Yingkiong is the administrative headquarters of Upper Siong district. It is situated on the left bank of the Siang river, from which the district derived its name. Yingkiong in Arunachal Pradesh is an updated town with all the modern facilities like connectivity, telephone and Internet facilities.
About Yingkiong :
- Yingkiong, a beautiful town, is situated in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 200 metres, the destination is known for its natural beauty. The destination also serves as the district headquarters of Upper Siang District. This district is situated along the left bank of the River Siang, from which it has derived its name.
- The history of the district dates back to the time when the state of Arunachal Pradesh was an independent area. During this time, the state was not under any administrative control and it continued till the Anglo-Burmese war, which extended from 1826 to 1861. During the same time period, the state was declared as a conquered territory by the British.
- The Upper Siang District is inhabited by four main tribes namely, Adi, Khamba, Mishmis and Memba. The Adis and Mishmis are the tribes who believe in the sun and the moon, while the other two tribes are Mahayana Buddhists.
- Owing to the different beliefs of different tribes, the district presents a diverse culture, which is prominent in their dances, dresses and festivals celebrated. Ponung, Roja and Broh Dance are some of the prominent dances of the region.
- Apart from its rich culture, the town of Yingkiong is flocked by tourists for its famous Mouling National Park. This national park is home to the white-feathered wild duck, the clouded leopard and a variety of deer, which can be seen in this park. Furthermore, the Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary near the Pasighat-Jengging-Yingkiong tour route, is another attraction of the place.
- Yingkiong also attracts adventure enthusiasts as it offers opportunities to indulge in trekking. One of the famous trekking routes commences from the town of Pasighat, passes through Jengging and finally terminates at Yingkiong.
- The town of Yingkiong can be reached via flights, which can be boarded to Dibrugarh Airport in Assam, the nearest airport. Furthermore, the town can also be reached by boarding trains to Dibrugarh Town Railway Station. Yingkiong is also connected to other cities within Arunachal Pradesh via buses.
- The best time to visit Yingkiong is during the winter season, which extends from October till February.
Attractions Of Yingkiong In Arunachal Pradesh :
Yingkiong is the district headquarters of Upper Siang district and a beautiful tourist destination of Arunachal and also a worthy adventure activities place.
The area is inhabited by the Adi, Khamba, Idu Mishmi and Memba tribes. The Adis and Mishmis tribes believe in the sun and the moon as their God and the other two tribes are Mahayana Buddhists. Yingkiong has diversified culture as the locals have their own beliefs and traditions.
Agriculture is the main occupation of locals and the main crops of the area are Paddy, Maize, Millet, etc. Fruits like Orange, Pineapple, Guava, Banana, etc. are also grown here.
Yingkiong is an important city of Upper Siang. Infrastructural facilities like hospital, health center, and educational institutions are majorly located in Yingkiong
Yingkiong is located in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of about 550 km from the state capital Itanagar.
Yingkiong is located at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level and its geographical coordinates are 28.61037°N and 95.047531°E.
The Upper Siang district is bounded byChina (Tibet) in the North, East Siang District in the South, Dibang Valley in the East and West Siang District in the West. The Siang, Yamne, Nyigong rivers flow through the district.
History :
The history of Yinkiong can be associated with the history of its district, Upper Siang. The entire area was independent for centuries. It was inhabited by the tribes who had their own administration.
In the 18th century, the British entered the area and began to establish their rule. During this time the area faced the Anglo-Burmese warfrom 1826 to 1861. After the war, the area was seized by the British and they established their rule. The British did not focus much on the development of the tribes.
Post-independence in 1948, the territories around Upper Siang were bifurcated into two separate areas called Abor Hills District and Mishmi Hills District.
In 1965, these were named as Siang district together. In 1980, the Siang District was again bifurcated into East Siang and West Siang districts. Finally, in 1994, Upper Siang district was carved-out of East Siang district with its headquarters at Yingkiong.
Tribes, British are the prominent rulers
Yingkiong is famous for its splendid scenic beauty.
How To Reach Yingkiong :
Yingkiong by Air : The nearest airport to Yingkiong is Dibrugarh Airport in Assam which is about 280 Km away.
The nearest international airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, located at a distance of around 680km from Yingkiong.
There is a helicopter service from Guwahati to Naharlagun (Itanagar)and Guwahati to Yingkiong via Pasighat. The service to Yingkiong is offered every Wednesday morning.
From the airport or the helipad, tourists can hire a taxi / cab to reach the city. Plenty of private and government buses are also available.
Yingkiong by Rail : The nearest railway station is Murkongselek railway station is about 155 km from Yingkiong.
The Dibrugarh Station in Assam is260 km from Yingkiong. The station is served by Arunachal Express.
The From the railway station, tourists can hire a taxi / cab to reach the city. Plenty of private and government buses are also available.
Yingkiong by Road : Yingkiong iswell connected by roads to the other cities of the state and to Assam. The roads are not very well maintained and hence it is advised to have a sturdy vehicle like a Gypsy, jeep, Innova, Sumo etc.
The best way to reach Yingkiong is to reach either Pasighat or Along by a bus or cab and then come to Yingkiong by a private vehicle.