Magnificent Arunachal 7n/8d, Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila, Bumla (standard)

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up at Guwahati, Night stay at Guwahati

Stop At: Umananda Temple, Peacock Island Baruah Souk, North Guwahati, Guwahati 781030 India
Umananda Island is the smallest river island in the midst of river Brahmaputra flowing through the city of Guwahati in Assam, a state in northeast India. The British named the island Peacock Island for its structure. According to history, in the year 1694, the Ahom king Supaatphaa first build a temple in this Island. You can see Golden Langur in this Island
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari Road Shankardev Nagar, Guwahati India
Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra commonly Kalakshetra is a cultural institution in the Panjabari area of Guwahati, Assam, named after the medieval poet-playwright and reformer Srimanta Sankardev. It includes a cultural museum, library and various facilities for preserving, demonstrating and performing cultural items, besides a children's park. In addition to being Northeast India's largest cultural congregation, the Kalakshetra is also a major tourist spot in Guwahati. Built in the 1990s, the artistic excellence of Assam and rest of the north-eastern region is displayed here. There are eateries, places of worship, emporiums and open-air theaters within the sprawling Kalakshetra premises.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kamakhya Temple, Nilachal Hill, Guwahati 781010 India
The Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya. It is situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam, India. It is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and especially for Tantric worshipers. The current structural temple, built and renovated many times in the period 8th-17th century, gave rise to a hybrid indigenous style that is sometimes called the Nilachal type: a temple with a hemispherical dome on a cruciform base.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jolporee - Water & River Cruise, MG Road, Fancy Bazaar, Guwahati, Assam 781001, India
Enjoy a magnificent sunset over the majestic Brahmaputra River, and return to Guwahati city with plenty of time to enjoy your evening, with this relaxing and unforgettable sunset cruise experience.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Standard (on twin sharing basis)

Day 2: Guwahati to Dirang (310 KM) via Bhairabkunda, Night stay at Dirang

Stop At: Bhairabkunda, Udalguri 784513 India
Bhairabkunda is a popular tourist spot in Udalguri district in the State of Assam, India. Bhairabkunda has an average elevation of 703 metre. It stands as one of the famous picnic spots in Assam. Both local and tourists are drawn towards this place because of its unique location and features. A special attraction of the place is to the ability to enter Bhutan with ease. People can cross the international border on foot and enjoy the scening beauty of the adjacent Daifam town. There is also a suspension bridge made with steel cables that connects Bhairabkunda with Daifam, which is a popular tourist destination, and a popular spot to get photographs clicked.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kalaktang Village 790002
A very beautiful village surrounding with lush green mountains, with some tea stoles and small restaurants.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard (on twin sharing basis)

Day 3: Dirang to Tawang, Night stay at Tawang

Stop At: Sangti Valley, Dirang 790101 India
Sangti valley is Surrounded by the towering ranges of Eastern Himalayas, blessed with pleasant weather round the year with maybe some light snowfall in the winter months, covered with fruit orchards (kiwi fruit, apple, apricot, orange), dotted with pristine forests and meandering fast hill rivers and home to a very interesting culture and tradition. And it is also home to the black necked cranes who come to the fields of this valley every winter. Sangti valley is situated about 15 kilometres from Dirang. The location of Sangti Valley is beyond description. It is surrounded by Eastern Himalayan ranges and you will find this area rich in dense forests and rivers. Black-necked cranes migrate to this valley from China during the months of November and December and after the winter months are over, they set back to their homes during April and May.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dirang, Dirang, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh
Dirang: (42 km from Bomdila, 1497m above msl) Hot water springs where people take bath for curing skin ailments, Apple and Kiwi orchards, National Yak Research and Breeding Centre at Nigmadung, Sheep Breeding Farm and Sangti Valley where Siberian black necked storks visit during winter are the places of tourist interest.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dirang Dzong (Fort), Dirang India
Dirang Dzong or Dirang fort was built in the 17th century to protect Bomdila from the neighbouring states. The fort was used as a jail and during the world war period. It is located atop a hill and comprises of four storied fortified stone slabs that are supported by wooden logs. The entrance wooden gate is decorated with local architectural designs and is definitely an eye catcher. The architecture of these houses is worth appreciating.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jaswant Garh, 21 kms from Sela Pass, Tawang India
A great pit stop enroute to Tawang would be the Jaswantgarh war memorial located at Nuranang, about 25 kms from Tawang. This war memorial, set in scenic terrain just below the Sela pass commemorates the bravery of the martyred Indian soldiers of the 1962 Indo-China war.

