Daporijo – The Quiet Heart of Upper Subansiri

Daporijo: Where the Subansiri Flows Past Rainforests

Hidden deep within the Upper Subansiri district, Daporijo is a place you don’t merely visit—you drift through it, along misty riverbanks and forested hills where time seems to have paused. Unlike the popular circuits of Tawang or Ziro, Daporijo is unspoiled, rarely crowded, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the land.

Set at about 600 metres above sea level, this riverside town is ringed by bamboo forests, scattered paddy fields, and the ceaseless song of birds. If you are travelling across Arunachal Pradesh via the Trans-Arunachal Highway NH-13 (previously NH-52), you’ll likely pass through Daporijo. For many, it becomes an unexpected highlight.

If your journey takes you from Ziro to Aalo, Daporijo is almost exactly in the middle—an essential night halt on your itinerary.

Getting to Daporijo

Reaching Daporijo requires some planning, as public transport is limited and travel times are long.
From Ziro: About 170 km (approx. 7 hours). Ziro is often the previous stop if you’re travelling from the southwest.
From Aalo: About 160 km (approx. 7 hours). Aalo is the likely next destination heading east.

From Itanagar: You can travel first to Ziro and then continue onwards to Aalo via Daporijo.
From Dibrugarh - Dibrugarh is the nearest major airport and railway station. It takes about 8 8-hour drive to reach here, depending on road conditions. Previously, the travel time was much higher. But after the opening of the Bogibeel bridge, travel time has reduced.

Since logistics can be complex, at NBTT, we help you plan your journey with professional assistance. We’ll ensure vehicles, permits, and accommodations are reserved before you set out.

Accommodation in Daporijo

Daporijo has basic hotels and guesthouses, usually clean but without many amenities. Hot water may be limited, and meals are often simple rice-and-curry platters. Your accommodation would not be the highlight of your travel here. Be mentally prepared to avoid disappointment.
Once you share your travel dates and preferences, our team will shortlist the best available accommodation and handle all bookings.

What to See in Daporijo

Though it’s often a one-night halt, you’ll find several interesting places to explore if you have time to linger.

Meghna Cave Temple – Ancient Sanctum of Shiva
A short drive outside the main town lies the Meghna Cave Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The approach is through a forested path that opens into a natural cave temple.

Look for ancient Sanskrit inscriptions carved into the rock walls, adding a sense of history and mystery.

Kamala Reserve Forest
Just beyond the town’s edge, Kamala Reserve Forest stretches out with its dense bamboo groves, towering hardwood trees, and tangled undergrowth.

If you enjoy birdwatching, bring your binoculars—many species of hornbills, barbets, and warblers thrive here.

River Rafting on the Subansiri – Adventure on the Water
The Subansiri River—a major tributary of the Brahmaputra—slices through the valley in a broad, glacial-green channel.

Daporijo Good Shepherd Church
This simple, beautiful church is a place of quiet contemplation. Its serene surroundings make it worth a short visit, especially if you’d like to spend a few minutes in reflection.

Daporijo Museum & Craft Centre
To understand the life and traditions of Upper Subansiri’s diverse tribes, spend an hour at the local museum and craft centre. You’ll find displays of:

Traditional clothing and jewellery
Hunting tools
Household artifacts
Local handicrafts
While modest in scale, it offers a helpful introduction to the cultural richness of this remote district.

Climate and Best Time to Visit Daporijo

Thanks to its moderate elevation, Daporijo enjoys a subtropical climate.

Summer (April–June): Warm and humid.
Temperatures range between 20 and 28°C.

Monsoon (July–September): Heavy rainfall.
Travel can be challenging due to landslides.

Winter (October–March): Cooler and drier.
Temperatures can dip to 8–10°C at night.

Distances from Daporijo to Other Destinations

Ziro: ~170 km (~7 hours)
Aalo: ~160 km (~7 hours)
Itanagar: ~280 km (~10–12 hours)
Dibrugarh: ~350+ km (~10–12 hours)

Because of Arunachal’s terrain, even moderate distances can take most of a day to cover.

Important Travel Tips: Mobile networks are unreliable in these parts of Arunachal. Carry cash, as there are very ATMs. In recent years, UPI payment has become more common, but still carrying cash is a good idea.

Permits: All Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). Foreign nationals need a Restricted/ Protected Area Permit (RAP/ PAP). We arrange permits for all our guests. A sense of peace and wonder.

At NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited, we have been organising entire Arunachal itinerary for the last 25 years — permits, transport, guides, and accommodations—so you can focus on the experience.

Ready to explore Daporijo and beyond?

Call 9733000592 / 593 / 594 today and let us craft an unforgettable journey for you.