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Regenerative Tourism & Social Impact in Arunachal's Mishmi Hills
Immersive Experiences at the intersection of science & indigenous wisdom
About Us
We are four clans of of the Idu Mishmi community, belonging to the Elopa and Etugu villages in Arunachal's Lower Dibang Valley, who've declared part of our ancestral land a Community Conserved Area (CCA). The 75 sq KM CCA has been named Elopa-Etugu Community Eco-Cultural Preserve (EECEP). EECEP, when pronounced as a word makes the sounds that mean ‘a place we have left' in our language. This name holds deep meaning for us as we were forced to leave our ancestral land in the 80s-90s when the River Dibang (Talõ) changed course, following years of logging, and swallowed our agricultural fields. The following two decades witnessed increased outsider hunting and resource extraction in our ancestral lands.
Wildlife in EECEP
Over 40 species of mammals have been recorded in scientific camera trap surveys led by community members and outside scientists. Compare that with Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, which lies right next-door and is 4 times larger than EECEP, where similar camera trapping surveys conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India revealed merely 23 species of mammals. EECEP has flourishing populations of globally endangered species such as......
Clouded Leopards
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrive at Lower Dibang Valley
7 Hours Drive from Anini or 3 hours from Dibrugarh Airport to reach our riverside eco-cottages in Roing Town. It's been a long day. Rest the night away for your upcoming adventure. Ensure your flights land at DIB Airport not later than 3 PM.
DAY 2
Slow Idu Village Day
Post breakfast, drive to a local village in the tropical foothills of Lower Dibang and settle into a cosy 'Oko' (traditional Idu house). Spend the the day walking through village farms, listening to Gibbon songs and birding. Enjoy an outdoor farm to plate lunch at a local farm followed by an evening of communal cooking and drinking with a local Idu Mishmi family.
DAY 3
Explore Talõ
Wake up at a leisurely pace.
Post breakfast, an hour long drive through community forests & dry river beds to reach our camp at the EECEP (Elopa-Etugu Community Eco-Cultural Preserve) - A 75 Sq Kms community conserved area belonging to four clans of the local Idu Mishmi Tribe.
Spend the Afternoon exploring the Talõ river's ecology & traditional fishing*.
Post sunset, settle into your twin-sharing tents before we gather by a fire for storytelling & outdoor dinner.
*Subject to availability
DAY 4
Trek to Elopa
Wake up to one of the earliest sunrises of the country and spend your morning birding.
Post-breakfast, four hours of slow & immersive trekking* to Elopa Plateau (850m).
Throughout the trek, listen to songs of different families of Hoolocks Gibbons who have made Elopa their home.
Local lore of the forest & foraging will be central to this trek. Learn about mammals, birds, fish, trees, plants, fungi & more through the lens of the Idu Mishmis.
In the evening, learn the traditional 'Idu trapping' and settle into your tents at Elopa Plateau before we gather by the fire for a night of storytelling & reflecting.
*The trek will be moderate-difficult and will be done at a leisurely pace.
DAY 5
Science meets Tradition
Start your day with an optional hour long trek to the edge of the Elopa plateau to see the Himalayan serow at a salt lick (if you're lucky). Be back for breakfast at the Elopa camp.
Around breakfast — assist our local team of researchers in setting up the scientific camera trap. (Photographic prints of fauna caught on these cameras will be posted to your physical address as a cherished souvenir)*
Follow this with three hours of trekking down from Elopa plateau to the dry riverbed of Ishi-afra where you will explore signs of endangered wildlife with our Idu Mishmi community rangers.
In the evening, stop at a local family's home for a local dinner & rice wine with Idu Mishmi elders.
*For Indian Nationals only
DAY 6
Relaxation Day & Local Town Exploration
Wake up at a leisurely pace and spend the first half experiencing the slow village life of the Idu Mishmis of Lower Dibang.
Post lunch, an hour long drive back to Roing Town where you will be free to explore local markets, cafe's and handicraft stores.
In the evening, a final dinner and sharing session with our team at your riverside cottages in Roing Town.
DAY 7
Departure
Three hours drive across the border through Assamese tea estates, villages and the Brahmaputra river to reach Dibrugrarh Airport.
Ensure to book flights that depart from DIB post 11:30 AM.
