Bhalukpong

Bhalukpong is the starting point in your tour of West Arunachal Pradesh. If you are planning for a tour of Tawang – Bomdila sector, you are most likely to start here. There is a check post here on the Arunachal Pradesh – Assam border which visitors with a permit will have to cross and enter into Arunachal.
It is a small town in West Kameng district. Bhalukpong is located on the banks of the beautiful Kameng river which is one of the major tributaries of the great Brahmaputra. Bhalukpong is a very scenic place surrounded by lush green forests, rugged terrain and lofty mountains.

Bhalukpong is close to the popular Nameri National park and tourists may engage in water and forest-based activity such as white water rafting, angling, forest safari etc. here.

Getting there

Bhalukpong is well connected to other places such as Guwahati (240 km and 5 hours). Tezpur is the nearest major town at a distance of 57 km and 1.5 hr drive. Bomdila is about 100 km and a 4-hour drive. The nearest airport is at Tezpur, though Guwahati airport is much better connected. Bhalukpong has a small railway station which with just one daily local passenger train that does not serve the purpose of the tourists.

Local attractions

Tipi Orchid Research Centre
Just 5km from Bhalukpong this is one of the major attractions of the region. The Tipi orchid centre has the largest variety of Orchids in India and one of the largest variety in the world. The place draws both domestic and international travellers. Spread over 10 hectares of land this grand research centre houses a wide range of orchids of different species. The centre has earned international acclaim for the cultivation and preservation of orchids. The orchid glass house inside the centre with a beautiful display gallery and a pond remains the main attraction for the tourists.

Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
This beautiful Park in the backdrop of a majestic landscape is located on the way between Bhalukpong and Tezpur. It houses different species of orchids and a view of them is surely a feast for the eyes. This sanctuary is a part of Kameng protected area complex. The sanctuary also houses red panda.

Pakke Tiger Reserve
This used to be known as Pakhui wildlife sanctuary and is now named Pakhui Tiger reserve in 2002. Located in the East Kameng district in the foothills of eastern Himalayan range this is a home to some rare species of flora and fauna. In general, it is home to a large number of animals and birds. The Pakhui Wildlife sanctuary was established in 1977 and it was declared a tiger reserve in 2002. The sanctuary houses tiger, leopard, elephant, wild dogs, sambhar, barking deers and some other animals and a wide range of birds. The forest division and the local tribes do a commendable job to protect and preserve the wildlife here. Even this sanctuary is a home to species such as hornbill and winged wood duck which are endangered species.

Bhalukpong Fort
The ruins of Bhalukpong fort signifies the glorious history and ancient heritage of the place. It was constructed by King Bhaluka at around  10th century AD. The Fort used to be the seat of the king Bhaluka. Albeit in ruins, some stone and brick structures are still preserved here. There is a well inside the fort which attracts the tourist.

Climate

Winter minimum temperature ranges between 7-10 degree Celsius and the summer maximum varies between 27-32. November to February is the winter and the Summer lasts between mid-April to mid-June. You may visit Bhalukpong any time of the year, but if your plan is to go further to Tawang Bomdila area, then winter months of December to February and the rainy months of July to September are not ideal.