Namdapha National Park

Far in the eastern corner of Arunachal Pradesh, Namdapha National Park stretches across an incredible 1,985 sq km, making it not only the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalayas but also one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Sharing borders with Assam to the west, Nagaland to the south, Myanmar to the east, and the rest of Arunachal to the north, Namdapha is a wilderness where few have set foot, and much of it remains untouched and inaccessible.

If you’re the kind of traveller who seeks pristine landscapes, rare wildlife, and the thrill of being far from the beaten path, Namdapha is the kind of place that will stay with you forever. Its forests are not just “dense” — they’re ancient, layered in altitudes from tropical valleys to alpine slopes, and alive with creatures you may never see anywhere else.

Orientation – The Land of Noa-Dihing

The name Namdapha comes from the local dialect: Nam means water, Dapha means origin/source. The park takes its name from the Noa-Dihing River, which flows from east to west through its heart, shaping its ecosystems and sustaining its wildlife.

Namdapha’s location in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot makes it one of the richest natural reserves on Earth, home to species found nowhere else.

About the Forest

Namdapha was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, upgraded to a National Park in 1983, and is also a Project Tiger Reserve. What makes it unique is the altitudinal range — from about 200 metres above sea level in the valleys to over 4,500 metres in the high mountains. This means that tropical evergreen forests, temperate broadleaf forests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered peaks all exist within one park.

Here you can find:

• Big Cats – Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, and Snow Leopard (one of the few places in the world to host all four).

• Extremely Rare Species – The Namdapha Flying Squirrel (not sighted for decades), red pandas, marbled cats, and Himalayan black bears.

• Birdlife – More than 425 recorded species, including hornbills, laughingthrushes, and rare waterfowl.

• Butterflies & Insects – A stunning variety, thanks to the range of habitats.

Namdapha is often referred to as India’s last great wilderness — not just for its size but because so much of it is still a mystery.

Tourism in Namdapha – Where You Can Go

Tourist access is currently concentrated in the western fringe near Miao and Deban, as the deeper interiors are rugged, with limited infrastructure. That’s part of the charm — this is not a safari park with paved roads, but a raw forest where your experience feels genuine and unscripted.

Miao is the gateway town, right on the Assam–Arunachal border. Here, you can:

• Visit the mini zoo and museum, which offer glimpses of the wildlife and tribal culture of the region.

• Enjoy short hikes around the nearby lakes and water bodies.

• Begin elephant rides or guided walks to the park’s edge.

Deban (about 25 km from Miao) is where many treks and nature walks start. The riverside here is incredibly scenic, with views of forested hills and a backdrop of misty ridges.

Activities & Experiences

While Namdapha isn’t about luxury safaris, it offers raw, immersive experiences:

• Jungle Treks – Ranging from half-day nature walks to multi-day expeditions into the interiors.

• Birdwatching – Winter months bring migratory species, while resident forest birds are active year-round.

• Tribal Interactions – The region is home to the Lisu tribe, whose culture and traditions add depth to your journey.

• Riverbank Camping – In certain zones, with permits, riverside camping is possible for adventurous travellers.

Getting There – The Journey Into the Wild

The remoteness of Namdapha means getting here takes some planning:

• By Air – Dibrugarh Airport (170 km / 4 hrs drive) is the nearest major airport with connections to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Agartala.

• By Rail – Tinsukia (112 km / 3 hrs drive) is the closest major railway station.

• By Road – Miao is connected by road to Assam; Guwahati is around 600 km away (15–16 hrs drive).

If you’re flying in, we recommend arriving at Dibrugarh, then travelling by road to Miao. NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd can arrange all transfers, ensuring your permits are ready before you enter Arunachal Pradesh.

Where to Stay – Basic but Authentic

Accommodation in Namdapha is concentrated around Miao and Deban. Options range from basic government guesthouses to small private lodges. Facilities are simple but clean, and the hospitality is warm. If you’re looking for immersive forest stays, our team can arrange riverbank camps or community-run eco-cottages for a closer-to-nature experience.

Best Time to Visit

• November to March – Cool, dry weather is ideal for treks, wildlife spotting, and birding.

• April to May – Warmer, with vibrant foliage and active wildlife.

• Monsoon (June to September) – Heavy rains make trails inaccessible; travel is not recommended.

Permits & Travel Essentials

Being close to the Myanmar border, Namdapha requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens and a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign nationals. These must be arranged in advance — something NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd specialises in.

Other essentials:

• Carry sturdy trekking shoes and warm clothing.

• Mobile connectivity is patchy to non-existent.

• Travel with a local guide for safety and navigation.

Why Travel to Namdapha with NBTT

We have been leading journeys into Arunachal Pradesh’s wild corners for over two decades. Namdapha is one of our signature destinations — we know the right guides, the best local stays, and the most rewarding trails. Whether you want a soft-adventure nature holiday or a serious expedition deep into the park, we can make it happen.

Call us at 9733000590 to plan your Namdapha adventure.