Mishmi Hills
At the heart of India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh lies a hidden treasure only a few have had the pleasure of exploring: Mishmi Hills. These lush, biodiverse hills provide a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Mishmi Hills extend southward from the Great Himalayan ranges, bordered to the north and east by China. This untouched region features a stunning blend of tropical forests, alpine meadows, shrubby woods, bamboo groves, and sloping grasslands, adorned in shades of blue, yellow, and emerald. Often shrouded in dense fog, the Mishmi Hills exude a magical allure.
The Mishmi Hills area can be divided into two broad sections: the flood plains of the tributaries of the Brahmaputra River, and the Arunachal Himalayas consisting of snow-capped mountains, lower Himalayan ranges and the Shivalik hills. Steeply sloping landform, sub-tropical evergreen forest vegetation, and high rainfall characterize the area.
Rising to about 5,000 meters, Mishmi Hills have diverse landscapes that support various ecosystems. This, along with their isolation, has led to a wealth of birdlife in the area. Renowned as an ideal destination for birdwatchers, the area boast not only endemic bird species but also a plethora of eastern Himalayan birds rarely found elsewhere in the region. It’s a dream destination for bird enthusiasts, drawing visitors who yearn to witness its avian diversity. With approximately 6,000 plant species, various mammal species, and over 600 bird species, the Mishmi Hills stand as a biodiversity hotspot within the Himalayan range.
The remote location of the Mishmi Hills has helped protect its ecosystems from extensive human impact. Several protected areas, such as the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, have been established to safeguard the region’s wildlife and natural habitats. These areas also play a key role in ecotourism, which is seen as a sustainable way to promote economic development while conserving the environment.
Birdwatcher's Paradise
Tours to Mishmi Hills & Beyond
Things To Do
Birding
The Mishmi Hills are a birding hotspot due to their diverse habitats. The best way to explore the area is by car with an experienced bird guide. These guides are familiar with the specific locations where each species can be found and the optimal times for sightings. Traveling by car also allows you to cover a wide range of altitudes and habitats efficiently. You can also explore on foot, approaching birds silently, or sit quietly in one spot and let the birds come to you.
About 680 bird species have been recorded here. Some of iconic species of the region are Sclater’s monal, Blyth’s and Temmink’s tragopan, chestnut-breasted partridge, rufous-necked hornbill, pale-capped pigeon, Ward’s trogon, dark-sided thrush, green and purple cochoa, rusty-bellied and Gould’s shortwing, beautiful nuthatch, rusty-throated and wedge-billed wren babbler, fire-tailed myzornis, at least four parrotbill species, black-headed greenfinch, scarlet finch and grey-headed bullfinch.
Only vehicles registered with the park authorities are allowed to enter the park. Each vehicle seats 4 or 6 people. In addition to a local tracker and a driver.
Note: As Arunachal Pradesh is a protected area, permission is mandatory to be obtained from the Government. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while foreign tourists require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) in addition to getting an Indian visa. PAP is valid for a period of 30 days. These permits can be obtained through designated offices. However, applications for PAP are to be applied through approved local tour operator only.
Explore Remote Trails
The Mishmi Hills offer numerous trekking and hiking opportunities through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rugged terrain. Popular treks include the Mayodia Pass trek, which provides stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Drive or trek up to Mayodia Pass, which is at an elevation of about 2,655 meters (8,710 feet). The pass offers breath taking views of snow-capped mountains and is particularly beautiful in winter when the area is blanketed in snow. During the winter months, the pass is covered in snow, making it an ideal spot for snow lovers.
Visit Mishmi Villages
Explore the local culture by visiting Mishmi villages, where you can interact with the indigenous Mishmi people. Learn about their traditional practices, agriculture, and crafts. If your visit coincides with local festivals like Reh or Losar, don’t miss the opportunity to witness traditional dances, rituals, and celebrations.
Best time to visit
It is the coolest time of the year, with the temperature falling to 0°C. During this period, snowfall in Mayudia Pass poses a hindrance for tourists. The lower regions of the pass are covered in snow only during peak winters.
It is the ideal time to visit Mishmi Hills, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 30°C. March and April are the flowering months for rhododendron and orchids here, which is why birders prefer this time to visit the hills. But March also ushers in pre-monsoon showers, which may cause some inconvenience.
It is the monsoon season and unpredictable road conditions make it difficult to visit Mishmi Hills or Mayudia during this time.
