Today, I am taking you to the Arunachal village of Gobuk, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters. This picturesque village sits right next to the Siang River. In the previous blog, I told you how to reach here from Kolkata, where to stay, and the estimated costs. In today’s blog, we will explore the beauty of Gobuk, go for birdwatching, and experience much more!
We reached the community hall early in the morning. It’s 6 AM now. The villagers had prepared a breakfast of fried rice, bread, butter, jam, bananas, and stir-fried beans for everyone. To prepare this meal, they had started their work as early as 3 AM. The people of the hills are incredibly hardworking and always wear a smile, no matter how much effort they put in. Despite all the labor, there was no sign of fatigue or irritation.
After breakfast, it was time for a walk. Instead of breaking it down by days, I will describe in this blog all the trails we explored and the birds we spotted during our four-day stay in Gobuk. Our tour was mentored by Sri Sanjay Sondhi Sir, the driving force behind Titli Trust NGO. Following his guidance, we started walking through the village. The entire village is filled with orange trees in people’s backyards. Here, the oranges ripen fully a little late, around March. But even now, seeing the trees laden with fruit was a delight. Interestingly, the only sparrow species found in the village is the Eurasian Tree Sparrow.
As we walked, the morning sun started to warm us. The air was still quite chilly, but it felt wonderful. The surroundings were so breathtaking that words could hardly do justice. We moved together, frequently stopping to spot birds.
On the village road, we met the gaonbura—the village elder. In this village, there are six gaonburas. After admiring his traditional rope sling bag and backpack, we resumed our walk.
We came across local herbs similar to basil or tulsi, which had a very familiar aroma. Next, we watched how the villagers collect indigenous sesame seeds from dried flowers. I had tasted sticky rice made with these sesame seeds in Nagaland.
Our guide also showed us an edible insect, which is consumed here.
The villagers kindly offered us freshly plucked oranges to eat. In this region, all the land is privately owned by different families. Unfortunately, this ownership also means that many people engage in hunting. This New Year, I spent time with the Adi tribe. In Northeast India, particularly in remote areas like these, hunting birds and animals is a common practice.
Our mission was to raise awareness among these indigenous communities, encouraging them to shift from hunting to conservation. If they protect their wildlife, people from across India will visit their villages, stay in their homes, and experience their way of life—bringing economic benefits. Rather than being a curse on nature, hunting could be replaced by eco-tourism, helping these communities thrive. The villagers, with their warm and open-hearted nature, assured us that they supported our vision. However, change cannot happen overnight. Breaking away from generations-old traditions and embracing a new way of thinking will take time.
Arunachal Pradesh is incredibly lush, and this part of the Siang Valley is especially stunning. However, the dense vegetation sometimes makes birdwatching challenging, particularly for small birds that remain hidden in the undergrowth. If you are birdwatching in Northeast India, carrying binoculars is a must—otherwise, you will miss many birds.
Our entire trip was arranged by a local NGO called Epam Siram. According to its spokesperson, Akit Sitek, the ideal time to visit the Siang Valley is in February, when a local festival is celebrated here.
Later, we sat beside a stream for lunch. Our packed meal from Gobuk consisted of rice, dal, boiled beans and hyacinth beans, and pumpkin curry. Sitting by the roadside, exhausted from a full day of walking, we relished every bite. Living in the heart of nature and embracing a simple lifestyle is something I truly cherish.
Next, we came across a war memorial under construction. It is being built in honor of Adi warriors who lost their lives fighting the British. Right now, the site serves as a scenic viewpoint. The distant blue hills, covered in dense forest, were the same ones where we had gone birdwatching.
We also visited a villager’s home. In the past, the family had been active hunters, and their house displayed trophies from their hunts. Among them were Mithun horns, skulls of Mishmi Takin, barking deer, and even bears. As I mentioned earlier, hunting is widespread in Northeast India, and raising awareness about conservation and sustainable tourism is crucial in this context. We even saw the remains of a Eurasian Woodcock caught in a trap, which saddened me deeply.
Various NGOs are working to educate the Adi people about conservation. However, since hunting is an integral part of their culture, eradicating it completely will take time.
What to do in Arunachal village Gobuk
Gobuk is a quaint and beautiful village. Nestled in the hills, it has very few tourists and several homestays. As we walked through the village roads, we savored fresh lemons plucked straight from the trees.
