Arunachal Pradesh, also known as “Land of the Rising Sun,” is one of the most beautiful and remote states in India. Towering mountains, ancient forests, quiet valleys, and rich tribal culture make this breathtaking region a part of Indo-Myanmar and embrace the northeastern edge of India. However, because of it’s geo strategic sensitive positioning and fragile infrastructure, this border state is one of the most geographically challenging to access in India.
Fortunately, in this border state, recent infrastructural upgrades have significantly improved air, train, and road accessibility. In this guide I will describee the most comfortable, efficient and safest ways to reach Arunachal Pradesh.
Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh by Air
The need for an airport in Arunachal Pradesh is now being addressed with the construction of a new greenfield airport and new upgrades to existing airstrips. With the addition of the states airstrip, domestic travel via flight has become much more accessable hence making flying the most convenient option.
Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar (Hollongi)
Significantly boosting air connectivity alongside the recently added domestic flights is Donyi Pole airport which is located at the far east border of Arunachal Pradesh which serves as the major airport of the state.
- Location: Roughly 15 km from Itanagar located at Hollongi in Papum Pare district.
- Operational Since: November 2022
- Airlines Operating: IndiGo
- Major Destinations Connected: Kolkata, Mumbai
- Future Routes Planned: Bengaluru, Guwahati, Delhi, and other northeastern cities
This airport serves a strategic function as a major entry point into western and central Arunachal. It has the capacity for night landings, a contemporary terminal, and is well-connected to the capital city.
Tezu Airport
Tezu is a smaller domestic airport in the Lohit district of eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
- Location: Tezu town, Lohit district
- Airlines Operating: FlyBig, Alliance Air
- Connected Cities: Guwahati, Imphal, Jorhat, and Hollongi
- Airport Type: Regional, day-time operation only
Tezu Airport is advantageous for international access to the eastern parts such as the Wakro and Hayuliang tourist circuits and the Parashuram Kund pilgrimage site.
Pasighat Airport
Pasighat is another regional airport in the East Siang district, adjacent to the Brahmaputra river plains.
- Airlines Operating: Alliance Air
- Connected Cities: Guwahati
- Usefulness: Suitable for travelers heading to central and eastern Arunachal including Mechuka, Tuting, and Dambuk.
Pasighat is one of the oldest airstrips in the region and has been upgraded under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
General Tips For Air Travel
- Flights to the rest of India operate exclusively in daylight hours, as is the norm in overseas flights. This is also the case for all flights to Arunachal Pradesh.
- Flights during the monsoon season (June – September) are subject to delays and cancellations due to poor visibility and heavy rainfall.
- Spring and winter seasons tend to attract higher numbers of visitors, so ensure that tickets are booked in advance as seats are limited.
- It is advisable to double-check the distances from the airport to your location since Arunachal is a large state, and driving from the airport to your final destination may take several hours.
Traveling to Arunachal Pradesh by Train
While there is no railway network within Arunachal Pradesh as of now, the state is well-connected to the neighboring state of Assam which has a developed network of railways. Thus, one can travel to the state by road from Assam.
Naharlagun Railway Station (Itanagar Region)
Naharlagun railway station serves as the eastern terminus of the Northeast Frontier Railway zone and is, thus, an important station for accessing central parts of Arunachal.
- Distance: 15 km from Itanagar
- Connected Cities: Delhi, Guwahati and Dibrugarh
Major Trains:
- Arunachal AC Express (22411/22412): Delhi – Naharlagun – Delhi
- Naharlagun – Guwahati Intercity Express
- Naharlagun – Shokhuvi (Nagaland) Express
This is the best rail option for reaching Itanagar, Ziro, Bomdila and Tawang to travel by road.
Tinsukia Railway Station (Eastern Arunachal)
This station is located in Assam, making it convenient for other eastern Arunachal towns like Roing, Tezu, and Anini.
Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Howrah (Kolkata), Delhi, and Bengaluru are some of the connected cities.
Road Distances:
- Tezu to Tinsukia: ~160 km
- Roing to Tinsukia: ~140 km
Local taxis or buses are available from Tinsukia to the Arunachal border at Dirak Gate and Sunpura Gate.
Dibrugarh
Dibrugarh is another prominent railway station located close to the eastern region of Arunachal.
- Connected Cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
- Recommended for: Passengers traveling to eastern destinations such as Pasighat, Along (Aalo), and Yingkiong.
North Lakhimpur Railway Station
North Lakhimpur is located closer to the western border of Arunachal and is convenient for those traveling to Ziro or Subansiri Valley.
- Connected Cities: Guwahati and Rangiya.
- Distance to Ziro: Approximately 110 kilometers.
North Lakhimpur is well connected to Arunachal towns by shared taxis and local buses.
Traveling by Rail – General Recommendations
- Purchasing train tickets for overnight trips should be done well in advance.
