Exploring the Lifestyle of the Monpa Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh

Nestled in the remote hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the Monpa tribe offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique and vibrant way of life. Known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional practices, the Monpa people live in harmony with the lush, verdant landscapes that surround them. Their lifestyle is deeply rooted in agricultural practices, with rice being a staple crop cultivated through intricate terracing and shifting cultivation techniques.

The Monpa tribe is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, including intricate bamboo and woodwork that reflect their artistic heritage. Their vibrant festivals, such as the annual harvest festival, showcase traditional dances and music that bring the community together in celebration. The Monpa also follows a distinctive social structure, with elders playing a crucial role in decision-making and preserving oral histories.

For those embarking on an Assam-Arunachal Pradesh road trip, visiting the Monpa tribe provides a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty and cultural richness of Arunachal Pradesh. Traveling through this region not only offers breathtaking natural landscapes but also a chance to engage with the Monpa’s traditional way of life, providing a deeper understanding of this lesser-known tribal culture. Exploring the lifestyle of the Monpa tribe is a rewarding experience for any traveler seeking to connect with the authentic and diverse cultures of northeastern India.

Lifestyle of Monpa Tribe

07 Nights / 08 Days

Age 10+

Nov to Apr

The Trip :

Assam – Arunachal Pradesh Road Trip

Though this route is up to Tawang of Western Arunachal Pradesh, the trip covers only the West Kameng district. Passing through the famous Mandala Birding Sanctuary and walking in and around the villages of Thembang a World Heritage Village and Sangti Valley is an mesmerizing experience. Interact with the Monpa tribe, taste the local cuisine and observe their daily lifestyle.

While returning, get the chance to see the Upper Gompa of Mahayana Buddhism in Bomdila and stay at the Gompa Guest House.

Attractions: Homestay and Lifestyle in Sangti Valley and Thembang Village

Interact with Monpa Tribes

Trek along the beautiful Monpa Villages to Sangti Valley

Gompas and Scenic Mandala of Western Arunachal Pradesh.

Routes: Guwahati / Nameri National Park/ Thembang village/ Sangti Valley / Mandala / Bomdila / Guwahati

Day 01: Arrival at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and drive to Nameri NP, 5 Hours drive

After arriving at Guwahati International Airport, drive to Nameri National Park situated in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh. Overnight stay at Jungle Lodge/Standard

Day 02: Nameri to Thembang in West Kameng of Arunachal Pradesh. (6 Hours drive)

Post breakfast, travel to Thembang village which falls under the Dirang Circle. The awesome scenic beauty will mesmerize everybody during the tour. By evening reach Thembang village which is around 7,000 Feet MSL. Stay at a Guest House/Homestay owned by the Monpa tribe (Basic). Overnight stay.

Day 03: In Thembang Monpa Village

Post breakfast, roam around the Thembang village. Here, anyone can see the structure of the house which is made mainly of mud and flat stone, having similarities with Tibetan style. Share foods in their typically made kitchen and interact with them. Observe their daily lifestyle. This day avail a short hike up to Pangma and Gonthung village and back to Thembang (around 3 hours). Overnight at Thembang.

Day 04: Trek from Thembang to Sangti Valley ( 7 Hours)

Post breakfast, start trekking to Sangti Valley via Chilling, Chander (Yak grazing area and little human habitation) and Khalbog (small village). The journey gives some spectacular views of the Mountains and gorges. In every place, the altitude varies from 5,000 Feet MSL to around 7,000 Feet MSL. Before dark, reach Sangti Valley. Overnight stay at Guest House/Home Stay (Basic).

Day 05: At Sangti Valley, Dirang Circle

Full day Leisure. Walk in and around Sangti Valley. The scenic beauty of Sangti Valley is famous for the migratory bird – The Black Necked Crane and due to its altitude (4,900 feet MSL) it’s among the most fertile land of Arunachal Pradesh. Fruits such as Kiwi, Apple etc and corn, eatable Green leaves, and vegetables are readily available during the season time. If luck favours, Taste the local beverage made from Corn.Overnight stay at Guest House/Home Stay (Basic).

Day 06: Sangti to Bomdila Via Mandala ( 5 to 6 Hours drive)

Post breakfast, move back to Bomdila via Mandala. Mandala is the highest altitude point here (above 10,000 Feet MSL). It forms the part of Important Bird Area with the contiguous forest tracts of Shergaon and Kalaktang. More than 300 species of Birds have been recorded here. Walk around the Mandala Point and feel Nature at its best. Before dark, reach Bomdila. Overnight stay at Bomdila.

Day 07: Bomdila to Guwahati

Early morning visit Upper Gompa of Bomdila and post breakfast back to Guwahati. Overnight Stay at Guest House or similar.

Day 08: Drop at Guwahati International Airport.

Post breakfast, drop at Guwahati International Airport.

The tour ends here.

Book This Tour

Travel Tips

When travel to North-East India, guests are requested to follow the below mentioned points for hassle free journey.

Always carry a small torchlight, umbrella in your bag. If you do journey during summer umbrella is must.
Bring Sturdy comfortable shoes, Warm jackets during winter and cotton T shirts or shirts during Summer.
Bring Toiletries, Insect repellent, Sunscreen.
Note that Star category hotels are generally available mainly in Guwahati, Shillong. The remaining destinations, mainly remote ones, mostly have basic accommodations but neat and clean.
For a comfort long distance journey, guests are requested to avail transportation by SUV cars such as Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, Scorpio, Bolero etc.
Changing foreign currencies are not mainly problem in Guwahati, Shillong or in some big towns. But maximum destinations do not have this facility so carry a number of Indian cash with you.

For a foreign traveller, always carry your documents such as Visa etc with you anytime.

Things to Carry

Loose fitting clothes (Sportswear)
Sports Shoes/Trekking shoes preferable
Extra Pair of Clothing
Bed sheet
Sun Cap/Hat
Sunscreen
Toiletries
Towel
Water Bottle
Prescribed Medicine (if any of your choice)
Head lamp
Kindly Note: Best time to avail tour in this region is from October to May. From June to September, due to heavy rain, maximum destinations are not suitable to visit.