Arunachal Himalayan Journey

7-8 Days in the Land of Rising Sun

Mountain Monasteries Tribal Culture Himalayan Passes

Tour Overview

Journey to the "Land of the Rising Sun" and explore Arunachal Pradesh's pristine Himalayan beauty. This tour takes you through the spiritual heights of Tawang Monastery, the UNESCO World Heritage Ziro Valley, and breathtaking mountain passes, offering a perfect blend of culture, spirituality, and natural splendor.

Duration

7-8 Days / 6-7 Nights

Difficulty

Moderate - Some high altitude

Best Time

April to October

Important: Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for non-Arunachal residents. We handle all permit arrangements for you.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati - Transfer to Tezpur

Arrive in Guwahati and drive to Tezpur, the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh. Tezpur is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance.

Highlights:

  • Welcome at Guwahati Airport/Railway Station
  • Drive to Tezpur (180 km / 4 hours)
  • Visit Agnigarh Hill for sunset views
  • Cole Park and Mahabhairab Temple
  • ILP permit verification

Overnight: Tezpur Hotel

Day 2: Tezpur to Dirang (150 km / 5-6 hours)

Enter Arunachal Pradesh and drive to Dirang, a picturesque valley town with apple orchards and hot water springs.

Highlights:

  • Cross Bhalukpong and enter Arunachal Pradesh
  • Stop at Tipi Orchid Research Centre
  • Visit Dirang Dzong (old fort)
  • Explore local Monpa villages
  • Relax at natural hot water spring

Overnight: Dirang Hotel

Day 3: Dirang to Tawang via Sela Pass (140 km / 6-7 hours)

The most scenic drive of the tour! Cross the magnificent Sela Pass at 13,700 feet and arrive in the Buddhist heartland of Tawang.

Highlights:

  • Sela Pass - breathtaking views at 13,700 ft
  • Sela Lake (frozen in winter)
  • Paradise Lake (Sangestar Tso)
  • Jaswant Garh War Memorial
  • First glimpse of Tawang Valley

High Altitude Advisory: Take it slow at Sela Pass. Carry warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly.

Overnight: Tawang Hotel

Day 4: Tawang Monastery & Local Sightseeing

Explore the magnificent Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India and second largest in Asia, founded in 1680-81.

Highlights:

  • Tawang Monastery - 400 years old, houses 300 monks
  • Giant Buddha statue (26 feet high)
  • Tawang War Memorial
  • Craft Centre & Emporium
  • Local market exploration
  • Witness evening prayers at monastery (if timing permits)

Cultural Note: Dress modestly when visiting the monastery. Photography restrictions may apply inside prayer halls.

Overnight: Tawang Hotel

Day 5: Excursion to Bumla Pass & Madhuri Lake

Day trip to the Indo-China border at Bumla Pass (subject to permit and weather conditions) and the stunning Madhuri Lake.

Highlights:

  • Bumla Pass at 15,200 ft (Indo-China border)
  • PT Tso Lake (Madhuri Lake)
  • Snow-capped mountain views
  • Photo opportunities at border gate (when accessible)
  • Shonga-tser Lake

Note: Bumla Pass visit requires special army permit and is subject to weather/security conditions. Alternative sightseeing arranged if inaccessible.

Overnight: Tawang Hotel

Day 6: Tawang to Ziro (320 km / 9-10 hours)

Long but scenic drive from the Buddhist highlands to the lush Ziro Valley, home to the Apatani tribe. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights:

  • Scenic mountain drive through changing landscapes
  • Stop for lunch at a local restaurant
  • Enter the beautiful Ziro Valley
  • Evening walk in paddy fields
  • Experience cool mountain air

Overnight: Ziro Hotel/Homestay

Day 7: Ziro Valley Exploration

Explore the picturesque Ziro Valley, known for its rice cultivation and unique Apatani tribal culture with distinctive facial tattoos and nose plugs.

Highlights:

  • Visit Apatani tribal villages (Hong, Hari, Bulla)
  • Traditional bamboo houses and rice fields
  • Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (optional trek)
  • Interact with elderly Apatani women with unique facial tattoos
  • Pine Grove for panoramic valley views
  • Local handicraft shopping

Cultural Insight: The Apatani practice of facial tattooing and nose plugs was discontinued, making elder women living treasures of this tradition.

Overnight: Ziro Hotel/Homestay

Day 8: Ziro to Guwahati & Departure (350 km / 8-9 hours)

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Guwahati for your onward travel, carrying unforgettable memories of Arunachal's mountains and culture.

Highlights:

  • Morning views of Ziro Valley
  • Drive through scenic Assam-Arunachal border regions
  • Lunch stop at Itanagar/North Lakhimpur
  • Transfer to Guwahati airport/railway station
  • Tour concludes with wonderful memories

Travel Tip: Book evening/night flights from Guwahati to allow comfortable travel time from Ziro.

Important Travel Tips

Documents Required

  • ✓ Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID)
  • ✓ 2 passport size photos
  • ✓ ILP (we arrange this for you)
  • ✓ Copies of ID for permit checkpoints

What to Pack

  • ✓ Warm clothes (even in summer for high altitudes)
  • ✓ Comfortable trekking shoes
  • ✓ Sunglasses and sunscreen (strong UV at altitude)
  • ✓ Personal medicines & first aid
  • ✓ Power bank & extra batteries

Health Precautions

  • ✓ Stay hydrated at high altitudes
  • ✓ Avoid alcohol before/during high altitude travel
  • ✓ Carry altitude sickness medication
  • ✓ Inform us of any pre-existing conditions

Communication

  • ✓ Limited mobile network in remote areas
  • ✓ BSNL works best in Arunachal
  • ✓ Inform family about connectivity issues
  • ✓ Download offline maps before travel

Ready for the Himalayan Adventure?

Contact us to book this package or customize your Arunachal journey

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