Arunachal Pradesh has always been one of the best kept secrets of North East India. The remoteness and challenging terrains of the region have helped in retaining the pristine natural and cultural beauty of the region, making it one of the most unexplored destinations in the world. Prior to the year 1972, all of present Arunachal Pradesh and beyond was grouped into one territory collectively known as NEFA (North East Frontier Agency). Thereafter, till 1978, the region was renamed and considered a Union Territory of India. Finally, statehood was announced in the year 1978.With nearly 80 percent of this high altitude state attributed to forest cover, one can only imagine the biodiversity that one may find here. From rare birds endemic to the state, to new species being discovered every passing year, all spread across changing terrains based on altitude, Arunachal Pradesh proves to be an absolute treat for the adventurous nature lover. (Fun fact: Arunachal Pradesh harbours the world's northernmost tropical rainforest and is estimated to have nearly 50% of the total flowering plant species of India)
In terms of the communities that live in the state, there are 26 major tribes that are officially recognised and over 100 sub-tribes, all of whom have their own dialects and cultures (including food, outfits, rituals and beliefs). Hindi proves to be the common language. Many aspects of the cultural diversity of the state remain undocumented till date.
We believe that a lifetime is not enough for one to explore and understand Arunachal in its truest sense. In this chapter, we will be taking you across the western belt of this massive state. The major indigenous communities on this belt are Monpa and the Sherdukpens, some of the warmest people that we have come across. Mahayana Buddhists by religion, the people share close cultural and religious affinities with people from Tibet and Bhutan.
It is interesting to note that some of the villages that you will be visiting have even been taxed by Tibetan rulers not too long back. In fact, in the year 1959 when his Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet to India, where he now resides, he used this very route to come down to the plains.
A trip not meant for the faint hearted, join us as we take you on a journey up to 15,200 feet and back this winter.
Note: Following the events of Sino-India War of 1962, this region remains a military-occupied terrain due to its close geographical location to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Please note that certain restrictions are imposed in this circuit, especially for Foreign Nationals so please plan accordingly. Our team will be happy to assist you in doing so.
Welcome to North East India! On arrival, meet the team and other travellers outside the airport. we will begin our journey towards Western Arunachal Pradesh. Remember, we are going to be driving to the higher ranges of the Eastern Himalayas, so ensure to come prepared for this long journey. Slowly but surely, if you stay awake for this 8-9 hour drive, you will see the landscape transition from the concrete jungle of Guwahati, to the vast paddy fields and tea gardens along the way near Udalguri, to seeing the forests of Bhutan on your left, and then finally driving up the winding roads as you climb altitude towards the West Kameng belt of Arunachal Pradesh. In this trip, we would like to remind you that the journey is as beautiful, and as important, as the destination itself. Our first stop will be at the beautiful homestay at Bomdila. reach your stay for the night. As you step out of your vehicle, with the cool and fresh air, allow yourself to slow down.
Wake up early and after some tea & Breakfast. after Breakfast we will hit the road again, this time for a long and tiring journey (7-8 hours) to the mountain ranges of Tawang. On The way we will visit Dirang Monestry & Dirang Market. On this drive, you will be driving up to a maximum altitude of 13,700 feet above sea level, where you will see the entire vegetation change. This drive too, you want to stay awake for- with snow capped peaks in the distance, and yaks and buddhist flags along the roads, it feels surreal to just be there. On This way you Visit Sela Pass,Sela Lake & Jashwanth Garh War Memorial. As you reach your destination post sun down, settle into warmth of your hotel. Once you freshen up and are relaxed, gather for an early dinner and call it a night of rest.