This war memorial stands in memory of rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, Mahavir Chakra Awardee (Posthumous) of the 4th Battalion of Garhwal Rifles Infantry Regiment. Jaswant showed his valor by fighting and holding the invading Chinese back for 72 hours all alone during the 1962 India-China war and remained at his post at an altitude of about 10,000 feet before succumbing to an enemy bullet during that bloody winter war. The post that he held to repulse the Chinese troops has been renamed Jaswant Garh in recognition of his valor and sacrifice.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nuranang Falls, Tawang India
Tawang has to offer every form of nature at its best to your eyes. Nuranang Waterfalls is one such wonderful attraction that Tawang offers. This spectacular 100 meter-high waterfalls is located 40 kms away from Tawang and it is also called as Jang Falls since it is close to Jang, a town between Tawang and Bomdila. Originating from northern slopes of the famous Sela Pass, Nuranang River forms the waterfalls and then plunges into Tawang river. The Hydel power station nearby is open for visits.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Sela Pass, State Highway Arunachal Arunachal, Tawang India
The Sela Pass (more appropriately called Se La, as La means Pass) is the high-altitude mountain pass located in Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh state of India. It has an elevation of 4170 m (13,700 ft) connects the Buddhist city of Tawang Town to Tezpur and Guwahati and is the main road connecting Tawang with the rest of India. Tawang is situated at a distance of 78 km from Sela Pass while Guwahati is at a distance of 340 km.

The pass has hardly any vegetation and is usually snow-covered to some extent all through the year. During winter temperature in the pass can go down to −10 degrees. This place is snowed in most of the year and offers excellent and heavenly views all year round. This part of the Eastern Himalayan range is pretty special for the Buddhists as it is believed that about 101 lakes exist in and around Sela pass and each of these lakes has a huge religious significance for the Buddhist community. Very close to the Pass is the beautiful Sela Lake (sometimes called Paradise Lake because of its beauty), which could be fully or partially frozen in winter. Some small rivers also flow out of the lake and during grazing season, yaks grazing around the lake. While Sela Pass does get heavy snow in winters, it is usually open throughout the year unless landslides or snow require the pass to be shut down temporarily. Sela Pass is the main route to access Tawang town, and given the proximity of Tawang District with Tibet.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard (on twin sharing basis)

Day 4: Tawang local Sightseeing, Night stay at Tawang.

