Upper Siang, which is an administrative district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India, is the fourth least populous district in the country. It is inhabited by Adi, Memba, Khamba and Idu Mishmi tribes who have been harmoniously living together with peace and harmony in the cradle of nature since time immemorial with colourful festivals / rituals like Solung, Aran, Reh, Lossar, Dihang.
It is a mountainous region gifted with rich natural resources and biodiversity, deep gorges and fast flowing streams and rivulets, which form the tributaries of the mighty Siang River. The river flows through the district running into Indian Territory at a point near Gelling in the Indo-China border. There have been vast and radical changes over the years on all developmental fronts. However, the long isolation and inaccessibility of the areas due to communication hurdles pose formidable constraints to the efforts for the regions socio-economic developments.
Upper Siang History
In the year 1965, when the responsibility of NEFA Administration was transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Siang Frontier Division was renamed as Siang District and Political Officer was re-designated as Deputy Commissioner with its administrative headquarters at Along. In the year 1967, Govt. of India passed the NEFA Panchayati Raj Regulation Act which accorded the Traditional Village Councils, the status of Gram Panchayat with the Agency Council at the Apex Level of the Panchayati Raj.
The NEFA became Union Territory in the name of Arunachal Pradesh on 20th January, 1972 and the Agency Council was replaced by Pradesh Council which was later converted to Legislative Assembly in the year 1975. Consequently, Election to the 30 Members Legislative Assembly was held in the year 1978 for the first time. In 1980, the Siang District was divided into East Siang and West Siang districts. The present area of Upper Siang remained under East Siang district with its administrative headquarters at Pasighat. The Union Territory was granted a full-fledged statehood on 20th February, 1987 and the number of Members of Lagislative Assembly was increased from 30 to 60. Finally, in the year 1994, Upper Siang was carved-out of East Siang district with its administrative headquarters at Yingkiong.
Upper Siang Tourism
Natural and scenic beauty prevails in the district of Upper Siang. The cascading waterfalls, profound valleys and majestic snow-capped mountains, boisterous streams, silent lakes and pristine forests in the district are yet to be explored.
The natural surroundings present a perfect and exotic destination for tourists. Major tribes of the district are Adi, Memba, Khamba and Mishmis. Though they have distinctive socio-cultural life, they have co-existed with each other from primitive periods. The Adis and Mishmis believe in the supremacy of the Sun and the Moon, while the Membas and Khambas are Mahayana Buddhists.
Hence, a diverse type of culture in terms of dances, festivals, dresses are found in this district. Besides, many holy places, caves, shrines are located, which are accessible only through foot tracks. A few years back, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Penor Rinmpoche of Mysore had visited Tuting to lay the foundation stone of a Gompa / Monastery.
Tourist places in Upper Siang
Mariyang - Pekimodi Circuit
Tuting - Gelling Circuit
Yingkiong - Ekodumbing - Riutala Circuit
Yingkiong - Tuting - Dewakota Circuit
Yingkiong - Tuting - Tsitapuri Circuit
Mouling National Wildlife Sanctuary
