Pakke Tiger Reserve, Nov 2013

Finally made my first official trip to Pakke Tiger reserve in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. While I have been to the NW side of Pakke (Tipi) that forms the south boundary to Sessa and Eaglenest sanctuaries (which falls in neighbouring West Kameng district), I never visited Pakke’s headquarters – Seijosa.

Thanks a lot to Aparajita Datta, Rohit N and Amruta Rane of NCF who helped organise my trip and Asit Biswas of Help Tourism who handled (as usual!) all logistics and accommodation.

I stayed at the Pakke Jungle Camp, an eco-tourism initiative started in 2011 based at A-2 village near Seijosa. The initiative is a tripartite agreement between the local Nyishi community, Help Tourism and the Forest Department. Suresh Pait, the enterprising manager of the camp was a great host!

It was also great to meet (though only briefly) the legendary Pakke DFO Mr. Tana Tapi who is synonymous with Pakke and its protection.

I spent a fabulous 3 1/2 days birding in various parts of Pakke along with a veteran guide and hornbill watcher Pahi Tachang.