Stop At: Tawang Buddhist Monastery, Tawang Arunachal Pradesh 790104 Nh-229, Tawang 790104 India
Tawang Monastery which is an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism is located here. This world famous monastery of the Gelukpa was founded during the 17th century by Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso who is considered as a contemporary of the 5th Dalai Lama. It is Asia’s second largest monastery and India’s largest which controls 17 Gompas in the region. The highlights of this monastery are the imposing three-storied assembly hall and the 28 ft high golden statue of Lord Buddha. There is also a big library which has an impressive collection of ancient books and manuscripts. The famous Buddhist gold inscribed scriptures
Kangyur and Tangyur are preserved here.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Urgelling 790104
The Urgyelling Gompa: Located at a distance of around 3 km from Tawang Township, this place is believed to be the birthplace of His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Tashi. His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama, born in 1683, was the son of Lama Tashi Tenzin. Lama Tashi Tenzin resided in Urgelling Village and was a descendant of Terton Pempalingpa.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Pangateng Tso Lake, Tawang Town, Tawang India
Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also called as Ptso Lake is situated 17 km from Tawang. The lake remains frozen during winter and area around the lake supports skiing. To enjoy the calm waters moving about slowly in an atmosphere where you could not miss even the smallest whispers of nature, you need to visit this place in summer. Radiant rhododendron flowers and birds in different hues could not be done justice even by the best of photographers.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Gyangong Ani Gompa, Top Of Hillock 5 Km From Tawang, Tawang India
Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh has a long tradition of nunneries called the "Ani Gompas". There are several nunneries located at Tawang. One of the oldest nunnery (Ani Gompa) is the Brama dung- chung Ani Gompa, located 12 kms from Tawang. The Nunnery was commissioned by Karchen Yeshi Gelek in 1595 and houses about 45 nuns.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tawang, Tawang, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh
The Tawang Township has three local markets namely the Old Market, the Nehru Market and the New Market. The biggest and the most popular market is the Old Market which has a good number of shops dealing in different kinds of items like handicrafts, general goods, clothing and apparel, Medical stores etc. The old market is closed on Tuesdays, while Nehru market and New Market are closed on Wednesdays and Saturdays respectively. Besides the above markets, visitors can also visit the govt. handicrafts emporium near Craft Centre (closed on sundays), where one can buy handicrafts produced in various parts of the State.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard (on twin sharing basis)

Day 5: Tawang to Bumla pass, Night stay at Tawang.

Stop At: Madhuri Lake, Tawang India
Madhuri Lake is formed by a flash flood after an earthquake in the year 1950, Madhuri Lake is originally known as Shonga-tser Lake, which is one of the most popular lakes in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The lake was renamed so after the shooting of Bollywood movie Koyla, starring Madhuri Dixit, the beautiful actress. The lake has been surrounded by wonderfully lush valleys, and snow-capped mountains. A leisure walk is the best way to explore the picturesque surroundings of the lake.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Taktsang Gompa, Bum La Road, Tawang 790104 India
Situated 45 kms away from Tawang Township, Taktsang Gompa is believed to have been honored by Guru Padmasambhava’s visit during the 8th century. Your eyes cannot feed enough on the spectacular views from here. The thick coniferous forest and lofty mountains surrounding the monastery, which is located on the ridge of a hill, render magic to the air. You are sure to be overwhelmed by the serene atmosphere that makes you feel one with nature
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bumla Pass, Tawang India
Bumla Pass, situated at an altitude of over 15,000 ft is snowbound for almost the entire year due to its steep elevation and presents a beautiful view of the Tibetan plateau. The road to the pass takes visitors through many sleepy hamlets and scenic lakes, making the drive memorable. Maintained by the Indian Army, Bumla Pass is a must for those who want to see how Indian soldiers protect the borders in the harshest of climes. Those arriving here have very warm stories to share of how they were received by the Indian Army and offered refreshments as well as tips on how to adapt to the cold and high altitude. Bumla Pass is also one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China. On designated dates, cultural programmes are also organised by the two sides, which can be witnessed by people. A telescope and a few binoculars are kept near the Indian Army check post for visitors who want to know what lies beyond the border. The army canteen serves hot tea, water and dessert. A special permit is required for visiting the pass and can be obtained from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard (on twin sharing basis)

Day 6: Tawang to Bomdila, Night stay at Bomdila.

