Bhalukpong

Bhalukpong is a postcard perfect location located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in the northeastern region of India. Located along the southern reaches of the Himalayas, it is perched at an altitude of 213 m above sea level. Bhalukpong is 100 km from Bomdila, 52 km from Tezpur and 5 km from Tipi. This little known hill town also acts as the gateway to Bomdila and the Tawang Monastery.

Bhalukpong lies on the Assam- Arunachal border straddles the edge of the Kameng river. It lies along the dense forests that form the border of the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary. Earlier, the place has been inhabited by the Aka tribes for centuries and was administered by the local tribal Aka rulers with occasional political dominance from Bhutan and Assam. In 1873, the British had declared the area around Bhalukpong as off-limits. The town is inhabited by members of the Aka Tribes.

The weather in Bhalukpong is pleasant. During summers the climate is mild, while in winters, it is cool. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in the months of July-September.

Things to see and Do

Eventhough, there are not many places to see in Bhalukpong, it is blessed with exotic natural beauty and has a number of picnic spots along the banks of the Kameng River and the forests. One can enjoy a walk down the riverside and the panoramic view of the mountains covered with semi-evergreen tropical rain forest vegetation.

This small town attracts the adventure-seekers, because it offers numerous trekking, hiking trails and angling options. Angling is a popular activity here and one can enjoy fishing and angling along the different stretches of Kameng River. Many anglers can be seen in the area. Also, Jia Bhorali River that branches off from the Kameng river near Bhalukpong is another area for fishing mahsheer. Recently, trekking has grown substantially.

Bhalukpong is surrounded by the evergreen forests of the Pakke Tiger Reserve. One can take a trip to the Pakke Tiger Reserve during the trip to Bhalukpong, as this sanctuary lies near the town and is a tourist hotspot. Spread across an area of 862 sq km, Pakke Tiger Reserve can be reached by crossing the Kameng river in a dug out canoe.

Many rare species of birds can be spotted at this place and it is famous for its sightings of four resident hornbill species. Tiger, leopards, barking deer and elephants can also be spotted.

Contact

Divisional Forest Officer,
Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve
Seijosa, East Kameng district – 790103,
Arunachal Pradesh.
Ph 03778-200016, 200014.
Email: dfopakke@gmail.com

Arunachal has the largest range of orchids in India. The Orchid Research Center at Tipi, 3 km from Bhalukpong, is a must see for all visitors. It is near the banks of the Bharali River. It houses 500 or more varieties of orchids which grow abundantly in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh. Some of the rarest species of Orchids are on display. In the Orchid research centre, scientists create new hybrid varieties of orchids using the latest techniques of biotechnology. The best time to visit here is between April and May, when one can see the exotic orchids in full bloom. This place is also ideal for rafting and angling. For more details contact

Director
State Forest Research Institute
Department of Environment & Forest
Van Vihar, P.B. No. - 159
Chimpu
Itanagar-791111
Arunachal Pradesh
Fax: +91-(360)-2203566
E-mail - info@sfri.org, directorsfri@hotmail.com

One can also spot ruins of a historical fort built during the 10th to 12th centuries. The forts are believed to be the monuments ofdefeated kings of Assam. The colourful annual festival Nyethidow of the Aka tribe celebrated in the month of March is a must visit occasions for the tourists who visits Bhalukpong.

An important note that, tourists have to obtain Inner Line Permits to visit Arunachal Pradesh even if an Indian citizen. One can get it from either from the Arunachal Tourism office at Guwahati or, Tourist Information Center, Arunachal Bhavan at Delhi.