The Indian Council of Agricultural Research set up its national research centre on yak at Dirang in 1989. Its experimental yak farm is at Nyukmadung, about 31 km away at roughly 2,700 m.
Source: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Valley in Arunachal
Dirang
Orchards, hot springs and yaks on the road to Tawang
Dirang is a Monpa valley town at about 1,620 m on the Tawang road, 42 km beyond Bomdila. It is the best place to break the journey: warmer than Tawang, full of orchards, with an old stone dzong village, riverside hot springs and the Sangti valley 15 km away. Spend 2 nights, or 4–5 for a slow trip.
Photo: Itrajib · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsDirang sits in a broad bend of the Dirang river, with the new town along the highway and the old settlement of Dirang Dzong on a rise a few kilometres away. The valley floor is planted with apple, kiwi and orange orchards, and pine and oak forests climb the slopes. At about 1,620 m it is noticeably milder than Tawang, which makes it the natural overnight before tackling Sela Pass.
The people are Dirang Monpa, one of the Monpa subgroups, with their own dialect and a strong Buddhist culture. Stone houses with wooden upper floors, prayer flags along the river and small gompas in every village set the tone. Menus lean towards khura buckwheat pancakes, thukpa and local cheese, and many homestays serve vegetables straight from their own fields.
Dirang is also a working science town. The national research centre on yak has its main campus here, with an experimental yak farm higher up at Nyukmadung. The area is being studied for geothermal power, and the hot springs by the river are the visible sign of that heat underground. Most travellers stay a night; those who stay longer find walks, monasteries and quiet villages in every direction.
Say it like a local · MonpaKhura
soft pancake of fermented buckwheat flour
What to do in Dirang
Dirang Dzong village
The old stone settlement of Dirang Dzong stands on a rise above the river, with thick walls, narrow lanes and multi-storey Monpa houses. Families still live inside, so walk respectfully and ask before photographing people or homes.
Riverside hot springs
Small hot springs near the river are used by local people for bathing and are said to ease aches. Facilities are basic; go in the late afternoon, carry a towel, and follow local custom on separate bathing times.
Sangti valley
Fifteen kilometres from Dirang, the Sangti river flows through a flat valley of fields, sheep pasture and small Monpa villages. Good for gentle walks, riverside picnics and photography, especially in October and November.
Kiwi and apple orchards
Dirang's orchards produce apples in late summer and kiwis in autumn. Homestays often serve fruit from their own trees, and roadside sellers offer bags at farm prices when the harvest is in.
Yak country above the town
On the road towards Sela, the slopes around Nyukmadung at about 2,700 m are yak grazing land, and the yak research centre runs its experimental farm there. Look for herds beside the road in the cooler months.
Monasteries of the valley
Several gompas stand on the hills around Dirang, from small village temples to a larger modern monastery above the town. Visit at prayer time, walk clockwise and leave shoes at the door when asked.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Dirang
The Sangti river flows through the Sangti valley and meets the Dirang river at Dirang Dzong village. The valley's main village lies about 15 km from Dirang and is mostly home to Monpa families who follow Mahayana Buddhism.
Source: Sangti Valley
Dirang is the site of a geothermal power project and has been proposed as the first geothermal-powered town in India, drawing on the same underground heat that feeds the local hot springs.
Source: Dirang
Experiences
Three days worth having in Dirang
Photo: Rohit Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Dirang · 3 hours
Dirang Dzong village and the hot springs
Walk the lanes of an old stone Monpa settlement on a rise above the river, then go down to the hot springs where Dirang…
Free; small donations at gompas; local taxi ₹300–600
Photo: Neelanjana234 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Dirang · Half or full day
A day in the Sangti valley
A flat, quiet valley 15 km from Dirang with a clear river, fields, sheep pasture and Monpa villages. Walk the riverbank…
Taxi ₹1,200–2,000 per vehicle return; lunch ₹200–400
Photo: Rupasree · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Dirang · Half day
Yak country on the road to Sela
Drive up from Dirang into the cold forests around Nyukmadung, at about 2,700 m, where yaks graze and the national yak r…
Taxi ₹2,000–3,500 per vehicle; or combine with the Tawang trans…
Real prices
What things cost in Dirang
ItemIndicative 2026
Shared Sumo seat, Dirang–Tawang₹700–1,000
Shared Sumo seat, Dirang–Tezpur₹800–1,200
Homestay with dinner and breakfast₹1,200–2,000 per person
Taxi to Sangti valley and back₹1,200–2,000 per vehicle
Plate of khura with tea, or thukpa₹80–180
Hot spring entryFree or a small local fee
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Dirang
Air
Tezpur airport is about 200 km away, with limited flights; Guwahati airport is about 340 km away with far more connections. Hire a car or take a Sumo from either.
