Tantalizing Tawang - The Celestial Paradise

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), I'll 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. (-/-/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). A best-kept secret, Dirang is often considered a transit destination but has so much to see. We visit the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, and the Mandala Top, a series of 108 Buddhist stupas built on the mountain top. (B/-/D)

Day 03 | Sangti Valley & Thembang

This morning we head to Sangti Valley, surrounded by the Eastern Himalayan ranges, dense forests, and pristine rivers. Black-necked Cranes migrate from China during winter to the valley which is a spectacle to watch. They fly back in April-May. We have every chance of witnessing them during our visit. 

Later, we visit the hill-top Monpa village of Thembang. This village will leave you in awe. A nominee of UNESCO World Heritage Site, this village is located within the Thembang Dzong (Fort), at an altitude of 2300m. The fort was constructed using the local Monpa traditional techniques which include composite stone masonry and wood architecture. One can enjoy the view of the Dirang River that meanders down below and mountain ranges of different colors. 

Late evening, we return to Dirang, spend some time by the river, and then retire for the day. (B/-/D)

Day 04 | Tawang

After breakfast, we start our journey to Tawang. On the way lies Se-La Pass (13700 feet), the world’s second-highest mountain pass – which runs through a small ridge & along a lake called Se-La.

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 hotel / home-stay and relax rest of the day. (B/-/D) 

Day 05 | Tawang

This morning, we head to Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, (known to the outsiders as Tawang Monastery), the world’s second-largest (India’s largest) practicing Buddhist monastery which houses rare artifacts and an imposing 28 feet high golden statue of Buddha.

We then proceed to the Urgyelling monastery built sometime around 1489 AD which is the birthplace of Tsangyang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama who was born in 1683 AD. Also, visit Jamyang Choekhorling Monastery near Seru with stunning views.

After lunch, we go to the Chaksam Iron Bridge, which was constructed by Lama Chaksam Wangpo and is reputed to be older than the Tawang Monastery. While crossing the bridge, you will undoubtedly get an adrenaline rush. Later, we head to the Tawang War Memorial commemorating the soldiers of the Indian army who lost their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War. 

Goosebump moments when you get inside to see the pictures and stories of the army men who laid their lives. Overnight stay at Tawang. (B/-/D)

Day 06 | Bum-La Pass

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 Shong-Tser Tso Lake and Pankang Teng Tso Lake which offers stunning views of the Himalayas in the backdrop. If access to Bum La Pass is closed for any reason, we visit the picturesque village of Zemithang sandwiched between Bhutan and China. Spend the evening at your leisure and you have the option to explore the market of Tawang. (B/-/D)

Day 07 | Bomdila

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey back to Bomdila. Visit Nuranang Falls nearby and spend the day next to the refreshing snow water. One can see breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains from Bomdila including the Kangto and Gorichen Peaks which are the highest peaks of the state. 

We visit two monasteries here in Bomdila. Lower Gompa, a beautiful two-storied monastery built in traditional Tibetan architecture. While high above the town, on the ridge, is the Gaden Rabgyeling Monastery, better known as the Upper Gompa. (B/-/D)

Day 08 | Bid Adieu 

Today, we start early and take the road to Guwahati via Shergaon (2800 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 11, 2023

End Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

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

Pls ensure that you arrive before 10 AM on the Start Date & book your return ticket for your flight after 7 PM on the End Date.

INR 28500 per person (Pay INR 10000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 14 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Tour 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

• Well sanitized, comfy stay on a Double sharing basis for 7 nights/8 days in homestays/hotels. Single room supplement available at an additional charge (limited no's).
• 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’.