You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough

The Thrill of the Dibang River

Rafting down the Dibang River in Arunachal Pradesh was an unforgettable experience, blending adrenaline-pumping rapids with the serene beauty of untouched nature. Our group of seven friends, bound by a shared love for mountains and adventure, was eager to tackle this two-day expedition. Having conquered treks in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand together, we were ready for a new challenge.

The Journey to the Starting Point

We began our journey from our homestay in Roing, driving two hours up the hills to our rafting starting point. The landscape was breathtaking, with the road winding through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside rugged cliffs. The anticipation built as our jeeps, loaded with rafts and gear, climbed higher into the hills. As we got closer to the banks of the starting point we were amazed by the beauty around us.

The First Day on the River

Upon reaching the riverbank, we hiked from the road to the water’s edge, navigating large rocks in our basic footwear. Despite the rough terrain, the sight and sound of the Dibang River flowing nearby kept our spirits high. The crew carried all necessary equipment: rafts, food, medical supplies, camping gear, and safety equipment.

As we donned our safety gear, our leader briefed us on the essentials for a safe and exciting ride. We practiced floating on our backs and rescuing fallen rafters—a drill that proved immediately useful. Five minutes into the journey, as we hit our first rapid, our raft faced a sudden 15-foot drop. Five of us, including our leader, were tossed into the water.

Chaos and adrenaline surged as we scrambled to pull everyone back onto the raft before the next rapid. The brief moments of anxiety and fear were replaced by laughter and a sense of accomplishment once we were all back onboard. It was an experience none of us would ever forget—a perfect blend of thrill and camaraderie. This video is from our 3rd rapid as the guide who had the go pro mounted on his helmet didn’t press record 😱.

Camping on the Island

After 90 minutes of navigating rapids without further incident, we arrived at our island campsite. The location was nothing short of magical—a secluded island in the middle of the river, surrounded by hills. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, and a natural pool on the bank provided a refreshing swim.

As night fell, our crew prepared a feast. We enjoyed Maggie and chai upon arrival and later savored a live barbecue of pork and seafood, followed by a delicious dinner of rice, dal, vegetables, and chicken gravy, all served on banana leaves. The local Apong, a fermented rice wine, kept us warm as the night grew colder.

The Second Day on the River

Day two began with a hot breakfast, and we set off for another 2.5 hours of rafting, covering 20 kilometers. The river flowed more gently, allowing us to soak in the beautiful landscape and learn about the area’s history and ecology from our guide.

The Dibang River has a history of changing its course, leading to afforestation and floods downstream. The construction of an upstream dam by the government has helped control flooding caused by melting mountain tops, balancing ecological impacts.

Our journey concluded at the Dibang River Bridge, connecting back to Roing. It was an exhilarating two days of adventure, bonding, and nature appreciation.

Recommendations for Adventure Seekers

1. Preparation: Ensure you have proper footwear for the hike to the riverbank and bring extra layers for cold nights.
2. Research: Understand the local ecology and river conditions. This knowledge enhances your experience and helps in emergencies.
3. Teamwork: Work closely with your crew and fellow rafters. Communication and coordination are crucial for safety and fun.
4. Local Delicacies: Don’t miss out on trying local food and beverages—they add to the cultural richness of the trip.

Rafting down the Dibang River is an adventure that combines the thrill of rapids with the tranquility of nature, making it a must-try for all adventure enthusiasts.