Camping in Arunachal Pradesh

Clear air, low light pollution and wide valleys make Arunachal Pradesh wonderful for camping. In Mechuka, camps on the banks of the Siyom river look up at snow-capped ridges; in Ziro, campsites among pine groves are especially popular during the music festival; and along the Siang and Kameng rivers, sandy beaches make perfect bases for rafting and angling trips.

We set up camps with quality tents, sleeping bags and mats, a dining tent, and local cooks preparing simple, hearty meals. Evenings are spent around a bonfire where permitted, stargazing and listening to stories from local guides. In remote areas such as Namdapha or Dibang Valley, forest-department camps and basic lodges are used instead.

Camping in Arunachal means respecting community land and forests. We seek permission from village councils, use designated sites, carry out all waste and avoid open fires where they are restricted. Nights can be cold at altitude even in spring and autumn, so pack warm layers.