Rafting and Angling on the Subansiri River

10 Days
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Map

The Subansiri River or “Gold River” is the biggest tributary of the Upper Brahmaputra. It descends through verdant rainforests in the tribal state of Arunachal Pradesh, draining the waters beyond the Great Himalayan Range from Tsona Dzong up to the Great Bend of the Tsangpo in Tibet. It slices through the Eastern Himalayas to flow into India at Asaphila, and then on through the rugged isolated hinterlands of Arunachal before joining the mighty Brahmaputra at the mystic confluence of Majuli – one of the largest inhabited river island in the world.

The Subansiri River has no road following it on either side of the Himalayas for almost 150 Km. Very difficult terrain with vertical rock faces and only sparse habitation along its banks has kept and continues to keep the upper reaches isolated. This is a challenging, high volume, fast-flowing, and adrenaline-pumping river set in a scenic, breathtaking
environment. Lower down, friendly hill people retain many of their unique traditions and customs developed over a millennium.

The sparse human habitation along the lower half of the Subansiri makes it ideal for adventure enthusiasts such as anglers and rafters. The lure of big fighting fishes such as Golden Masher, Trout and the Goonj can bring out the excitement in any fisherman. The river has volume, flow, class 3 and higher white water rapids, and is set in a
breathtaking and exotic forested landscape where warm hearted tribal hill people live with unique traditions and customs.

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Day 1

Arrival in Dibrugarh

Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Night in hotel.

Day 2

Dibrugarh - Ziro

After breakfast, drive to Along. At Bogibeel ghat, we will cross the mighty Brahmputra River with our car on a ferry. On the Assam-Arunachal border after Lakhimpur, we proceed to the RAP checking. Soon we drive on a hill road with picturesque landscape, rivers, villages at distances and smiling inhabitants. The road is in a bad condition but is compensated by looking at the amazing scenery and cool climate. Night in hotel.

Day 3

Ziro - Daporijo

Departing early in the morning, we descend from the Ziro plateau and drive along the Kamla River valley through dense jungle country, passing picturesque villages of Nishis and the Hill Miris tribes. You will visit Muri Mugli, a Hill Miris tribe, and if road conditions are good we will continue another eight miles on a mountain dirt road to Noori, a small traditional village of the same people. The Ghansi sect of the Miris that we encounter here are of short stature, scantily dressed with a sleeveless jacket and loin cloths. They will usually carry woven cane knapsacks and a dao (broad sword) along with bow and arrows. The Panibotias, another sect of the Miris that you will meet, are just the opposite: tall, well-built people. Continue driving to Daporijo on the banks of the Subansiri River. Daporijo is the junction of three important tribes; Hill Miris, Tagins and Adi-Gallongs. Night in hotel.

Day 4

Daporijo - Gongo

Meet with the rafting crew, briefing on the river and safety talk. Raft down to first camp a little downstream of Gongo village. Night in tent.

Day 5

Gongo - Kamla River Camp

Raft downstream. Full day of paddling and fishing. Night halt at camp near Kamla River confluence. Night in tent.

Day 6

Kamla River Camp - Sibe-Rite

Another full day of paddling with some interesting rapids, especially a technical class 3+ just before camp. Later, setup camp and do a little angling, as this area is a good spot for Golden Mahseer. Night in tent.

Day 7

Sibe-Rite - Cipla Mukh Camp

Raft down to Cipla Mukh camp, and face big volume class 3 rapids along the way. Set up camp. Night in tent.

Day 8

Cipla Mukh Camp - Rakhiok Mukh

Full day of fishing. Camp at Rakhiok Mukh. Night in tent.

Day 9

Rakhiok Mukh - Gerukhamukh - Dibrugarh

Break camp early morning and paddle down to take out point at Gerukhamukh. Drive to Dibrugarh. Night in hotel.

Day 10

Departure From Dibrugarh

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of our services.