panchen kora
Pangchen Kora is an immersive journey through the cultural, spiritual, and ecological landscapes of Pangchen—an ancient land where traditions endure, stories come alive, and nature thrives in its most pristine form.
This journey invites you to uncover the lesser-known narratives woven into the timeless landscapes of Pangchen, where history, folklore, and everyday life seamlessly intertwine. From village trails and storytelling sessions to local festivals, interactions with knowledge keepers, birdwatching, and nature walks, every experience is thoughtfully curated to offer a deeper understanding of Zemithang and its surrounding regions. Curated by Muhaan and Broadleaf, this is more than just a trip—it is an exploration of living traditions, sacred landscapes, and the enduring spirit of Pangchen.
pangchen valley : the land of no sin
Pangchen, or Pangchen Dingro, meaning The Land of No Sin, embodies the deep-rooted Buddhist values of its people. The Pangchenpas, who inhabit this remote valley, have taken a sacred vow to uphold Buddhist teachings by refraining from the ten major sins. The valley comprises six hamlets—Zemithang, Lumpo, Muchat, Kharman, Kelengteng, and Soktshen. Though part of the larger Monpa community, the Pangchenpas have developed their own distinct language and traditions, shaped by their isolation and unique historical influences.
Rich in Tibetan Buddhist heritage, Pangchen is home to sacred monasteries, revered mountains, and holy sites, making it both a place of habitation and a spiritual sanctuary. The local culture is deeply intertwined with spirituality, and the land is believed to be protected by divine forces. A journey to Pangchen offers a rare glimpse into a world where history, spirituality, and wilderness exist in perfect harmony—a land untouched by time yet alive with tradition.
experiences
gorzam kora
The Gorzam Kora Festival is a vibrant spiritual gathering held at Gorzam Chorten, a sacred Buddhist stupa in the heart of Pangchen. Celebrated by the Monpa community, this festival marks an annual pilgrimage where devotees and monks perform the sacred ritual of circumambulation (Kora) around the stupa, a revered act of devotion in Tibetan Buddhism. The festival brings together locals and visitors, featuring traditional rituals, cultural performances, and a bustling fair with food and handcrafted goods.
biodiversity of pangchen and nature trails
Pangchen’s rich and diverse ecosystem supports an incredible variety of flora and fauna, making it one of the most ecologically significant regions in Arunachal Pradesh. Its dense forests, alpine meadows, and riverine habitats provide refuge to rare and elusive species such as the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Goral, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Goral and many more. The valley also serves as a crucial wintering ground for the Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), a revered bird in Monpa culture.
With over 118 recorded bird species, including the Peregrine Falcon, Upland Buzzard, Streaked Rosefinch, and White-browed Tit-Warbler, Pangchen is a paradise for birdwatchers and conservationists alike. Its biodiversity is a reflection of the deep-rooted conservation ethos of the Monpa community, who have long coexisted with nature through sustainable practices.
Guided by experienced local naturalists and conservationists, our nature trails offer an immersive journey through this rich landscape, providing deeper insights into Pangchen’s unparalleled natural heritage.
village trails
The village trails in Pangchen offer a closer look at the everyday lives of the Monpa community, their traditions, and their deep connection to the land. A key aspect of these trails is storytelling—shared by the people of Pangchen who pass down histories, folklore, and lived experiences. Through their narratives, you gain a deeper understanding of Pangchen’s cultural landscape, the wisdom embedded in its traditions, and the ways in which the community has adapted to changing times. Led by experienced local guides, these trails provide an immersive way to engage with the people and stories that shape Pangchen.
kenzamani: a historic gateway of faith and resilience
Kenzamani, located in Zemithang, Arunachal Pradesh, holds deep historical and spiritual significance as the entry point of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso, into India on March 31, 1959, as he fled Tibet in exile. This site stands as a testament to a pivotal moment in history, marking the Dalai Lama’s courageous journey to safety and the beginning of a new chapter for Tibetan Buddhism in India.
A particularly revered landmark here is Gorong Kukpa, where the Dalai Lama planted the walking stick he carried throughout his long journey from Lhasa. Over time, this simple staff grew into a sacred tree, now visited by devotees and travelers who come to seek blessings and reflect on the profound resilience embodied by this place.
pangchen through stories: oral traditions and folklore
Pangchen’s identity is deeply intertwined with its oral traditions, where history is preserved and passed down through storytelling. The Pangchenpas have long relied on stories, fables, songs and dances to keep their cultural memory alive—tales of the sacred mountains, sacred animals, and the wisdom of Buddhist masters who once walked these lands.During your journey, you will have the opportunity to sit with local storytellers, knowledge keepers, and cultural practitioners listening to narratives that reveal the profound relationship between the people, their land, and the unseen forces that guide their way of life.
guardian of pangchen
Degin Dorjee
Degin Dorjee, a native of Zemithang, is a pioneering conservationist and among the first to document the elusive Red Panda in Pangchen. With decades in wildlife conservation, he has been instrumental in protecting Arunachal Pradesh’s fragile ecosystems.
During his time with WWF India, Degin championed community-led conservation, blending Monpa wisdom with modern ecological practices. His deep knowledge of local biodiversity—from Black-necked Cranes to high-altitude forests—makes him a vital custodian of Pangchen’s natural heritage.
