Foreign tourists, who thought twice before putting Arunachal Pradesh in their itinerary owing to strict 'entry formalities’ has a reason to reconsider their itinerary now; for PAP (Protected Area Permit) has been relaxed by the Central government. Now, the restriction of minimum of four persons in a group has been relaxed to two (wherein the two may or may not be a married couple) and the maximum number of days of stay in the state has been upped from 10 to 30. This relaxation also applies to a foreigner who has been married to an Arunachalee and visiting the state on tourist visa.
Also, the Union Government has approved opening up of four new tourist circuits and extension of one existing circuit. With this approval, the state has now total of 11 tourist circuits (see below) and for the first time tourists have been given access to the remote border towns like Tuting and Mechuka.
1. Aalo-Mechuka -New Circuit
2. Daporijo-Nacho via Taliha and Sayum -New Circuit
3. Ziro-Palin-Nyapin-Sangram-Koloriang -New Circuit
4. Doimukh-Sagalee-Pakke Kesang-Seppa-New Circuit
5. Tezpur-Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang-Exisitng Circuit
6. Tinsukia-Tezu-Parasuramkund-Existing Circuit
7. Margherita-Miao-Namdapha-Existing Circuit
8. Itanagar-Ziro-Daporijo-Along-Pasighat-Existing Circuit
9. Roing-Mayudia-Anini-Exisiting Circuit
10. Pasighat-Jengging-Yingkiong ( Extended upto Tuting)-Extension to existing Circuit
11. Tezpur-Seijosa (Pakhui)-Bhalukpong-Tipi-Existing Circuit
It's a good news... and in practice, the relaxation of the minimum number of persons in a group from 4 to 2 logically means a reduction of the PAP fee for individual travellers...
@pb,
that was a witty one. I coulnd't help a grin on my face.
This is a very promising step but I am shocked how they missed/ignored to include Pangsau Pass - Nampong circuit? I am personally making hard efforts to promote this circuit through my own levels. People of Nampong had two great successful Tourist festivals in the name of Pangsau Pass Winter Festival, attended by many tourists. Foreigners are frequently visiting this area and Pangsau Pass round the year.
I hope they should realize it and include this, if not as a new circuit but can extend Namdapha Miao Circuit.
@Arif,
Let's hope Government would think over it and atleast extend Namdapha-Miao circuit if not an entire new circuit for Pangsau Pass :)