Things To Do
in Tezu
Tezu is a small, vibrant town in Arunachal Pradesh on the banks of the Lohit River that serves as an administrative and cultural hub for the surrounding Mishmi Hills. It blends tribal traditions with Assamese and Hindi-speaking influences, making local markets colorful and foods diverse. The town is a convenient base for visiting nearby pilgrimage sites, river valleys and biodiverse hills, and has a relaxed, small‑town pace.
Travelers come for natural scenery, birdlife, easy access to tribal villages and the annual local festivals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Tezu and settle into your accommodation. After a fresh start, enjoy a breakfast featuring local delicacies. Take a leisurely walk through the nearby markets to soak in the local culture.
Explore the Tezu Park, which is a serene spot perfect for unwinding and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. Engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts, perhaps picking up a unique souvenir. Have lunch at a local eatery to try some traditional Arunachali cuisine.
As the sun sets, visit the nearby Namdapha National Park for a chance to see the stunning landscape bathed in golden hues. Relish a dinner featuring fresh local produce and flavors. End the day with a stroll along the riverside, where you can take in the tranquil atmosphere.
Start your day by heading towards the historic Buddhist monastery, known for its serene environment and beautiful architecture. Take part in a morning meditation session and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Breakfast in a local café will fuel you for the day ahead.
Visit the town’s museums to deepen your understanding of the local history and culture, including displays of artifacts and tribal crafts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a café that overlooks the surrounding hills. After lunch, visit the Siang River for some breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before heading out for a traditional dinner at a well-known restaurant. Engage in conversation with the locals to learn more about their lifestyle and traditions. Spend the evening reflecting on your experiences as you gaze at the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Tea or coffee at a stall | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto ride | $1-4 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / hotel (per night) | $12-30 |
| 🎟️Entry fee / guide for attractions (where applicable) | $0-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich tribal culture and friendly local communities
- Easy access to river scenery, birdlife and hills
- Low tourist density — authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience
- Affordable food and accommodation
- Limited nightlife and few modern amenities compared with cities
- Weather can disrupt travel during the monsoon
- Healthcare and specialist services are limited locally
- Language barriers may exist outside Assamese/Hindi/English speakers
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting (Hindi, widely understood)
- "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you (Hindi)
- "Apong lezom?" - Would you like rice beer? (phrase to open friendly conversation; Apong = rice beer)
- "Sighong / Sigham" - Respectful address for an elder or leader (local tribal terms; usage varies)
- "Khublei" - Thank you / greetings (used in parts of northeast India; may be understood)
Places to Visit in Tezu
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive river views, fishing boats, early morning mist and sunset colors—ideal for landscape and life-on-the-river shots.
Vibrant market life with stalls selling produce, woven textiles and smoked fish—excellent for candid cultural portraits and street scenes.
A seasonal pilgrimage site with dramatic river and rocky settings; busiest during bathing festivals and photogenic for ritual photography (respect privacy and restrictions).
Short drives up surrounding ridges provide panoramic views over the Lohit valley, especially at sunrise and late afternoon.
With permission, portraits and everyday scenes in nearby villages capture traditional dress, crafts and community life—always ask before photographing people.
Food in Tezu
Tezu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A warming noodle soup with vegetables or meat, commonly found at small restaurants and tea stalls—a great choice on cool mornings.
Must-Try!
A typical Mishmi-style preparation featuring smoky, tender pork cooked with preserved bamboo shoot; available in local home-cooked menus and family restaurants.
Steamed or fried dumplings with vegetable or meat fillings served with chutney; widely available and a common snack.
Traditional rice beer brewed by some tribal communities—served at festivals or in villages (sample with hosts when invited).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central market where vendors sell fresh river fish, seasonal vegetables, local spices, smoked meats and homemade pickles; great for sampling snacks and buying ingredients.
Small tea stalls and momo vendors along the riverbank offer chai, samosas, pakoras and momos—perfect for quick bites and street photography.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders politely, accept offers of tea with both hands and follow locals' lead at events; public displays of affection are uncommon.
Many people appreciate being asked first, especially in villages and during rituals—some communities may decline photography.
Remove shoes when entering homes or religious sites and wear modest clothing when visiting villages or temples.
If invited into a home, accept small portions and show appreciation—decline politely if dietary restrictions prevent you from eating certain items.
Safety
Tipping in Tezu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary—round up bills at restaurants or leave 5–10% in hotels for good service; small tips (₹20–₹100) are appreciated for porters or guides.
Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Tezu—carry sufficient cash for markets and remote services. Larger hotels and some restaurants accept cards, but network and card acceptance are intermittent; ATMs are available in town but may run out of cash during festivals or rains. Mobile wallets and UPI are increasingly used but rely on network coverage.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid, with temperatures rising during the day; good for exploring lower-elevation spots but afternoons can be muggy. Start hikes early to avoid heat and check for local festivals.
June to September brings heavy rainfall, landslips on some roads and swollen rivers—travel can be disrupted; this is low season for trekking though the landscape is lush and waterfalls are full.
Post-monsoon months (October–November) are pleasant with clear skies, milder temperatures and good visibility—one of the best times to visit for outdoor activities and festivals.
Cool and dry with chilly nights (especially December–February); daytime is pleasant for sightseeing but bring warm layers for mornings and evenings.
Tezu at Night
Hiking in Tezu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multi-day and day-hike options in the foothills offering dense forests, hilltop views and opportunities for birdwatching; some routes require a local guide and permissions.
Gentle walks along the river and in the valley are ideal for short hikes, photography and observing rural life.
Short scenic trails around the pilgrimage site and riverine rocks—best combined with a visit to the Kund, especially outside peak festival crowds.
Airports
How to reach Tezu by plane.
Small regional airport serving Tezu with limited scheduled flights to regional hubs; convenient for fast access but service frequency can vary seasonally.
Major regional airport in Assam (a few hours' drive) offering more frequent connections to larger Indian cities; commonly used as a gateway for eastern Arunachal travel.
The largest international airport in the region with many domestic connections; travel to Tezu from Guwahati involves a long drive or connecting regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous communities with distinct languages, dress and cultural practices forming a significant part of the local population around Tezu.
People from neighboring Assam and other Indian states live and work in Tezu, contributing to Assamese and Hindi usage in markets and administration.
Administrators, teachers and service-sector employees from various regions who staff government offices, schools and hotels.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely played and followed across Arunachal Pradesh and Tezu, with local matches drawing community interest.
Various tribal sports, including traditional archery and wrestling-like events, are part of festivals and communal gatherings.
Fishing in the Lohit and tributaries is both a livelihood and a recreational activity for locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tezu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; rice, lentils, vegetable curries and momos with vegetable filling are common. Notify cooks about strict dietary needs, and carry snacks if you require a wider selection.
Vegan choices are possible (rice and vegetable dishes), but cross‑contamination and use of local fermented condiments is common—explain restrictions clearly and favor freshly cooked simple dishes.
Ingredients are often local and prepared in small kitchens—carry allergy cards in Hindi/English and double-check preparations; medical care is limited outside town.