The Journey
It all started over coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Three of us—Meera, Ananya, and I—had been craving an escape from our chaotic city lives. When Ananya casually mentioned Anini, a remote paradise in Arunachal Pradesh, we knew we had found our next adventure. A week later, we packed our bags, ready for the unknown, with no rigid itinerary—just a thirst for exploration. Reaching Anini was tough, and that was part of its magic. We flew into Dibrugarh, took a cab to Roing, and from there, embarked on an endless but breathtaking road trip through the Dibang Valley. The roads, winding and often treacherous, tested our patience, but the changing landscapes—misty mountains, gurgling rivers, and stretches of untouched green—kept us in awe. By the time we reached Anini, it felt like we had entered into another world.
Our First Day
Our first morning was a dreamy one, often seen only in movies. Anini was a quiet village, except for the sounds of birds and the distant gushing of the Dri River. We spent our first day simply absorbing it all—walking through the little town, chatting with the warm-hearted Idu Mishmi locals, and feasting on momos and thukpa at a small roadside stall. What was more cherished was the slow pace of life there, as in the city we were always in a hurry to chase something.
Adventure
The next few days were all about adventure. The trek to Seven Lakes was the highlight. It was no easy feat; the trails were rugged, the air thin, and the journey long. But every step was rewarded with splendid views, crystal-clear lakes reflecting the sky, valleys hidden in mist, and not a soul in sight. We felt like we had stumbled upon nature’s best-kept secret.
Another unforgettable moment was visiting Acheso Valley. It was raw and untouched, the kind of beauty that makes you wonder why more people don’t know about this place. Wildflowers dotted the meadows, yaks grazed lazily, and the silence was almost therapeutic. We sat there for hours, watching the sun slowly dip behind the mountains, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.
Safety, Network And Essentials
As women travelers, we were cautious, but Anini felt incredibly safe. The locals were kind and always ready to help. Still, we had to be mindful of a few things—network connectivity was almost nonexistent, ATMs were rare, and the unpredictable weather could turn a sunny day into a stormy one within minutes. We had stocked up on essentials, carried cash, and made sure to inform our homestay host of our whereabouts every day.
Last Thoughts
Our last evening was spent sitting by the Dri River, sipping on hot butter tea, and reminiscing about the journey. Anini wasn’t just a destination; it was an experience of untouched beauty, self-discovery, and genuine human connections.
As we made our way back to the world of honking cars and flashing screens, we knew one thing for sure—we had left a piece of our hearts in Anini, and someday, we’d be back.
