Arunachal Pradesh has mostly been “The Forbidden State” for tourists. Now, the government plans to ease travel restrictions to this North-eastern state. However, if you want to move around freely in Arunachal, and enjoy your visit, follow a few rules.  

1. Every Indian resident needs an Inner Line Permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh; for foreigners, it’s a Protection Area Permit. The ILPs are issued by the issuing authorities of Government of Arunachal Pradesh with offices at Delhi, Kolkata, Tezpur, Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur and Jorhat. You need to submit two passport-size photos, copy of residence proof and Rs 25. Foreigners can obtain the PAP from all Indian Missions abroad, all Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRRO) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai, Home Ministry, Govt. of India and Home Commissioner, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.
2. There is no rail service in Arunachal Pradesh, so be ready to spend a lot of time on the car (Arunachal is the largest of the North-eastern states). Hire a vehicle before entering Arunachal, and preferably get two drivers if you plan to cover much of the state. A Tata Sumo would cost Rs 1200 per day (plus fuel charge), a Bolero Rs 1800, and an Indica Rs 800. A 4-wheel drive Jeep is preferable for the Bhalukpong-Bomdila-Tawang-Dirang circuit,, since you have to cross mountain passes above 13,000 feet. Food and lodging of the driver/s is your responsibility.
3. There is a Helicopter service to the district headquarters/state capital. But it is a little irregular.
4. Carry chains or thick ropes to tie over the tyres, so that the vehicle doesn’t skid on hard ice at Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake or Indo-China border.
5. Carry emergency medicines for hypertension, stomach upset, fever and cold. If anyone feels altitude sickness, bring the person back immediately to the planes.
6. Fill up your tank and carry as much extra fuel as possible before entering Arunachal. Though petrol/diesel is cheaper in Arunachal, it is heavily adulterated with Kerosene oil in most of the pumps. If necessary, contact the Army or local PWD office to get clean fuel. Also, fuel is available only in major towns like Bomdila, Tawang, Zero, Daporijo, Along, Passighat, etc. No petrol pumps on the way.
7. Similarly, if your vehicle develops a snag, get it checked in a major town. You won’t get any repair shop on the way (which means a stretch of 150-200 km).
8. Try staying in Circuit Houses, PWD Inspection Bungalows and Forest Bungalows. Good hotels are available only at Bomdila, Dirang, Tawang, Passighat and Itanagar. Also, eat at Circuit Houses, because good restaurants are hard to come by.
9. Do your hotel/circuit house bookings much in advance. Send a fax giving details of dates, persons to stay and expected arrival time, even if you have received a confirmation over the phone. Book room/s also for the driver/s.
10. If you’re travelling in the winter, carry firewood. Some circuit houses have improvised fireplaces in the rooms, but no firewood. Room heaters are available only at Tawang.
11. Only BSNL provides mobile phone service in Arunachal, so your cellphone might remain dead during the entire journey. However, there are STD/ISD/PCO booths in all big towns. Cybercafes are available in Itanagar, Tawang, Bomdila and Along.   
12. Ask the caretaker of the circuit house about local tourist attractions and taboos prevalent among the local tribes. Avoid going out of the hotel/circuit house at night.
13. Don’t try to whip up conversation or counter any person of the Nishi tribe. The situation may turn violent.
14. If you face any kind of trouble, contact the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the district headquarters.

Happy journey.