Trek in the footsteps of the Idu-Mishmi tribe hunters through the pristine jungle of the Eastern Himalaya and discover the beauty of seven remote high altitude lakes
India
Arunachal Pradesh
Duration
12 days
Mountain Trek, Wildlife Trek
& Tribal Trek
Tough / Extreme
Intro to The Idu-Mishmi Hunters Trail
Starting on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River on the plains of Assam, drive northwards along the spectacular Dibang Valley in a comfortable, private modern vehicle up into the jungle-clad mountains of the eastern Himalaya. Pass through traditional tribal lands as far as the tranquil Idu-Mishmi village of Anini.
Here we meet our local porters and guides and embark upon an epic seven-day trek, following age-old hunting paths of the Idu-Mishmi hunters, trails almost unknown outside their own local community. The variety of brightly coloured flowers and mushrooms in the depths of the forests is quite astonishing. Then, at the end of each day, sit around the campfire, and listen to wonderful tales from a passing world, deep into the night, of life long-ago, while it still remains possible to hear them. Learn also of the unique and complex belief system of this very special tribe, so intricately entwined with nature and the mountainscape through which we walk each day.
Finally, we enjoy the climax of sleeping on the shores of Emuh-ya Lake, our base camp for three star-filled nights. Head off on an excursion each day, still higher into the surrounding mountains, and complete your discovery of no fewer than seven remote and beautiful high-altitude lakes, each shrouded in mystery, each with tales of their own to tell.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The mighty Brahmaputra River
- Journeying in a private vehicle with private driver through the spectacular Dibang Valley
- Spending the night in a traditional homestay in the tribal village of Anini
- 7 days of high-altitude trekking through the pristine grasslands and forests of the Eastern Himalayas
- Following the traditional hunting paths of Idu-Mishmi tribesmen
- The incredible array of bright, wild flowers and mushrooms
- Chance sightings of wild boar, barking dear and the rare takin
- Discovering no fewer than seven remote high-altitude lakes
- Learning of the Idu-Mishmi tribe’s history, beliefs and traditions around an open campfire
PLACES TO BE VISITED
Dibrugarh – Roing – Anini – Emuli – Aniku – Chebran-Di – Emuh Base Camp
KEY INFORMATION
- Please see accommodation details below (‘What’s Included’)
- We have set departure dates for this tour. Please see ‘Dates’ section for more information
- This tour can be organised as a bespoke tour at other times of the year
- Similarly, if this itinerary is not exactly what you have in mind, please do contact us for a discussion as all itineraries can be adapted according to your wishes
- In exceptional circumstances, local conditions may require the route to be altered in your interests at short notice
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Reception: airport or station reception and transfer upon your arrival in Dibrugarh & final drop-off at the end of your visit as per the standard itinerary. (For clients arriving earlier and or departing later, special arrangements can be made for accommodation and/or airport transfers if required or requested – additional charges will be calculated for this.)
- Full escort: your trip is fully escorted by our own official, local, English-speaking guide from Arunachal Pradesh; while on your trek, you will also be joined by additional Idu-Mishmi guides, cooks and porters.
- Accommodation: all accommodation (11 nights), including 4 nights in local homestays, 6 nights sleeping in prepared camps, either in tents or wooden cabins and one night in a local hotel
- Meals: all meals (12 days) including 7 days prepared on the trail by your Idu-Mishmi trek cook
- Equipment: Tent (where needed), sleeping mat, kitchen equipment
- Transport: all transport between Dibrugarh and the trailhead in a private, comfortable, modern vehicle equipped with air-conditioning and seat belts, with a professional driver
- Permits: all restricted area permits as required
- Entrance fees: all entrance fees to sites & parks
- Activity fees: all fees for activities included in your itinerary
- Documentation: provided documents include a personalised itinerary for your tour, a full risk assessment of your route, a bespoke equipment list and facts about the country.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Sleeping bags, other equipment not detailed above (‘What’s Included’) and specialist trekking clothing
- Tips
- Soft drinks & items of a personal nature
- Camera fees
DATES
Forthcoming set group tour dates (maximum 8 pax):
– Thur 10th September – Sun 20th September 2026
– Fri 10th September – Monday 20th September 2027
Bespoke, private tours:
Please talk with us if you would prefer a private, bespoke, tailor made tour for dates of your own choosing.
PRICES
PRICE PER PERSON
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT*
£2140
from £125
*THE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT CHARGE IS ONLY REQUIRED FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS WHO CHOOSE NOT TO SHARE A ROOM WITH ANOTHER SUITABLE TRAVELLER. IF WILLING TO SHARE, THE SUPPLEMENT WILL NOT BE CHARGED.
If this itinerary is not exactly what you have in mind, please do contact us for a discussion as all itineraries can be adapted according to your wishes
DAY 1
Arrive in Dibrugarh and drive to Roing
Upon arrival in Dibrugarh, you will be met by your driver and guide. Time permitting, there will be the opportunity to explore Dibrugarh and the banks of the Brahmaputra before we set off in our vehicle, driving northwards, first crossing from Assam into Arunachal Pradesh, and then heading to Roing, the last major town in the north east of India. We spend the night in a local homestay.
4 hours driving.
Overnight in Roing.
DAY 2
Drive from Roing to Anini
After breakfast, we continue our drive northwards, now rising more steeply into the foothills of the eastern Himalaya, following a dramatic road along the banks of the Dibang Valley, crossing the historic Mayudia Pass, to reach the traditional Idi-Mishmi village of Anini. We spend the night in a local homestay.
