Dirang Valley Trek in Arunachal Pradesh: Everything You Wanted to Know

Trekking in Dirang?

You heard it right. Often considered as a night halt town, on your way to Tawang, Dirang valley has never been regarded as a mainstream destination. Therefore, trekking in Dirang will certainly raise eyebrows. Well, the newly discovered trek route by Holiday Scout is one of the most captivating routes in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh.

WALKING THE BUCKWHEAT FIELD, DIRANG VALLEY, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Me walking the untrodden path in Dirang Valley

The thin negotiating route, unspoiled forest, scattered wooden houses and unending buckwheat fields on the top of the hill make it one of the most Promised Land. Therefore, the Dirang Valley trek route is a trekker’s delight in Northeast India as you can take the longer route to reach the Sangti valley using the same trail.

If you are a trekker and looking for a new trek route in Arunachal Pradesh, the Dirang Valley Trek is what you should consider.

Also Read: THINGS NO ONE TOLD YOU ABOUT NORTHEAST INDIA: A COMPLETE GUIDE 2020

Where is Dirang?

Aerial view of Dirang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Aerial view of Dirang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Dirang is a small town that lies between Bomdila and Tawang. Often considered as a transit destination, travelers seem to pass this valley on their way to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Just 42 km from Bomdila, Dirang is a pristine valley known for its Apple and Kiwi orchards, Sangti Valley, Mandala top, Hot water springs, Heritage Villages, Dirang Dzong, National Yak Research and Breeding Centre, etc.

Also Read: WHY DIRANG BOUTIQUE COTTAGES IS THE PERFECT STOP ON YOUR WAY TO TAWANG?

Breathtaking Landscape in Dirang Valley
Breathtaking Landscape in Dirang Valley

Dirang valley is yet to come under the tourist’s radar. The uncharted valley offers some of the most captivating sights, hidden gems, and uncountable secret corners. In other words, Dirang valley can surprise you with an abundance of natural beauty, small scattered villages, and warm Monpa hospitality.

How to reach Dirang?

Dirang is just 42 km from Bomdila. You can reach Dirang by road only.  After reaching Guwahati in Assam, all you need is to embark on a road trip to the easternmost state of India, Arunachal Pradesh. The distance between Guwahati and Dirang is approximately 313 km and it will take more than 10 hours to reach there.

So it is not possible to reach Dirang on the same day. You need to break your journey in Assam.

Dirang Valley Trek

Happy me amidst unending buckwheat fields , Dirang valley
Happy me amidst unending buckwheat fields

The Dirang valley trek is a newly discovered trek route in the valley. This route is connected to the pristine Sangti valley. You can do a day trek to complete the trail. Otherwise, one can also do the half-day Dirang Valley trek, which starts from Dirang Dzong to the Napdey village.

Also Read: ANINI: THE MOST UNEXPLORED DESTINATION OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH (2020)

The eye-arresting scenery up in the hills in Dirang valley
The eye-arresting scenery up in the hills
Close-up of Buckwheat flower
Close-up of Buckwheat flower

After almost eight months of a house arrest like situation, waking up to the warm sun and a spectacular valley on the bank of Dirang Chu felt nothing less than blissful. Moreover, when you stay at Dirang Boutique Cottages in the valley, it feels like home.

With a hot cup of lemon tea, I let the cold wind play with my hair. It was the first day after a tedious road trip. I was all geared up to do Dirang Valley Trek. We were told that it was a newly discovered route and only locals use this trail.

Also Read: TOP 10 OFFBEAT EXPERIENCES IN TAWANG (2020), ARUNACHAL PRADESH: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Local using the trail for their village up in the hills , Dirang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Local using the trail for their village up in the hills

With full enthusiasm, I started negotiating up in the hills. After almost 15 minutes, my fitness level showed true colors. However, when you have superb travel companions to boost up your confidence, you march on. The fresh air added to the much-needed energy.

Newly constructed Mane in the hills
Newly constructed Mane in the hills

The feeling of walking on an untrodden path was surreal. I crossed a few manes with stones engraved with Buddhist mantras, flattering colorful prayer flags, and a newly constructed stupa on the trail.

