Nestled in the eastern Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, Pakke Tiger Reserve, also known as Pakhui, is a biodiverse jewel of Northeast India. Spanning over 861.95 sq. km, this forested landscape lies in the East Kameng district, bounded by the Jia-Bhoreli (Kameng) River to the north and west, the Pakke River to the east, and Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve of Assam to the south. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2002 under Project Tiger, Pakke plays a critical role in the conservation of tropical and sub-tropical Himalayan biodiversity.
Pakke forms part of the transitional zone between the Indian and Malayan eco-regions, giving rise to an exceptional diversity of flora and fauna. The landscape here is shaped by undulating hills, dense forests, and networks of perennial rivers and streams. Its habitats range from Tropical Wet Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests in the lowlands to Subtropical Broadleaf Hill Forests at higher elevations. The moist streamside vegetation supports lush bamboo, cane, palms, and tall grasses — perfect for sustaining wildlife across trophic levels.
Importantly, Pakke Tiger Reserve is also renowned for its rich avian life, particularly its four resident species of hornbills, which are key indicators of forest health. In fact, Pakke’s innovative Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme won the India Biodiversity Award in 2016 for the conservation of threatened species — a testimony to the community’s deep-rooted involvement in preserving these charismatic birds.
Together with adjacent protected areas like Nameri, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Eaglenest, and connections further into Kaziranga and Namdapha, Pakke forms a vital ecological corridor for megafauna like tigers and elephants, as well as endemic species of the Eastern Himalayas. More than a tiger reserve, Pakke is a living laboratory of co-existence — a place where biodiversity conservation, traditional knowledge, and eco-sensitive tourism come together in harmony.
Flora and Fauna of Pakke Tiger Reserve
Pakke Tiger Reserve boasts an exceptional level of biodiversity, nurtured by its diverse forest types and hilly terrain in the eastern Himalayan foothills. According to the Champion and Seth classification (1964), the dominant vegetation type here is the Assam Valley Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest, which merges with tropical evergreen and subtropical broadleaved hill forests at different altitudes, creating a rich mosaic of habitats.
The forests of Pakke are multi-storied and densely vegetated, with a remarkable abundance of epiphytic flora, woody lianas, and climbers. Prominent emergent tree species include Tetrameles nudiflora, Ailanthus grandis, and Altingia excelsa. The lower plains and foothills are dominated by trees such as Polyalthia simiarum, Pterospermum acerifolium, Sterculia alata, and Duabanga grandiflora, while higher reaches are characterized by Mesua ferrea, Castanopsis spp., and members of the Fagaceae and Lauraceae families.
Moist areas near streams support a profusion of bamboo, cane brakes, and palms, with eight species of bamboo and seven commercially important species of cane, including Livistona jenkinsiana. Riverbanks feature patches of tall grasslands, shingle beds, and isolated trees such as Bombax ceiba and Albizia species, transitioning into lowland moist forests with trees like Dillenia indica and Talauma hodgsonii.
The faunal wealth of Pakke is equally remarkable. As of recent records, the reserve harbors around 59 species of mammals, including 16 threatened species — six endangered and ten vulnerable. Flagship species such as the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) and Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) roam these forests, accompanied by a variety of co-predators like the leopard, clouded leopard, wild dog (dhole), and Himalayan black bear. Ungulates such as gaur, sambar, barking deer, and wild boar form the prey base for these predators.
Pakke is especially renowned for its rich avian life, with 296 species of birds recorded so far. The hornbills are the most celebrated, not just for their ecological role as seed dispersers but also for the community-led Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme, which earned the reserve the India Biodiversity Award in 2016.
In addition to birds and mammals, the reserve supports 36 species of reptiles, 31 amphibians, 30 species of fish, and over 500 species of butterflies, adding further vibrancy to this living ecosystem. With such a dense web of life thriving in its forests, Pakke Tiger Reserve stands out as one of India’s most biologically rich and ecologically significant protected areas.
Hornbills of Pakke Tiger Reserve
Pakke Tiger Reserve is a stronghold for hornbills in India, harbouring four magnificent species—the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus), Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris), and the Rufous-necked Hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), which is classified as Vulnerable. These charismatic birds are vital seed dispersers, playing a crucial ecological role in maintaining forest dynamics. Among the three commonly found species, the Great Pied Hornbill is the most abundant, followed by the Wreathed and Oriental Pied Hornbills. While Great Pied and Wreathed Hornbills are recorded across all habitat types in Pakke, the Oriental Pied Hornbill is typically seen only in semi-disturbed forests and plantations.
One of the unique features of Pakke is its numerous hornbill roosting sites, where up to 150 Wreathed Hornbills and nearly 100 Great Pied Hornbills have been recorded roosting together at a single location. These spectacular gatherings offer an awe-inspiring experience, attracting birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. The Reserve is also known for the innovative Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme, a community-led initiative that protects nesting trees and monitors breeding success. This programme has not only bolstered hornbill populations but also earned Pakke the India Biodiversity Award in 2016 for “Conservation of Threatened Species,” making it a model for avian conservation.
Other avian wonders of the Pakke Tiger Reserve
Beyond its famed hornbills, Pakke Tiger Reserve is a treasure trove of avian diversity, with 296 bird species documented by researchers such as Singh, Datta, and Pawar & Birand. The reserve hosts a rich variety of frugivorous and granivorous birds, including eight species of bulbuls (Pycnonotus), five myna species (Acridotheres), four types of green pigeons (Treron) along with the Mountain Imperial-pigeon (Ducula badia), four species of doves, four barbet species (Megalaima), and three species of parakeets (Psittacula and Loriculus). Additionally, sightings include broadbills, cuckoos, the Red-headed Trogon (Harpactes erythrocephalus), leafbirds, Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella), orioles, and flowerpeckers.
