Complete Guide to Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh

The Dibang wildlife sanctuary lies nestled in the Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the eight wildlife sanctuaries, located in north east of Anini, in Arunachal Pradesh which occupies part of the Eastern Himalayas. Dibang valley district has been named after the Dibang River, a tributary of Brahmaputra River. The altitude ranges between 1800m and 5000m. Moreover, the topology of complex rugged terrain hill varies from steep to very steep. Stretched across an area of 4,149 sq km, the lofty mountains, snow covered peaks, deep gorges, forests and rivers make this place abundant in natural beauty, adventurous expeditions, flora and fauna.

Adjacent to the Mouling National Park, it was established in 1980s. Later in 1988, as per the guidelines of UNESCO, together these areas became part of Dibang Biosphere Reserve, one of the major bio-diversity hotspots of the world. The protection of the rich bio diversity is in the hands of Department of Environment and Forest of Arunachal Pradesh. The surroundings are sparsely populated and inhabited by Idu Mishmi tribes. One cannot give a miss to the snow lake called alpine Kahaiwhite Lake and Valley of Flowers, hailed as the most renowned tourist attractions.

Climatic Conditions

The temperature ranges between 18 degree Celsius and 22 degree Celsius during summers. Apart from freezing temperature, winter is accompanied by heavy snowfall of nearly 6m to 10m depth. It receives heavy rainfall from south west and north east monsoon.

Best Time to Visit

The months from November to May are considered the best time to visit this place. Nearly 80% of the rainfall occurs during south west monsoon from May to October which leads to complete shutdown of all activities.

Wildlife at Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora

It consists of vegetation of moist temperate and alpine type. The two main categories of vegetation are temperate broad leaved forest and temperate conifer forest (Rhododendra, Bamboo, Gregaria, Tsuga etc). Alpine vegetation occurs at higher altitude with herbs, stunted trees and dwarf bushes. During flowering season in the month of May and June for brief time, one can witness the stretch of bright coloured gregarious flowering.

Fauna

It is a rare opportunity to witness a number of species of the same family existing together in the same place. Snow leopards thrive in proximity to high altitudes whereas clouded leopards are found in lower latitudinal zones. Other carnivores include marbled cat, jungle cat, tiger, panther etc. Among herbivores-musk deer, Mishmi takin, red panda, serow, blue sheep, red goral. Other species of fauna are Gongshan muntjac, Asiatic black bear, Mishmi hills flying giant squirrel, otter, sloth bear and macaque. Out of the 190 species of avifauna found, Temminck’s Tragopan, Japanese Bush Warbler, Blyth’s Tragopan, Rufus Tailed Babbler and Sclater’s Monal are some of rare ones. This Eastern Himalayan Ecosystem is home to a variety of frog species, almost 45 species of moths, butterflies and many other insects.

Reptiles

Amongst snakes, Cobra (King and Nala variety), Krait, Indian Rock Python and viper are commonly found. Apart from these, non poisonous snakes also thrive there.

Distance From Nearby And Major Cities

• Itanagar– 330 kilometres
• Tezpur – 422 kilometres
• Guwahati – 538 kilometres
• Sikkim – 753 kilometres
• Kolkata – 1058 kilometres
• Delhi – 1826 kilometres
• Chennai – 2414 kilometres
• Mumbai – 2592 kilometres
• Bangalore – 2616 kilometres

Nearest Airport – Mohanbari at Dibrugarh is the nearest airport which is only 40 km away from this sanctuary. From Dibrugarh, one can reach the sanctuary via Roing. Dibrugarh has regular flight services to Delhi and Kolkata. One can also reach Anini by air through Arunachal Pradesh helicopter service.

Nearest Railway Station – Roing town in lower Dibang valley district meets all the commercial needs. The nearest railway station to Roing is Tinsukhia Railway station which provides direct bus to the sanctuary.

Road Accessibility – Anini is well connected to Roing by bus and taxi services. Following the route of National Highway 37 (Dibrugarh-Tinsukia-Sadiya Ghat) is the recommended access to reach the sanctuary.

Accommodation Facilities

Anini offers many government and private accommodations. Circuit house at Roing and Anini, Mayudia tourist lodge, hotel Lasa and hotel Mimu at Roing are some of the places to stay. One can opt for stay at forest rest house in the sanctuary.

Entry Fee

An inner line permit or restricted area permit for Indians while protected area permit for foreigners is a must before entering Arunachal Pradesh. In addition, permission from regional forest office is needed.