque valley with rolling grass hills and traditional longhouses                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Mawu Aando falls: This is a beautiful waterfall about 30 minutes drive from Chigu Resort enroute to Bruni border post.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
 

Activities to do in Dibang Valley:

Birdwatching: The valley is a paradise for birdwatchers, with rare species like the Sclater's monal and Blyth's tragopan.
Trekking: Explore the valley's diverse landscapes and trek through the rolling hills and forests. Guests can go for the majestic Seven Lakes Trek from Anini
Wildlife spotting: The valley is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the clear waters of Sally Lake or other rivers and streams.
Camping: Experience the tranquility of the valley by camping amidst nature. Guests can also camp at Chigu Resort
Local cuisine: Try the local delicacies, which are heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine and include dishes like pika pila, lukter, pehak, and chura sabji.
Festivals: Attend the Behdeinkhlam Festival, which is celebrated in July and is one of the most significant festivals in the region 
 

Topography :
 

Along with Ahi, Embra, and Taloh valleys, the two valleys of Mathu and Dri make up the Dibang Valley area. The entire Dibang Valley is rugged and resembles the northern flank of the Lower Dibang Valley District, which is distinguished by towering hills, deep valleys, and gorges. The outer mountain range is made up of snow-capped peaks and is part of the eastern Himalaya range. During the winter, there is a lot of snowfall in the area. At Anini, the District's typical mean sea level is around 1698 metres. The Major rivers of Dibang valley Districts tributaries include Dri, Mathu, Taloh, Embra, Ahi, Ithun, Zunu, Aha, Ithi, Abba, Ifi, Jumu, Theya, Desa, Thiri, Choro, Dhichi, Chulu, and Emra.

People And Their Settlement :
 

There are three sub-groups within the Mishmi cultural group residing on the Indian side of the border [Idu (Chullikata), Digaru (Taraon or Tawra) and Miju (Kaman or Kammaan), whoreside in the Districts of East Siang (Aohali), Upper Siang (Tuting-Semo), Lohit, Anjaw, Lower Dibang Valley, and Dibang Valley. These later four districts are collectively termed the Mishmi Hills. The Idu Mishmi call themselves by the name Keraa-aa, which translates to Keraa's offspring (Aa-child). The Idu Mishmi consider themselves to be descendants of the great-grandfather Keraa. The term Chullikata was coined by outsiders and is used to refer to the Idu Mishmi. The tribe's distinctive haircut led to the naming of them (cropping in the front, shaving the sides and keeping it long in the backside). Further, The Idu Mishmi can be divided into three groups based on dialectical differences, which roughly translate as Mindri, Mithu, and Midu. The majority of Mindri-speaking Idu Mishmi live in the current Dibang Valley District around the valleys of the Dri and Mathu rivers. On both sides of the valley of the Ithun river, the Mithu lives. The lower foothills and lower valleys of the Mishmi Hills are where you'll mostly find Idu Mishmi who speak Midu. Therefore, it is most likely that Idu Mishmi who speak Midu and inhabit lower foothills and valleys were first in contact with outsiders, and that is when the term Idu was originally coined to refer to the tribe. Idu Mishmi neighbours, like Adi Padam, refer to them as midhi. The term "Bebejiya" is used to refer the Idu Mishmi (mithu speaking group) of the Ithun Valley. Add at least 1 image for all the main points. 

Wildlife Tourism in Dibang Valley : 
 

Anini is a must-visit location for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The Dibang region is home to a wide variety of beautiful plants and animals. Also, it is a haven for rare animal species. For the entire state, the potential of wildlife tourism in the Dibang region is very humbling. The fauna and flora of the Dibang Valley District reflect the varied topography, climate, and soil. Lower elevations are home to forests of tropical evergreens and subtropical pine (as well as subtropical mixed broad-leaved and pine forests), whereas higher elevations are home to temperate woods, both mixed and coniferous. Rhododendrons tend to predominate on the higher slopes, which are covered in sub-alpine and Alpine vegetation. Dwarf grasses, pine (coniferous species), oak (Quereus sp), firs (Abies spectabilis), and birch (Betula utilis) are the most prevalent plants at higher elevations. Other plants at high altitude include small stemmed bamboo (Bambusa pallid Hill) and medicinal plants such as Coptis teeta and Texus bataca. Many valuable trees, including Dhuna (Resiniferum), Gonsorai (Cannamomum-cecicodaphne), Bhola (Morus laevigata), Simul (Bombex malabaicum), Mekai (Phobele-cooperiana), and Khokon (Duabanga
sonneriotoides) may be found in the foothill region that makes up the Lower Dibang Valley District. Additionally, this area has an abundance of different species of bamboo (Deudrocalamus hamiltonii, Pseudostachyum polymorphum, and Teinostachyumdullooa) and cane (Calamus species), as well as an abundance of orchids. Common flowers include rhododendrons, primulas, willows, honeysuckle, and a species of viburnum. Jhengu (Calamus species) and Tako (Livistonia jenkinsiana) are used as roofing materials at higher altitudes. Tigers, snow leopards, elephants, hoolock gibbons, black bears, numerous species of deer, and wild buffalo are among the various animal species. Musk deer and Mishmi takin (Budorcas taxicolor), which have been classified as uncommon species, are also found in higher elevations. A variety of migratory birds and ducks can be seen in the rivers and lakes during the winter. Both Districts are home to several snake species, insects, and leeches that feed on human blood. Sa (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated animal that is widespread.

