Thursday, August 22, 2024 The Department of Tourism’s “Expedition: Independent Lumta” showcased the untapped beauty of Pakke Kessang to Draa, highlighting the region’s tourism potential. The Department of Tourism recently organized a three-day expedition titled “Expedition: Independent Lumta” from August 17 to 19, offering participants a unique journey from Pakke Kessang to Draa. The expedition highlighted the region’s untapped natural beauty and potential for tourism development.
A 27-member team, led by Hilot Mugli, the in-charge district tourism officer for Pakke Kessang, comprised a diverse group of professionals, including birding guide Dorjee Bachung, tour operators Lawrence Koj (MD, Border Trek and Services, Itanagar) and Michi Tajo (MD, Northeast Holiday Tours and Travel, Ziro), Arunachal Photography Club member Nabam Katung, wildlife photographers, Lemmi Circle Officer Jina Bagang, and a group of enthusiastic anglers. The expedition yielded significant discoveries, particularly for the birding community. Participants spotted 28 different bird species, many of which are rare, including Blyth’s Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Crested Kingfisher, Red-headed Trogon, Slaty-backed Forktail, Bar-winged Flycatchershrike, and the Common Green Magpie.
Anglers promoted the practice of catch and release, while tour operators expressed optimism about the region’s potential to attract future tourists. In a noteworthy development for local tourism, the only house in Lumta village has been officially converted into a homestay. The seven-member family residing there has received training in hospitality and tourism, marking a new chapter for the remote village.
Lumta, with only seven registered voters, has become a favored assignment for poll officials who willingly walk three hours through the village’s pristine natural environment, characterized by rivers and lush vegetation, due to the lack of motorable roads. DTO Mugli expressed gratitude to the forest department for clearing the trekking route. He also clarified that while the recent expedition extended to Draa, the Department of Tourism will not take future tourists or nature enthusiasts to Draa, as it lies within the core zone of the Pakke Tiger Reserve Forest.
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