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, Gobuk village sits at an altitude of 1200 meters along the Siang River. A hidden gem for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike, this village offers a breathtaking retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In my previous blog, I shared details on how to reach Gobuk from Kolkata, where to stay, and the cost of travel. Today, I will take you on an enchanting journey through Gobuk’s surrounding forests, showcasing its natural splendor and the rich avian life it offers.
A Morning in Gobuk
The day began early with a quick breakfast at the community hall before setting off towards the Gobuk Helipad, an abandoned structure originally built for a visiting minister who never arrived. Despite its unused state, the helipad now serves as an excellent viewpoint for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The journey from Gobuk village to the helipad is relatively moderate in difficulty. There are two ways to approach this route: one can either drive up to the helipad early in the morning and walk downhill while birdwatching, or trek through the dense forest, taking in the rich biodiversity along the way. Both options offer incredible opportunities to observe and photograph various bird species.
The Beauty of Gobuk’s Forest Trails
As we ventured into the forest, we split into two groups—one taking the jungle trail, while the other followed the wider helipad path. The jungle trail, though alluring, proved more challenging for birdwatching, as the dense foliage made it difficult to spot shy birds. On the other hand, the open spaces along the helipad route allowed for better sightings and photography.
One of the most exciting aspects of birding in Gobuk is the variety of habitats it offers. From fruiting trees that attract vibrant flocks of birds to the towering tree ferns that create a prehistoric ambiance, every step along the trail revealed nature’s marvels. Even those who aren’t hardcore birdwatchers would appreciate the sheer beauty of this place.
A Glimpse of Arunachal’s Unique Fauna
During our trek, we encountered a Mithun—an indigenous bovine species found in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Mithuns roam freely in the forests, yet they belong to individual villagers who recognize their own animals. Traditionally, Mithuns are sacrificed during festivals and weddings, but they are not domesticated in the usual sense. Spotting one in the wild added a touch of excitement to our journey.
Reaching the Helipad Viewpoint
After a rewarding trek, we finally arrived at the helipad. This vast, flat land provides a panoramic view of the Siang River and the surrounding mountains. It is also a fantastic vantage point for sunrise and sunset views. Standing there, gazing at the expanse of lush green valleys and the meandering river, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of peace and admiration for nature.
Birds We found near Gobuk Helipad ground
| Species | Count |
| Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela) | 1 |
| Crested Goshawk (Lophospiza trivirgata) | 1 |
| Golden-throated Barbet (Psilopogon franklinii) | 1 |
| Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus) | 1 |
| White-bellied Erpornis (Erpornis zantholeuca) | 1 |
| Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike (Hemipus picatus) | 5 |
| White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura albicollis) | 1 |
| Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) | 3 |
| Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus remifer) | 1 |
| Gray Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae) | 3 |
| Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail (Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus) | 2 |
| Sultan Tit (Melanochlora sultanea) | 1 |
| Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus) | 4 |
| Pygmy Cupwing (Pnoepyga pusilla) | Call only |
| Striated Bulbul (Alcurus striatus) | 1 |
| Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala) | 5 |
| Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) | 4 |
| Ashy-throated Warbler (Phylloscopus maculipennis) | 1 |
| Black-chinned Yuhina (Yuhina nigrimenta) | 17 |
| White-naped Yuhina (Yuhina bakeri) | 4 |
| Rufous-vented Yuhina (Yuhina occipitalis) | 14 |
| Indian White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) | 1 |
| Golden Babbler (Cyanoderma chrysaeum) | 7 |
| Red-tailed Minla (Minla ignotincta) | 8 |
| Chestnut-bellied Rock-Thrush (Monticola rufiventris) | 1 |
| Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus) | 1 |
| Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata) | 2 |
| Orange-bellied Leafbird (Chloropsis hardwickii) | 1 |
| Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni) | 1 |
Evening Birdwatching and Reflections
As the morning birding session concluded, we descended back to the village and prepared for an afternoon exploration of a different birding trail. Unlike popular national parks, the forests of Gobuk are privately owned by local villagers and categorized as community forests. These lands, used for various types of farming—including pineapples and kiwis—also serve as essential habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Each trail in Gobuk has its own charm, making every excursion a unique experience. Since many of these trails are unnamed, it is best to follow a local guide or refer to maps that highlight key routes like the Inkiyong-Gobuk Road.
