Dibang Valley has the best picturesque and scenic spots of in Arunachal Pradesh. The snow capped mountains, lofty ranges, lush-green forests, evergreen pine and bamboo, various flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species in its fold; breathtaking waterfalls; ice chilled gurgling rivers meandering all the way from the great Himalaya ranges and finally becomes tributaries of mighty Brahmaputra in Assam; the numerous high altitude lakes of varying sizes; district Dibang Valley stands out in its best natural form. Special mention of headquarter Anini, Dambuen in Dri Valley, Mipi Circle Mathu Valley, Maliney in Talon Valley and Anelih in Ahi Valley are paramount for tourist attraction in the district.
Pathway to Dibang Valley district starts from the entry point of Shantipur, which is the demarcation boundary of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and it lies 25 km away from Roing, the district headquarter of Lower Dibang Valley. The Road from Roing to Anini is 240km. There is also helicopter service available for Anini and is connected via Roing from Dibrugarh and Itanagar.
Athu Popu: Athu-Popu, the most sacred place for the Idu Mishimi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is situated at Kayala Pass, Indo-China Border with an altitude of 3500 m above sea level and is approximately 120 km from Maliney. Maliney is the last motor-able village of Dibang Valley which is 200 km from Roing. There are lots of tales, mythological beliefs associated with the hills and places on the way to Athu-Popu, which enthrall anyone. The Idu Mishimi tribe believes in life after death. According to their mythology, after death the soul of a person makes a journey guided by their Priest to attain the new life and Athu-Popu is one of the holy places where the departed souls take rest on their journey towards the eternity. At this sacred place a big mass of Stone stands alone, and it is believed that the priest Sinewru once cried on this scared stone on getting the news of his mother’s death. The stone still bears the impression of the priest’s palms and his tears, as believed. There is also a wild paddy field near Athu-Popu, believed to be cultivated by the departed souls on their onward journey.
Best Season:
The best season is from November to March. The area is generally inaccessible between May and September/October. Temperatures range from below zero in winter to 36o C in summer.