About Namdapha National Park
Namdapha National Park is India's largest protected area in the Eastern Himalayas, located near Miao in Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh. Established as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972 and declared a National Park and Tiger Reserve in 1983, it covers 1,985 sq km between 200m and 4,571m altitude. Notable for exceptional biodiversity, it is the only park in the world to shelter four big cat species and harbours diverse flora, fauna and tribal habitats.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a vast, remote wilderness ranging from lowland tropical rainforest along the Noa-Dihing River to broadleaf forests, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks of Dapha Bum. Access is via Miao with entry at Deban. Exploration is on foot with mandatory guides along forest trails, riverbanks and campsites like Hornbill, Deban and Firmbase. Sightings include diverse birds, butterflies, primates and, rarely, large mammals. Facilities are basic forest rest houses and camps with limited connectivity.
Key highlights
- 01
Largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot covering 1,985 sq km
- 02
Only park in the world known to host four big cat species - Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Clouded Leopard
- 03
Altitudinal range from 200m to 4,571m at Dapha Bum creating tropical to alpine habitats
- 04
Rich biodiversity with over 1,000 floral and 1,400 faunal species including Hoolock Gibbon and Namdapha Flying Squirrel
- 05
Pristine Noa-Dihing River and dense evergreen rainforest with trekking routes to Deban, Hornbill and Firmbase
History of Namdapha National Park
Originally declared as Namdapha Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, notified as a National Park in 1983 and simultaneously declared as Namdapha Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1983. With an area of 1,985 sq km, it is the largest National Park in Northeast India and recognized for its biogeographical significance at the junction of Indo-Malayan and Palearctic regions.
Culture & Context
The park and its buffer area are home to indigenous communities including Lisu (Yobin), Chakma, Tangsa and Singpho tribes who have traditionally lived in and around the forest. The Miao Mini Zoo and local villages reflect tribal culture, traditional knowledge of forest resources and coexistence with the protected landscape.