Arunachal Pradesh once the hidden land is now one of the favourite destination for many tourist. Arunachal Pradesh is heaven on the earth for its unique and diverse cultural heritage of the ethnic communities. It is the land of mysterious nature where God has forgotten time. The land of dawn-lit mountains, Arunachal Pradesh is also known as the Orchid State of India and it is the paradise for Botanists.
Arunachal Pradesh is comprises two divisions i.e. East & West. Between these two, West Part, mainly Tawang District is most popular destination among the tourist. Tawang is the place to go for monasteries, with the Tawang Monastery being the most popular one and extremely sacred for the Buddhists. Tawang is a place which will flatter you with its natural beauty wrapped in the scent of spirituality. Along with this one can have their taste buds to have an experience of Tawang by indulging into the area's unique cuisine.
Guwahati is the entrance door of Tawang. So, here we will discuss about a 9 nights 10 days plan for visiting Tawang which starts and ends at Guwahati. At the bottom of this write-up, you will also get some of the hotel’s contact number for your ready reference.
9 nights 10 days Tawang Itinerary :
Today after reaching Guwahati, you can directly proceed for Bhalukpong. Bhalukpong is the gateway to Tawang. It is 241 KM from Guwahati. So, it will take approximately 5.5 hr to reach Bhalukpong from Guwahati. Therefore, you have to start from Guwahati as early as possible. If you have extra days in your hand then you can do one thing. On previous day after reaching Guwahati, you can proceed for Tezpur. So, on Day 1 you can start for Bhalukpong from Tezpur as Bhalukpong is only approximately 60 km from Tezpur. Also you will have enough time to explore Bhalukpong. The Inner Line check post is located at Bhalukpong where your ILP will be verified. Bhalukpong lies on the banks of the mighty Kameng river and borders along the dense forests that form the periphery of the Pakhui Game Sanctuary. Night stay at Bhalukpong.
Day 2 : Bomdila :
After your breakfast, you can proceed for Bomdila. Enroute, first you can stop at Tipi Orchid Sanctuary. Arunachal Pradesh boasts of having the largest orchid ranges in India and Tipi in this part of the world adds value to the claim. It has over 50000 orchid varieties including some rarest species. New hybrid varieties are created by the scientists in the orchid research center here. Orchid Glass House in the center has over 1000 orchids, out of which most are arranged in hanging baskets and pots. It will approximately take 4.5 hr to reach Bomdila after visit Tipi. Bomdila is a photographer’s delight, as the snow-capped mountain ranges of Himalayas offer spectacular views. After check-in to the hotel take your lunch. In the second half you can visit Bomdila monastery, Upper Gompa, Middle Gompa and Lower Gompa. Night stay at Bomdila.
Day 3 : Bomdila (Optional) :
This is an optional day. So if you have extra days in your hand, you can spend otherwise, you can go to Tawang as per day 4. But one thing we can assure that you will enjoy a lot if you stay one extra day at Bomdila. Today, after breakfast you can go to Thembang Village which is approximately 55 KM from Bomdila. It is a host to several ancient and historical structures and has drawn the maximum attention for the fortified Dzong constructed using traditional technology of the region. Due to the richness of heritage structures found in the village, locals consider the village of Thembang itself as a monument. Thembang Dzong village is tentatively listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As the village is located on hill top, from the village one can enjoy the view of the Dirang River flowing down below, roads from Bomdila to Dirang and ranges of mountains of different colour. After spending time at the village, you can return back to Bomdila for Lunch. After lunch you can visit Chillipam Monastery. It is the only monastery built by Chinese architect. This beautiful monastery is on a hillock near to Rupa town. Night stay at Bomdila.
Today you will reach Tawang. This beautiful town is surrounded by high hills, the glimpses view of Tawang Monastery can be seen all over the town. Bomdila to Tawang is almost 180 KM and it will take around 6 hr. Enroute you will first stop at Sela Pass. The elevation of this place is nearly 13,700 ft. The pass supports scarce amounts of vegetation and is usually snow-covered to some extent throughout the year. Sela Lake, near the summit of the pass, is one of approximately 101 lakes in the area that are sacred in Tibetan Buddhism. Next you can stop at Jaswant Garh War memorial and Nuranang or Jung waterfalls. You will reach Tawang in the Afternoon. After reaching there take rest or stroll around the market. Night stay at Tawang.