6 to 7 hours, approximately.
Overnight in Anini.
Trek Day 1: transfer from Anini to Emuli village and walk to Aniku
We depart from Anini by road for the short drive to Emuli village. Here we say goodbye to our driver and vehicle and our trek begins.
Today’s walk is quite short but nonetheless somewhat challenging due to the steepness of the trail. We begin by the banks of the Upper Dibang river on the valley floor, climbing first through the thick grasslands and rolling hills of Aniku Top (Aniku meaning ‘grasslands’ in the local Idu dialect), then through mixed woodland, to emerge at the small plateau of Aniku (Camp 1) (2546m). The camp fire and the smell of cooking will let you know that you have arrived
We have the choice of sleeping either in tents or in a communal wooden hut.
45 minutes transfer plus
4 to 5 hours walking.
Trek Day 2: walk from Aniku (Camp 1) to Chebran-Di (Camp 2)
The second day of the trek begins by rising further through the mixed woodland of an enchanting ancient rainforest, abundant with diverse flora and fauna including many types of mushrooms and orchids. As we continue our ascent, we will next head through thin bamboo jungles before finally arriving at Chebran-Di (Camp 2) (3386m), nestled within a pine jungle with a small stream close by.
Sleep in a large, communal wooden hut.
6 hours trekking, approximately.
Trek Day 3: walk from Chebran-Di to Emuh Base Camp (Camp 3)
Today’s trek is rather long and requires an early departure. Initially, the route continues to climb through thick forests, occasionally opening up to reveal spell-binding views both to left and right. Soon, however, the route levels out and leads us across an undulating and slightly exposed rocky landscape, adding to the sense of adventure but also requiring strong legs and a little care.
We pass above Lake 1, named Kahu Wu~ya Lake, with a rich display of colourful yellow, purple and white flowers in season, then quickly rise to the highest point on today’s trek (3927m). It is marked by a small cairn which denotes the de-facto Indo-Chinese border at the time of the war in Arunachal in 1962.
We then contnue across further rocky terrain, now descending, stopping from time to time to take in the stunning views. Finally, we reach Emuh Base Camp (Camp 3) (3695m) on the shores of Emuh-ya Lake (Lake 2) where we spend the night sleeping in double wooden huts.
7 hours trekking.
Emuh Base Camp to Koyombo Lake (Lake 3) and Dini Lake (Lake 4)
We wake to a beautiful sunrise over Emuh-ya Lake (Lake 2). Our base camp, located on the shores of Emuh~ya Lake, serves as the starting point for our exploration of the remaining five lakes on our trek.
We begin the day by covering the short, 30-minute, walk to Koyombo Lake (Lake 3). Although the smallest of the seven lakes, many feel that Koyombo is the most beautiful. We should take time to appreciate the lake’s tranquillity and to observe the reflections of the surrounding mountainscape on the water’s surface.
By contrast, Dini Lake (Lake 4) (3956m), is the largest and mightiest of the seven, the next objective on our trek, reached by climbing above Koyombo Lake.
Then rather than simply retracing our steps to Base Camp, we have the option of traversing the mountainside and descending to the far side of Emuh-ya Lake (Lake 2). Here we can summon a kayak to transport us back across the lake in good time for our evening meal in the communal wooden dining hut.
We spend a second night in the double wooden huts on the banks of Emuh-ya Lake.
Emuh Base Camp to Che~ne Lake (Lake 5) and Huhu Wuya (Lakes 6 and 7)
Today is a lengthy trek which takes in the final three lakes on our journey. After breakfast, we head out from our base camp once more, first aiming for Che~ne Lake (Lake 5), traditionally referred to by the hunters as ‘the mystical lake’. Its special reputation has arisen from claims that the lake glows during the depth of night. Whereas some might attribute this phenomenon to the natural occurrences, perhaps the presence of organisms in the water, this rather special characteristic undoubtedly adds an extra element of mysticism and wonder to our trip. Che~ne Lake has consequently taken a very special place within Idu-Mishmi folklore. Many local people also believe that the lake is inhabited by a monster and so always avoid going too close to the water’s edge.
Finally, we head over the small Chene Pass and reach Huhu Wuya (the collective name given to Lakes 6 and 7), the furthest point on our journey through the seven lakes. It is hard to imagine that the traditional Idu-Mishmi hunters came so far to this place in their pursuit of prey.
With regret, we turn around and head back towards our base camp for a final time.
We spend a final night in the double wooden hits on the banks of Emuh-ya Lake.
Emuh Base Camp to Chebran-Di (Camp 2)
Today we leave our base camp for the last time and retrace our steps as far as Chebran-Di.
6 hours walking
Chebran-Di (Camp 2) to Emuli village and transfer back to Anini
Today we complete our return to Anini. First we trek back to Emuli where we are reunited with our driver and vehicle then transfer back to our homestay in Anini.
In Anini there will be time to rest, replenish supplies, and celebrate the successful completion of your trek. It’s an ideal time to indulge in local cuisine, explore the town’s attractions, and perhaps share stories with fellow trekkers.
Overnight in Anini.
DAY 10
Transfer from Anini to Roing
After breakfast, we rejoin our private driver and private vehicle and drive back to Roing. Once at Roing, there will be time to explore the town including its local markets.
DAY 11
Transfer from Roing to Dibrugarh
Today we complete our journey by returning in our private vehicle to Dibrugarh.
Overnight in Dibrugarh
Depart from Dibrugarh
At a time to suit, we will transfer you to the airport or train station as appropriate for your departure
