This is my second trip to Arunachal Pradesh. The first time I was here, I spent about 10 days in and around Ziro. This time I am taking a week’s trip to Arunachal Pradesh. From Dirang to Bhalukpong.
Arunachal Pradesh is a very scenic and beautiful place filled with beautiful landscapes. And if landscapes are what you aspire for while traveling, this is a paradise!
I won’t say that it is untouched by travelers or it is not frequented by people. Because that is not true. People do visit this side of the world, just comparatively less. A lot less.
ILP – In-Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh
For some getting to Arunachal can be a pain. But if you can manage to get to Ladakh, you can also manage to get to Arunachal.
The only thing is that non-resident Indian citizens have to have an in-line permit which costs INR 100/-. It is available at the airport, online and at the state Bhavan in Delhi, Guwahati, Tezpur, and few more cities. Only takes about 5 minutes to get it. Just make sure you are carrying an ID proof.
In order to get here, you will have to first get to either Guwahati and Tezpur. So it shouldn’t be difficult to get a permit while you are already there. And, also who doesn’t use the internet these days.
Remember that one permit is only for 15 days. So if you want to travel Arunachal for longer than 15 days, just take 2 permits at once and they will both cost INR 100/- each.
Read more: How to get to Dirang
Exotic Wildlife – Things you discover on your trip to Arunachal Pradesh
Well, where there is nature, there are also its residents. And every sane person knows that homo sapiens aren’t the only ones. So, you will come across a lot of exotic wildlife.
They will be in your restaurant, in your room, in your bathroom, in every corner of the balcony sharing every inch of space available. They always keep you company.
And, no, bug spray won’t help all that much. Neither will fighting with the owner of the hotel. You will just have to look for a way to live with it.
The only other way is to clean it yourself. If you have a problem, don’t fight about it, just look for ways to solve it. The more problem solver you become, the better your travels are going to be.
This is a very important lesson that I am continuously reminded of not just on my 7 day trip to Arunachal Pradesh but every trip. Whether backpacking or otherwise.
Simple Life – One that city people aspire for
I have heard a lot of people living in the city say, “I wish I could live a simpler life that was way more than just about making money. Where I had time to travel, time for family, where kids played outdoors all day long instead of keeping their heads bent down on screens.”
Well, Arunachal can give you a chance at that. Here, life starts early, and it’s comparatively way slower than the cities. You get plenty of time to spend with families, taking care of your children on your own without hiring a baby sitter or a nanny.
Families, neighbors, friends, and travelers, all play volleyball and football together with kids. And, actually, enjoy it. Not just pretend to enjoy it or, “fine we’ll play. but I only got 10 minutes before I have to get back.”
The requirements of people living here are less. Their demands are less. They are not profession-oriented. Neither are they all about being independent. They take care of each other.
People here believe in community and co-existence. Everybody is welcome in everybody’s house without prior information. No calls or texts are necessary. It is amazing to see how people meet and greet each other when things like money and career (both man-made) are taken faaarrrr down the priority ladder.
Read more: Traveling on a budget. Things you should know.
The whole idea about life changes.
People usually ask, “what are you passionate about?” Here people don’t ask that. Never once has anyone asked me that. And it is so relieving. Even if you are not making a living at the moment, taking a break or in between jobs, they don’t judge. They welcome you with open arms and even offer you food and help.
That is how amazing people of Arunachal are.
Food
Okay so, you do get veg and non-veg food. And, yes everyone here understands the difference between the two. Vegan as a word is not that understood, but if you assess the food, there are vegan options available too.
Most food places have limited options for food. You will mainly find roti (Indian flatbread), dal, curry, boiled rice, chicken, fried rice or Maggi. Sometimes momos and chowmein. That is all that I found in Dirang, Bhalukpong, and Ziro. So it’s easy to survive on your trip to Arunachal Pradesh.
The flavor is a bit different than what you will find in the west, south or north (obviously!). But it’s good and you eventually get used to it. So it’s not that big of trouble.
The sense of time
Since life here is so peaceful and relaxed, it is easy to lose track of time, day and date.
At first, if you, like me, are used to city life, the silence can get a bit intimidating. Not having much to do, not having anywhere to go. My only advice here is to try not to resist this change of life and just go with the flow.
The day here starts early and ends around 9 or 10. People are great. The scenery is great that you can enjoy thoroughly during the day, so just try to leave the nights for the wildlife. As I have heard, there are tigers on the other side of the river Kameng.
Once you get used to life here and are in sync with your circadian cycle, you will be thankful that you took a trip to Arunachal Pradesh.
Read more: Do’s and Don’ts of Backpack Traveling
Taking a week’s trip to Arunachal Pradesh gives you a Reality Check
You come to the mountains, see the sheer size of it and get acquainted with the way life is here, and you realize that you are nothing. Your life in the city is questioned every day by you yourself.
The life here is still dependant on nature in many ways. You can just walk on the road and there will be some edible vines, and beans growing by the side of the road. The water in many places comes directly from the rivers. This water is used for washing, cleaning and other household purposes.
Coming to the mountains feels like home. When you need something, nature provides.
The best part, people here only take as much as they need. They don’t exploit resources because some of them are abundant or available for free. They know when to say, “That’s enough, Thank you”.
Maybe the rest of us can learn to say that too.
Have you ever been to North-East India? Share your experience with us 🙂 We love stories.
Why is Journey more Important than the destination?
Why do I feel tired after a vacation? How to get rid of the post-vacation blues?
How to take really good photos and videos of your Travel Journey
How to edit photos like a pro? (Social Media 2020)
The ONE most incredible thing to do in Jaipur, India
