Tawang and Beyond: The Forgotten Frontier: In Search of the

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 - Dirang

On arrival at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), WANDERING SARATHY will personally receive you. We then directly head to Dirang, a small town on the banks of River Kameng located at 4910 feet ASL. (320 km, 8 Hrs). We get to know each other in the group. Overnight stay at Dirang. (-/-/D)

Day 02 | 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 03 | Bumla 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 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 04 | Zemithang

Today, we visit the picturesque village of Zemithang sandwiched between Bhutan and China. About 90 Km from Tawang, Zemithang is virtually unspoilt since few tourists venture this far. We set out on an exploration visiting the villages around Zemithang to understand the raw tribal way of life and culture of the indigenous Monpa tribe. On a clear day, you can see snow-covered mountains all the way to Bhutan from here. We visit the sky looming high stupa, Gorsam Chorten, located on the banks of the Nyamjangchu river, constructed by Lama Prathar in the 12th Century A.D. Overnight stay at Zemithang. (B/L/D)

Day 05 | Zemithang - Tawang

Today, we start our return journey to Tawang. We visit the magnificent Statue of Tara Devi at Lumla. It is not far from Bhutan border and from the statue atop a hillock, we can see the highlands of Bhutan. In May and June, rhododendron blooms are at their most abundant, and they are in plenty in this area. We return to Tawang and wear our shopping hats to buy some souvenirs to carry home. We also go café-hopping before calling it a day. Overnight stay at Tawang. (B/-/D)

Day 06 | Tawang Sightseeing

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 visit Ani Gompa, encircled by natural scenery where you get to meet the female monks. We also stop at hill-top Buddha Point to witness the giant statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. 

We then proceed to the Urgyelling monastery built around 1489 AD which is the birthplace of Tsangyang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama who was born in 1683 AD. 

After lunch, we head to the Tawang War Memorial commemorating the soldiers of the Indian army who lost their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War. In the evening, we visit the Army Amphitheatre located beside the War Memorial for the Light and Sound Show. Goosebump moments when you get to see the pictures and hear the stories of the army men who laid their lives for us in the borders. Overnight stay at 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. (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, May 13, 2023

End Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023

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

We recommend arriving a day before as we have to leave Guwahati early in the morning on the Day 01. Book your return flight after 7 PM on the End Date. 

INR 29500 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

• Accommodations on a Double sharing basis for 7 nights/8 days in homestays/hotels. (Simple homestay in Zemithang).
• Simple Breakfast, Lunch & 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’.