If you are someone who is always on the lookout for doing something offbeat and genuinely close to nature, this Arunachal Pradesh trekking experience is sure to intrigue you. Set away from the usual tourist routes, this journey takes you deep into forested landscapes where walking is the best way to understand the land. Expect quiet village trails, long but non-technical hikes, sacred waterfalls hidden inside dense greenery, and nights spent in simple cottages in mountain villages and camping in otherworldly forests. It is not about ticking off sights, but about slowing down, breathing cleaner air, and letting Arunachal reveal itself one step at a time.
Bishum Phudung & Ganglok Forest Hike – Arunachal Pradesh Trekking Itinerary
Designed for travellers who enjoy moving through landscapes rather than rushing past them, the itinerary blends gentle Himalayan hiking with forest trails, village life, and sacred natural sites. It rewards curiosity and patience more than endurance, making it ideal for immersive trekking in Arunachal Pradesh without extreme difficulty.
- Day 1 – Guwahati – Bishum Phudung
- Day 2 – Bishum Phudung to Ganglok ( 5 to 6 hours hike)
- Day 3 – Ganglok to 3 sacred waterfalls and back to the cottages in Bishum Phudung. ( 6 to 7 hours hike)
- Day 4 – Bishum Phudung To Dirang and around
- Day 5 – Dirang To Guwahati
Offbeat Trekking Itinerary in Arunachal Pradesh
Let’s go deep into the day-wise details of this trekking/hiking trekking itinerary in Arunachal Pradesh.
Day 1 – Guwahati – Bishum Phudung
We leave Guwahati early, watching the plains of Assam slowly give way to forested hills and quieter roads of Arunachal Pradesh. The drive itself sets the tone for the days ahead. On our way up, we will cross the small Tibetan refugee village of Tenzin Gang, which will be our lunch stop. There’s a small monastery there which you can explore, should you wish to. From there, we cross bigger towns of Bomdila and Dirang to reach the small Brokpa hamlet of Bishum Phudung, by late evening.
After settling into the cottages, you can either call it a day or, depending on the weather, by the bonfire.
Overnight stay in Bishum Phudung riverside cottages.
Day 2 – Bishum Phudung to Ganglok ( 5 to 6 hours hike)
After breakfast, the journey starts on foot, your first day of trekking in Arunachal Pradesh. The trail winds through forest paths used by locals, cutting through shaded stretches, small clearings, and gentle climbs. The pace is steady and unhurried, allowing plenty of time to absorb the sounds and stillness of the forest.
The hike takes around five to six hours, with regular breaks along the way. The Ganglok grazing ground appears quietly, perched amid hills and greenery. Life here feels deeply rooted in the land. The evening is spent resting, enjoying a freshly prepared meal, and soaking in the silence that settles in after sunset.
Overnight stay at our campsite in Ganglok.
Day 3 – Ganglok to 3 Waterfalls and back to Cottages at Bishum Phudung
Today is the most immersive hiking day of the trip. Starting early, you head deeper into the forest to visit three sacred waterfalls (Sapchang waterfall, Sangma waterfall, Dirshing waterfall), revered by the local community. The trail passes through thick vegetation, stream crossings, and moss-covered paths that feel almost untouched.
Each waterfall has its own presence. These are not tourist spots, but quiet spiritual spaces. Time is spent sitting, listening, and simply being present before beginning the return hike.
After spending enough time soaking in the serenity all around, we head back to our campsite at Ganglok for lunch. After a hot lunch followed by some rest at the campsite, we start our walk back down to Bishum Phudung.
By late afternoon or early evening, you arrive back at Bishum Phudung. A warm meal and a relaxed evening bring the day to a gentle close.
Overnight stay in Bishum Phudung, at our cottages.
Day 4 – Bishum Phudung To Sangti Valley, Dirang, and Around
After breakfast, you begin the scenic drive toward Dirang. But not before stopping at the breathtakingly beautiful Sangti valley. The route takes you through changing landscapes, with valleys opening up and mountain views becoming more dramatic as you move closer to West Kameng.
On arrival in Dirang, the day is spent exploring at an easy pace. You may visit the Dirang Dzong, walk through the old village, or spend time near the river, depending on the mood and weather. Compared to the forest days, Dirang feels open and expansive, offering a different but equally grounding experience. The Dirang monastery is also a wonderful place to spend time, and the view of Dirang from the TDL Monastery is also a sight to behold.
Overnight stay in Dirang, at a wonderful local homestay.
Day 5 – Dirang To Guwahati
We will start the last leg of our return journey to Guwahati after a relaxed breakfast. Time-permitting, on our way down, we will stop by at the Bomdila monastery and explore it on foot before hopping back in the vehicle to drive to down to Guwahati.
Trip ends with drop at the Guwahati airport or anywhere else in the city as per your preference.
Inclusions
- All permits for Indian Nationals as required.
- All Toll Charges.
- A dedicated vehicle with a driver cum guide for the entire trip.
- Porter, pony, & cook for the trek.
- Stay in 2-person tents on camping night.
- All meals from Day 1 to Day 3. Breakfast only on Day 4.
Exclusions
- Any personal/sanitary/medical expenses.
- Any unplanned extension in the number of days staying.
- Food and snacks.
- PAP Fee for non-Indian Passport Holders
- Additional porter charges if you do not wish to carry your own backpack.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions section above.
- 5% GST.
