Damro: Best-kept secret of Arunachal Pradesh

A blend of bamboo homes, tribal communities and hot springs

In the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh lies Damro, an unexplored village of fewer than 500 people and home to the Adi Padam tribe. Surrounded by dense forests and cascading waterfalls, it offers a tranquil escape from the noise and some truly breathtaking views.

Tucked away far in the North-Eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh lies Damro, an unexplored village in the Mariyang tehsil of Upper Siang district, about 350 km north-east of state capital Itanagar and not far from the border with China. 

Located off the usual tourist trails, this quiet settlement is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Home to the Adi Padam tribe, one of the region’s most deeply rooted indigenous communities, Damro offers an extraordinary blend of cultural richness, natural beauty and peaceful isolation.

With a population of fewer than 500 people, Damro sits amid dense forests, sweeping meadows and clusters of traditional bamboo homes. Life here is shaped by nature and centuries-old customs, making it an ideal escape for travellers seeking tranquillity and authenticity.

Damro is known for its longest bamboo hanging bridge which is suspended gracefully above the Yamne River. Constructed using bamboo, cane, wild vines and wire, the 350-m bridge is an impressive feat of indigenous engineering. Far more than a tourist attraction, it is a lifeline for the tribal communities, supporting daily activities and benefitting over 20,000 people living along both banks of the river.

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Adi Padam tribe

The Adi Padam people, one of the major sub-groups of the Adi tribe, trace their origins to the legendary ancestor Abo-Tani. Speakers of a Tibeto-Burman language, they possess a deep understanding of the biological resources around them. Woods, bamboo, cane, roots, leaves, fruits and even tree bark are integral to their way of life, serving culinary, medicinal and domestic purposes.

One of the tribe’s most significant celebrations is Sohung, a five-day harvest festival held in the first week of September. Marking the completion of sowing and transplanting, it is a collective prayer for prosperity and good harvests. Women perform the graceful Ponung songs and dances, while a protective ritual known as Taktor is performed, where thorns and traditional weapons are placed at entrances to ward off evil spirits.

As the Adi Padam form the majority of Damro’s population, travellers wanting to experience the culture should stay in traditional bamboo huts, observe daily village life, and learn about the community’s unique customs and heritage.

While Damro is about its culture and heritage, travellers here also explore the nearby areas famous for river rafting, treks and hot springs amid the mountains. 

River rafting on the Siang

Near Pasighat, the mighty Siang River, which flows down from Tibet, winds for nearly 300 km through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before merging with the Lohit and Dibang to form the Brahmaputra. For adventure seekers, rafting on the Siang is an exhilarating experience, enhanced by the river’s deep cultural and geographical significance.

Other popular rafting routes near Damro include the Kameng, Subansiri and Dibang rivers.

Hot springs of Damting and Mechuka

A short drive from Damro leads to Damting village, known for its soothing sulphur-rich hot springs that remain a constant 70°C. Serene and usually uncrowded, they offer an ideal setting for relaxation.

Further away lies Mechuka, Men meaning medicine, chu meaning water and kha meaning ice, a picturesque valley where medicinal natural springs and streams flow into the Siyom River. The healing waters and high-altitude beauty make it a destination in its own right.

Trek through the Aeyo Valley

Hidden deep within the remote expanse of the Dibang Valley, the Aeyo Valley trek is an unforgettable journey through one of the Eastern Himalayas’ most pristine landscapes. Following an ancient hunting trail, the route winds through untouched forests, offering a raw, immersive experience of wilderness adventure.

Wildlife encounters at Mouling National Park

Spread across the Upper Siang, West Siang and Lower Dibang Valley districts, Mouling National Park is one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots. The Siyom, Siku and Subansiri rivers carve through the park, creating lush valleys and fertile corridors that support a remarkable array of flora and fauna.

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The vegetation spans from tropical evergreen to temperate broadleaf forests and alpine meadows. Among its wildlife are the endangered Takin Arunachal Pradesh’s state animal, an endangered goat-antelope, the elusive clouded leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. 

For nature enthusiasts, the park offers an unparalleled glimpse into the Eastern Himalayas’ ecological wonders.

Damro remains largely untouched by mass tourism, retaining its authenticity and charm. Whether you’re crossing its iconic bamboo bridge, immersing yourself in Adi Padam traditions, trekking through ancient forests or relaxing in natural hot springs, Damro offers an experience that is quietly magical and profoundly enriching, a true hidden gem of Arunachal Pradesh.