Cultural Tourism in Dibang Valley: 
 

Moreover, the area is a popular spot for cultural tourism. Everyone should put experiencing the Idu Mishmi's colourful and diverse culture at the top of their bucket list. The
locals still follow traditional indigenous ways of life and value their tribal culture. Jhum, or shifting agriculture, is the style of agriculture preferred by Idu Mishmi. However, one would see a well-established settled form of cultivation in the lower plains. The people's food items that are produced for consumption in this field include different kinds of paddy (kembu, patunge, kezoree, kembo, kemita, kelo, kewesi, and keheche), different kinds of tuberous roots, potato, and sweet potato (gena, geja, giidu, giisi, gii-a, gii-kalu, abi, baesa, gekholo, and sona), and different varieties of vegetable green leaves such as tuna (spinach), tusi, tupirina, kandichu, ahona, ekana, apapu and atona. Millets such as yamba (finger millet), Aka (foxtail millet), Abra (Job's Tear or adlay millet), and mushroom varieties like akupi, akupu, golombo, and akudru. Hunted wild animal flesh, rats, squirrels, birds, fish, bamboo shoots (Apoh), etc. In addition to these food items, Idu Mishmi local beer (yu), which is made from rice or rice combined with millets or maize, is a popular beverage.

The common flora like Alnus Nepalensiss, Tsuga, Rhododendron, Oak (Quercus), Crypto (Maria Japonica), Pine (Pius.) Holock (Terminalis.), Orium (Bishofia Javanica), Chestnut, Walnut, Michelia Champaca (champa) etc. and some of the Medicinal Plants such as Mishmi Teeta (Coptis teeta), Centella Assiatica (Brahmi), Ginseng, Paris palifolia, Aconitum, etc. are popularly found in the area. Two wildlife Reserves namely the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in the Dibang Valley District and the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in the Lower Dibang Valley District had played crucial role in conserving the regions flora and fauna. Reh and keh-meha are two notable festivals that are observed in the area. One can observe the vivid and rich culture and customs of the tribe during this joyful hour. During this celebratory month, which occurs twice a year in the months of February and September, one may also see the tribe's vibrant attire.
 

Eco & Adventure Tourism in Dibang Valley : 
 

The Chigu, Zaw-rumo, Acheso, Emuli, Mipi, and Alinye valleys are just a few of the stunning landscapes found in the Dibang region. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Dri and Mathu valleys can be found in the districts. A popular tourist destination in the area is the seven lakes of the Dibang region. Also, the area presents a gorgeous image, and some of the area feels like straight out of fairy tales. In addition, the area offers many of tourist activities like paragliding, hiking, and river rafting. Another great option is camping.The Dibang valley is a place to visit once in a lifetime because of its breath-taking beauty. It is also one of the Arunachal Pradesh state's fastest-growing tourism destinations. The powerful Dibang Landscape and adventure have a lot to offer to every traveller and tourist with its rich culture, native way of life and exotic flora, and fauna.

How to reach Anini:

Taxi Service: From Roing, Lower Dibang Valley to Anini (235 kms)

Chopper Service during Summer: Naharlagun via Pasighat/Mohanbari/Roing to Anini

Bus Service:  APSTS has introduced bus service from Roing to Anini on 15th Jan’ 2021.
Roing to Anini —> 0600 Hrs  (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
Anini to Roing —> 0600 Hrs  (Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday)

Private Vehicle Service: Tinsukia to Roing/Dibrugarh via Tinsukia to Roing
 

Nearest airport: Mohanbari at Dibrugarh, Assam
 

Nearest Railway Station: Tinsukia, Assam

Contact and Permits: Tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh are required to get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) / Restricted Area Permit (RAP) as follows:

I. For Domestic tourists:

ILPs are issued by the Secretary (Political), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar and respective Deputy Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Districts. These can also be obtained from Resident Commissioner’s / Liaison Offices located at New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati , Shillong , Dibrugarh , Tezpur, North Lakhimpur , and Jorhat. ILPs can also be applied online at www.arunachalilp.com
Temporary ILP is issued at Shantipur Border Checkpost.
 

II. For Foreign tourists:
Foreign tourists can obtain a Protected Area Permit from all Indian Missions abroad, Home Ministry, Govt. of India and Home Commissioners, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar 

If you are looking for a tour to Anini, do have a look at our Anini tour package:

Written by Omanso Tayang

Omanso, an avid backpacker with an engineering background from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, returned to his home state after completing his education in Chennai & NERIST. Passionate about promoting the lesser-known destinations, Oman has traveled across most parts of Arunachal to find unique locations like Anini, Dong Valley, Namsai etc. When not exploring, Oman enjoys camping, trekking, dancing and going on culinary adventures.

For a customized tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in