The Dree River trek takes you to the heart of Dibang Valley, a mountainous zone between Tibet and India which is the wildest and the least explored part of Arunachal Pradesh. Home to the Idu Mishmi tribe, the jungles that the route of this trek take you on are thick with vegetation and wildlife alike because of the tribe’s cultural practices. Known globally for their shamanic traditions which make wildlife conservation a part of their daily living, the tribe is spread across the valley living with their natural surroundings in complete harmony. Their contribution in maintaining the highest density of wildlife to be found anywhere in the state is so obvious that it cannot be ignored.
The Dree River trek takes you along the course of Dree river which is one of the most important rivers in the valley. Following along with the river that nourishes the entire valley, to experience the people of this perfect ecosystem and learn their old traditions which they follow to this day is truly a singular experience. Located deep in the mystical Mishimi hills of Arunachal Pradesh, the trek takes you through lush green forests and thickets of bamboo with craggy snow-clad peaks as a constant background. On this trek which involves minimal climbing and no steep slopes, witnessing the local traditions is something that makes it extremely unique apart from it being a naturalist’s paradise, of course. If you are looking for a jungle trail for a true jungle adventure, there’s nothing better out there than the Dree River trek.
It is best done between the months of October and April. Stay on this page for more information on Dree River Trek.
Arrive in Dibrugarh (108M)
The first day is reserved to make your way to Dibrugarh, the second largest city in all of Northeast India! The city has a domestic airport which receives regular inbound flights from all major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. The Mohanbari Airport is just 15 kms out of the main city. The city is also connected by rail and road. If you need help figuring out how to reach Dibrugarh, this article should be helpful.
There’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than to get acquainted to the new place and to each other.
Dibrugarh (108M) to Roing (390M)
Distance: 150 km Drive
Duration: 4-5 hours hours
Today we enter Arunachal Pradesh but not before driving through the scenic tea gardens of upper Assam. What’s more is that there is a lovely ferry ride across the Lohit river which brings us to Roing for our first night in camps on this trek.
Roing (390M) to Anini (1,970M)
Distance: 230 km
Duration: 6 hours drive
We start early to drive from Roing to Anini through the Debang Valley across the Mayodia Pass. It is an apt introduction to the landscape we will be spending our next few days in. We are also gaining a fair bit of altitude. Remember to take appropriate care of yourself and layer up accordingly.
Anini (1,970M) to Damben to Camp Cholo
For our first day of actual trekking, we will be dropped off to Damben which is the last motorable point on the route. We come across an ITBP post after a few kilometers of walking. This is the start of the jungle. We spend about 5 hours in this thick jungle in order to reach our campsite for tonight.
Camp Cholo to Camp Chigu
We follow the well-marked trail by the river which brings us to a swampy jungle rich in bio-diversity. It’s full of exotic birds, fascinating insects and lots of mammals of all shapes and sizes. Remember to keep all your senses on high alert so you don’t miss a thing. Tonight’s campsite is by the gurgling river bang in the middle of two hills right after we cross the second ITBP post.
Camp Chigu to Patthar Camp
Today’s trail takes us upstream. Just like yesterday, the entire route is blessed with exquisite scenery, waterfalls now added to the generous mix of offerings from the jungle. We also cross the river we’ve been obediently following around multiple times today. After crossing wide sections of bamboo thickets, we reach our campsite for today which is also by the river.
Patthar Camp to Camp Chigu
It’s time to head back. We follow the trail back to Camp Chigu. It’s a short and easy trek through familiar territory.
Camp Chigu to Damben to Anini
We trace our way back to Damben where our vehicles are waiting to take us back to Anini.
Anini to Roing
Distance: 230 km Drive
Today we drive down to Roing where we spend the night.
Roing to Dibrugarh
Distance: 150 km Drive
Today we get back to where it all started, Dibrugarh. Expect to reach here by late evening. We stay here the night.
Depart from Dibrugarh
After 10 wholesome days, it is time to say goodbye!
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) are the mandatory documents required for this trek.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Dibrugarh and drop you off at the same location.
Expect to reach Dibrugarh by evening.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Dibrugarh has enough stores for any last-minute purchases. However, please do not leave anything for last-minute buying.
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
No, there will be no snow on this trek.
Day time temperatures will be pleasant between 20 to 15 degrees. Temperatures at night might be as low as 5 degrees.
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
There will be no snow on this trek.
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
The accommodation will be a mix of hotel/guesthouse stays and camping. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will be also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
The base for the trek is Dibrugarh, which is a major city connected daily by multiple flights and trains from Delhi and elsewhere.
Intermittent cellular network after Anini.
Click here for packing list.
Best months to do the Dree River Valley Trek is between October to April.
Being an easy grade trek ,the Dree River Trek needs no prior trekking experience. However, it is recommended to have a decent fitness level to undertake this trek. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he begins the trek. Running is recommended.
1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
1. How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Ritvij Kumar 25 March 2017
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