Located in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, Basar, the headquarters of the district Leparada of Arunachal Pradesh is a valley-town encircled by tribal villages inhabited by the Galo tribe. Situated at an altitude of about 700 meters above the mean sea level, it enjoys a favorable climate, lush green landscapes, making it an appealing destination for nature lovers and those interested in cultural heritage. It is bounded by Likabali town in the Lower Siang district in the South and Aalo, the headquarters of the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh in the North.
Located on a transit point connecting important places like Menchuka, Aalo, Daporijo, and the border regions of India with China, Basar is a perfect stop for tourists & travellers offering a plethora of activities.
Basar is inhabited by the Galo tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, a major tribe of the state having a deeply rooted cultural heritage; reflected in their warm hospitality, vibrant traditions, a strong social institution that governs the life in village. In stark contrast to the cities, the sense of unity & bonding is solid in the Galo villages, which is evident in any event, be it the construction of a house, the cultivation of fields, the organisation of a marriage, the performing of ubiquitous rituals or helping a family in distress. The entire village comes together to partake in the events. This collectively inherited social character of the Galo people extends to the visitors who are usually treated with generosity, opulent tribal cuisines, Poka (rice wine) and feast. It is this deep-rooted sense of togetherness coupled with their close connection with the forests that shapes the Galo tribe’s way of life.
The unique living patterns and the Galo way of life can be experienced firsthand by simply visiting a village of staying with a Galo family. The very design, build and architecture of the tribal houses reveals a lot about their association with and the importance of Nature.
The dresses, the ornaments, the food habits, the tools & equipments, the cultivation techniques, the textile, handloom and handicrafts which is unique to the region reflects the age old tradition and culture of the tribe.
The Galo tribe celebrates Mopin festival during the month of April. Mopin, named after the female deity, is celebrated for prosperity and good harvest. Clad in white traditional attire, the tribal folks swarms out to the streets during Mopin, which is celebrated by performing Popir and Ponu, (folk dance), drinking Poka (rice wine), community feasting and smearing one another with Iti (powdered rice) as a form of merry making.
Arunachal Pradesh is home to many tribes, each having their distinct feature. As one move across latitudes and longitudes in the state, the lifestyles and culture vary greatly. The myriad ethnocultural tribes in the state is opening up to tourism with renewed impetus from the government and stakeholders. For those primarily seeking the experience of art & cultural tourism, Basar hosts the annual Basar Confluence festival popularly known as BasCon. The festival in a nutshell, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. The participation of the tribes from other districts at BasCon makes it a pan- Arunachal festival, essentially offering the festival goer a rare opportunity to witness the multitude of Arunachal's intangible heritage as different tribes converge to celebrate their heritage. Organised by the local NGO GRK, BasCon takes place at the confluence of rivers Hie and Kidi every year from December 6-8.
The forests of Basar are lush and green throughout the year with thick tropical rainforest hosting countless species of flora and fauna, with many endemic species. It is home to fascinating wildlife, including the elusive Himalayan Sloth Bear (local name- Hottum), Black Panther (Nyoke), Leopard (Takar), Asian Golden Cat (Nyoli Pogli), Fishing Cat (Taso), Indian Boar (Horr), and the barking Munjtac deer (Hodum). A variety of civet species, such as the Asian Palm Civet (Hoin), Small Indian Civet (Hole-Lenyi), and the Indian Yellow-throated Marten (Horchi) also roams the forests. Other notable creatures include the Golden Jackal (Mandru), Dhole (Hocha), Otters (Horam), and birds like the Kalij Pheasant (Pirik), Jungle Fowl (Pirsin), Hill Partridge (Taaku), and Kingfishers (Caavey). Raptors like the Black Kite (Doko) and the Himalayan Wood Owl (Ijibiri) add to the diverse avian life in Basar. For bird enthusiasts, the Blue-throated Barbet (Pudur), Indian Cuckoo (Takom Papok), Large Hawk Cuckoo (Chir Pir), and Spotted Dove (Boitak) are also among the rich variety of birds to be found. If you plan to visit between June and August, you might even be lucky enough to witness the enchanting Mycena Chloropos (glowing fungi), which light up the forest floor under the night sky. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a bird watcher, or simply someone who enjoys the tranquility of nature, Basar offers a truly remarkable experience.
The geographical parameters of the place confers it a very suitable climate & topography- not too friendly, nor too hostile. With the mountains covered by thick tropical forests and replete with wildlife, Basar is truly a gem for those seeking wilderness and adventure in the Nature. Recognising the potential of hosting trail running sports event offered by the diverse terrain and wilderness of the region, the local NGO of Basar- GRK, organises an Ultra Marathon Event named BRUTE (Basar Running Ultra Trail Expereience) where athletes from the Nation and overseas participate.
Whether you're seeking an immersion in the Galo tribe's culture or exploring the natural beauty of the region, Basar offers a truly memorable experience.
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