Dirang Boutique Cottages is one of the most interesting new properties in Arunachal. Located on the banks of a hilly river, it reminded me of some of those properties in Himachal (Tirthan etc). While they are common in those regions, in the Northeast, I have rarely come across such a property. As you know, Dirang is a perfect place to break your journey if you are going to Tawang while it has a lot of attractions on its own. So, this makes the property a very ideal place for a quick halt, as well as a longer stay in case you want.
You need to cross a hanging bridge to reach the property.
Table of Contents
Resort or Homestay or Farmstay?
All of these terms can be used for Dirang Boutique Cottages. It has been developed as a riverside resort with better facilities than the usual budget options. However, it is also mostly run by family members and other locals of Dirang, thus giving the feel of a homestay. So, it is the perfect blend of a boutique cottage and a homestay, offering the best of both worlds. Also, they try to grow most of their vegetables and fruits in their backyard including kiwis and oranges. So, in a way, it can give you the experience of a farmstay too.
Dining Hall
Location
Dirang Boutique Cottages is located a couple of KMs before the main Dirang Town. If you are coming from Bomdila, you will see the cottages from the highway on the other side of the river on the right side. You will have to leave the highway and take the small road going down towards the river to reach the hanging bridge.
As of now, Dirang Boutique Cottages has four aesthetically designed stone cottages. The dining room and the kitchen are located in a separate larger house. You have to cross a hanging bridge over the Dirang Chu river to reach the property (Your vehicles will remain on the other side). The courtyard is systematically lined with orange trees which were actually laden with fruit when I visited. The kitchen has modern facilities but there is also a traditional fireplace around which the guests can gather on cold nights.
Additional attractions
Rooms
There are three cottages. Every cottage has two rooms. Every room has two beds and an attached bathroom, fitted with the basic amenities, a flatscreen TV, cupboard among other things. It tends to get very cold at night though and in that case, you can also ask for a room heater.
Inside the cottage room
Food
The food was excellent throughout my stay. They can provide both local cuisines, as well as mainstream Indian food as required. As mentioned above, they mostly use stuff grown in their own backyard. They practice organic farming, which makes adds another feather to the cap.
Fresh Kiwis plucked from the backyard for breakfast
Local Activities
Dirang has many things to do (Will write a separate post in Dirang). The iconic Dirang Dzong, the 9th-century citadel turned village, is very near to the Dirang Boutique Cottages. Apart from that, the town of Dirang has the monastery and a few other attractions while you can always take a detour to the likes of Sangti Valley, Mandla, Eagle’s Nest, etc. apart from of course moving on to Tawang. Ask them about what you can do out there and they can arrange tours for you. Also, you can ask for local cultural experiences. For example, we were given a momo-making session, although I could not pull-off a single one.
The team at DBC
Price Range
The standard price is a bit higher but as of now, an offer price of INR 2400 is going on. The price is for one cottage, which fits two people. It comes with complimentary breakfast.
How to Book Dirang Boutique Cottages?
As of now, it has not been made available on any of the usual booking platforms. The only way to book it is to call them directly in the given number.
