Tribal Tour To Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh - Tribal Villages, Monasteries And More

Itinerary

Day 1: Guwahati to Dirang

Stop At: Gyuto Monastery, Tenzin Gang, Via Bomdila, Cona County, 山南市 Arunachal Pradesh 790002
We start from the Guwahati airport in the morning and enjoy our drive through the golden fields of Assam before we start climbing into Arunachal Pradesh, taking a newly built road which makes for a fantastic drive and even better views. On our way, we stop by at the beautiful Gyuto monastery and spend some time exploring it. We stop for lunch at a small Tibetan settlement en-route for lunch before proceeding further ahead. We halt at a lovely little town Dirang, overlooking two mountain rivers, for the night.
Duration: 20 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Wonderful local homestays - the best possible way to experience a new culture. Privacy ensured & so is delicious food.

Day 2: Dirang to Tawang

Stop At: Dirang, Dirang, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh
We start our day by visiting the Iconic Thupsung Dhargye Ling, also known as the Dirang Monastery.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nyukmadung War Memorial, Between Dhirang and Sela Pass, Cona County, 山南市790101
Overlooking the famous battleground of 18 Nov 1962, the Nyukmadung war memorial is where we stop next, to pay our respect to the fallen soldiers there before proceeding ahead.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Sela Pass, State Highway Arunachal Arunachal, Tawang India
The highest pass on the way to Tawang from Dirang, the Sela Pass, acts as natural border between the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

The views from atop the pass are fantastic. It makes for a perfect quick stop to have some pipping-hot maggi (noodles) & tea.

Just a little ahead, as you start your descent, the gorgeous sela lake compels you to stop and gawk at its beauty. A walk around the lake is a fantastic experience.

What's more, during the winters, the lake remains completely frozen, just like everything else around it.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Nuranang Falls, Tawang India
Also known as the Jang falls, the Nuranang waterfall is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls of the country. What makes the waterfall even more breathtakingly beautiful is its surroundings.


Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay with a very-welcoming and friendly local Monpa family at their beautiful homestays.

Day 3: Tawang Local Sightseeing

Stop At: Tawang Buddhist Monastery, Tawang Arunachal Pradesh 790104 Nh-229, Tawang 790104 India
Undoubtedly, the most important place (and equally gorgeous) place to visit in Tawang is the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse or the Tawang Monastery. Housing 65 residential quarters for students, Lamas and monks, this monastery, which is also the world's largest Buddhist monastery now, is a small town in itself, with its own school, water-supply system and hospital.

Buddhist prayers, dances and many religious are regularly performed here and it is quite an experience them in person.

We spend enough time here, exploring every aspect of the monastery accessible. We meet and talk to the monks and teachers staying there and try to learn more about the place and their life and much more.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Urgelling Gompa, 3 Km From Tawang Town, Tawang India
The birth-place of the 6th Dalai Lama, the small but religiously very significant Urgelling monastery is one of the most important places of the region and beyond.

We visit the monastery and learn about it's historical significance and the annual rituals & festivals that take place here.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tawang, Tawang, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh
We explore the local market and feast on various local delicacies of the region. As they say, food is the best way to know a place :) .

In the evening, we head to the Tawang War Memorial to know more about the 1962 Indo-China war. Next to it is the Hall of Fame, which hosts a very lively Light and sound show. Something which should not be missed when in Tawang.

After that, we head back to our homestay and spend time with our hosts.

If you wish to try your hands at making some local dish, you will be more than welcomed by the hosts :)
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Our friendly homestay.

Day 4: Penga Teng Tso, Madhuri Lake and Bumla

Stop At: Tawang District, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh
We start early today to explore the beautiful lakes and valleys at the higher reaches of the region. On our way to our first stop, the Penga Teng Tso, we drive through what was once the battle-field. The scars of the war can be seen scattered all around. From there we head to the uniquely beautiful Sungester Lake, also known as the Madhuri lake of Koyla (the Bollywood movie) fame. Finally, we head towards the India-China border at Bum-la and spend some time at the border before starting our return journey to Tawang.

**Visit to the Madhuri Lake & Bum La is allowed only for Indians.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Our friendly homestay.

Day 5: Tawang to Bomdila/Dirang

Stop At: Bomdila Monastery, dirt road off Chariduar- Tawang Rd Cona, Bomdila India
We drive down to the Buddhist town of Dirang/Bomdilla today, taking the same road we took on our way up to Tawang. Only this time we will stay at a unique and special place for the night instead of staying at the same homestay (if staying in Bomdila). By evening, we reach Bomdilla and stay in the monastery for the night, of course after exploring it.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Bomdila Buddhist Monastery Guesthouse. Or our homestay in Dirang/Bomdila based upon guest's preference.

Day 6: Bomdila/Dirang to Gauhati.

Stop At: Bomdila, Bomdila, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh
We wake-up early today so that we can explore the monastery once again, this time while the monks are busy praying. After a hearty breakfast at the monastery, we start our return journey back to Guwahati which marks the end of this wonderful trip.
Duration: 8 hours

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