Overview: Our sixth day in Arunachal Pradesh began with the serenity of Zemithang, a quaint village embraced by rolling hills and crisp mountain air. Just a short stroll from our homestay, we found ourselves drawn to a quiet cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tucked into the rocks and shrouded in mist, the cave housed a natural Shivalinga radiating a deep spiritual energy. It was the perfect way to start the day—introspective, peaceful, and humbling.
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| Shiva temple at Zemithang |
After breakfast, we checked out and began our journey to Kinzamane, a place not just beautiful but also deeply etched into history. It was here, in 1959, that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama first stepped onto Indian soil during his dramatic escape from Tibet. Disguised as a soldier, he traversed the treacherous mountains for days on foot and horseback, accompanied by trusted officials and family. At Kinzamane stands a sacred tree, believed to have miraculously grown from the very staff the Dalai Lama struck into a rock. It’s more than a tree—it’s a symbol of hope, diplomacy, and the spiritual bond between India and Tibet.
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| Holy Tree at Khinzamane |
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| Holy Tree at Khinzamane |
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| Khinzamane |
From Kinzamane, we returned to Zemithang to visit one of the region’s most significant Buddhist landmarks—the Gorsam Chorten. Towering at about 28 meters, this grand stupa is believed to have been constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries by Lama Sangye Pradhar. It closely resembles the famous Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu and was intended to suppress malevolent forces disturbing the region. Encircled by fluttering prayer flags and humming prayer wheels, the stupa hosts the Gorsam Kora festival, drawing thousands of devotees each year. Nearby, a magnificent statue of Guru Padmasambhava gazes down into the valley, further blessing the sacred space.
This stupa also has a quiet connection to the Dalai Lama. During his escape, he is said to have rested here briefly. The walking stick he carried, later planted at Gorong Kukpa, grew into a revered tree, adding another layer of reverence to the area.
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| Gorsam Chorten |
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Gorsam Chorten
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Gorsam Chorten
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Gorsam Chorten
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Our journey then took a scenic turn as we made our way back towards Lumla, stopping by several gushing waterfalls cascading down the mountain slopes. These natural wonders offered refreshing interludes between deeply spiritual experiences.
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| Waterfalls on the way |
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Waterfalls on the way
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Waterfalls on the way
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In Lumla, we visited the peaceful and powerful Tara Devi Temple, home to a strikingly large idol of Jetsun Dolma (White Tara). Seated serenely with a gentle smile, White Tara represents compassion and longevity. Beneath the statue lies a tranquil prayer hall where the scent of incense lingers in the air, and the chants create a meditative atmosphere. Devotees come here seeking protection, prosperity, and healing blessings.
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| Pleasant journey in the woods |
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| Tara Devi temple |
As the day came to a close, we wound our way to Kitpi, where our homestay awaited amidst the quiet hills. It was a day of reflection, reverence, and natural beauty—one that stitched together faith, history, and the whispers of the Himalayas.
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| Kitpi |
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