Bus
Shared Sumos run from Tezpur and Guwahati towards Tawang and drop at Dirang. From Dirang, Sumos to Tawang leave in the morning. Book seats a day ahead in October and May.
Road
Dirang is on NH-13, 42 km beyond Bomdila (1.5–2 hours) and about 135 km before Tawang (5–6 hours via Sela or the tunnel). From Tezpur the drive takes 6–7 hours via Bhalukpong and Bomdila.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Dirang
Saver: family homestays in Dirang town, Dirang Dzong and Sangti charge about ₹1,200–2,000 per person with meals, with simple rooms and shared or attached bathrooms. Comfort: Dirang Boutique Cottages, across a hanging bridge on the Dirang river, is built in the style of shepherds' huts and serves farm food; it is our usual choice. Signature: Rungkhung Village Resort, part of Summit Hotels' Signature Collection, sits among kiwi and orange orchards with valley-facing rooms and is the most polished stay in the valley.
Photo: Itrajib · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Boutique hotel · Dirang
Dirang Boutique Cottages
A small riverside property across a hanging bridge on the Dirang river, with cottages in the style of Monpa shephe…
₹4,000–8,000 a night for a double (indicative)
Photo: Itrajib · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Luxury
Resort · Dirang
Rungkhung Village Resort, Dirang
A resort among kiwi and orange orchards in the Dirang valley, part of Summit Hotels' Signature Collection, with va…
₹9,000–18,000 a night for a double (indicative)
Trips that stop here
See Dirang on a trip
Photo: KISHORETRIBALS · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Arunachal · 7 nights · sleeps to 4,170 m
Tawang and Dirang by private car
Private SUV with driver
From, per person₹54,000Mar – May · Oct – Nov
Photo: Itrajib · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Arunachal · 6 nights · sleeps to 4,170 m
Tawang circuit by shared Sumo
Shared Sumos, with one shared taxi day in Tawang
From, per person₹18,500Mar – May · Oct – Nov
Photo: Itrajib · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Arunachal · 10 nights · sleeps to 4,170 m
Monpa and Apatani: Tawang to Ziro
Private SUV with driver and private guide
From, per person₹2,10,000Mar – Apr · Oct – Nov
Photo: Itrajib · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Arunachal · 8 nights · sleeps to 4,170 m
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Tawang and Dirang in comfort
Private SUV with driver and private guide
From, per person₹1,60,000Mar – May · Oct – Nov
Questions
Dirang, answered
Is Dirang worth a stop on the way to Tawang?
Yes. Dirang is warmer and lower than Tawang at about 1,620 m, so it is the best place to sleep before crossing Sela Pass. It also has an old stone village, hot springs, orchards and the Sangti valley nearby. One night is the minimum; two nights let you see it properly.
How far is Dirang from Tawang?
Dirang to Tawang is about 135 km and takes 5–6 hours by road over Sela Pass or through the Sela Tunnel. Shared Sumos leave Dirang in the morning for about ₹700–1,000 a seat. Leave early to cross Sela in clear weather.
How do I reach Dirang from Guwahati?
Dirang is about 340 km from Guwahati via Tezpur, Bhalukpong and Bomdila, a long day of 9–11 hours. Shared Sumos for Tawang drop passengers at Dirang. Many travellers break the trip at Bhalukpong or Bomdila instead.
What is the weather like in Dirang?
Dirang is mild by Arunachal standards: spring and autumn days are 18–24 °C, summer is warm and wet, and winter nights drop near freezing with clear days. It rarely gets heavy snow in town, though the slopes above can turn white.
What should I eat in Dirang?
Try khura, the buckwheat pancake, with butter tea or chilli and cheese, and thukpa on cold evenings. Homestays often serve local greens, potatoes and yak or cow cheese. In season, buy kiwis and apples from the orchards.
Are there ATMs and mobile network in Dirang?
Dirang has 4G from major networks and a few ATMs, though cash can run out on holidays. Coverage weakens in the Sangti valley and on the climb to Sela. Carry cash for homestays and taxis.
Is Dirang good for families?
Yes. The lower altitude, easy walks, orchards and hot springs suit families, and homestays are welcoming to children. It is also a safer place than Tawang to rest if anyone feels the altitude. Keep children close near the river, which flows fast after rain.
Can I see black-necked cranes in Sangti valley?
Black-necked cranes have been reported from the Sangti valley in winter and are considered holy by Monpa communities, but sightings are not reliable. If birds are present, keep well back and do not use drones or call to them. Ask local hosts for current information.
How many days should I spend in Dirang?
Spend one night if you are only breaking the Tawang drive, two to see Dirang Dzong, the hot springs and Sangti, and four or five for a slow trip with walks, village visits and a day trip towards Sela. Dirang suits travellers who prefer one base to constant packing.