Birds of Gobuk
Gobuk is a paradise for birdwatchers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. Whether you come here for the rich biodiversity, the scenic landscapes, or simply to escape into the tranquility of Arunachal’s wilderness, this village offers an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend visiting this offbeat destination for anyone looking to explore Northeast India’s hidden treasures.
| Species | Count |
| Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) | 1 |
| Blue-throated Barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus) | 4 |
| Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) | 1 |
| Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) | 2 |
| Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) | 2 |
| Yellow-bellied Fairy-Fantail (Chelidorhynx hypoxanthus) | 3 |
| Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) | 1 |
| White-throated Bulbul (Alophoixus flaveolus) | 4 |
| Ashy Bulbul (Hemixos flavala) | 6 |
| Mountain Bulbul (Ixos mcclellandii) | 1 |
| Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) | 1 |
| Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) | 6 |
| Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) | 8 |
| Buff-barred Warbler (Phylloscopus pulcher) | 3 |
| Gray-cheeked Warbler (Phylloscopus poliogenys) | 1 |
| Yellow-bellied Warbler (Abroscopus superciliaris) | 1 |
| Whiskered Yuhina (Yuhina flavicollis) | 6 |
| White-naped Yuhina (Yuhina bakeri) | 18 |
| Nepal Fulvetta (Alcippe nipalensis) | 14 |
| Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) | 8 |
| White-crested Laughingthrush (Garrulax leucolophus) | 4 |
| Small Niltava (Niltava macgrigoriae) | 1 |
| Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher (Ficedula strophiata) | 2 |
| Gray Bushchat (Saxicola ferreus) | 1 |
| Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus) | 1 |
| Black-throated Sunbird (Aethopyga saturata) | 1 |
| Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) | 4 |
| Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) | 6 |
In the evening, we gathered at the community center, where a small ceremony was held in our honor. The village elders and other distinguished guests gave speeches. We were presented with a beautiful traditional Ludup necklace, which was once worn by the respected elites of the community.
The evening continued with a warm bonfire and a little rice beer, a popular local drink in Nagaland and this part of Arunachal Pradesh. Finally, it was time for dinner.
Stay tuned for my next adventure, where I’ll explore another stunning birding trail in this region. Happy birdwatching!
Love Butterflies? If yes, then this is for you https://wildindiatravels.com/butterfly-checklist-of-namdapha-butterfly-meet-2021/
My Youtube Videos
| EP: 1 আকাশপথে অরুণাচল | কোথায় থাকবেন গোবুকে | https://youtu.be/booHqLFRNTY |
| EP: 2 এমন গ্রামে আগে থাকিনি | Gobuk Village | https://youtu.be/tyfgCvkOBEU |
| EP: 3 অরুণাচলের পাখি প্রকৃতি | https://youtu.be/xBvS9cgTWlg |
| EP: 4 জীবনে প্রথম এইভাবে থাকলাম আর খেলাম | Likor Village | https://youtu.be/saU167uj88M |
| EP: 5 এই গ্রামে প্রথম ঘুরতে এসে কেমন ব্যবহার পেলাম | Likor Village | https://youtu.be/2hLvXt8lTqk |
| EP: 6 এত অপূর্ব জায়গায় আমি কখনও যাইনি | Likor to Gobuk Road | https://youtu.be/yn3qPFT2nIM |
| EP: 7 দারুণ জায়গায় তাঁবুতে থাকলাম | Ramsing, Simong | Mouling National Park | https://youtu.be/SwPBl_l_OZ0 |
Some Important Phone Numbers
okit sitek (Tour Arranger)- +91 7629 966 531
Homestay where I stayed – Airaokom Homestay 9402766668
Stay: 700 (Food charge as per order)
2 types of Homestays
1) Rs, 1500 ( fifteen hundred only) including food 3 times ( breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
2) Rs 1200 ( twelve hundred only) including, breakfast and lunch
Vehicle in package above 4 days 1, Rs 3000 ( three thousand per day disel must be filled by tourist, vehicle like, Scorpio, Inova, Bolero and Xylo Pickup and drop
1) Rs 6000( six thousand per day Dibrugarh to Siang landscape (sedan cars)
2) Rs 10000( ten thousand) For suv cars like Scorpio Inova Bolero and Xylo Driver list
Driver details
1)Munna – 8811816148
2)Lom Tekseng – 6009182147
3) Mintu Das – 9957788897
4) Faiyaz Alam – 8099956011
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