Pakke is the hornbill capital of India. Four species of hornbill live in its forests in the foothills of the Arunachal Himalaya, and in the evenings you can watch them fly in to roost in huge numbers.
It’s also a great example of community conservation. The local Nyishi tribe, who once hunted hornbills for their beaks, now protect their nests through a nest adoption programme run with the Forest Department and conservation groups.
In this guide
Pakke quick facts
| Location | Pakke Kessang district, Arunachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Area | About 862 sq km |
| Established | Tiger reserve 2002 |
| Famous for | Hornbills, the community hornbill nest adoption programme |
| Best time | October to April |
| Nearest town | Seijosa |
| Safari types | Forest walks and drives |
Why visit Pakke?
Pakke is a must for birders and anyone interested in how people and wildlife can live together. Time your visit for January to catch the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival.Wildlife in Pakke
Pakke’s lowland and foothill forests are rich in birds and mammals.
Hornbills
Great, wreathed, oriental pied and rufous necked hornbills all live here.
Asian elephant
Elephants move between Pakke and the neighbouring Nameri National Park in Assam.
Primates
Capped langurs, rhesus and Assamese macaques.
Big cats
Tigers, leopards and clouded leopards are present but rarely seen.
Pakke safari zones
Visitors explore Pakke from the Seijosa side.
Seijosa
The main entry and base, on the banks of the Pakke river.
Tippi and Khari
Forest areas with good birding.
Pakke river
River edge habitat, great for birds and elephants.
Safari types and timings
Exploration is mostly on foot or by short drives with Forest Department guides. Evening watches at hornbill roost sites are a highlight.How to book a Pakke safari
Safari permits for Pakke are issued by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, with a fixed number of vehicles allowed in each zone and shift. You can also arrange entry directly with the Forest Department.
Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh and foreign visitors a Protected Area Permit. Entry to the reserve is arranged with the Forest Department at Seijosa.
If you’d rather not deal with portals, zone choices and timings yourself, we can plan the trip and apply for permits on your behalf, then arrange your stay, vehicle and guide. Government fees are charged at actuals and our service charges are listed separately in your quote, so you always know what you’re paying for. See our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh and foreign visitors a Protected Area Permit. Entry to the reserve is arranged with the Forest Department at Seijosa.
If you’d rather not deal with portals, zone choices and timings yourself, we can plan the trip and apply for permits on your behalf, then arrange your stay, vehicle and guide. Government fees are charged at actuals and our service charges are listed separately in your quote, so you always know what you’re paying for. See our Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Best time to visit Pakke
October to December
Clear and pleasant after the rains.
January to April
Hornbill nesting season and the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival in January.
May to September
Monsoon; access can be difficult.
How to reach Pakke
By air
Tezpur Airport is about 2 to 3 hours away; Guwahati is around 5 to 6 hours.
By train
Rangapara North and Tezpur are the nearest stations.
By road
Via Bhalukpong or Balipara, then on to Seijosa.
Where to stay near Pakke
Forest Department camps and community homestays around Seijosa.Suggested Pakke itinerary
Here’s a simple plan that works for most first time visitors. We’ll tailor it to your dates and interests.
- Day 1: Drive from Tezpur to Seijosa, evening at a hornbill roost.
- Day 2: Morning birding walk, afternoon by the Pakke river.
- Day 3: Visit a nest adoption village before heading to Nameri or Tawang.
Tips from our safari team
- Plan around the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival in January.
- Arrange your Arunachal permit before you travel.
- Combine with Nameri National Park across the border in Assam.
- Wear muted greens, browns or khaki, and skip perfume. Bright colours and strong smells can disturb animals.
- Carry your original photo ID. It must match the name on your permit.
- Keep your voice low and never ask the driver to go off the track or crowd an animal.
Pakke packages
Ready made trips you can book as they are or adjust to your dates. Prices are confirmed in a written, itemised quote.
Photos of Pakke
Pakke safari FAQs
How many hornbill species are in Pakke?
Four: great, wreathed, oriental pied and rufous necked hornbills.
What is the hornbill nest adoption programme?
A community programme where local people protect hornbill nests, supported by the Forest Department and conservation groups.
When is the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival?
It is usually held in January in Seijosa.
Do I need a permit to visit Pakke?
Yes. Indians need an Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh and foreigners a Protected Area Permit.
Is Eagle Safaris the official booking website for Pakke?
No. Eagle Safaris is a private travel company. Permits for Pakke are issued by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department. We plan your trip and can apply on your behalf, with our service charges shown separately.
