ITANAGAR/NAMSAI, April 7: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today flagged off the ‘Trans-Arunachal Drive 2021’ from Golden Pagoda in Namsai district. The event is organized by the Department of Tourism, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh as part of its “Dekho Apna Pradesh” campaign to promote tourism in the State.

The 12-day drive along the Trans-Arunachal Highway from Namsai to Tawang will pass through the diverse cultural landscape of the State. It will also touch remote locations like Dong and Geku. The drive will culminate on April 18 next at Tawang.

“The much awaited #TransArunachalDrive2021 flagged off today from #Namsai! The 12-day drive along the #TransArunachalHighway from Namsai to #Tawang will pass through diverse cultural landscape. This event will portray Arunachal as a major driving destination and of tourism,” Khandu tweeted.

Journalists, bloggers and tour operators are taking part in the iconic road trip being powered by Mahindra Adventure. It is expected to offer a chance to experience the ‘Unexplored Paradise’ i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, in the most unique way possible, said an official release here.

Welcoming all participants, Khandu hoped that at the end of the trip, they will have a positive outlook of the State and understand its potential in the tourism sector. “Once you go back, I believe, you will carry pleasant memories and unforgettable experiences and become ambassadors of Arunachal Pradesh in your respective fields,” he said.

“This adventurous event will put forward Arunachal as a major driving destination,” Khandu expressed optimism, while extending thankfulness to ‘Miss World Japan 2016’ Priyanka Yoshikawa and top business leaders representing JK Tyre and Mahindra Adventure who are taking part in the trip.

Being managed by Motorsports Club of Arunachal, the event is undertaken by Mahindra Adventure with specially prepared adventure vehicles with service along with JK Tyre & Industries Ltd and a host of other associate sponsors.

“We hope to bring the tourism industry back on its feet after the unprecedented 2020. We hope to provide a memorable experience to the members as they discover the boundless cultural steams in a giant patch of unexplored green on the country’s map. The entire State is a perfect ground for adventure sports and has emerged as the favourite driving destination of the Northeast region of India. With travellers joining us from different states of the country, we have ensured strict measures to guarantee a healthy and safe stay,” Khandu said.

The one-of-a-kind expedition will traverse from the high altitudes of the Himalayas cutting across the entire length of the state of Arunachal to the sub-tropical forests. Through the drive, the enthusiasts would witness a confluence of the country’s first sun rays, pristine scenery, an array of flora and fauna, beautiful monasteries, along tribal culture and tradition.

The Trans-Arunachal Highway, also called NH-13, is a two-lane highway project extending from Tawang in western part of the State to Kanubari in the east covering 1,559 km. The highway connects the district headquarters and other important places and help greatly in reducing the isolation of the people of the State. There is no other road in the entire country that can match the beauty, landscape, road condition, and wilderness of the Trans-Arunachal Highway.

Propagating a safe environment, the trip is being conducted with a series of stringent safety protocols in line with the government mandate.

Host of dignitaries including Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Tourism Minister Nakap Nalo, Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and legislators Chow Zignu Namchoom, Laisam Simai, Jikke Tako, Hayang Mangfi, Ojing Tasing and Kumsi Sidisow were present during the flag-off ceremony at Namsai’s iconic landmark, the Kongmu Kham or the Golden Pagoda.