Dirang, the name of an enchanting spot in Arunachal Pradesh beckons no less tourists from home and abroad. The hill station atop the West Kameng district of the frontier state is rich with snowfall, roaring rivers and rivulets, deep gorges apart from beautiful flora and fauna forcing the tourists to be transformed into a haven on the earth at least for a moment. Situated 142 kms away from Tawang, it is one of the most visited tourist spot of breezy weather surrounded by small and cozy hills and hamlets, cultivated fields, pine trees and kiwi gardens.
With huge potential tourism here, it has become a staple factor for economic development along the Indo-China border. The small but homely town pulls many tourists who are no less impressed with its natural beauty and bounty. The growing footfall of the tourists forces the authority to set up a number of circuits here.
Dirang is also known for some other exciting spots to be travelled. The attractions include the National Research Centre on Yak near Yewang Basti. This is apart from the Regional Apple Nursery and Progeny Orchard at Rungkung. Tourists take no less delight as they visit the Orchid Centre at Jyotinagar. A visit to Dirang by a vehicle would be very adventurous when it would reach one after another spot in a short distance. The most exciting and enchanting is the Dirang Dzong. Set up in 17th century, the historic fort at Dirang Basti is a major attraction for the tourists. It, in fact, tells the tales of the monastic rule where the Monpas gave birth to the idea of public administration.
This hill top fort comprises a four storied fortified stone slabs with logs in which the entire village could escape any casualty in the time of war. The entry point of the wooden gate with local architectural design itself is significant.
Other spots in Dirang include the hot water spring en route to the Rama Camp. This is an ideal spot for the tourists to take a refreshing bath.
The Regional Sheep Breeding Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra would give a major boost on its economic front. The Khaso steel bridge is another factor that has done away with the yawning surface communication gap. Now this is the most interesting spot for hang outs and picnic. The best time to visit this spot is the new year which is an occasion for the Buddhist to begin their new calendar where people throng in thousands for merry making with song and dance with harmony. Tourists, mostly, take delight with angling and rafting at Namthung on the way back to Sangti valley. Similarly another spot of interest is Zimthung, one of the highest peaks surrounding Dirang town. This is where apple trees yield good fruits in August and kiwi plantations fetches good income for the farmers. The scene is available in the month of November.
Dirang township is also an ideal base camp for trekking not to speak of bird watching in the tiny hamlets of mountain ridges surrounded by green forest. These include Thembang, Namshu, Mandala Phudung, Morshing, Lubrang, Nyukmadung .
Other tourist destinations here include Chillipam, Shergaon, Tenzingang, Bangazan. But these areas have yet to get adequate amenities for the tourists.
