Arunachal Pradesh (literally the ‘land of dawn-lit mountains’) is India's northeastern most state, bordering
Myanmar, China and
Bhutan. One of the most linguistically fertile and ethnically rich areas within Asia, it's home to almost 26 indigenous tribes, 50 distinct languages, numerous hill tribes, and ethnicities influenced by the nearby regions. Much of Arunachal Pradesh is located within the Himalayas, and the topography of the area ranges from deep, plunging valleys to jagged, towering peaks. Due to the considerable rainfall and raging rivers (fed by snowmelt from the Himalayas), Arunachal Pradesh is blanketed by a series of lush, alpine forests.
While the area has historically been disputed by various nations, including
India,
China and Britain, today Arunachal Pradesh is a peaceful, scenic area, ideal for hiking, trekking, and cultural exploration. It is perhaps the last sanctuary for India’s natural and anthropological heritage. Much of the state remains beyond tourism’s reach, but new areas are slowly being opened to visitors.