Day 5 : Tawang
After taking your breakfast, you can proceed for Tawang Sightseeing. Before starting your day, you must arrange for a local cab which will take you to Madhuri Lake and Bumla Pass on the next day. Because for visiting Bumla Pass, you need permission. After that you can start your day with Tawang Monastery. This is the second largest monastery in Asia and the largest in India. One of the most prominent attractions in the monastery houses is the massive statue of Lord Buddha which is 8 meters in height. Followers of Buddhism attach high importance to Tawang Monastery, as it is a centre where young Buddhist monks learn about the essence of Buddhist culture. The amazing collection of manuscripts, books and other artefacts in the monastery increases its value. After that, you can go to Gyangong Ani Gompa. The Nunnery is located on top of a beautiful hillock about 5 km away in the north of Tawang. To reach there, you have to take Rope way. Now you can go to the Giant Buddha Statue. The story of the life of Buddha is depicted on the walls inside the prayer room underneath the statue. After that you can take your lunch and in the second half first you can go to Urgeyling Gompa. The road towards this Gompa is awesome. It is the birth place of 6th Dalai Lama. The Urgelling Gompa is a modest but colourful gompa hidden by old trees. Then you can go to Tawang War Memorial. You must not miss the Light and Sound show here. Night Stay at Tawang.
Day 6 : Tawang
Today you will go up to Bumla Pass. You have already arranged your local cab to go upto Bumla Pass on your previous day. So today after breakfast you can start your journey. First you can stop at PTSO lake whose full form is Pankang Teng Tso. The serene atmosphere and mesmerizing surroundings leave tourists spellbound. After that you will stop at Madhuri lake whose another name is Sungestar Lake. An earthquake in this region resulted in the formation of Sungestar Lake in 1971, which until then was grassland that served the cattle of the locals here. The lake with picturesque snow-capped mountains surrounding it and the valley offer spectacular views. There is a Buddhist Gompa named Taktsang Gompa which is only 4 km from Madhuri Lake. Your eyes cannot feed enough on the spectacular views from here. The thick coniferous forest and lofty mountains surrounding the monastery, which is located on the ridge of a hill, render magic to the air. You are sure to be overwhelmed by the serene atmosphere that makes you feel one with nature. Finally, you will go to Bumla Pass, the Indo-China Border. Bumla Pass was the passage used by Dalai Lama to escape from Tibet and to enter India. After that return back to Tawang. Night stay at Tawang.
Day 7 : Tawang (Optional)
This is an optional day. You may stay one more night in Tawang for visiting Zemithang side. If you have extra time in your hand, then you can add this optional day. Zemithang is towards extreme western end of Tawang district and the state of Arunachal, in the border of China (Tibet) and Bhutan. This is around 100km from Tawang and day trip would cost you a full day. Apart from the famous Chorten in Gorsam (Just few km before Zemithang), the natural beauties of the place would keep you spell bound. After enjoying the nature return back to Tawang. Night stay at Tawang.
Today you will leave Tawang and will start your return journey to Guwahati. You can start early morning from Tawang after taking your breakfast. Dirang is a perfect environment where you will feel at home away from home. Before reaching Dirang, you can spent some time in Sangti Valley. It is situated 15 km from Dirang. It is covered with fruit orchards (kiwi fruit, apple, apricot, orange), dotted with pristine forests and meandering fast hill rivers and home to a very interesting culture and tradition. You can also go to Dirang Dzong on the shores of Dirang River. The architecture of the tribal colony is stunning. Some of the houses are over 500 years old. Though the fort is now in ruins, the ruins are proof of architectural excellence of the olden days. Views from Dirang Dzong are spectacular. Night stay at Dirang.
Day 9 : Nameri (Optional)
During your return journey to Guwahati, you can stay one more night at Nameri. But it is also optional. You can directly go to Guwahati from Dirang. But it will take atleast 10 hr. So the journey will be hectic. It is better to stay one night at Nameri. Nameri is 165 KM from Dirang and will take approximately 5 to 6 hr to reach there. Nameri national park is famous for its elephants and other animals including tigers, leopards, gaurs, wild pigs, sambars, etc. and also for being a bird watchers paradise. The river in Nameri is full of a variety of fish. The Forest Department here conducts fishing related activities. Safaris are available and are the most popular way to create a trip full of excitement, into the national park. Also, along with the rich fauna of the place, the lush and evergreen flora too, tends to enchant the visitors. Night stay at Nameri.
Day 10 : Guwahati
Nameri to Guwahati is approximately 220 KM and it will take another 5.5 hours to reach Guwahati. So if you start from Nameri in the morning after taking your breakfast, you can reach Guwahati before lunch. And your journey to Tawang ends here.
Best Time to Visit Tawang :
March to September are the best months to visit Tawang. The summers are pleasant and monsoons relatively cooler. Winters however allow a drop till 1-3 degree Celsius. Heavy snow fall in winter may hamper your plan slightly.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Tawang :
Yes, Inner Line Permit is required to visit Tawang. The Permit is granted as a routine for the tourists and so it should not deter any tourist from coming to Arunachal Pradesh. The Inner Line Permit can be obtained from any of the places given below :
For online Inner line permit you can visit http://www.arunachalilp.com .
