Day1
Drive from Dibrugarh to Kamlat
Arrive in Dibrugarh. Drive from there to enter Arunachal. Overnight in Hawai or Kamlat village.
Overview
Virgin Forests, Alpine Lakes & the Lap Community
The Hoot Valley Trek is a moderate to challenging route in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh, far from the tourist trail. It is organised by the Lap community of Kamlat village, a close-knit group of around twenty Mishmi families who have lived among these hills for generations and still own the surrounding forests by tradition.
The trail climbs steeply through dense oak and bamboo forest, past mithun grazing grounds and hunter camps, to reach the alpine lakes of Pumlung and Jimai at over 3,400 m. Along the way you walk beside the Lapti river, cross log bridges, and camp on ridgeline saddles beneath snow-capped peaks. This is not just a trek; it is an invitation into the daily life, folklore, and customs of one of the least visited communities in the Indian Himalaya.
Highlights
What Defines This Trek
The Lap Community of Kamlat
Spend time with the Lap community, part of the Mishmi tribe. Learn about local folklore, customs, and traditions while enjoying home-cooked food in a village of around twenty families.
Pumlung & Jimai Twin Lakes
Two pristine alpine lakes above base camp, feeding the Lapti river. In July and August the slopes are carpeted with wildflowers; in November the surrounding peaks are draped in snow.
Virgin Oak & Bamboo Forest
Walk through dense, little-visited forest alive with birds of prey, diverse flora, and the tracks of wild animals. A true naturalist's paradise.
Mithun Trails & Rock Camp
The trail follows paths carved by mithuns and hunters. Rock Camp is a traditional overhang where hunters once sheltered, staying dry even in heavy rain.
Awe-Inspiring Tongal Camp
The newly built hut at Tongal sits beneath a towering backdrop of steep mountains and a long milky waterfall, one of the most inspiring campsites on the route.
Panoramic Ridgeline Views
From Katong viewpoint and the high saddle at Kushok BC, you are surrounded by mountains on three sides, with cascading waterfalls, rushing streams, and distant snow-covered peaks.
Itinerary
Day by Day
Nine days from Dibrugarh to Kamlat village, then through the forested highlands to the alpine lakes of Hoot Valley.
Day2
Kamlat to Katong Camp (2,481 m)
Distance: 7 km · Time: 6 hrs · Ascent: 1,694 m
The trek begins from Kamlat village, climbing the hill facing the host's house. The trail is moderately steep and soft, thick with vegetation and the hooves of mithuns. After one and a half hours of sustained climbing we reach Lapkrong, the old grazing ground and former settlement of the Lap people. From here the forest grows denser, primarily oak and bamboo with ferns, shrubs, and stinging nettle. Another two hours of moderate climbing on narrow trails and intermittent wooden stairs brings us to Rock (Patthar) Camp at 2,050 m, a dry cave under an overhanging cliff. The final steep push of two hours gains 500 m to the Katong viewpoint, with the Katong hut a 20–30 minute walk beyond. The hut has a porch, kitchen, firepit, dormitory, and toilet.
Day3
Katong to Kushok Base Camp (3,440 m) via Tongal
Distance: 8.5 km · Time: 6–7 hrs · Ascent: 1,000 m
The trail skirts the Katong hut northward and climbs into deeper forest. As elevation increases, oak gives way to maple, rhododendron, and thinner bamboo species. Traverse for a kilometre, then climb gradually beside the Lapti river. Cross a log bridge to arrive at Tongal (2,883 m), a newly built hut set against a backdrop of steep mountains and a long milky waterfall. Beyond Tongal the trail is beautiful and gradual, mixing forest paths, rocky streambeds, and wooden bridges. After about three hours we reach Kushok BC on a high saddle, greeted by mountains on three sides, a cascading waterfall, and the rushing Lapti stream. In November, the higher peaks are snow-covered.
Day4
Base Camp to Pumlung & Jimai Lakes & Back
Distance: ~8 km round trip · Ascent: 2.5 hrs · Descent: 1.5 hrs
The twin lakes of Pumlung and Jimai sit above base camp. The climb follows a narrow but maintained trail through mixed rhododendron and fir forest, changing to wild grasses, juniper, and rhodo shrubs above the tree line. Cross a temporary helipad built for a past rescue, then split left toward Naishung or right toward the twin lakes. After the tree line, navigate through grassland and cross the stream. Jimai Lake appears first, rimmed by mountains with two ridges descending on either side. In fall, the mountain ahead is snow-capped and feeds the lakes through small waterfalls. Pumlung is the larger twin, feeding Jimai below it. The stream that leaves here becomes the Lapti river.
Day5
Base Camp to Kushok Lake & Back
Distance: ~6 km round trip · Ascent: 2.5 hrs · Descent: 1.5 hrs
Trek up to the alpine Kushok lake. It rests above the base camp. Beautiful panoramas all around as we ascend the steep slopes. Spend some time at the lake and return to camp for dinner.
Day6
Kushok BC to Katong
Distance: 8.5 km · Time: 4 hrs · Descent: 1,000 m total
After spending some time at BC, descend to Katong camp, enjoying the views, streams, and Lapti river beside us
Day7
Katong to Kamlat
Distance: 7 km · Time: 5 hrs · Descent: 1,500 m total
From Katong to Rock Camp the trail is steep and slippery, demanding careful footwork. Below Rock Camp the descent eases but insects are abundant, so repellant is essential. By afternoon we reach Kamlat village, where a warm homestay meal and stories from the Lap community greet us.
Day8
Kamlat/Hawai
Rest day in Kamlat/Hawai as we spend time relaxing and enjoying local food and culture. Also, spare day in case of bad weather.
Day9
Drive from Hawai/Kamlat to Dibrugarh
Start our journey early morning to drive to Dibrugarh. Catch evening flight out of Dibrugarh.
Gallery
The Trail in Images
