Near the gushing river of Dibang lies a valley on the Eastern Himalayas in the unexplored region of east Arunachal Pradesh. It is so close to the Indo-China border, that you feel you have travelled a great distance and entered a new region. But the valley is very much a part of India, and the Mishmi tribals remind you of their Indianess in a characteristic way by welcoming travellers to their homes.
The Mishmi and Deng tribes have Tibetan origins and have occupied this valley since the earliest of times. You can walk around their villages and share meals with them to immerse yourself in their way of life.
Image Credit: enacademic
The snow-capped mountain peaks, winding rivers, deep valleys and abundance of rich flora and fauna make this place a heaven for nature lovers. About 82% of Dibang Valley’s area is under thick forest cover. This area is the richest biogeographical province of the Himalayan zone and one of the mega bio-diversity hotspots of the world.
The Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Upper Dibang Valley district, is home to some rare mammals such as Mishmi takin, red goral, musk deer, red panda, Asiatic black bear, Gongshan and muntjac. This valley is a paradise for birders too, as the rare Sclater’smonal and Blyth’s tragopan can be found here. A new species of flying squirrel, named as Mishmi Hills giant flying squirrel, was seen in this sanctuary for the first time in the year 2009.
Image Credit: conservationindia
The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region’s proximity to China. Bamboo is a staple ingredient in dishes like pika pila, pahek and churasabji. The locally brewed rice beer called apong, served in hollow bamboo stems will make you forget Kingfisher and Bira.
Image Credit: thenortheasttoday
You can also visit the Rukminati or the ruins of Princess Rukmini, situated at the heart of Chimiri village which is approximately 12 km from Roing in Dibang valley. This is a hill-fort presumably of 14thcentury. You find the remains of burnt and baked bricks, which indicates the progress of the erstwhile civilization.
The best time to visit Dibang valley is year end or beginning of the year till March. The nearest airport is at Dibrugarh. You can drive to SadiyaGhat on NH37. You can reach Dibang by crossing Lohit river after SadiyaGhat. An inner line permit is required to reach this region in Arunachal Pradesh.
With wildlife, historical sites, tribal life and an amazing cuisine, this valley is truly a treasure for any traveller.
Read Also: Live With The Monpa Tribals In This Secret Valley In Arunachal Pradesh
