Bamboo and Cane products

Most of the tribesmen here make their own hats that are elaborately decorated and adorned with feathers of birds and tufts of hair dyed red. Besides, a host of other products are also made including baskets, bags, containers etc. The craft of making cane and bamboo products is strictly restricted to men and the most common products made are designed to meet the daily needs like baskets for storing and carrying paddy, fuel and water and vessels for preparing local liquor. One can also find a variety of rice plates, bows and arrows, headgear, mats, shoulder bags, and ornaments and necklaces made of fine strips of bamboo and grass. The Nocte and the Wancho tribes mostly use dyed cane strips for their headgear, waistband, headband, armlet, etc.

Bamboo and Cane products

Bap Teng Kang Waterfall

The awe-inspiring white cascading Bap Teng-Kang Waterfall, also known as the Nuranang Falls, is a popular tourist attraction that is located at a distance of 80 km from Tawang. The water falls in sheets of white, from a staggering height of 100 ft, making its way through lush green mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. A picnic spot at the roof of the world, this place is high enough to give you the feeling of walking among clouds. The area around the falls has a thick green cover and a few hours can be spent exploring the area on foot, with the roaring water falling at a distance and the surrounding mist hanging lightly in the air. Day trip buses and taxis that take you to this waterfalls are available in town. There are a few food stalls that serve hot tea and other snacks. The rich, mineral heavy water of the Himalayas is said to be therapeutic and during the summer months, one can even swim in the little pools created by the waterfalls.

Bap Teng Kang Waterfall

Bumla Pass

Bumla Pass, situated at an altitude of over 15,000 ft is snowbound for almost the entire year due to its steep elevation and presents a beautiful view of the Tibetan plateau. The road to the pass takes visitors through many sleepy hamlets and scenic lakes, making the drive memorable. Maintained by the Indian Army, Bumla Pass is a must for those who want to see how Indian soldiers protect the borders in the harshest of climes. Those arriving here have very warm stories to share of how they were received by the Indian Army and offered refreshments as well as tips on how to adapt to the cold and high altitude. Bumla Pass is also one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China. On designated dates, cultural programmes are also organised by the two sides, which can be witnessed by people. A telescope and a few binoculars are kept near the Indian Army check post for visitors who want to know what lies beyond the border. The army canteen serves hot tea, water and dessert. A special permit is required for visiting the pass and can be obtained from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang.

Bumla Pass

Dirang

The Dirang village is an overnight tourist stopover in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located halfway between Jorhat, in Assam, and Tawang and lies on the banks of the pristine River Kameng. The paradise enjoys pleasant weather as it is not at a very high altitude. A hamlet that encompasses the best of everything unique to this region, from landscape to culture to food, it offers an opportunity to get acquainted with all things of Arunachal Pradesh. One of the oldest monasteries here, the Khastung Gompa, is an uphill trek from the village.

Downhill from the village, accessible through a foot bridge decorated with Himalayan flags, is the gushing Dirang river. Here, sheep can be seen grazing and sometimes visitors will even find themselves invited to local homes for tea in this village known for its warm hospitality. The village has a market where local handicrafts, which make for perfect souvenirs, are sold. The Dirang Dzong Fort, built according to Bhutanese stone architectural design grammar, is located on top of the hill and is accessible through a long flight of rock cut, stone studded steps. The design of this fort was made using some ingenious techniques to protect its residents from the biting cold. Another interesting attraction near the village is a hot water spring, which is considered to be sacred by the native population.

Dirang

Gorichen Peak

Gorichen is the highest scalable peak in Arunachal Pradesh, towering at a height of over 21,300 ft above sea level. Because of its elevation, Gorichen remains snowbound throughout the year and has captivated the hearts of many seasoned mountaineers and adventure-loving trekkers. Situated at a distance of 164 km from the main town, this peak is locally known as Tsa-Nga-Phu, which translates into kingdom of the deity. One of the better views of this peak can be seen on the road between Bomdila and Tawang. The Monpa tribe worship this peak as they believe it is vital for their existence and protects them from all evils. Locally, people often refer to it as the giant white elephant because of the unmistakable, white carpet of snow that covers it, making it one of the most distinctive and easily identifiable peaks in this region. The view is mesmerising as there are patches of green meadows and verdant forests that can be seen in the interlocking valleys below, while the bright white snow-capped peaks tower over them, shining in the sun.

Gorichen Peak

Sela Pass

Sela is a high altitude mountain pass that acts as the gateway to Tawang. It forms the single and highly crucial connecting line between the Tawang and West Kameng districts. The pass rises at a height of 13,700 ft above sea level and is about 67 km away from the heart of Tawang town. Its stark and rugged terrain has hardly any vegetation and is covered with snow for most part of the year, offering a splendid view of the majestic Himalayas. Some yaks can be seen grazing in the sporadic bursts of greenery on the slopes here.

A few lamas can be seen walking to and from the villages and monasteries surrounding this area. The area around the pass has over a hundred big and small lakes of which the most accessible is the picturesque Sela Lake, located on top of the pass. Due to its height, the lake remains largely frozen for most part of the year. It is considered to be sacred by the tribes inhabiting this region and offers panoramic views of the breathtaking Himalayan landscape surrounding it. The beautiful Sela Pass gate, designed in the Buddhist colours of red, blue, green and gold stands majestically juxtaposed against the white peaks of the surrounding ranges. Another attraction is a gate called Jaswant Garh, which leads up to the Jaswant Singh War Memorial, named after the Indian soldier who died here while fighting the Chinese army.

Sela Pass