We welcome you to the Bird Watcher’s Paradise at Dirang and Sangti Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.
Dirang ~
Dirang is a small hill town located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. Dirang is located midway on your journey from Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Although, Dirang was primarily used as an overnight halt on the way to Tawang, Dirang is now becoming a popular tourist attraction in its own right because of its proximity to the Sangti Valley. Dirang is located on the banks of River Kameng and at an altitude of 4900 ft above mean sea level. Dirang has a pleasant weather the year around.
When it comes to beating a fast paced city life, a visit to Arunachal Pradesh is a must on your travel itinerary. Blessed with the bounties of Mother Nature Arunachal Pradesh is a State that offers a complete package from picturesque locations, unadulterated landscapes, snowfall, fresh air and sunshine. On of the less frequented destinations of Arunachal Pradesh is the picturesque Sangti valley around the Sangti river near Dirang.
Sangti Valley is the place to be if you are looking at spending a leisure time in a heavenly hill station. Surrounded by the towering ranges of Eastern Himalayas covered with fruit orchards, lush green forests and a meandering fast hill river, Sangti Valley is home to a very interesting culture and tradition of the Monpa Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. During winters Sangti Valley becomes a Bird Watchers Paradise as many species of migratory birds flock to Sangti and make it their breeding grounds. Sangti Valley is home to the Black necked cranes who come to the fields of this valley every winter. The Black necked crane has a 7 foot wing span and it’s revered by Buddhists as a symbol in their religion.
Sangti valley is situated about 15 kilometres from Dirang, which is on the Bomdila – Tawang highway of Western Arunachal Pradesh in North East India.
Places of tourist interest at Dirang ~
1. Dirang Dzong
The Dirang Dzong is a local fort which is around 150 years old. The area also has a 9th century prison. Often referred to as the Dirang Fort, some of the stone houses at dirang Dzong are said to be more than 500 years old. The entry to the Dirang Fort is through a stone staircase.
2. Hot Water Spring Dirang
The hot water spring near Dirang is located on your way t Tawang. This hot water spring is considered as a holy place by the locals of Dirang and Arunachal Pradesh as the waters here are rich in sulphur content and is believed to have some medicinal properties. Visitor to the hot water spring at Dirang can opt to bathe in its waters and this bath seems to have a magical effect on a tired body.
3. Yak Research Center Dirang
Dirang town also ahsa National Research Center on Yak. The centre conducts research on genetic resources, problems associated with production. It also undertakes research on improvement of yak and its products through selection and breeding with exotic frozen semen. The research centre can be visited with permission by tourists.
Sangti Valley ~
Located at around 15 kilometers from Dirang is a Bird Watcher’s haven known as the Sangti Valley. Sangti Valley is one among the most beautiful valleys of Arunachal Pradesh. Sangti valley is renowned for the Black Necked Crane bird species that flock here every winter. Endowed with a seven (7) foot long wingspan, the black necked crane is revered by the people of Santi Valley in their religion.
Sangti Valley can be reached by car from Dirang but the best option is to go out trekking to Sangti from Dirang and return back. Sangti Valley is nestled between the Eastern Himalayas and is covered with lush green mountains, fruit orchards and a river flowing down a hill. The people of Sangti Valley belong to the Monpa Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.
Sample Itinerary for your visit to Dirang and Sangti Valley ~
Day 1 ~ Guwahati and Cherrapunji
Arrive at Guwahati Airport. On arrival you will be received by our representative at the airport offering a warm welcome in traditional Assamese style. From the Airport drive to Cherrapunji. Enroute visit the Umiam Lake at Barapani. At Cherrapunji, visit the Nohkalikai Falls and Mawsmai Caves and Seven Sister Falls. (if time doesn’t permit visit next day depending upon flight arrival time at Guwahati)
Night Stay: Sohra Plaza at Cherrapunji or Similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 ~ Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki
Early morning, depart to the Border of India and Bangladesh at Dawki. Click pictures at no man’s Land at the pillar 1275 at Dawki. Later visit the Asia’s Cleanest Village at Mawlynnong. At Mawlynnong visit the Living Root Bridge of Riwai. Back to Cherrapunji for night halt.
Night Stay: Sohra Plaza at Cherrapunji or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 ~ Cherrapunji and Kaziranga National Park
After Breakfast, enroute to the Kaziranga National Park. On the way visit the Don Bosco Museum at Shillong which showcases the rich culture of North East India. Arrive at Kaziranga National Park. Evening free to visit the nearby Tea Gardens of Kaziranga.
Night Stay: Nature Hunt Eco Camp at Kaziranga or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 ~ Kaziranga National Park and Kaziranga Orchid Park
Early morning go for an adventurous Jeep Safari into the interiors of the Kaziranga National Park to spot the endangered Indian One Horned Rhinoceros species. Afternoon, visit the Largest Orchid Park in India at the Kaziranga Orchid and Bio-diversity Park.
Night Stay: Nature Hunt Eco Camp at Kaziranga or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 ~ Kaziranga and Dirang
After Breakfast, proceed to Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh. On the way visit the Tippi Orchard famous for its orange cultivation. Arrive at Dirang.
Night Stay: Hotel Sundupkhan at Dhirang or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 ~ Dirang and Sangti Valley
Trek to Sangti Valley near Dirang. Spend your day admiring the unadulterated Landscapes of Sangti Valley and spot beautiful Bird species at Sangti Valley. Return to Dirang.
Night Stay: Hotel Sundupkhan at Dirang or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 ~ Dirang and Tezpur
Travel to the cleanest city of Assam at Tezpur. At Tezpur, visit the Fortress of Fire at Agnigarh, the Hanuman Mandir and Cole’s Park.
Night Stay: Hotel Aditya’s at Tezpur or Similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 ~ Tezpur and Chandubi Lake
Depart to Chandubi Lake near Guwahati. One of the best Eco-tourism destinations of North East Chandubi Lake is famous for the variety of migratory Bird species.
Night Stay: Chandubi Jungle Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 ~ Chandubi Lake and Guwahati Airport
Early morning enjoy the sunrise, boat riding and Jungle hike near the Chandubi Lake. After breakfast you will depart to Guwahati Airport for your onward destination. Trip Ends. Bid Adieu!
Meals Included: Breakfast
