Overview
Tawang Monastery
Bum La Pass (India-China Border Post)
The Paradise Lake of Sela Pass
Jang Waterfalls
Dirang Monastery
Madhuri Lake
Tawang War Memorial
High Mountain Passes – Bomdila & Sela
Sela Tunnel – one of the world’s highest tunnels
Giant Buddha Statue of Tawang
Captivating sights of the North Eastern Himalayas
Café run by the Indian Army at 13000 ft above sea level
Tawang, the land of the Lamas, is a beauty that you could never miss in your lifetime. Situated at 10,000 feet above sea level, this paradise of a place is all the beautiful landscapes that you have seen in movies and paintings. The largest Buddhist monastery in the country is situated here, with a 28-foot-tall Buddha statue in gold.
Monks on Wheels, in association with Muddie Trail, takes you to a remote and picturesque town situated in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain range.
Tawang is known for the high passes it has, which are home to calming and soothing glacial lakes. One of the highest passes in the world, located close to international border,s can be found here, the Sela pass, which has to be crossed to reach Tawang. This is at an altitude of 13,700 feet. Here, travelers can take in the breathtaking views as well as lots of Army vehicles.
Apart from the Sela pass, the Bumla pass, at an altitude of 15,200 feet, is also an added attraction to Tawang. You will be filled with a sense of patriotism and nationalism, seeing our brave soldiers protecting our country in the harshest climates and terrains. The Bomdila town, full of apple orchards, and the stone village of Dirang will also give you experiences that you have never felt before. Being the least densely populated state of India, the serenity and peace the state has to offer, accompanied by the unmatched scenic beauty, are indeed pure and unpolluted.
The state, most commonly being the followers of Buddhist culture, is also home to colorful and vibrant architecture, which adds richness to the monasteries and stupas that can be found there. The warmth and hospitality of the people are overwhelming.
Join us on this trip of a lifetime to the “silent paradise” of Tawang.
Day 1: Guwahati to Tezpur/Bhalukpong
Travelers arriving by flight will be picked up and assisted by our team at the Guwahati Airport around 12.30- 1.00 PM.
The first stop is Tezpur, the highway to which runs parallel to the mighty Brahmaputra river, filling the air with enthusiasm in you.
The journey generally takes around 5 hours, including a lunch break, and covers about 200 Km.
We will then directly check into the guest houses, either at Tezpur or Bhulukpong, as per availability, late in the evening.
After checking in, you may go out to the market for a walk, shopping for things and items required for the trip.
After dinner, let us rest for the day to get ready for the big day ahead.
Day 2: Bhalukpong to Dirang, Orchid Center, Waterfalls, Dirang Monastery
Check out of the stay after Breakfast.
The BRO (Border Roads Organization) has done such a tremendous job with the roads that most of the time, one wouldn’t even feel that we are passing through the mighty Himalayas.
Along the way, we will stop by at Tippi Orchid Research Center, a seasonal waterfall, and beautiful viewpoints to appreciate the sights of the free-flowing Tenga and Kameng rivers of Arunachal.
Take a Lunch break close to Bomdila pass.
After a pit stop at Bomdila viewpoint, we will move towards our next destination for the day – Dirang and explore the colorful Dirang monastery.
Reach the Dirang guest house by late evening, social gathering, Dinner, and rest.
Day 3: Dirang to Tawang, Sela Pass, Indian Army Canteen at 13000 feet, Paradise Lake
Have Breakfast and check out of the stay.
Today, we will head to our next destination, Tawang, by passing via one of the highest motorable roads in the Himalayas, called Sela Pass.
One of the attractive things today is the Cafe run by the Indian Army at Sela pass and their warm hospitality. One can have different snacks here, and a hot Tea is sponsored by the Army
We will witness the Paradise Lake of Sela Pass at 13,700 feet above sea level to soak in the serene setting. The Sela Lake is surrounded by snow for most of the year.
After a Lunch break, we will continue our descent to reach the land of Lamas – Tawang.
Owing to the proximity of the border with China, one can find large swathes of Army vehicles all around. It feels safe and secure out there, and a sense of pride.
Check into our Tawang guest house and refresh.
Dinner and socializing. Sleep on the cozy beds in the chilly weather.