Stop At: Bomdila War Memorial and View Point, West Kameng Valley, Bomdila India
Bomdila View Point provides magnanimous view of entire West Kameng Valley. From the highest point of this place, tourists can also enjoy beautiful views of clouds congregated at the top of the Nechipu Pass.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bomdila Monastery, dirt road off Chariduar- Tawang Rd Cona, Bomdila India
Bomdila Monastery was established in the year 1965 and it represents the spiritual essence of Buddhism. It is situated close to Tipi Orchid Research Center in West Kameng district. Followers of Mahayana Buddhism consider this place sacred. The monastery resembles Tsona Gontse Monastery of South Tibet. The temple of Buddha in the monastery attracts pilgrims in great numbers.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bomdila, Bomdila, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh
The Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery, also famous as the GRL Monastery, which houses Buddhist Lamas and monks at Bomdila. It is also recognized as one of the major centers of the Lamaistic faith of Mahayana Buddhism. The GRL monastery is situated in the Western Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh and was built by the 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche in 1965–66.
The main Gompa has three divisions, namely, the Lower Gompa, the Middle Gompa and the Upper Gompa. The Upper Gompa is considered to be the main monastery. While the Lower Gompa is situated at the end of the main market area, depicting the richness of Tibetan architecture, the Middle Gompa can be found at about 2 kms from the main market. There is a vast prayer hall inside the Lower Gompa. Popular belief says that ringing the bell of the Gompa fulfils one's wishes.

At the Middle Gompa, there is the Blue Medicine Buddha, which is also known as the Lord of Medications, as this deity is believed to cure diseases, by the locals. People perform prayers and meditation to undergo healing. The Middle Gompa is the oldest of all three gompas.

Apart from the Lower and the Middle Gompas, the GRL Monastery also has the Upper Gompa which is the main part of the monastery. It houses a school for the monk's children, along with a prayer hall and a buddha temple. The Upper gompa has proven to be a major tourist attraction over the years for its peaceful Buddhist preachings.

As this Gompa comprises of a vibrant building surrounded by serene atmosphere, it gives the visitors unmatched peace of mind. This Gompa is said to be a replica of the Tsona Gontse monastery at Tsona of southern Tibet. There is a prayer hall in the GRL monastery where the Lamas and the monks offer prayers. The Lamas live at a residential quarters which is located near the main gompa. The senior Lamas of the monastery engage in educating the younger Lamas about the Tantrayana practices and the monastic way of life.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Craft Centre And Ethnographic Museum, Opposite To Lower Gompa, Bomdila India
The District Craft centre & Ethnographic Museum at Bomdila, is a center that produces fine carpets of colorful designs and masks. Visitors coming to Bomdila make sure not to miss the museum.
A variety of carpets, Buddhist Thangkas (wall hangings) and handicrafts along with masks are produced and displayed here. The dragon design carpets are the major attraction of the museum.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard (on twin sharing basis)

Day 7: Bomdila to Guwahati via Bhalukpong (8 hour), Night stay at Guwahati.

Stop At: Tipi Orchid Reserve, Tippi India
The centre is located at Tipi in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, about 65 km away from Tezpur ( Assam) towards Bomdila (the district headquarter of West Kameng). It is situated on the west bank of Kameng river (also known as Jia Bharoli in Assam) surrounded by high hills covered with semi ever green tropical rain forest vegetation. It stretches over an area of 10 hectares of flat land comprising of office buildings, orchidaria, tissue culture lab., Museum, herbarium and garden. One of the main attractions of the center is the orchid glass house. This is made up of fiberglass roof, desplay gallery around and a central pond with fountain.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bhalukpong, Bhalukpong, Sonitpur District, Assam
Bhalukpong, 56 km from Tezpur in Assam is the entry point to Arunachal Pradesh. It is famous for Archaeological ruins of King Bhaluka, an ancient ruler of the region. The river Kameng after completing all turbulent courses enters Bhalukpong in a serene flow which provides rare opportunity of adventure tourism and a beautiful picnic spot. Angling and river rafting are principal tourist activities in Bhalukpong. Bhalukpong serves as gateway to popular destinations like Tawang and Bomdila. Tourist attractions around Bhalukpong includes Bhalukpong Fort, Pakke Tiger Reserve/ sanctuary and Tipi Orchidariurm.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bhalukpong 790114
Visit to Kiwi garden on route
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard (on twin sharing basis)

Day 8: Departure

Stop At: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Samadhi Khetra Memorial, Guwahati 781014 India
A beautiful memorial commemorating Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika on route
Duration: 45 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.