Hotels in Tawang circuit :
Bhalukpong :
It is located in Upper Bhalukpong and one of the best hotel to stay in Bhalukpong. The view of Kameng River from the Hotel room will surely mesmerize you. The charges are also nominal. Double bed room rate starts from Rs. 1000.
Contact Ph No. : 03782 234 865 / 200214; 9436839066 (M)
Email ID : kamenginn1@gmail.com
2. Hotel Druk :
Another great option to stay in Bhalukpong is Hotel Druk. Though the room rates are bit higher but your stay will be comfortable. Double bed room starts from Rs. 1600.
Contact Ph. No. : 7628936883, 8258099961, 9402997779.
E-mail ID : hoteldruk@gmail.com,soma@hoteldruk.com
Website : www.hoteldruk.com
3. Hotel Solu :
It is also a great budget option in Bhalukpong. The location is good. Double bed room rates start from Rs. 1000.
Contact No. 03782 – 234037
Bomdila :
It is centrally situated situated in the beautiful town of Bomdila. The double bed room rate starts from Rs. 1500.
Contact Ph. No. : 03782-222555, 9402656363
Email ID : booklungta@gmail.com
2. Anu Homestay :
Another great option to stay in Bomdila is Anu Homestay. It's a great place to stay in Bomdila with reasonable cost. The owner is so friendly and place is very clean and good. The double bed room starts from Rs. 1100.
Contact Ph. No. – 8729895222, 9402688202
Email ID : anuhomestay2015@gmail.com
3. Hotel Tsepal Yangjom :
The Hotel Tsepal Yangjom is nested in the heart of Bomdila. The double bed room rate starts from Rs. 1800.
Contact No. 03782-223473, 223674; 8729881887
Email ID : info@hoteltsepalyangjom.in,gm@hoteltsepalyangjom.in
Website : www.hoteltsepalyangjom.in
Tawang :
This is one of the best guest house in Tawang with a stunning location. Tawang monastery is very near to the guest house. It’s top floor suite room is the best in terms of view. Double bed room starts from Rs. 2000.
Contact No. – 03794223271/222327, 9436252319, 9402615430
Email ID : info@dolmahotels.com
2. Hotel Yangzom :
Yangzom Hotel is located in the sylvan surroundings of Urgelling village, the birthplace of H.H. The Vi Dalai Lama. It is only 6-minute drive from Tawang town. Though the room rate is bit higher, you will enjoy your holiday at the fullest. Double bed room starts from Rs. 3000.
Contact No. : 9436051062, 6901007400
Email ID : urlingpa@gmail.com
Website : www.hotelyangzom.com
3. Hotel Zax Star :
Hotel Zax Star nestled in the heart of nature, surrounded by snow-capped Himalaya is an ideal place to spend your holiday. Located among the lakes and mountains, it offers an exotic living in the laps of nature. Double bed room starts from Rs. 2500.
Contact No. : 03794- 224652, 224280, 9862220859
Email ID : booking@hotelzaxstar.in , reservationszaxstar@gmail.com
Dirang :
If you are looking for a fresh atmosphere and warm hospitality while in Dirang, Hotel Pemaling is the perfect place for you. Double bed room starts from Rs. 1500.
Contact No. 8258919962, 8415008887
Email ID : hotelpemaling@gmail.com
Website : www.hotelpemaling.com
2. Norphel Retreat :
The Norphel Retreat is situated at the bank of a beautiful river and surrounded by hills. Though the price is bit higher, it is one of the best hotel in Dirang. Double bed room starts from Rs. 3000.
Contact No. 8731046566, 7629841995, 7629956777
Email ID : dirangdzong@norphelretreat.in,norphelretreatdirang@gmail.com
3. Awoo Resort :
The location of the resort is awesome. Double bed room starts from Rs. 1400.
Contact No. : 9862941109, 9402059100, 9774419622
Email ID : awooresortd@gmail.com
Website : www.awooresort.com
Nameri :
1. Nameri Eco Camp :
If you want to experience of camping in the wild amid plush greenery and wildlife in our eco-friendly tents and cottage accommodations which provides simple pleasure in life – emanating a healthy comfortable stay, it is the best option. The tariff starts from Rs. 3000 including breakfast.
Contact No. : 8472800344, 8638753988
Mail ID : ecocampnameri@gmail.com
Transportation :
You will get ample number drivers or travel agent in Guwahati with whom you can contact for car booking. We are giving some of the contacts here. You can directly call them :
1. Rintu Nath from Time Travel : One of the best and cheap car provider from Guwahati. The rates are generally Rs. 3800 per day for Sumo. You can directly call them and also can mention my name (Sourav Ghosh). But charges may vary in peak time and also changes with car type. You can call him directly at 9864024838.
2. Mr. Khanin Kalita : 9435589336
3. Mr. Ranjhu : 08811945717
4. Mr. Shiba Dushad : 9401947966
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