How many tribes in Arunachal Pradesh? The real answer
26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes is the common figure. Here is what sits behind it.
Arunachal Pradesh is commonly said to have 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes, with around 50 languages. It is the most widely quoted answer, and it is a good working figure rather than a numbered list.
How many tribes in Arunachal Pradesh?
The figure you will see in books, official speeches and travel writing is 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes. Treat it as a description of the state's diversity. The Scheduled Tribes order covers all tribes of the state and names only some of them, so the exact list is not a single tidy table. If a source gives you a different number, that is why.
The main tribes and where they live
| Area | Main groups | Faith and traditions |
|---|---|---|
| West (Tawang, West Kameng) | Monpa, Sherdukpen, Aka, Miji | Mahayana Buddhism in the Monpa and Sherdukpen areas |
| Centre and Siang valley | Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, Tagin, Adi, Memba, Khamba | Donyi-Polo, the worship of the sun and moon; Buddhism among the Memba and Khamba around Mechuka |
| East | Mishmi (Idu, Digaru, Miju), Khamti, Singpho | Animist traditions, and Buddhism among the Khamti and Singpho |
| South-east | Nocte, Wancho, Tangsa | Long-standing traditions and Naga-linked customs |
The Nyishi are generally described as the largest group. The Mishmi are usually divided into three sub-tribes: Idu, Digaru and Miju.
Festivals that show the differences
- Losar (Monpa areas, February or March): Tibetan new year in Tawang, Dirang and Bomdila.
- Nyokum (Nyishi, February): a harvest and prosperity festival.
- Mopin (Galo, April): a festival for a good harvest.
- Dree (Apatani, July): a farming festival in Ziro.
- Solung (Adi, September): a harvest festival in Pasighat.
Dates move with the calendar, so confirm them before you book. The best-time guide has a festival calendar.
How to meet the tribes respectfully
Stay in a homestay. In Ziro you can spend a night with an Apatani family, and in the west you can visit Monpa villages near Dirang. Ask before photographing people, and treat ceremonies as events to observe quietly, not stages. Read the travel guidelines for etiquette.
Where to go for tribal culture
Ziro Valley is the easiest introduction, Tawang and Dirang show Monpa Buddhist life, and Mechuka and the east are deeper and less visited. See also why Arunachal Pradesh is famous.
Related guides
- Why Arunachal Pradesh is famous: what it is known for
- Arunachal visit best time: pick your month by what you want to see
- How to tour Arunachal Pradesh: a step-by-step plan
Further reading
Independent sources, if you want a second opinion before you book:
- Demographics of Arunachal Pradesh on Wikipedia — population, languages and tribes
- Arunachal Pradesh on Wikipedia — history, geography and demographics of the state
- Arunachal Pradesh Tourism — the state's official tourism site, which also notes the ILP and PAP requirements
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Frequently asked questions
How many tribes in Arunachal Pradesh?
The common figure is 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes.
Which is the largest tribe in Arunachal Pradesh?
The Nyishi are generally described as the largest group.
What are the main tribes in Arunachal Pradesh?
Adi, Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, Tagin, Monpa, Mishmi, Khamti, Singpho, Nocte, Wancho and Tangsa are among the best known.
What religion do the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh follow?
It varies. The Monpa and Sherdukpen follow Mahayana Buddhism, many groups in the centre follow Donyi-Polo, and the Khamti and Singpho follow Buddhism.