Happy TravellerWelcome to Pasighat, the oldest town in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Situated at the eastern foothills of the Himalayas, Pasighat is a hidden gem that boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, Pasighat has something to offer for everyone.
History:
Pasighat was founded in 1911 by the British Raj as a gateway to administrative convenience of the greater Abor Hills and the north area in general. The year 2011 marked 100 years of its existence. In the post-independence era, Pasighat is credited with the first Airfield established in 1946 and the first-ever College in Arunachal Pradesh established in 1964.
Geography and Climate:
Pasighat is located at 28.07°N 95.33°E / 28.07; 95.33. It has an average elevation of 153 metres or 502 feet. Pasighat has a typical lowland Northeast India humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) a little too cool to qualify as a tropical monsoon climate (Am). The unique trough-like features surrounded by high hills on three sides make Pasighat ideal for attracting rain-bearing clouds that come in from the Assam plain. The rain-bearing wind gets obstructed by the hills and brings exceptionally heavy rainfall from June to September when the average monthly rainfall is 796 millimetres or 31.34 inches. Winter is marked by strong, cool, dry northeasterly winds from the Siberian High, which make Pasighat fog-free even in winter.
Economy:
Agriculture, horticulture, and tourism continue to be the main source of economy for the town. Rice is the main food crop produced in the area. There are several large tea gardens in the vicinity of the town which attract workers from all over the region. Lumbering was a big sustaining industry till the Supreme Court clamped down on the industry during the 1990s.
Demography and Languages:
As of 2011 India Census, Pasighat had a population of 24,656. Pasighat is predominantly inhabited by the Adi people. According to 2011 census, Adi was the most spoken language with 9,074 speakers followed by Nepali at 4,269, Bengali at 2,621, Bhojpuri at 2,511, Hindi at 1,905 and Assamese at 1,181.
Culture:
The people of Pasighat celebrate a variety of festivals. Solung, Aran, and Etor are important festivals. The Adi people are also known for their colorful Ponung dance and war dance called Taapu.
Transport Connectivity:
Pasighat is connected by the NH-515 and have frequent services from Guwahati, Lakhimpur and Itanagar. Waterways crossing the Brahmaputra River from Dibrugarh by ferry to Oryamghat that is situated at a distance of 32 km from Pasighat and can take a bus or taxi. Nearest rail head is at Murkongselek which is terminal station of the Rangia-Murkongselek broad gauge track. Regular flights from Pasighat to Guwahati and Guwahati to Pasighat on selected weekdays have also started since April 2018.
Tourism:
Pasighat is the land of the mighty Siang and indigenous hanging bridges. A waterfall graces the mountain cliffs and chills the vicinity. Attractions in the town include: The Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, Pangin, Bodak Scenic Area, Kekar Monying, Komsing, Komlighat, Pasighat Buddhist Temple, East Siang District Museum, Adi Baane Kebang Headquarters, and Gomsi. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, scenic views, or historical landmarks, Pasighat has something for everyone.
Come and explore Pasighat, a hidden gem in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh!
