One of the less explored places in India, Anini is a remote town in Arunachal Pradesh, primarily inhabited by the Idu Mishmi tribe. The Idu Mishmi and other indigenous communities in Anini are believed to have migrated from ancient Tibet over a thousand years ago.
Tucked away in the mystical Dibang Valley—recently spotlighted by industrialist Anand Mahindra for its untouched beauty—Anini sits on a plateau between two tributaries of the Dibang River: the Dri River and the Mathun River. Despite its isolation, the town has basic road and air connections to the rest of India and relies on the nearby settlement of Roing in Lower Dibang Valley for most commercial needs. This offbeat destination is ideal for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Here’s everything you need to know about this hidden Himalayan gem.
Anini has many beautiful hiking trails, and the Seven Lakes Trek has become especially popular recently. The untouched beauty of the mountain lakes in Mishmi Hills will inspire you to explore less-travelled paths.
The Mathun and Dri river valleys, specifically Mipi and Acheso, are picturesque. Plans are underway to improve the roads in these regions, which is expected to boost adventure tourism significantly.
While there, you will find the Idu Mishmi community involved in traditional occupations such as farming and hunting. The Idu Mishmi, a sub-tribe of the Mishmi community, hold beliefs in animalism, distinct from others. Their homes often feature skulls of animals like Mithun, Yak, and Buffalo. Moreover, the Idu Mishmi maintain two separate kitchens, one for males and the other for females, with female members prohibited from entering the male kitchen, continuing the age-old rituals.
The Paragliding Association of Arunachal Pradesh has been significantly promoting paragliding in the region. They are actively encouraging both men and women to become paragliding experts. Besides trying the popular adventure sport, you can train yourself to become a paragliding expert here.
To get a great view of Anini town, visit the Anini viewpoint. A short hillside drive takes you to the highest point, offering an aerial view of the entire town and valley.
One should not miss the opportunity to visit Anini's largest village, "Alynie Village," just 20 km from the town. This village has a population of approximately 300 people, all belonging to the Idu Mishmi tribe.
Alynie boasts traditional houses set against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains, creating a stunning scene. Visitors are warmly welcomed by the locals and often treated to a traditional lunch in their homes.
Located approximately 32 km from Anini, Dambeun village in the Dri Valley is the final town in the Indian territory with a motorable road leading to the ITBP base camp. Beyond the checkpoint, there are no roads, so you need to trek through dense forests to proceed. Civilians are permitted only within the ITBP checkpoint.
The sparsely populated village with scattered houses is abundant with small farmlands, granaries, and traditional huts.
Given its remoteness, Anini does not have hotels. It, however, offers tourist lodges and homestay options such as Mishmi Takin Homestay and Anini Tourist Lodge, to name a few.
By Air: You can take a chopper service from Itanagar via Roing, or the nearest airport is Mohanbari in Assam.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Tinsukia.
By Road: The distance between Roing (the headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley) and Anini is 235 km. Sumo services are available from Roing and Tinsukia in Assam.
The best time to visit Anini is from October to April, when the weather remains cool, clear, and pleasant. During these months, the skies are mostly cloud-free, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river valleys. Winter (December to February) brings crisp air and misty mornings, ideal for those who enjoy solitude and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Spring (March to April) is especially beautiful, with blooming rhododendrons and vibrant greenery. The monsoon season (May to September) is best avoided, as heavy rains can lead to landslides and roadblocks in this already remote and challenging-to-reach region of Arunachal Pradesh.
Anini is a remote hill town in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, located near the Indo-China border. It’s known for its natural beauty and isolation.
Business leader Anand Mahindra recently praised Dibang Valley, calling it one of India’s most scenic but overlooked regions, bringing Anini into the spotlight.
Reaching Anini involves flying to Dibrugarh or Itanagar, followed by a long road journey via Roing and Hunli. The roads are challenging but incredibly scenic.
Anini is known for its pristine landscapes, Idu Mishmi tribal culture, lack of tourist crowds, and proximity to national parks like Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary.
While remote, Anini is peaceful and safe. However, travellers must plan well, secure an Inner Line Permit (ILP), and prepare for basic amenities.