Day 4: Bumla Pass Day Trip, Madhuri Lake, Tawang War Memorial, Market
Start the day with Breakfast in the tranquil town of Tawang.
Today is an interesting day where we will go on a special permit road trip to the highest point of the trip – BumLa pass. Our tourist vehicles are not allowed to go there, and hence we will take a special cab from Tawang.
The journey takes us along the scenic glacier lakes straight to the Indo-China border post.
Along with peeking into the Chinese side, visitors can also view beyond the border with a few binoculars.
One can get refreshed at the Army canteen that serves hot snacks, tea, and desserts.
On our way back, we will take a stop at picturesque Sangetsar lake (famously called Madhuri lake).
Have Lunch at a local restaurant.
Give a visit to the 1962 Tawang War memorial and salute to the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who bravely defended our motherland.
Take an evening walk in the Tawang market to shop for some souvenirs before wrapping up things for the day.
Finish Dinner and take a good rest at our Tawang guest house.
Day 5: Tawang Monastery, Giant Buddha, Jang Falls, Journey to Bomdila
Today, we shall wake up early to explore every nook and corner of the mesmerizing Tawang Monastery, the largest of its kind in India. Tawang monastery is second only to the biggest monastery in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The colorful architecture and peaceful surroundings inspired by the Buddhist way of life will touch your soul and heart.
Have Breakfast, pack your bags & check out of the stay.
Visit the giant Buddha statue of Tawang, located on a hill where we get panoramic views of Tawang.
Stop by at towering Jang Falls (also called Nuranang waterfalls) and take some pictures. On a sunny day, one can even spot a rainbow at this gushing waterfall which is usually gushing during rains.
Continue the journey towards the mountain town of Bomdila, traveling through dense forest.
Take an evening stroll around the Bomdila market.
Gather in a common area to socialize one last time during the trip.
Finish Dinner & rest for the night.
Day 6: Bomdila to Guwahati
Pack your bags, check out after Breakfast, and say goodbye to Arunachal Pradesh.
With all the spectacular images of Tawang valley, Buddhist culture, and the sweetest people fresh in our minds, we will take our return journey to the plains of Assam. It feels like leaving a part of paradise and coming back to earth.
You may book flights after 9 PM, or we shall help you with pointing out a guest house in Guwahati for the night so that you could leave the next day.
Inclusions
Travel for 6 days (Guwahati to Guwahati)
Stay for 5 nights
5 Breakfasts
Inner Line Permit (ILP) charges
Special vehicle for BumLa pass
Entry tickets for Tawang War Memorial, Jang Waterfalls, and Orchid Park
Trip Guide* (for a group of above 6 members)
Airport pickup and drop (fixed timings)
Once in a lifetime experience visiting all the places mentioned in the Highlights section
GST
Exclusions
Lunches & Dinners
Any additional snacks, drinks ordered during the stay
Any kind of activities other than those mentioned above
Any kind of insurance, shopping, party, or medical expenses
Any misc. expenses that are not included above
Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay/route on account of bad weather, traffic congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances, and/or any other factors beyond our control.
Toiletries, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste etc.
A lightweight large Backpack for the entire trip (50-60 liters). Strictly no trolleys. Remember this is a Backpacking trip.
A small backpack for basic items (to carry valuables, water bottle, snacks, etc. for outdoor activities).
Photo identity proof with address (Aadhar/Passport/Voter ID).
2 Passport size color photographs (important for permit).
Thermal inners and warm clothes (cold climate).
A rainproof jacket with a hood (to protect from cold winds, sudden rain).
Thick socks, track pants, full sleeve t-shirts (to keep your body warm).
Cap/Hat/Sunglasses (to protect from harmful sun rays).
Sunscreen (SPF 50 or more).
Power bank, charger, camera, binoculars (if you wish to).
Hand sanitizer and liquid hand wash for outdoors.
Proper water bottle for your trip. You may fill at our stays.
Disposable garbage covers (to separate used/unused clothes).
Water-resistant good grip shoes for travel, extra slippers to use at stays.
Personal medications, any drugs that you may feel necessary (remember ghat roads, cold climate), basic first aid kit.
No need to carry snacks/chocolates. You may buy at local shops to support local people in Arunachal Pradesh.