Pakke is particularly rich in biome-representative species. The reserve boasts 13 species of woodpeckers, nine species of doves and pigeons, and an astounding 72 species of Muscicapidae—a bird family for which Northeast India is renowned. The reserve’s altitudinal range from 100 m to 2,000 m contributes to this diversity, supporting species from different biomes—from the Ibisbill (Ibidorhyncha struthersii) and Tickell’s Warbler (Phylloscopus affinis) of the Eurasian high montane forests (Biome 5) to species like the Grey Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) and Black-backed Forktail (Enicurus maculatus) of the Indo-Chinese tropical moist forests (Biome 7).
Pakke is also noted for its raptor diversity, with 17 species of birds of prey, including the rare Pallas’s Fish-eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus). Other rarely seen species such as the Green Cochoa (Cochoa viridis) and Elwes’s or Black-tailed Crake (Porzana bicolor) have also been recorded. Notably, Pakke is part of the Eastern Himalaya Endemic Bird Area (EBA 130), and out of 21 restricted-range species recorded for India in this EBA, seven have been observed in the reserve. Though the White-winged Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) has been reported here, it is more commonly found in neighboring Nameri National Park.
Altogether, Pakke is a paradise for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike, offering sightings of both common beauties and elusive rarities. You may also like our blog on Hornbills in India: The 9 Hornbills of India: The Winged Gardeners of the Forest.
The Local Community in and around Pakke Tiger Reserve
The Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) is not only a haven for hornbills and other avian wonders, but also a vibrant hub of tribal culture and conservation-oriented community engagement. The Nyishi tribe, the primary indigenous community residing around PTR, plays a pivotal role in both protecting the forest and celebrating its natural heritage.
One of the most remarkable initiatives reflecting this synergy is the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF)—a community-led conservation festival organized annually at Seijosa in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. “Paga” means hornbill in the local dialect, and the festival, first held in 2015, celebrates the deep cultural and ecological bond between the Nyishi people and hornbills, especially the Great Pied Hornbill, which they revere.
The festival, usually held in January, aims to promote conservation awareness, sustainable tourism, and tribal heritage through traditional music, dance, food, and storytelling. It brings together government bodies, NGOs, forest officials, and locals in a collaborative platform to showcase eco-friendly practices and the Nyishi tribe’s successful transition from hunting to conservation. Historically, hornbill beaks were used in traditional headgear, but thanks to conservation education and alternative materials, the community has now embraced fiber replicas and actively protects nesting sites.
Beyond PPHF, local festivals such as Nyokum Yullo (celebrated by the Nyishi every 24–27 February), Mopin (by the Adi tribe in April), and Chindang (by the Miji tribe in October) offer immersive experiences into the agricultural rituals and social customs of the region. These festivals often feature the ceremonial sacrifice of the mithun (a semi-wild bovid revered for its cultural and economic value), traditional performances, and communal feasts.
Handicrafts, too, are central to local life, with finely crafted items like oryoks (carry knives), galles (skirts), naraa (men’s cane bags), igin (women’s baskets), and dharees (bamboo mats), showcasing the artistry and sustainable lifestyle of the Nyishi people.
Together, the vibrant tribal culture and the conservation ethos of PTR make it a unique destination where wildlife, tradition, and community empowerment come together in harmony.
Best Season to Visit Pakke Tiger Reserve
The ideal time to visit Pakke Tiger Reserve is between November and April, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent. During these months, bird activity is at its peak—especially hornbill movements—making it a prime time for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The monsoon (June to September) should be avoided, as heavy rains can make forest roads inaccessible and increase the risk of landslides.
Did you know: There are 12 Stunning Types of Kingfishers in India.
How to Reach Pakke Tiger Reserve
Pakke Tiger Reserve is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, near the Assam border, with Seijosa as its main entry point. It is well-connected by road and accessible via air and rail through Assam.
By Air
- Tezpur Airport (Salonibari Airport) in Assam is the nearest airport, about 60 km from Seijosa.
- Guwahati International Airport, approximately 225 km from Seijosa, is better connected to major Indian cities. From Guwahati, one can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Seijosa.
By Train
- The nearest major railway station is Tezpur Railway Station (60 km), though it has limited connectivity.
- Guwahati Railway Station, about 225 km away, is a better alternative with connections to major Indian cities. From Guwahati, one can continue by road to Seijosa.
By Road
- From Tezpur: Take a shared taxi or private vehicle to Seijosa via Bhalukpong and Pakke Kessang.
- From Guwahati: The route goes through Tezpur – Bhalukpong – Tipi – Seijosa, covering about 225 km and taking approximately 6–7 hours.
- From Itanagar: Seijosa is around 180 km and accessible by private vehicle or shared taxis via Doimukh and Bhalukpong.
Travelers entering Arunachal Pradesh will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained online or from designated offices in major cities like Guwahati, Tezpur, or Itanagar.
Conclusion
Pakke Tiger Reserve stands as a remarkable example of how conservation and community can thrive together. Its lush forests, alive with the wingbeats of hornbills and a dazzling array of other birdlife, offer an unforgettable experience for birdwatchers, naturalists, and ecotourists alike. But beyond its avian wonders, Pakke is a model of inclusive conservation, where the indigenous Nyishi community has transitioned from hunting traditions to becoming stewards of the forest.
Festivals like the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival not only celebrate the deep cultural ties between people and wildlife but also serve as powerful platforms for awareness and sustainable tourism. As one explores the roosting hornbills at dusk, the calls of rare birds echoing through the canopy, or the intricate weaves of a cane basket, it becomes clear that Pakke is not just a sanctuary for biodiversity—it is a living, breathing landscape of harmony between nature and people.
