arunachal pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern part of India, is a state with limited transportation infrastructure due to its rugged terrain and remote location. However, it can still be reached by road, air, and train, although some modes of transportation may have limited availability. Here’s how you can reach Arunachal Pradesh using these three modes of transportation:

How to reach Arunachal by Air:

The inauguration of the new Donyi Polo Airportin the state capital of Itanagar, the first full-fledged airport in Arunachal Pradesh, has significantly increased access for visitors from across the globe. This airport boasts all the essential infrastructure and facilities required for seamless operation. It has been constructed at Hollongi, situated at a distance of about 27 kilometres south from the city centre, in the Papum Pare district. The airport receives regional flights from Kolkata. 

The other newly upgraded and currently functional airport especially for the East Arunachal places is the Tezu airport in Lohit district. The airport is currently connected to Dibrugarh, Imphal, and Guwahati through regular scheduled flights by Alliance Air and Flybig airline.

Outside the state, Travellers have three primary options: Lilabari Airport in North Lakhimpur,  Guwahati Airport and Dibrugarh Airport all situated in Assam. Among these, Lilabari Airport stands as the closest one to Itanagar, the capital city while Dibrugarh offers the best access to places in South and South-Eastern Aruanchal

How to reach Arunachal by Road:

Arunachal Pradesh is connected to neighboring states like Assam and others via highways and road networks. The national highways NH 15, 52, and 415 connect the state with the nearby states. Travellers can easily access the state  from major cities in Assam such as Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Nagaon as there are numerous private cabs, shared taxis and bus services connecting these towns.

Headquartered in Itanagar, the state-owned Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Service (APSTS) provides bus services to major district headquarters like Tezpur and Guwahati in Assam, Shillong in Meghalaya, and Dimapur in Nagaland. With bus stations in every town and village, travellers are assured of connectivity throughout the state, ensuring they’re never stranded.

Apart from buses, shared taxis serve as the only alternative mode of public transport. For those driving themselves or taking a private cab, there are plenty of options available. National Highway 52, NH 15, and NH 415 serve as the main arteries into Arunachal Pradesh, allowing access to Itanagar from Banderdewa, North Lakhimpur, Tezpur, and Guwahati.

How to reach Arunachal by Train:

Arunachal Pradesh doesn’t have its own railway network, so you cannot directly travel to the state’s interiors by train. The nearest railway station is in Naharlagun (near Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh). Trains from several Indian cities run to Naharlagun. Other major railway station is in Harmuti in Assam, which is about 33 KM from Itanagar. Passengers can take a bus or hire a taxi to Arunachal Pradesh from here. The other railway stations that provide easy access to the state are North lakhimpur and Dibrugarh.

Yes, all non-Arunachal Pradesh residents require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state. Arunachal Pradesh is designated as a restricted area, necessitating official authorization for entry. Therefore, individuals who are not native to Arunachal Pradesh must acquire an ILP to visit the state. This permit is routinely issued to tourists, and its requirement should not dissuade anyone from exploring the attractions of Arunachal Pradesh.This e-ILP permit can be obtained online through the Arunachal Pradesh government’s official website or can also be obtained by visiting the Resident Commissioners Office situated in Guwahati, New Delhi, Kolkata and few other cities. 

Tourist eILP is applicable for stay up to 14 days only. Applicants for stay beyond 14 days may apply for provisional ILP through the same link. Individual eILP is not required for those below 14 years of age. They are required to be accompanied by an adult. 

The latest revised fee in 2024 for Tourist eILP Up to 3 (three) days is Rs.300.00 and beyond 3 (three) days up to 14 (fourteen) days Rs. 500.00. Note that eILP is applicable for Indian citizens only. Foreign Nationals may apply for PAP/RAP.

Foreigners visiting Arunachal Pradesh are required to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Initially, this requirement mandated that only groups of two or more individuals could obtain the permit. However, government directives issued in recently have relaxed this regulation, allowing single foreign tourists to also apply for PAPs but solo foreigners can only visit places like Tawang, Ziro, and Bomdila. Beyond this if you want to explore, you must be in a group of 2 or more. The PAPs are valid for 30 days and cannot be extended beyond this duration. The cost of obtaining a PAP is $50 per person. The PAP is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs), and Indian missions abroad. You can apply online through this website. Note that Citizens of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries would have to separately seek require prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh is typically from October to May. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The temperature during this period is moderate which allows visitors to explore the diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh comfortably. Additionally, this time coincides with many festivals celebrated in the region, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the local communities.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the weather can vary across different parts of Arunachal due to its diverse topography, so it’s advisable to check specific regional weather conditions before planning your visit. It is generally better to avoid the months from June to September which brings the monsoon season to Arunachal Pradesh, resulting in heavy rainfall and sometimes landslides, road blocks, particularly in hilly remote regions. While the rain enhances the region’s natural beauty, it may make outdoor activities challenging. However, if you enjoy the monsoon ambiance, like to rough it out and want to experience Arunachal in its verdant glory, this can be a good time to visit too

When packing for Arunachal Pradesh, consider bringing light layers of clothing suitable for both warm days and cool evenings. Don’t forget to pack sturdy walking shoes, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, any necessary medications, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes. If you have chosen an adventurous activity, make sure to speak to your adventure operator regarding the gear and essentials to carry.

Yes, visitors to Arunachal Pradesh have the opportunity to witness various festivals celebrated throughout the year, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the region. Festivals such as Losar Festival, Torgya Festival, Ziro Festival of Music, and others offer colorful celebrations, traditional performances, and delicious local cuisine.

To plan your tour of Arunachal Pradesh, consider factors such as the best time to visit, places of interest, accommodation options, transportation, and obtaining necessary permits. Research well, craft an itinerary, book accommodations and transportation in advance, and ensure you have the required permits for entry. Or if you need an expert guidance with a personalized touch, you can contact us to curate your Arunachal experiences.

The duration of trip to Arunachal Pradesh depends on your interests, preferences and the places you want to visit. Ideally, you would need at least 7 to 10 days to explore the some of the popular attractions and experience the culture and natural beauty of the region. Some of the  remote regions like Mechuka and Dong Valley require an average of 7-8 days duration.