Adventure and Jungle with the Apatani

On this trek, you cross the Pange Valley, Talle Valley and Ziro Valley. All three are picturesque, surrounded by robust, green mountains. The trail dips into the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary that’s spread over 337 Km2. Welcome ferns and Hollong trees stand tall as the trek begins. These are typical vegetation found in tropical rain-forests. As the trek climbs, white bamboos emerge. And gradually, the thick canopy of leaves give way to delicately clustered deciduous trees like pines and silver firs. Under the diverse canopy thrives a long list of endangered species of flora and fauna. Pleiublastus simone, a partially white coloured bamboo is found only in Talle Valley. And clouded leopard is one of the popular endangered species found in this biodiversity zone. These forests are crowded by lichens, orchids and ferns that aren’t found on other treks in India. Talle Valley is a bird watcher’s paradise. With a wide colour of wings hovering and fluttering from amidst rainforest, pines and bamboos, you see different birds peeking out of every nook of this trail. Crested kingfisher and common green magpie are a couple of species to look out for. After 7 days surviving in the jungle, it’s time to unwind ! The Ziro Festival of Music is said to be the most fun outdoor music festival of India. The festival features some of the best talent of the country and abroad, and also showcases local talent from all the 7 states of the Northeast. Visitors to the festival come from all over the world, mainstream India has only recently taken to the festival. The location of the festival makes it all the more special, set against the backdrop of paddy fields in Ziro Valley.