Pakke Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Pakke Tiger Reserve, also known as Pakhui Tiger Reserve, is located in Arunachal Pradesh within the Eastern Himalayan foothills. Notified as a Tiger Reserve in 1999–2000, it forms a vital transboundary conservation landscape with Nameri Tiger Reserve in Assam and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and pioneering community-based hornbill conservation.

Quick Facts

Particular	Details
State	Arunachal Pradesh
District	East Kameng
Tiger Reserve Notification	1999–2000
Total Area	1,198.45 sq km
Core Area	683.45 sq km
Buffer Area	515.00 sq km
Landscape	Eastern Himalayan Foothills
Forest Types	Tropical Evergreen, Semi-evergreen and Subtropical Broadleaf Forests
Major Rivers	Pakke, Bhareli (Kameng) and tributary streams
Best Time to Visit	November to April

Location

The reserve lies in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and borders Nameri Tiger Reserve in Assam.

History

Originally established as Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, it was brought under Project Tiger in 1999–2000 and renamed Pakke Tiger Reserve.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

The reserve covers about 1,198.45 sq km, comprising rugged hills, river valleys and dense evergreen forests ranging from about 150 to over 2,000 metres in elevation.

Flora

The vegetation includes hollong, nahor, mesua, cane, bamboo, orchids, tree ferns and numerous endemic Himalayan plant species.

Fauna

Pakke supports Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Dhole, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Capped Langur, Hoolock Gibbon, Himalayan Black Bear and more than 300 bird species, including four hornbill species.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The Pakke River, the Bhareli (Kameng) River and numerous perennial streams sustain the reserve’s ecosystems.

Other Attractions

Hornbill watching, birding, nature trails, river landscapes and community-led eco-tourism are major attractions.

Weather & Climate

Summers are warm and humid, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall and winters are cool and pleasant.

How to Reach

Nearest airport: Tezpur (Assam). Nearest railway station: Rangapara North. The reserve is accessible by road via Bhalukpong and Seijosa.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is the preferred period for wildlife viewing.

Accommodation

Forest Department inspection bungalows and eco-camps are available at designated tourism locations with prior booking.

Conservation Highlights

Pakke is internationally recognised for the Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme, strong community participation, anti-poaching initiatives and protection of an important tiger-elephant landscape.

Visitor Tips

Carry binoculars, wear muted colours, avoid plastic waste and follow Forest Department instructions.

Did You Know?

• Pakke is famous for its Hornbill Nest Adoption Programme.
• It forms a continuous forest landscape with Nameri Tiger Reserve.
• Four hornbill species are found in the reserve.

Last Updated

July 2026