Arunachal Pradesh, India
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Dirang is an unexplored gem, hidden away in the wilderness of Arunachal Pradesh, located at 4910 feet above sea level. it is 42 km away from Bomdila. This quaint village is a stoppage for many tourists heading towards Tawang from Assam. A major influence Buddhism and Monpa culture can be found here, through the presence of Kalachakra Gompa and Dirang Dzong. Explore this beautiful village while going towards Tawang. Dirang’s got an interesting cultural legacy which is not only vibrant and alluring but quite creative as well. With the craft of weaving, carpet making and wooden carving adding feathers to its glory, a local tribe called the Monpas are known for their craftsmanship and skills in the realm of wooden bowls and weaved products. The Dirang Monpa are one of the major divisions of the greater Monpa tribe, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman language family. They practice Tibetan Buddhism and have a Tsangla sub-culture within the greater Monpa culture. The 1991 census recorded their population as 5,050. The Dirang Monpa diet consists of cereals, fish, meat, vegetables, and chhung (a local drink brewed from maize, rice, millet, wheat and blackwheat). They consume milk products like churpi (cheese) and butter, and eat beef, pork, mutton, fowls, yaks, mithuns and deer.
Agriculture is the primary occupation of the Dirang Monpa, practicing both jhum (shifting cultivation) and settled cultivation. They domesticate animals like yaks, cows, sheep, pigs etc. for milk, meat and wool.
Things to do in Dirang
Dirang’s abundant with exciting and adventurous water sports and recreational games that involve competitive and fun activities like paragliding, kayaking, white water rafting, boat rides, and windsurfing, etc. The Dirang Chu River, which originates from Tawang, provides the perfect setting for water sports like white water rafting, kayaking, and boat rides. White water rafing is quite popular in Dirang with rapids ranging from Grade I to III that are suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. Another popular and most awaited annual event in Dirang is an automobile rally, which is a big hit in town owing to its location at 4,900ft above the sea’s level. With its assorted open meadows, dry river beds and rough terrains, the sight is ideal for car rallying.
Where to Eat: When it comes to popular dishes in this part of the world, the choice of food varies from region to region. While the local tribes prefer dry fish, pork with bamboo shoots, pork pickle, chicken with sticky rice and mithun meat, other delicacies include items like Apong, Chura Sabji, Marua, Lukter, Pehak and more. Some of the noteworthy eateries in and around Dirang include the Tenzing Restaurant for its non-vegetarian fares with yak meat as its specialty. Since Dirang’s a small town, the local eateries are best to explore the local cuisine.
Where To Shop: The market in Dirang is ideal for souvenir shopping. Alternatively, you can explore the Bomdila market which is comparatively bigger than other nearby towns with a 3-tiered shopping plaza. You can shop for local produce like fruits and vegetables, Yaak Churpi, Yak Cheese, and River Weed here. The local market brims with handicrafts like masks, paintings and carpets, clothes, etc.
Dirang Sightseeing: Dirang is a picturesque town and there are some interesting places to visit around Dirang:
For a customized tour experience you can contact Karma at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in
Dirang is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, birdwatchers and photographers. It is home to orchards of apple, orange and apricot and farms of Kiwi. It is one of those places that is perfect for a rustic, quiet and blissful time in the lower reaches of the Eastern Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above MSL, Dirang is a picturesque valley between Bomdila and Tawang. It shares its traditions and heritage with Western Bhutan and it mainly comprises of the people from the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. In addition to its spectacular natural beauty, it is known for its hot water springs, apple orchards and Yak research center.
There are a few notable cultural festivals in Dirang that are celebrated annually namely:
By AirThe nearest international Airport from Dirang is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati, which is about 351 kms from the town. It is connected with the major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Agartala, Imphal, Aizawl, Dibrugarh, Lilabari, Silchar, Dimapur, Jorhat and Mumbai.
By TrainThe nearest railway station of Dirang is located at Tezpur, which is at a distance of about 193 kms from the town.
By RoadDirang can be reached from Bomdila, which is about 41 kms away. Other than this, Dirang is connected through Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus services with Bhalukpong, Tezpur, Seppa, Nagaon, Itanagar, Guwahati and Shillong.
Dirang Dzong or Dirang fort was built in the 17th century to protect Bomdila from the neighbouring states. The fort was used as a jail and during the world war period. It is located atop a hill and comprises of four storied fortified stone slabs that are suppo...
Thupsang Dhargye Ling is a temple and learning institute for the study of Tibetan Buddhism by laypeople and monks, located in the Himalayan village of Dirang, India. The name, Thupsang Dhargye Ling was given by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and means : "Place o...
Mandala Top is a new tourist attraction in Dirang valley. The 108 Buddhist stupas constructed on the mountain top in a circular manner make it one of the most enchanting sites in Dirang. With the spectacular scenic surroundings, the mountain top is a sight to behol...
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