Awesome Arunachal: Whispers of the Eastern Himalayas

Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the rising sun, is awe-inspiringly pretty with its picturesque mountains, snow-covered passes, magnificent monasteries, and high-altitude lakes. The mountainous state shares borderlines with China (Tibet) in the North, Myanmar (Burma) in the East, Bhutan in the West, and the states of Nagaland and Assam in the South. Home to at least 65 different tribal groups, Arunachal Pradesh is densely forested with 82% of green cover and receives an average rainfall of above 3000 mm per year.

If you are itching to explore the unexplored, join us on this trip to this land of the dawn-lit mountains - rich in natural and cultural heritage, but remains largely unexplored.

Day 01 | Guwahati - Bhalukpong

On arrival at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), WANDERING SARATHY will personally receive you. We then directly head to Bhalukpong, a small town located along the southern reaches of the Himalayas in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. (190 Kms, 6 Hrs). We get to know each other in the group. Overnight in Bhalukpong. (-/-/D)

Day 02 | Dirang

This morning, we depart to Dirang, a small town on the banks of River Kameng located at 4910 feet ASL. (140 km, 4 Hrs). En-route we visit Tippi Orchidarium. 

A best-kept secret, Dirang is often considered a transit destination but has so much to see. Overnight in Dirang. (B/-/D)

Day 03 | Sangti Valley 

This morning, we head to the enchanting Sangti Valley, a hidden gem nestled among the Eastern Himalayan ranges. Surrounded by dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and breathtaking landscapes, this peaceful valley offers a serene escape from the bustling world. In the winter months, Sangti Valley transforms into a sanctuary for the black-necked cranes, which migrate from China.

Witnessing these majestic birds in flight is a mesmerizing spectacle, as they soar against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. By April-May, they return to their northern homes, leaving behind a memory that lingers long after they've gone. 

We retire for the day, with the memories of Sangti Valley's beauty and the soothing sounds of the river accompanying us into a peaceful overnight stay in Dirang. (B/-/D)

Day 04 | Tawang

This morning, we visit the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery in Dirang and then leave to Tawang. On the way lies Se-La Pass (13700 feet), a high mountain pass. We also visit Jaswant Garh, a memorial built-in memory of Jaswant Singh Rawat, a brave soldier who single-handedly fought the invading Chinese from the pass during the 1962 Indo-Chinese war for three long days. We check into our homestay and relax rest of the day. Overnight stay at Tawang. (B/-/D) 

Day 05 | Tawang Sightseeing

This morning, we begin our journey with a visit to Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery (commonly known as Tawang Monastery), the largest in India and the second-largest practicing Buddhist monastery in the world. The monastery houses rare Buddhist artifacts and an awe-inspiring 28-foot golden statue of Buddha. 

We then proceed to Buddha Point, where a giant statue of Shakyamuni Buddha stands tall, offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding valleys. Next, we visit the Urgyelling Monastery, built around 1489 AD, and the birthplace of Tsangyang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama, born in 1683.

Later to the Tawang War Memorial, dedicated to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 Indo-China War. The emotional experience of seeing photographs and stories of the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives will leave you with goosebumps. 

Later, we visit the Bob Khathing Museum, where the rich history of the region is on display.

The evening brings a special sound and light show conducted by the army at the memorial, adding a powerful and emotional touch to the day. Overnight stay at Tawang (B/-/D)

Day 06 | Bum La Pass (Indo-China Border)

Today, we head to Bum La Pass (15200 feet) on the Indo – China border and see the line of actual control, the check posts on both sides, and views of China. On the way back to Tawang, we stop by the Shonga-Tser Tso Lake and Pankang Teng Tso Lake which offers stunning views of the Himalayas in the backdrop. Spend the evening at your leisure and you have the option to explore the market of Tawang. Overnight stay at Tawang (B/-/D)

Day 07 | Bomdila

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey to Bomdila. On the way, we stop by the Nuranang Falls, where we can enjoy the refreshing snow-fed water and soak in the scenic beauty. Upon reaching Bomdila, we are treated to breathtaking views of the Kangto and Gorichen Peaks, the highest in the state, with their snow-capped grandeur. 

If time permits, we visit the serene Bomdila Monastery, a peaceful spot for reflection, and explore the vibrant local market for a taste of the local culture. Overnight stay at Bomdila. (B/-/D)

Day 08 | Bid Adieu 

Today, we start early and take the road to Guwahati (280 km / 8 Hours). After a tiring journey, you have the option to either stay back in Guwahati an additional night (at your cost) or take the return flight. It’s time to bid goodbye to your co-travelers. Depart with a bagful of sweet memories! (B/-/-) 

Start Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

End Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

Pick-up/Drop-off at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU).

Pls ensure that you arrive before 11 AM (Airport Pick up at 12 PM) on the Start Date & book your return flight after 7 PM (Drop at 5 PM) on the End Date.

 INR 27500 per person* 

(Pay INR 10000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 16 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Trip Lead. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Opt for Zero Cancellation Fee Protection Extension while booking your flights so that you get a full refund in case of cancellation.
• Suitable for singles/solo travelers/couples/small groups of friends
• Suitable for members between the age group of 16-50 years. Generally, we have maximum participants between 20-35 years.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations on a Double/twin/triple sharing basis for 7 nights/8 days in homestays/hotels. 
• Simple Breakfast & Dinner (Set Menu) at our accommodation. Meal plan as mentioned in the Itinerary.
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure in Guwahati airport. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• Local sightseeing by an exclusive Toyota Innova or Tempo Traveler depending on the number of participants. (Not at disposal)
• Entry tickets to places of interest (for places mentioned in the itinerary)
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY who personally leads the group and doubles as a storyteller
• All Permits, Toll & Parking Charges
• Service charges & Taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare from your home town to Guwahati & return
• Food/Snacks other than mentioned above. We’ll be having lunch at hygienic local restaurants which are generally inexpensive (own expense).
• Camera/Video charges
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the hotel/homestay
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route. 
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extra will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’.

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Please confirm your participation by paying INR 10000 to book your seat (non refundable). Rest to be paid 30 days before the trip start date

Please write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) pay via Google Pay using UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank

Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.