Also Read: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MECHUKA IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH: A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Buddhist script written on rock
Buddhist script written on rock

Just a few meters above the stupa, the dense forest area was a sight to behold. The peeking sunrays through the forest made it look like a scene from a storybook. The steep climb from the forest area was quite strenuous. I had no idea what was waiting for us after the steep climb.

Also Read: ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ILP & PAP PERMITS FOR NORTHEAST INDIA (ALL STATES)

Me in the unexplored forest on the trail
Me in the unexplored forest on the trail

Also Read: WHY BASAR IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST ?

As I was gaining elevation, the aerial view of the Dirang valley along with the river started appearing more clearly. I had crossed many vantage points on the Dirang Valley Trek which gave me some breathtaking views of the entire Dirang town.

Aerial view of Dirang town
Aerial view of Dirang town

After more than 2 hours of hiking in the hills on meandering paths, I reached a kind of flatland on the top of the hills. I felt a sigh of relief. The layers of hills, blue sky, and the spectacular views around were all I wanted. But, I had no idea what was about to appear.

Also Read: 20 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL TO NORTHEAST INDIA WITH HOLIDAY SCOUT

Buckwheat field with a breathtaking backdrop in Dirang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Buckwheat field with a breathtaking backdrop
Corn stack with a view in Dirang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Corn stack with a view in Dirang valley

The unending buckwheat fields, scattered wooden houses, and the popping corn stacks were jaw-dropping. Imagine sitting at a granary in the middle of the buckwheat field with a stack of corns and having your breakfast with a view that is nothing less than an imaginary painting with bright sunlight on your face.

I had lost count of the photos I captured. It felt like I had discovered a wonderland on Dirang Valley Trek.

I met a few locals who were busy at their granary and a few carrying the produce. While on the trek, we crossed a few villages. The most beautiful village I found on top of the hill with the buckwheat field is Napdey.

Though we had started the trek around 6.30 am and expected to return around 10.30 am, we actually ended up reaching our resort around 12 p.m.

The best part of the Dirang Valley Trek is that you can do a full day trek and reach the Sangti valley. There is a trail that is used by the locals currently. It might take some time to develop a proper route for trekkers. Nevertheless, the half-day trek is highly recommended for adventure enthusiasts.

While returning, we took a different route down to the valley. It took us to picturesque scattered villages with farmlands around. The sun-dried chilies on the roof of huts were a common sight. The bright orange color corn stack added the much-needed charm to the view.

Red dried Chilies

As I was walking through the fields, crossing those traditional houses, I was wondering about the lifestyle of the locals who reside there. It looks fancy to have a lone house on top of the hills with breathtaking scenic beauty, but the tough lifestyle they have to endorse is often overlooked.

Walking all the way up and down for necessities is something hard to fathom for people like us who only dream of having a house in the hills as they do.

It took us half a day to complete the Dirang Valley Trek. It was worth taking time to admire the surreal beauty. Walking on the untraded path was quite satisfactory.

The best part of the uncharted lands is that you get to experience the raw and rustic beauty before the world gets the taste of it.

What is the starting point of the Dirang Valley trek?

The trek starts from Dirang Dzong.

How long is the trek?

It is a half day trek. I took more than 4 hours to complete the trek. It also depends on your fitness level.

Is it an easy trek?

I would say that it is a moderate trek. Travelers with basic hiking experience can do this trek.

What is the best time for this trek?

The best time for this trek would be from September to November. If you wish to see the buckwheat fields, you must plan it in the month of October. For Cosmos flower fields, you should consider doing this trek in the month of September.


Disclaimer :

The reproduction of any of the content, including the photographs without prior consent/permission of the writer, is strictly prohibited and a violation of the same will attract legal action.

Dirang Valley trek, Arunachal Pradesh
Dirang Valley trek in Arunachal Pradesh

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2 Comments

  1. Millie Smith

    Outstanding blog article, you are doing a great job. thanks for sharing a wonderful blog.

    Reply

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