Awakening to the serenity of Tawang, you will be mesmerised by the sight of the mountains around you (and this is just the beginning!). Considering your long drive the previous day, and the active day coming up on the following one, we have kept this day as a leisure day, with minimal driving involved. After a lazy breakfast, make your way to one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in the Tawang region. At an altitude of 12,165 feet above sea level, Sangetsar Tso (Tso translates to Lake in the local dialect) is a stunning lake with grand mountains with snow capped peaks (in the winter months) towering above it. Mind you, the temperature during the winter are freezing but a hot cup of coffee and some food from the army canteen near the lake goes a long way in warming up your soul. That being said, please come well prepared for the elements. After grabbing a bite, we will take a walk around the lake, sinking in to the beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. Surrounded by forests adorned with Buddhist prayer flags, Sangetsar Tso is one of many holy lakes in the region. Believed to be a product of an earthquake, the lake has a mesmerising and mystic aura to it. After that we will Visit Bumla Pass. Near Indo-China Border at an altitude of 15,200ft. While the sun is still out, make your way back to Tawang where we will visit the revered Tawang Monastery. Built in the 16th century, the Tawang Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Gompa is the largest monastery in all of India. Explore the narrow lanes, the prayer hall, the lamp rooms, and the museum while you are there. The monastery also has a library that holds some very rare and valuable scripts from the past. While here, learn of how Tawang was named. Once you have explore the monastery, after that we will visit Tawang War Memorial for Light & Sound Show. Finally, make your way back to your homestay for an evening of leisure, unless you would like to check out the local market for some memorabilia to take back home.
Wake up Early and gather for a hearty breakfast at the homestay. Thereafter, we will bid farewell to our warm hosts and start making our way down from the mountains of Tawang and move towards Sangti Valley This time, we will stop for a short break at 600 Years Old Chagzam Bridge after that we will stop at Nuranang Waterfalls/Jung Waterfalls. You can take some good Photos & Videos there. If Time Permitted Then we Drive to Chug Valley for the day Imagine a space adorned with the rich tapestry of Buddhist, Bon, and Monpa traditions, picture this: 'Zaan' a timeless dish, elevated by serving it over a tiny tandoor, accompanied by local 'ghee' and butter tea for a unique snack or breakfast experience. Spend your day engaging in a day of cooking. Try your hand at a few traditional recipes, and then experience the meal in a traditional home with revived aesthetics!. temperatures are generally cold here during the winter months after visit then we can continue our journey. We will reach our Riversite Cottages at Sangti Valley. by the evening. We advise you to get some rest and call it a night soon after dinner.
After an early breakfast, we will be heading out for a little adventure- a window into the mountain life of the Monpa community, mostly on foot. A one hour drive will get you to Bishum Phudung, a small village with around 80 households (many of which are built using stone, a common material in the vernacular architecture here), 2 monasteries, and some of the most beautiful forests that we've encountered in the region. Exploring the village, you'll encounter a rich variety of trees in the surrounding forests, including oak, pine, rhododendron, and the stunning wild cherry blossom, which blooms in November. The forest types in the area range from deciduous to tropical rainforests, creating a diverse and enchanting natural environment. Now, for some tea. Of course, we could have chosen to give you tea anywhere in this village, but we found a spot! Why waste a good spot in a forest, even if it means hiking for 8 kilometres? Our local experts will take you to a hidden gem, one where the sound of the flowing stream will accompany you with every step that you take. Meandering through paddy fields and charming farmlands adorned with walnut trees, the path unfolds with each passing moment. Finally, as this magical trail comes to an end, we reach a local holy lake. Here, take some time to yourself. We want you to to do you! Whether you choose to meditate, take a short nap, or reminisce on the days gone by, the experiences that you witnessed, and the friendships that made, this is your time. Before we head back, we will stop at a spot by the river for a home cooked picnic lunch (and some Ara, if you please). Once done, by the evening, make your way to your Beautiful homestay for an evening of leisure.
Your mountain getaway has finally come to an end. After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to our hosts, as well as to Arunachal Pradesh. Your drive to Guwahati will take you nearly nine hours at a comfortable pace. We intend to reach the airport area by 7pm (Though we would recommend booking a flight the following day, unless you get a late night flight). If you are choosing to stay on in Guwahati for the night, our vehicle will drop you to a designated point near the city. From there, we bid you farewell, already hoping to see you back in the region.