Exploring the Unknown

In and around the Namdapha forests, in Changlang district live the Tangsas and the Singphos - the indigenous smoked bamboo tea makers of India.

The snow capped Patkai hills  and the Noa Dihing river set the perfect mood for indulging into their cultural offerings.

Enjoy the bamboo tea making process in the traditional village houses!


See short films on the Tangsas and the Singphos.

In the Mishmi hills of Lohit and Kamlang districts reside the Miju Mishmis who believe that they migrated from Burma. They are colourful, happy people with interesting histories and traditions of ancient trade, folklores, and nature worship.

Traditionally Mijus live in extended families, and so they have long houses, which is a unique architecture of this region. These houses have a linear structure with rooms connected by a long common corridor. Every family unit is separated by an exclusive cooking hearth.

Meet the Idu Mishmis!

The Idu Mishmis live in the Dibang Valley. They believe that they migrated from erstwhile Tibet. The Idus bear fascinating traditions of weaving and bamboo basketry.

Watch them weave!

The Idu Mishmis weave elaborately decorated Gales or wrap-arounds and fabric for jackets and decorative accessories.

Learn about their traditional attires or pick up weaves of your choice from them.

The men weave bamboo and cane using their hands and a knife, with extraordinary dexterity. The products range from baskets to hats of different designs! 

Get a bamboo or cane souvenir - a signature craft of Arunachal as different species of bamboo are abundant in the state.

Visit the Galos of Lepa Rada district on the west of the Siang river to enjoy their culture.

The natural beauty around Galo villages is amazing. The Galo villages are small, dispersed, and look very pretty surrounded by the mountains and forests of the Himalayan range.

Travel to Ziro to meet the Apatanis!

The Apatanis, one of the most advanced indigenous cultures of the region, have a well-known cultural landscape which is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Learn about their indigenous salt-making. The Apatanis have been making their own salt, Tapyo, from forest produce, since the age-old times.


Watch a short film on the Apatanis.

Travel to Sangti Valley to meet the Monpas. They are known as sturdy highlanders living in the high-altitude eastern Himalayas. share strong cultural alikeness with Bhutan and erstwhile Tibet. Every Monpa village has at least one Buddhist temple or Gompha.

Travel to Thembang Fortified Village of the Monpas! Thembang is a 12th century old historic settlement of the Monpa community, with a distinctive architectural splendour of a Dzong, included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.


Watch a short film on the Monpas.

Enjoy Mechuka with the Membas who believe that they had migrated from erstwhile Tibet, centuries back. Before the 12th century, Mechuka did not exist. According to oral history, this location was discovered by the Lamas travelling from erstwhile Tibet.

Enduring a difficult journey was worthwhile as they found this beautiful amphitheatre shaped valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and abundantly blessed with pure water, fruits, and nature. Eventually the Membas settled here on the banks of the Yargyapchu or Siyom river.

Visit the Mechuka Gompha

Enjoy hospitality of the Membas in their traditional homes.

Watch a short film on the Membas.

Taste their special dish, Puda, a type of handmade wheat noodle cooked with local cheese and condiments.

Watch them make Puda in their traditional noodle-making tool called Puda Chirshing.

Every community brews their own beer locally called Apong. It is made from fermented rice and millet and has a strong cultural significance. Traditional gourd ladle is used to pour beer in bamboo glasses. 

Taste their beer, which is an essential ritual of their hospitality!