Arunachal Pradesh Monastery & Mountain Escape – Tawang Dirang Shergaon Bomdila

ARUNACHAL PRADESH MONASTERY & MOUNTAIN ESCAPE – TAWANG DIRANG SHERGAON BOMDILA

An eight-day monastery-and-mountain circuit through Western Arunachal Pradesh, crossing the high passes between Bhalukpong, Dirang, Tawang, Bomdila and the quiet Monpa hamlet of Shergaon before returning to Guwahati.

Cross the Roof of the Journey – Sela Pass:

A dramatic high-altitude crossing at 13,700 ft, marked by the pristine, often snow-fringed Sela Lake – one of the most memorable drives on the way to Tawang.

Step Inside India’s Second-Largest Monastery:

Tawang Monastery, seat of the 6th Dalai Lama’s birthplace legacy, sits at 10,000 ft and holds a magnificent Buddha statue along with centuries-old manuscripts.

Explore the Monpa Heartland of Dirang:

Two nights at Dirang allow time for the historic Dirang Dzong fort, the viewpoint at Mandala Top, apple and kiwi orchards, and the Monpa learning centre of Thupsung Dhargyeling.

Chase the Cascades – Nuranang Falls:

One of Arunachal Pradesh’s most photographed waterfalls, fed by the Nuranang river as it tumbles down from Sela Pass – expect a light spray and, on a clear day, rainbows at the base.

Wander the Bird-Rich Sangti Valley:

A favourite with birdwatchers, framed by the Sangti river and its traditional water mills, and winter home to the endangered black-necked crane.

End the Circuit in Untouched Shergaon:

A quiet hamlet of wood-and-stone Monpa houses, apple orchards and the ruins of Shergaon Fort – a peaceful last stop before the descent to the plains.

For the full day-by-day plan, click on the Itinerary tab.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH MONASTERY & MOUNTAIN ESCAPE – TAWANG DIRANG SHERGAON BOMDILA

Day 01: Arrive Guwahati / Bhalukpong (Approx. 220 kms, 5-6 hrs drive)

Arrive at Guwahati by flight or train and meet your Grand Eastern representative and driver on arrival.

Depart by road for Bhalukpong, on the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border, driving alongside the Kameng valley, with ID and permit verification at the Bhalukpong check-gate as you enter Arunachal Pradesh.

Bhalukpong: A quiet riverside town on the banks of the Kameng river, known for angling, orchids and its border checkpoint into Arunachal Pradesh. Evening at leisure by the river.

Overnight at Bhalukpong.

Day 02: Bhalukpong / Dirang (Approx. 140 kms, 6-7 hrs drive via Tenga Valley)

After breakfast, drive towards Dirang via Tenga Valley.

Tipi Orchidarium and Research Centre: En route, a stop at this orchid sanctuary – home to over 300 species – and the small Nag Mandir temple at Tenga, perched on a hillock with fine valley views.

Continue through pine-clad hills to Dirang (1,600 m), gateway to the Monpa heartland. Arrive and check in; evening free at leisure in the valley.

Overnight at Dirang.

Day 03: Dirang – Local Sightseeing

Full day exploring Dirang and its surrounding valley.

Dirang Dzong: The historic Monpa fort, once the seat of local administrative activity in the region.

Mandala Top: A scenic viewpoint above the Dirang valley, strung with prayer flags and offering sweeping views over the valley floor and surrounding peaks – a favourite spot to pause for photographs.

Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery: A temple and learning institute for the study of Tibetan Buddhism, visited along with the Yak Research Centre and a local apple/kiwi orchard.

Sangti Valley: A drive out to this scenic valley, favoured by bird-watchers and winter home to the black-necked crane, framed by the Sangti river.

Optional: soak at the Dirang hot water spring.

Overnight again at Dirang.

Day 04: Dirang / Tawang (Approx. 140 kms, 6-7 hrs drive via Sela Pass)

Early breakfast and departure for Tawang.

Sela Pass: Crossing this dramatic high-altitude pass at 13,700 ft – weather and road-condition permitting – marked by the pristine, often snow-fringed Sela (Paradise) Lake and among the highest motorable passes on the route.

