As headquarters of Upper Siang, one of the least populated districts in India, Yingkiong is the place to go when you want to escape the rest of the world. In the isolated northeastern part of the country, you will not find Yingkiong overrun with tourists. Indeed, its serenity and natural beauty are perhaps its biggest charms.
Given its location, it should come as no surprise that the area is known for its rich natural resources and its abundant animal life. Mouling National Park, 30 km from Yingkiong, is celebrated for its biodiversity, but plan ahead if you plan to visit. Due to its remoteness, the park is not accessible by roads. The Siang River, which courses through the Arunachal Pradesh state, offers angling in its calmer stretches, or whitewater rafting if you’re a bit more adventurous.
The natural beauty of the area attracts hikers, as well, and the Pasighat-Jengging-Yingkiong circuit is a popular one with trekkers. In this remote corner of India, you will also find a strikingly diverse culture, as the area is home to a number of tribes—Adi, Memba, Khadi, and Mishmis—who have coexisted for centuries.
Visitors interested in exploring traditional culture will find numerous religious festivals throughout the year. Yingkiong can be particularly hot in the summer months, and the monsoon season typically lasts from July through September. The winter months of October through February are the best time to visit.
A visitor’s permit is required to enter Arunachal Pradesh, as it is one of India’s protected states.
