Once when I was in Ziro, I saw the local residents trek long distances from one end of the valley to the other, with laden baskets on their backs. A closer inspection revealed that they were carrying large chunks of dried pork in these baskets, to gift to their relatives and friends. The Myoko festival was taking place, and the villagers were continuing the tradition of sharing gifts of pork. Much of the pork stock if not consumed and is used to gift onwards to others, and the tradition continues, even as the pork weathers years and years down the line!

Walking within Talle Valley can be rather exacting, given the lack of pathways within the forest, the dense cover and the leaches! However, one can certainly have many a pleasant walk in the hills above Ziro, walking off the trail once one leaves the village zone, and making short forays off the motor road. In spring, you will be delighted with the sight of bunches of blue Primulas growing along the trails, and even large orchids festooning the forest trees. Chats, flycathers and warblers will entertain the birder along these paths, with the occasional thick forest bird coming out in the glades and grasslands above Ziro.

We stayed at the beautiful wooden huts of Tilling Dolley, with his well-appointed rooms made using local timbers and excellent craftsmanship. This is quite the perfect place to stay, with his enormous Orchid nursery next door.

Venture forth to Talle Valley, and experience one of the most remote and isolated frontiers of India – with cold and pleasant weather – unlike the rest of Arunachal.

Rupin Dang

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