- Traveling from distant areas gives you the option of selecting AC 2-tier or AC 3-tier for greater comfort.
- Stations such as Naharlagun have limited food options. If you’re traveling to such stations, you should carry snacks and water.
- The majority of travel after the station is by road, so try to book a cab in advance.
Journeying to Arunachal Pradesh through Road
Accessing Arunachal Pradesh by road is the simplest and most efficient way to travel within and outside the state. There are multiple access points to the state from Assam, and once you are in the state, the views are spectacular—river valleys, gorges, pine forests, and snow-covered mountains. Do prepare yourself for the difficult walking routes and rough snow-covered roads because the state is situated in the mountains.
Primary Access Points by Road
Assam has approximately a dozen roads leading to entry points in Arunachal Pradesh. The following are the best managed and most frequently accessed:
Banderdewa Gate (to Itanagar, Ziro)
- Nearest Assam Town: North Lakhimpur
- Useful For: Itanagar, Naharlagun, Ziro, Yazali
- Road Type: Highway-quality roads up to Itanagar
Dirak Gate (to Tezu, Roing)
- Nearest Assam Town: Tinsukia
- Useful For: Eastern districts like Lohit, Anjaw, and Lower Dibang Valley
- Highway Connection: NH13 (Trans Arunachal Highway)
Kimin Gate (to Ziro)
- Alternative to Banderdewa
- Useful For: Access Ziro with Lower Subansiri less traffic and a quieter entry.
Sessa Gate / Balemu Gate (to Bomdila, Tawang)
- Nearest Assam Towns: Tezpur, Bhalukpong
- Useful For: Bomdila, Tawang
- Special Note: This route includes mountainous roads like Sela Pass which is very scenic.
Likabali Gate (to Aalo, Mechuka)
- Nearest Assam Town: Silapathar
- Useful For: West Siang district
Important Road Distances
- Guwahati to Itanagar: ~360 km (8–9 hours)
- Tezpur to Tawang: ~325 km (10–12 hours due to mountain roads)
- Tinsukia to Tezu: ~160 km (4–5 hours)
- Dibrugarh to Pasighat: ~150 km (4 hours)
- Naharlagun to Ziro: ~115 km (3 hours)
- Pasighat to Aalo: ~150 km (6 hours)
- Aalo to Mechuka: ~180 km (8–10 hours)
Permit Requirement
To visit Arunachal Pradesh, Indian tourists must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
It is obligatory checked and mandatory at the entry gates.
Steps to Submit an Application:
- Through Arunachal Pradesh eILP portal website www.arunachalilp.com, access is available through online methods.
- Offline applications are accepted in Arunachal Bhawans located in Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, Shillong and even at the entry gates.
List of Documents Needed:
- Government issued ID such as aadhar, passport or voter ID
- Passport sized photo
- Detailed travel plan including itinerary and accommodation. Applicants who are foreign tourists must possess a Protected Area Permit (PAP), which must be coordinated through a registered tour operator sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Driving Tips For Arunachal
- Rugged mountain roads, areas prone to landslides, and fog-laden passes are all features of the terrain.
- Foremost vehicles in these selections include: SUVs with high ground clearance such as Innova, Scorpio, Bolero and Sumo.
- When traveling in the fog, always check conditions prior to leaving in monsoon or winter.
- Ensure to carry extra fuel as petrol stations are few in distant areas.
- Mobile networks work in certain zones, BSNL and Airtel have the best coverage.
- It is best to hire local drivers especially in high altitude places like Tawang and Mechuka.
Bus and Shared Transport Services.
Limited public bus services are available in Arunachal, mostly operated by APST. Work in areas like Itanagar, Ziro, Tawang, Bomdila, Aalo, Roing and Tezu connecting them with major towns in Assam like Guwahati, Tezpur and Dibrugarh.
- APST Bus Booking: Can be purchased from counters in the border towns of Assam or from bus stations.
- Shared Sumo Services: Local and used by the majority. These services connect smaller towns and rural areas.
- Private Taxis: Can be accessed from the border towns of Assam; however, these services can be expensive for longer distances.
- Rental Cars: Available in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Tezpur for self-drive or with a chauffeur.
Best Time to Travel
- October to April (Winter to Spring): Suitable for road trips and sightseeing, especially for Tawang, Ziro Festival and Mechuka.
- May to September (Monsoon): Not advisable due to landslides and heavy rainfall wreaking havoc on roads and flights.
While other Indian states might be easier to access, the remote charm of Arunachal Pradesh more than makes up for the extra effort. Whether you intend to fly into the newly opened Dony Polo Airport, take a train into the foothills, or drive through scenic mountain roads, every route to the state promises mountainous beauty and unforgettable experiences. Better air connections and online permits have made this mystical land easier to travel to than ever before.
Plan meticulously, travel securely, and prepare to experience one of India’s last frontiers to be explored.