Food & Stay
Local Village home, Eco-cottages & Tents
Hosts: Local Idu Mishmi Family
Maximum capacity: 4-5 Persons
SleepingArrangements: Gendered. Clean & Hygienic. Twin/Triple/Quadruple-Sharing.
Toilets: Clean & Hygienic. Shared. Non-attached. Western (Night 1, 2 & 6) & Outdoors (Night 3, 4 & 5)
Food: Organic, Home-cooked Idu Mishmi food and local beverages.
Vegan, Veg & Non-Veg friendly.
Perks: Hot water (Night 1, 2 & 6) & Fireplace.
Upcoming Dates
Waiting List | Filling Fast | Slots Available
7 Days & 6 Nights
Group limit:
Max 4-5 Persons
OCT 26 - NOV 1
Flexible Payment plans available.
INCLUSIONS
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All Meals & Accommodation for the scheduled 7D/6N Programme.
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A private Scorpio or similar (Includes pickup/drop from/to DIB Airport)
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An experienced team of resourceful local guides, cooks & porters (for carrying camping/cooking gear, not for personal luggage).
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A Trip Leader (An experienced local)
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Basic Medical/First Aid Kit during the trip.
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Indian Permits and Permit Fees
EXCLUSIONS
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Airfare, Rail fare, Bus fare etc.
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Any food and beverage costs apart from the ones mentioned in itinerary.
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Trip extensions, Buffer Days etc.
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Foreigner Permits and Permit Fees (The permits may cost INR 4000-6000 for foreign passport holders).
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Any Tips (Our local guides are paid generously. However, we are completely on board if you feel the need to tip them. We do not however encourage paying money to children or buying them chocolates and other packed foods.)
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Tiffin box, water bottle & spoon for packed lunch. (Kindly bring your own as we want to minimise single-use plastic as much as possible.)
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Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks, landslides, road conditions, political unrest and any other circumstances beyond our control. Note: The Eastern Himalayas are not known for great roads and there have been instances of road blocks before.
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Travel Insurance
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Any personal Expenditure (Shopping, medicines etc)
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Any items / services not specifically mentioned under the head ‘inclusions’.
Mandatory Check-list
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Your own toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap to minimise buying single-use plastic in the valley.
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Protein Bars (optional)
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Toilet paper (Non-chemical)
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Water bottle (Should not be single-use plastic)
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Sleeping bag (if you already possess one)
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A fully charged torch or headlamp.
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2-3 pairs of Comfortable breathable clothes for sunny days: quick dry cotton T-shirts, trousers, pairs of Breathable cotton socks etc.
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1-2 pairs of Warm Insulating Clothes for winters (temperatures can go as low as 5 degrees during peak winters) - Thermals, An insulating jacket, Merino wool cap & muffler/bandana, ,Thick Woolen socks and gloves) for cold nights.
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Odomos cream against mosquitoes
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Water resistant trekking trousers are recommended. We do NOT allow denim jeans.
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A rucksack (preferably with waterproof covering). We do NOT allow suitcases, duffle bags, carry bags or trolley bags as they do not work in mountainous terrains.
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Rain jacket + waterproof/resistant trousers.
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A poncho (if you don't have water-resistant trousers or waterproof cover for your rucksack)
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A liner
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A bath towel
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Rubber Boots or Gum Boots (They can be bought locally in Dibang itself for INR500/Pair)
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Two new or used pairs of comfortable insoles to place inside your gum boots for comfort.
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A pair of sports shoes to wear casually.
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A trekking pole (not mandatory)
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A hat/cap to protect against the sun.
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Your medications (allergies/motion sickness/infections or any other personal medications).
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Appropriate swimming clothes.
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A pair of slippers.
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2 big plastic bags - one for storing soiled clothes and the other for any single use plastic generated or found during the program (Single use plastic cannot be disposed in the mountains. Needs to be carried back with you to the plains)
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A tupperware lunch box and spoon (for packed lunch)
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Sunscreen
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A small waterproof daypack for hiking. Daypacks that re not waterproof can be protected by your poncho.
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Sanitiser spray (to use against leeches)
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Original ID (Indian Passport or Aadhar or Voter ID) & 4 printed photocopies
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4 printed photocopies of your Arunachal Permits (We will arrange them).