A storyteller, cultural historian, and advocate for sustainable tourism, Degin offers rare insights into the land, its people, and the delicate balance between nature and culture.
your stay
During your journey through Pangchen, experience the warmth of traditional Monpa hospitality by staying in cozy local homestays. Nestled in picturesque villages, these homestays offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily life of the community. Expect simple yet comfortable accommodations, home-cooked meals made from fresh local ingredients, and heartfelt stories shared by your hosts. Staying in these homes allows you to experience the essence of Pangchen—not just as a traveler, but as a welcomed guest in this sacred land.
itinerary
Day 1: March 24 | Journey to Sangti Valley
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7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Depart from Guwahati
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8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Travel 330 km to Sangti Valley, crossing the meandering roads of Arunachal Pradesh, and passing through small towns, rivers, and forested landscapes. The journey will take approximately 9 hours, with stops for refreshments and short breaks.
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5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Arrive at Zamdrol Backpackers Hostel, a cozy and eco-friendly stay offering a comfortable retreat in the valley. Participants can settle in, refresh, and soak in the pristine surroundings.
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6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Welcome session, briefing about the journey ahead, and interaction with fellow travelers.
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9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Diner
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Day 2: March 25 | Exploring Sangti & The Journey to Zemithang
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7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hostel
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8:30 AM – 10:00 AM: A guided exploration of Sangti Valley, renowned for its serene landscapes, peaceful rivers, and as a wintering ground for the endangered black-necked crane, a revered species in Tibetan Buddhism. Walk through the farms, engage with local villagers, and learn about their lifestyles.
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10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Begin a 200 km journey to Zemithang, the last Indian village near the Indo-Tibetan border, passing through breathtaking mountains and pine forests.
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5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Visit the Gorzam Chorten, take blessings, and start the journey in Zemithang with a kora of the Chorten.
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6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Check into traditional homestays in Zemithang, run by local Monpa families, offering an authentic experience of their customs and lifestyle.
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8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Introduction to the program and overview of Zemithang’s history and cultural significance.
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9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Dinner with a local host family, enjoying a warm meal by the hearth.
Day 3: March 26 | Heritage Trails and Stories of Pangcehn
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7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast
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9:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Embark on the Village Trail, walking through the villages of Khalaktang and Dum exploring their traditional architecture, and lifestyle, and listening to the stories of the people.
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1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch in a more than 200-year-old Monpa heritage house, with the locals.
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2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Visit the Khalaktang Monastery. Visit practitioners of Cham dance, a type of masked ritualistic performance signifying various stories related to Buddhism and local folklore.
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6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Rest and group reflection on the day's experiences.
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9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Dinner with a discussion on Monpa folklore and mythology
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Day 4: March 27 | Sacred Trails and Narratives
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6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Early morning birdwatching session
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
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9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Drive to Kenzamani, the historic entry point of the 14th Dalai Lama into India during his 1959 escape from Tibet. Visit the memorial site and understand its historical significance.
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12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Explore Brokenthung Village, a remote high-altitude hamlet, and share a meal with a local family.
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1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Visit Lumpo Village and its Lumpo Monastery, known for ancient Buddhist murals and a towering statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered 8th-century Buddhist master.
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9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Dinner
Day 5: March 28 | Taktsang Gompa , Brokpa Trails and Panda Trails
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast and preparation for an immersive day of trekking and exploration.
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9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Drive to Taktsang Gompa, one of Arunachal’s most sacred Buddhist monasteries, dramatically perched on a cliff. Learn about the legends of Guru Padmasambhava meditating here.
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12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Learn about the Brokpa way of life and understand the grazing practices in Pangchen.
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2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Trek through Panda Trail, a pristine forest trail offering glimpses of Pangchen’s diverse flora and fauna. If you are lucky you might some wildlife, and if you are really blessed you might spot a Red Panda.
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9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Dinner
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Day 6: March 29 | Gorsam Kora Festival – A Spiritual Gathering
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast before heading to the grand festival.
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10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Attend the Gorsam Kora Festival at Gorsam Chorten, a 12th-century old Buddhist stupa and the second largest of its kind in Asia. This festival brings thousands of devotees, monks, and pilgrims to perform the sacred circumambulation (Kora).
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1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Community lunch at the monastery
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2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Explore diverse product and food stalls in the fair
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6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Cultural performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Monpas
Day 7: March 30 | Returning to Sangti Valley
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast and farewell to Zemithang.
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9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Drive back to Sangti Valley,
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6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Reflection session, exchanging thoughts on the journey.
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Day 8: March 31 | Journey Back to Guwahati
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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast and farewell to Sangti Valley.
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9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Drive back to Guwahati, marking the end of a deeply enriching and immersive journey.
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Inclusions
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All transportation from Guwahati to Pangchen and back (Guwahati – Sangti – Pangchen – Sangti – Guwahati).
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Inner Line Permit (ILP) for entry into Arunachal Pradesh.
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Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
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All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trip, except during transit as mentioned in exclusions.
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All guided activities, including village trails, nature walks, cultural interactions, and storytelling sessions.
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Services of experienced local guides, naturalists, and facilitators.
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Entry fees and permits for designated sites and activities.
Exclusions
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Food and beverages during transit from:
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Guwahati to Sangti
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Sangti to Zemithang
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Zemithang to Sangti
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Sangti to Guwahati
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Any personal expenses, including snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
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Travel and medical insurance.
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Any additional transport, activities, or accommodation outside the planned itinerary.
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Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers.
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Any expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather conditions, natural calamities, or political disruptions.