Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang)- 26th Oct – 31st Oct 2024

Popularly known as ‘Land of the Dawn-lit-Mountains’, Arunachal Pradesh is India’s remotest state and the first Indian soil to greet the rising sun. The state is situated in the great Himalayan ranges with height ranging from 900 ft to 14000 ft height at Sela Pass. Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with breath takingly beautiful hilly terrains; deep gorges beautiful valleys and plateaus, dense and lush green forests with unique varieties of flora and fauna.

Arunachal has become full-fledged State on February 20, 1987. Till 1972, it was known as the North- East Frontier Agency (NEFA) . It gained the Union Territory status on January 20, 1972 and renamed as Arunachal Pradesh.  Arunachal’s cultural lifestyle is dominated by colourful festivals. Since agriculture is the mainstay here so people generally celebrate festivals as a mark of thanksgiving to the Almighty for giving them a good harvest. These festivals also showcase the artistic skills of the various tribes.

Tawang:
Tawang is a high altitude town located in the lap of the mighty Himalayas which offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. Since the town boasts an elevation of 10,000 feet, it is a paradise for any mountain lover looking for high altitude places to visit Arunachal Pradesh. The picturesque town is replete with numerous tourist attractions like vibrant Buddhist monasteries, high altitude passes, war memorial and scenic lakes which make it an enticing holiday destination. Among the most important tourist attractions, Tawang proudly cradles are the largest monastery in India and Tawang War Memorial built to commemorate the martyrdom of soldiers who laid down their lives in Sino-Indian war.

Sela Pass:
Sela Pass is a mountain pass which enjoys an elevation of 13,700 feet. Snow covers this pass all year round and it remains open for the tourists during all seasons. This pass is considered sacred by Buddhists, and it is believed that there are 101 lakes around it. The fame of the pass is also attributed to the divine high altitude Sela Lake or often known as the Paradise Lake that adds grace to the picturesqueness of the place. Sela Lake freezes during the winter which makes this lake dreamlike. During the ride through this pass you will get the glimpse of the mighty snow-clad Eastern Himalayas and this ride will surely leave you spellbound. Sela Pass, without a doubt, is one of the best tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh.

Bomdila:
Away from the chaos of the city, Bomdila is a remote quaint town which gives you a glimpse of the unique culture and tradition. Enjoy the natural splendour of this town set amidst the snow-laden hills and vibrant landscape, lush green valley and apple orchards. Some of the places to visit here are Bomdila Monastery, Sissa Orchid Sanctuary, Gompas, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Bomdila View Point and much more. Bomdila gives you an opportunity to explore the wildlife, culture and tradition and the beauty of nature at a single place. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh.

Dirang:
A popular destination among all types of tourists, especially backpackers, Dirang is a small town in the West Kameng District with big surprises to offer. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet, which ensures a pleasant weather throughout the year. During a visit to Dirang, in addition to breathtaking valley views, you will also get to learn about various tribes that live here and experience their unique cultures. Some of the must-visit places here are Dirang Dzong, hot water spring, Sangti Valley, Yak Research Centre, and Kalachakra Gompa.

Bumla Pass:
Bumla Pass is a high altitude pass situated at the Indo-China border, claiming an elevation of 15,200 feet above the sea level. If you are fond of snow, you must know that thick blankets of snow cover this place throughout the year, making it appear surreal. Visiting Bumla Pass also gives you an opportunity to witness one of the four Indo-China Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points. Besides, the place features a high altitude lake, Sangestar Tso which is a sight to behold. If you are in Arunachal Pradesh, exploring Bumla Pass deserves to be a part of your itinerary.

Madhuri Lake:
Located at an elevation of approximately 15,200 feet above the sea level, Madhuri Lake is an exemplifying example of nature’s artistry. The lake lies on the way to Bum La Pass from Tawang near Indo-China border. The original name of the lake is Sangestar Tso, but it became popular as Madhuri Lake after a scene from Madhuri Dixit’s movie, Koyla was shot here. Seeing this divine lake cradled between snow-laden mountains will become the high point of your Arunachal Pradesh visit. You can take a walk, click photographs, and relish snacks to enjoy the beauty of this lake.

ITINERARY

Day 1  – Arrival at Guwahati & proceed to Dirang, Stay: Dirang

Arrival at 11 am at Guwahati Airport and transfer to Dirang. Enroute enjoy breathtaking beauty of Kameng River. Check-in and night stay at Dirang.

Day 2 – Dirang – Tawang, Stay: Tawang

Morning after breakfast drive to Tawang. Enroute visit Hot Spring, Sela Pass, Jaswantgarh war memorial. Check-in hotel and overnight stay in a hotel at Tawang.

Day 3 – Tawang – Bumla Pass – Tawang, Stay: Tawang

Morning after breakfast visit Panga Teng Tso lake, Bumla Pass (Indo-China Border) subject to open, Shonga-tser Lake (Madhuri Lake). Overnight stay in a hotel at Tawang.

Day 4 – Tawang – Bomdila, Stay: Bomdila

Morning after breakfast visit, Tawang Monastery (Garden Namgyel Lhatse) & Tawang War Memorial. Later drive to Bomdila. Check-in and overnight stay in a hotel at Bomdila.

Day 5 – Bomdila – Guwahati, Stay: Guwahati

Morning after breakfast visit Bomdila Monastery. Later drive to Guwahati. Enroute visit Orchid research center at Tippi. Overnight stay at Guwahati.

Day 6 – Departure Guwahati

Early morning at 3 AM, proceed for Maa Kamakhya Temple. After Darshan come back to hotel and after breakfast at 9 AM, check-out and drop at Guwahati airport by 2 pm.

Note: Book your flight tickets after 4 PM.