Highlights
- Discover hundreds of orchids in the Tipi Orchidarium near Bhalukpong
- Visit the beautiful Tawang Monastery on a mountainside in the Himalaya
- Journey over the incredible Bumla Pass near Tawang, which reaches 15,000 feet
- Explore ancient ruins along the river running through the quaint city of Tezpur
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Guwahati | Guwahati |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Bhalukpong, Visit Orchidarium, Wildlife Sanctuary & Kameng River | Bhalukpong |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Dirang, Explore the Scenic Dirang Valley | Dirang |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Tawang via Sela Pass, Tour Tawang Monastery | Tawang |
| Day 5 | Bumla Pass Excursion to Sangestar Tso Lake | Tawang |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Bomdila, Visit Bomdila Monastery | Bomdila |
| Day 7 | Scenic Transfer to Tezpur, Best of Tezpur Tour | Tezpur |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Guwahati, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Guwahati
Welcome to India! Your trip begins in the city of Guwahati on the Brahmaputra River, a sprawling metropolis considered the link to seven of India's northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh. After you land, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the center of the city. Settle in, then head out to explore. Visit the 10th-century Kamakhya Temple, known for its seven oval spires, and in the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on the river.
Day 2: Transfer to Bhalukpong, Visit Orchidarium, Wildlife Sanctuary & Kameng River
Eat breakfast at your hotel, then meet your driver for a five-hour transfer to Bhalukpong, the gateway to the remote state of Arunachal Pradesh. Check into your homestay, then explore this small but charming town. A must-see is the famous Tipi Orchidarium, one of the largest orchid centers in India. This botanical paradise is home to over 500 varieties of these colorful, rare flowers, as well as an orchid museum.
Other highlights include the nearby Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, home to endemic species like tigers, clouded leopards, jackals, elephants, hornbills, and cobras. End your day on the banks of the snow-fed Kameng River to watch the sunset.
Day 3: Transfer to Dirang, Explore the Scenic Dirang Valley
After breakfast at your hotel in Bhalukpong, meet your driver for a five-hour transfer to the beautiful Dirang, ringed by the Himalaya in the scenic Dirang Valley. Once you arrive and check into your hotel, explore the town and its gorgeous surroundings. Tour the Buddhist Kalachakra Gompa, which resembles famed monasteries in neighboring Tibet, or visit a nearby village, home to the Monpas people, and sample their specialty momos (dumplings).
See the ruins of Dirang Dzong (Dirang Fort) before meeting furry friends at the Yak Research Center. For the best views of the nearby Sangti Valley, and to make a few more animal pals, head to the Sangti Valley Sheep Farm. Finally, end the day with a soak in the local hot springs just outside of Dirang before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 4: Transfer to Tawang via Sela Pass, Tour Tawang Monastery
Gear up for a long, seven-hour transfer from Dirang to the mountain town of Tawang today, with plenty of stops to soak up the views. Tawang, which sits at about 8,757 feet (2,669 m), is best reached through the scenic Sela Pass. Stop at lakes and small villages during your trip, then check into your hotel upon arrival in Tawang.
After you recover from your journey, visit the famous Tawang Monastery, also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, India's largest monastery (and the world's second-largest Buddhist monastery). This 17th-century complex, which stands at about 10,000 feet (3,048 m), is a fort-like structure that offers imposing views of the wide Chu Valley below. After you tour the monastery, visit the nearby Tawang War Memorial, commemorating the many local soldiers who died in 1962 during the Sino-Indian War, to enjoy the daily light show before returning to your hotel.
Day 5: Bumla Pass Excursion to Sangestar Tso Lake
Today, take a day trip from Tawang to the gorgeous Bumla Pass and Sangestar Tso Lake (weather and permission depending). Your driver will take you from Tawang to the pass, which reaches heights of 15,200 feet (4,572 m) before continuing to the scenic lake, featured in several well-known films.
If the weather doesn't cooperate or approval isn't granted (for various reasons, all at the discretion of the Indian Army in Tawang), use the day to explore the sites scattered around Tawang. In addition to the vast Tawang Monastery, you can visit one of the many local nunneries (Ani Gompa), tour a local craft center, or walk on the thrilling Chagzam Bridge, an ancient iron suspension bridge built in the 13th century over the Tawang River.
Day 6: Transfer to Bomdila, Visit Bomdila Monastery
Say farewell to Tawang this morning and hop back in the car for an approximately five-hour transfer to Bomdila. Bomdila, the headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district, is known for its Himalaya views, grand monasteries, and apple orchards. Once you arrive, head out to see the 20th-century Bomdila Monastery, also called the Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Lling Monastery.
The peaceful spot, which showcases a large prayer hall, also provides incredible views over the valley. If you have time, stop by one of the many orchards to sample the famous apples yourself, and visit the Craft Centre And Ethnographic Museum in town to purchase local handicrafts directly from the artisans.
Day 7: Scenic Transfer to Tezpur, Best of Tezpur Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Your scenic, 3-4 hour transfer this morning from Bomdila to Tezpur will take you through the lush forests of Arunachal Pradesh, past the Kameng River, and through deep mountain valleys ringed by the Eastern Himalaya. You'll make several stops along the way to appreciate the views and to visit orchids and butterflies at the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary.
Finally, you'll reach Tezpur, which straddles the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and is considered one of the most picturesque cities in India, surrounded by green tea gardens, rice paddies, and the snowy Himalaya. Take a quick break at your hotel, then head out to sightsee. Start at the Sontipur district to see the archaeological ruins along the rushing Brahmaputra River, then make the short walk up to Agnigarh, or the "fort of fire," a park full of mythological statues with views over the city.
Day 8: Transfer to Guwahati, Depart
Today, you'll be transferred back to Guwahati's airport, about four hours away, in plenty of time to catch your flight. Have a safe journey home or to your next destination!
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