The Perfect 5-day Itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh

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Photo of The Perfect 5-day Itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh by Ragini Mehra

Arunachal Pradesh welcomes you with some of the most significant Buddhist monasteries, immense natural beauty and a relaxed pace of life. If you’re looking to escape the humdrum of city life and want to spend a few peaceful days exploring the untouched beauty of India, this is where you need to go.

Fly down to Lilabari Airport in Assam or take a train to Harmuti Train Station, Assam as these are the nearest from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh’s capital. Once you reach Assam, hire a taxi or get onto a bus taking you to the beautiful state of Arunachal. The Lilabari Airport is 70 kilometres and Harmuti Train Station is 36 kilometres away from Itanagar.

Day 1

History buffs delight as today you will visit the state’s most important historical sight, the Ita Fort, from which the capital gets its name. Dating back to the 14th century, the fort is perched on the top of a hill and offers gorgeous views of the valley beneath. Literally translating into a fort of bricks, it has three main entrances to the West, East and South.

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Photo of Itanagar by Ragini Mehra

The Craft Centre & Emporium at Itanagar is next on your list and is a great place to admire and buy local arts and crafts. You will find traditional costumes, paintings, sculptures, handicrafts and more such local delights here.

For lunch, head to Zero Point for a variety of Indian cuisine or to Poong Nest to try the local delicacies of Arunachal Pradesh.

Late in the afternoon, leave for Bomdila, which is about eight hours (270 kilometres) by road.

Day 2

Begin your day with a visit to the Bomdila Monastery belonging to the Mahayana Buddhism sect. Among the most popular tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh, this monastery also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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Photo of Bomdila by Ragini Mehra

Spend your afternoon in one of the apple orchards in Bombila. Take a stroll through the fields, pluck fresh apples off the farm and buy some for your home before leaving. Winter is the best time to visit the fields and capture pretty orchard views, blooming with apples.

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Photo of The Perfect 5-day Itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh by Ragini Mehra

In the evening, head to Bomdila View Point, a must visit for nature lovers and solace seekers. It is the highest point in the city and offers incredible views of the Himalayas that will stay with you for a long time to come. The best views of Nechipu Pass can also be captured from here. Witnessing the sunset here is a great idea and is also known for unparalleled views of the mighty mountains.

Day 3

Nature lovers can head to RR Hill early in the morning to capture a mesmerising sunrise and uninterrupted views of the roads leading to Bhutan.

A great way to spend your morning will be opting for a safari at Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of approximately 220 square kilometres, it is home to a waterfall flowing into the Kameng River. Don’t forget to carry your camera along as the sanctuary is the habitat of many exotic varieties of flora, fauna and birds. Birds like Eagles, Hornbills, Kingfishers and more, and animals such as the majestic Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Langur, Black Bear and Red Panda can be spotted here.

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Photo of Bomdila by Ragini Mehra

Reserve your evening for a visit to the Bomdila market to soak in the local flavour. While you are here, dig in to a delicious plate of momos, thukpa, soups and noodles made in the traditional manner.

Day 4

Leave for Tawang early in the morning today as the journey will take you at least six hours (170 kilometres). On your way, stop at the offbeat Nuranang Waterfalls, about 100 metres high. The waterfalls are one of the most precious hidden gems of the Northeast, situated at an elevation of around 6000 feet. They further plunge into the Tawang River and make for one of the most photogenic spots here too.

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Photo of Tawang by Ragini Mehra

Tawang town lies 25 kilometres ahead of the Nuranang Waterfalls, so it will be late evening by the time you reach.

End your day with a fulfilling meal at Dragon Restaurant located in Tawang’s Old Market. The best of local cuisine can be tried here along with a cup of Tibetan yak-butter tea.

Day 5

After breakfast, head to the Tawang War Memorial to pay your respect to the brave who fought in the 1962 Indo-Sino War. An important landmark in the Indian history, the memorial is a must visit when in Arunachal Pradesh.

Next on your list is the biggest attraction of Tawang, the Tawang monastery, home to the iconic Giant Buddha Statue. The monastery is the largest in India and the golden statue is 26 feet tall.

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Photo of Tawang by Ragini Mehra

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Photo of Tawang by Ragini Mehra

Alternatively, you can also visit the famous pilgrimage site Taktsang Gompa. Literally translating into Tiger’s Den, this place of worship is located at an altitude of 13000 feet. The crisp invigorating mountain air and the peaceful environs of this Gompa make it the ideal place to meditate for a while.

If time allows, you can also head out to explore the picturesque Madhuri Lake. April to September is the best time to visit the lake as it remains frozen the rest of the year. A hot cup of tea and Maggi as you enjoy the lake views makes for a perfect day out with your loved ones.

For those interested in culture, the Tibetan Settlement Market is a great place to spend your evening at. Also known as Vihara Market, it is home to various kiosks and small shops selling souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and local food items.

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Photo of The Perfect 5-day Itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh by Ragini Mehra

The market is also home to a number of shops selling prayer wheels, flags, Lord Buddha statues, wall hangings, paintings and more for you to take as souvenirs for friends back home.

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