Arunachal Rising: A Bold New Vision for Tourism in the Land of the Rising Sun

Amid snow-dusted peaks and emerald river valleys, Arunachal Pradesh has long been India's best-kept secret. Now, it’s ready to step into the global spotlight.

With the unveiling of its new tourism policy and a striking brand identity — “Arunachal: Beyond Myths and Mountains” — the Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains is crafting a journey that promises more than just scenic beauty, it offers transformation.

At a landmark press conference in New Delhi, Pasang Dorjee Sona, the hon’ble minister for Tourism, revealed a dynamic roadmap to position Arunachal Pradesh as a world-class tourism destination. But the vision goes far beyond numbers. It’s about preserving the untouched, celebrating tribal legacies, and offering experiences that stir the soul. From glacial treks and jungle safaris to meditation retreats in ancient monasteries, the new policy is rooted in experiential tourism — a calling for travellers who seek meaning over material.

The blueprint is ambitious and inclusive. It embraces farm tourism, wellness escapes, border adventure trails, and even film tourism. At its core is sustainability: eco-sensitive development, capacity building, and community empowerment. “We envision tourism that uplifts not just the traveller, but the host as well,” said Sona. “With this policy, we aim to double domestic arrivals and multiply international interest tenfold.”

To support this vision, the government will prioritize capacity building and skill development to foster an inclusive workforce. “Skill gap assessments will be conducted to align with industry demands in addition to providing skill training for small businesses and local guides. We will collaborate with premier institutes such as IITTM and IHM for training initiatives and introduce management courses in state institutions,” shared Mopi Mihu, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly and Advisor to the Minister for Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The numbers are already promising. In 2023, Arunachal saw a 368.91% jump in domestic tourists and a 300% rise in international arrivals. That’s over a million Indian visitors rediscovering their own land, and thousands from abroad catching whispers of Arunachal’s allure.

Backing this policy is a surge of infrastructural upgrades — better roads, more flights, improved signage, and a 50% expansion in accommodation. With over 793 homestays and 237 hotels already in place, the state is forging partnerships with travel giants like Airbnb and MakeMyTrip to spotlight authentic local stays. For tourists, this means sipping Apong (rice beer) on a misty farm morning or learning tribal weaving techniques from women who’ve preserved these arts for generations.

Adding weight to its commitment, the government is also preparing to absorb global lessons. A study tour to Costa Rica — a pioneer in eco-tourism — is on the cards. “We want to blend the best of global ideas with our unique landscape,” shared Manjunath R, Director of Tourism.

To ensure investors don’t get left behind, the state is rolling out land banks, a dedicated facilitation cell, and a seamless digital interface. Arunachal’s message is clear: “We’re open, we’re ready, and we want the world to explore us — responsibly.”

And then, there’s the logo — vibrant, modern, and deeply rooted in tribal symbolism. It’s not just branding. It’s a beckoning to wanderers. “This identity reflects a journey — not just across mountains, but across cultures, across stories, across one’s own limits,” said Manjunath.

So, whether you’re a mountaineer tracing Himalayan ridgelines, a filmmaker chasing golden-hour shots in Monpa villages, or a seeker of silence in the chants of Tawang, Arunachal now meets you halfway.

In a world that’s growing louder, Arunachal offers an invitation to listen — to the mountains, to the rivers, and perhaps, to yourself. Welcome to India’s final frontier — no longer hidden, but boldly, beautifully revealed.

Mapang Hill Pt 4660m – Arunachal's Secret Land of Cultural Heritage

High in the Eastern Himalayas, at 4,660 metres above sea level and just south of the Chelang Jumu Pass, stands Mapang Hill—a place as majestic as it is meaningful. For the people of the Koloriang highlands, especially the Nyishi tribe, Mapang is not just a scenic ridge or a remote village, it is a symbol of identity. It is a place of belonging, memory, and quiet legacy. To the unfamiliar eye, Mapang Hill Pt 4660 may appear to be just another high-altitude ridge near the Indo-Tibetan border.

But for the tribes that call it their home, it is much more — a living reminder of their lineage and history.

Mapang Hill - Home to the Nyishi tribes!