Jaswant Garh War Memorial: A stop at this memorial dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh of the 1962 Indo-China war.

Arrive Tawang, check in; evening free to acclimatise.

Overnight at Tawang.

Day 05: Tawang – Local Sightseeing

Full day at Tawang (10,000 ft), home to the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world and seat of the 6th Dalai Lama’s birthplace legacy.

Tawang Monastery (Galden Namgyal Lhatse): Nearly 400 years old and home to over 700 monks, the monastery houses a magnificent statue of the Buddha and a library of centuries-old manuscripts.

Tawang War Memorial, Urgelling Monastery, Gyangong Ani Gompa and the Giant Buddha statue: A day threaded with Buddhist heritage, rounded off with a visit to the local craft centre for Monpa masks, carpets and jewellery.

Optional full-day excursion to Bum La Pass, Sangetsar (Madhuri) Lake and PT Tso – see the Inclusion and Exclusion tab for add-on details.

Overnight at Tawang.

Day 06: Tawang / Bomdila (Approx. 180 kms, 7 hrs drive)

After breakfast, retrace the route over Sela Pass towards Bomdila.

Nuranang (Jung) Falls: Break journey at one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most photographed waterfalls, fed by the Nuranang river as it tumbles down from Sela Pass – expect a light spray and, on a clear day, rainbows at the base.

Bomdila: Headquarters of West Kameng district at 8,500 ft, set amid apple orchards with views of the Gorichen range.

Visit Bomdila Monastery and the craft centre.

Overnight at Bomdila.

Day 07: Bomdila / Shergaon / Guwahati (Approx. 300-320 kms, 9-10 hrs drive, early start recommended)

Early breakfast and departure via the quaint hamlet of Shergaon.

Shergaon: Known for its wood-and-stone Monpa houses, apple orchards and the ruins of Shergaon Fort. A short halt to explore the village before continuing.

Choskorong Waterfall: Before departing for Guwahati, a short trek to Shergaon’s well-known man-made waterfall – a peaceful last stop in the hills.

Continue the long descent through Rupa and Tenga towards the plains, crossing back into Assam at Bhalukpong and on to Guwahati, arriving by late evening.

Overnight at Guwahati.

Day 08: Depart Guwahati

Breakfast at the hotel. In time, transfer to Guwahati airport/railway station for your onward journey. Tour ends with fond memories of Arunachal Pradesh.

THE PACKAGE COST INCLUDES:

1. Accommodation for 7 nights on twin/double-sharing basis (Bhalukpong – 1N, Dirang – 2N, Tawang – 2N, Bomdila – 1N, Guwahati – 1N)
2. Daily breakfast at the hotel
3. All transfers and sightseeing by dedicated vehicle (SUV) as per the itinerary
4. Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian nationals / Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign nationals
5. All toll, parking and driver’s allowances
6. All currently applicable GST

THE PACKAGE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. Air/rail fare to and from Guwahati
2. Lunch and dinner (available at hotels/dhabas on direct payment, or pre-bookable on request)
3. Bum La Pass / Madhuri Lake / PT Tso excursion at Tawang (optional add-on, Indian nationals only – see below)
4. Entry and camera fees at monasteries, museums and heritage sites
5. Charges for an accompanying or local guide, if required
6. Any expenses of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, mineral water, travel insurance, tips, portage
7. Any expenses not mentioned in the cost inclusions above

OPTIONAL ADD-ON: BUM LA PASS / MADHURI LAKE / PT TSO (FROM TAWANG)

A separate local permit is required via the Tawang District Administration and the Army (original photo ID, photograph and vehicle registration required). Only Tawang-registered SUVs are permitted beyond a point on this route, at approx. Rs. 5,500–6,000 per vehicle (4-6 pax) plus a nominal per-person fee. The excursion is subject to weather and Army clearance on the day, so we recommend keeping a buffer day at Tawang where possible. Photography is not permitted at Bum La itself, other than at the “I Love Bumla” point; a paid Army photo service is available on site.
This is a tentative itinerary; sightseeing sequence may be adjusted locally for road, weather or permit conditions. We look forward to hosting you in Arunachal Pradesh.