Dirang

Disconnect to connect and lose yourself in the lap of nature, in the valleys and hills of Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh. With spectacular vistas soothing ones eyes and soul and year-round pleasant weather to comfort you, Dirang located at heights of 5120Ft above sea level in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, welcomes guests with its snow-capped mountains, roaring rivulets and verdant valleys. With its various picturesque locales and serene surroundings, daring and adventurous treks Dirang is a place for a perfect mountain vacation.

How To Reach Dirang: By Air: The closest airport to Dirang is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport located at Guwahati in Assam which is at a distance of about 350 km from the town. Frequent cab services are available from the airport. By Rail: The nearest railway station to Dirang is located in Tezpur, Assam, which lies at a distance of about 190 km from the town and is well connected to other parts of the country. By Road: The Dirang bus station connects the town to all the nearby major cities via roadways. From Guwahati its a 7 1/2 hours drive and 5 hours from Tezpur. The Resort takes care of procuring Inner Line Permit and to and fro transport for its guests on confirmed booking.

Places To Visit In Dirang

1. Dirang Dzong Fort  Picture Link The Dirang Dzong area 5 kms from Resort, nestled on the shores of the Dirang river, is a stunning settlement of people of Monpa tribe and is home to some of the most brilliant archaic houses, which are over 500 years old. The Dirang Dzong Fort was built according to Bhutanese stone architectural design grammar. It is located on top of the hill and is accessible through a long flight of rock cut, stone studded steps. The design of this fort was made using some ingenious techniques to protect its residents from the biting cold. Inside the fortified area, a warren of narrow alleys are lined with houses of stacked stone and carved wood, built in the traditional Monpa style to withstand the harsh mountain weather. The place is a treat given to the stunning picturesque backdrop it is set against. The architectural style resonates with that of some Buddhist monasteries, influenced by the ancient Buddhist kingdoms. With quaint stone-built houses and magnificent architecture dotting the Dirang Dzong Fort, the place is a nature enthusiast’s euphoria.

2. Kalachakra Gompa Picture Link The Kalachakra Gompa 2 kms from Resort is an architectural masterpiece and is also reckoned to be a Buddhist monastery, which is around 500 years old. The beauty of the monastery is unadulterated and untouched by the trials and tribulations of times. Preserving the centuries-old glorious heritage of Buddhism, the monastery stands as a specimen of exemplary architectural brilliance. It is home to some of the most exquisite murals and stucco sculptures, boasting of its spiritual richness. Standing tall and gloriously amidst the cold and rugged valleys of Dirang, this ancient monastery is definitely a place you must visit.

3. Hot Water Spring  Picture Link The hot water spring in Dirang 2 kms from Resort is touted as yet another favourite spot for the tourists. It’s a natural fountain and is a major crowd-puller for all the scenic splendour it is encircled by. The water has healing and medicinal qualities due its rich sulphur content, and hence, it is considered very refreshing and beneficial to take a dip in the pool. Throngs of people visit the place from all over the country to take a dip in the hot spring.

4. National Research Centre On Yak Picture Link   Founded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the National Research Centre on Yak 2 kms from Resort is responsible for the conservation of Indian Yak. Snuggled amidst the range of Eastern Himalayas, the centre researches on genetic resources and problems associated with yak production conducted in the yak farm belonging to the centre. The centre is open for tourists and is an interesting place to gain some knowledge.

5. Nyukmadong War Memorial Picture Link The Nyukmadong War Memorial is located on Dirang Tawang road 14 kms from Resort overlooking the famous battleground of 18 Nov 1962. It is nestled in a three tired terraced landscape with beautiful coniferous trees planted around. The main memorial is in the form of a 25 feet high ‘Chorten’ conforming to the Monpa traditions. Entrance is made as a  typical Buddhist style main access way to a monastery. On both sides of the memorial, plaques listing the names of officers and Jawans, who died here on that fateful day, have been erected. The memorial is staffed by JCO’s, who are more than willing to narrate the detailed account of the battle. A visit to this memorial invariably turns in such a solemn occasion that every visitor leaves the place with a proud but sad and heavy heart.

6. Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery Picture Link Situated in center of Dirang 3 kms from Resort, this temple of learning institute for study of Tibetian Buddhism was set up in 2017 inaugurated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama himself. The name Thupsung Dhargye Ling was given by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and means “Place of flourishing of the Buddha’s speech.” It is a beautiful and mesmerizing structure set up in modern times.

7. Khastung Gompa <link to a picture> Situated at 4 kms from Resort with its bright white stone facade and intricate artwork estimated to date back to the late 16th century, it is an uphill hike to reach the gompa. The pathway winds past local settlements, where the distinct scent of raksi wafts out of homes and the Monpa people offer oranges plucked straight off the trees. Thisgompa is the oldest monastry in Arunachal Pradesh. It has awesome ancient prayer wheels made out of layers of leather with prints of ancient Buddhist scriptures inside. It is touted that there are hidden secrets inside the ceilings of this ancient Gompa.

8. Sangti Valley Picture Link It is situated about 10 kilometres from Dirang. It is surrounded by the towering ranges of Eastern Himalayas, with conifers standing upright and the Sangti river running parallel to the hills. The Sheep Breeding Farm is a major attraction. Blessed with pleasant weather round the year with light snowfall in the winter months, covered with fruit orchards (kiwi fruit, apple, apricot, orange), it is home to the black-necked cranes who migrate to the valley from China every winter and are called as Tung Tung ka Uk by local people of Sangti Valley. The Buddhists consider this bird sacred and believe it to be the embodiment of the 6th Dalai Lama.

Resort – Luing Monastry: 1 km

Resort – Regional Apple Nursery: 3 km

Resort – Bomdila: 42 km

Resort – Sangti: 10 km

Resort – Sangti Picnic Spot: 12 km

Resort – Sheep Breeding Farm Sangti: 10 km

Resort – Tomb Hill Yak Breeding Farm: 27 km

Resort – Thembang (Fortified Heritage Village): 32 km

Resort – Yewang (Model Village of Monpas): 2 km

Resort – Mandala Top : 28 km, spectacular forest forest drive for another 20 km towards ChabriLa

(Perched at 10,000 feet Mandala means 108 Mane or 108 stupas all together)

Resort to: Sengay 37 km, Baisakhi 45 km, Sella Pass 61 km,

[N.B. *Typical speeds on these hill roads are 30 kmph, both ascending and descending]