The Nyishi tribe, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s largest indigenous communities, resides in the highlands surrounding Mapang Hill. They practise shifting cultivation, grow maize, millets, and vegetables, and raise animals like pigs and Mithun. In these remote ridges, hunting remains a way of life. Hunters follow age-old routes, setting traps and collecting forest produce. Some also earn through bamboo, cane, and medicinal herbs from the forest.

The Nyishi celebrate vibrant festivals like Nyokum Yullo, where they pray for peace, good harvests, and community well-being. Their traditions — from hornbill-inspired headgear to oral storytelling — reflect a deep bond with nature. Though isolated, their life is rich with rhythm, knowledge, and pride, shaped by the land they know by heart.

Across the Mapang landscape, the signs of this connection are evident. Old hunting shelters built from stone and wood still stand firm. Salt licks, resting spots, and traps dot the hillside. These aren’t relics, they are living proof of how these tribes learned about these lands, survived and evolved over the years, living their lives as one with the nature and land that has nourished them.

Even today, hunters from nearby villages visit Mapang, just as their forefathers di and share stories. Familiar faces before familiar hills speak of a presence that never left.

Nyishi tribes' Native Houses

In every memory, in every path and in every celebration, the remote villages around Mapang Hill, stand far from forgotten. These highland homes are vibrant threads woven into the rich cultural tapestry of Arunachal Pradesh, and indeed, of India. The resilience of the Nyishi people, their shifting fields, hunting grounds, festivals like Nyokum Yullo, and the rhythms of their daily lives speak powerfully of their deeply rooted place in this land.

Their vibrant celebrations, traditional attire, and community rituals show an unbroken bond—not only with nature and heritage, but with the national identity itself.

Longgukar Peak Pt 2752: The Majestic Mountain, Witness To India's Rich Heritage

In the farthest corners of Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, where the mountains touch the sky and the forests hum with life, lies Longgukar Peak Pt 2752 - a sanctuary of serenity and spirituality. This hidden gem, untouched by the noise of modern tourism, is a place where nature breathes with life, and the ancient Idu Mishmi tribe thrives in harmony with its sacred land.

Here, every tree, every stone, and every gust of wind carries the whispers of traditions that have endured for centuries, offering travelers not just a breathtaking view of the landscape but a deep dive into the soul of Arunachal Pradesh.

Longgukar Peak - Pt 2752

A Glimpse into the Idu Mishmi Life

The Idu Mishmi people are known for their deep connection to the land. Their daily lives revolve around agriculture, hunting, and the collection of medicinal plants, all practices that reflect their respect for the environment. Festivals like Reh and Ke-Meh-Ha are central to their culture, celebrating the changing seasons and the harvest. These events are marked by traditional dances, songs, and rituals that honor their deities, including Nani Intaya, the spirit guardian of the forests.

The Idu Mishmi Tribe - India's Cultural Connection

Sacred Sites and Spiritual Significance

At the base of Longgukar Peak lies Longgukar Tso, a glacial lake considered sacred by the Idu Mishmi. Surrounded by alpine forests and rare medicinal plants, the lake is a place of spiritual reflection and connection to the divine. It's here that the tribe believes the spirit of Nani Intaya resides, watching over the land and its people. This serene spot is more than just a natural wonder; it is the heart of Idu Mishmi spirituality, where nature and tradition blend seamlessly.

Visiting Longgukar Peak is not just about witnessing natural beauty; it’s about immersing yourself in a way of life that values simplicity, spirituality, and sustainability. The journey to this remote area offers a chance to disconnect from the chaos of the modern world and reconnect with nature, history, and culture. Here, in the presence of the mighty peak and the peaceful lake, you’ll experience a quiet kind of magic — one that stays with you long after you leave.

Longgukar Peak - a journey into the heart of Arunachal Pradesh’s soul. It’s where nature’s beauty meets ancient traditions, where silence carries the weight of centuries-old stories.

The land, the people, and the timeless spirit of the region come together to create an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left. If you’re seeking a place to escape the noise of the world, reconnect with nature, and immerse yourself in culture, this is where you need to visit.

How to Get There

Nearest Town: Roing, Lower Dibang Valley.

Distance: Approximately 92 km from Roing via Hunli.

Route: Drive from Roing to Hunli, followed by a trek to Longgukar Tso and the base of the peak.

Permits: Indian nationals do not require permits; foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November, offering clear skies and accessible trails.