Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Roing

Somewhere in the green depths of this sanctuary, a hoolock gibbon calls across the canopy — the only ape in India, echoing through 281 square kilometres of near-untouched forest.

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary Roing spreads across roughly 281.5 sq km of the Lower Dibang Valley, its altitude climbing from steamy tropical lowlands to cool temperate ridges. Established in 1980 around the serene Mehao Lake Roing, this is one of the most rewarding wildlife sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh experiences, sheltering clouded leopards, red pandas, hoolock gibbons and over 200 bird species, from the great pied hornbill to elusive pheasants. Reaching the lake means a forest trek of around 12 kilometres, alive with birdsong, orchids and butterflies. This is Idu Mishmi and Adi country, and time here — a highlight of wildlife tourism in Northeast India — brings you close to both wilderness and living tribal culture.

Best time to visit: October to March, when the trails are dry, the air is clear and wildlife and birdlife are most active.

Traveller tip: The Mehao Sanctuary trek to the lake is long and gear-light on the ground, so start early, carry your own water and snacks, and hire a local Idu Mishmi guide — they read the forest and its birdcalls far better than any map. An Inner Line Permit is mandatory for Arunachal Pradesh.

For official travel information, see the Official Arunachal Tourism portal.

Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Roing, Arunachal Pradesh can be easily covered in BreakBag Holidays' customised Offbeat Arunachal Pradesh tour packages, paired with Sally Lake, Bhismaknagar Fort and Mayodia Pass in the Dibang Valley.