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. 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!
Highlights of the trip
- Visit the land of the Sherdukpens and interact with a community of less than 10,000 people in the world
- Enjoy local rice beer and wine at homestays across West Kameng and Tawang.
- Explore the unique art and culture of a Nyingma monastery (Chillipam, Tawang)
- Visit India's largest monastery, a 16th century Gelug Gompa
- A drive through one of the highest motorable passes in the world
- Visit Sangetsar Tso, a high altitude holy lake near the Indo-China Border
- Go off the beaten trail to explore hidden hot springs and waterfalls in the Indo-China Border
- Get a window into the rural life of the Eastern Himalayas with locally guided village walks and jungle trails
- A hike on a shepherd's trail to experience the forests of West Kameng.
- Visit apple and kiwi orchards of the region
- 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.
Day 1 : Behold! Your Eastern Himalayan adventure begins
- Welcome to North East India:
- Meet the team and other travellers upon arrival.
- Journey to Western Arunachal Pradesh.
- Prepare for a long drive to the Eastern Himalayas.
- 7-hour drive with changing landscapes.
- Transition from Guwahati's urban jungle to Bhutan's forests.
- Drive up winding roads to West Kameng belt of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Emphasize the journey's beauty and importance.
- First stop at the village of Shergaon:
- Arrival expected in the dark.
- Experience the cool, fresh air and dimly lit houses.
- Enjoy a bonfire and local brew.
- Overnight stay in Shergaon.
Day 2 : Shergaon Shenanigans
- Location: Shergaon (locally known as Seinthuk)
- Description: A picturesque experience, especially at sunset
- Setting: Narrow valley with orchards, fields, and a meandering stream
- Day Plan: Leisurely breakfast, immersion in the village's slow life
- Exploration: Learn about Sherdukpen people, local fruits, Gompa culture
- Activities: Riverside picnic, barbecue
- Evening: Return to accommodation for leisure
- Stay: Overnight in Shergaon
Day 3 : On the road again
- Visit Zangdokpalri Monastery (Chilipam Gompa):
- Explore colorful artwork and Nyingma Buddhism
- Possible visit to a local incense stick unit
- Breakfast at a local eatery
- Long and tiring 9-10 hour journey to Tawang
- Drive up to an altitude of 13,700 feet with changing vegetation
- Scenic drive with snow-capped peaks, yaks, and Buddhist flags
- Arrival at destination, settling into a homestay
- Freshen up and relax
- Gather for an early dinner
- Overnight stay in Tawang
Day 4 : Sky high Sangetsar, and the origin of the name “Tawang”
- Leisure day in Tawang:
- Visit Sangetsar Tso, a high-altitude lake.
- Enjoy the view of grand mountains and snow-capped peaks.
- Prepare for freezing temperatures.
- Explore the lake surroundings and enjoy the beauty of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Tawang Monastery visit, India's largest monastery:
- Explore the monastery's various sections.
- Learn about the history of Tawang.
- Visit a cafe run by monks.
- Return to the homestay or explore the local market for souvenirs.
- Overnight stay in Tawang homestay.
Day 5 : Healing waters and hot springs
- Early morning departure for a long and tiring day.
- Four-hour drive to Chumi Gyatse Falls on the India-China border.
- Scenic drive with altitude changes from 15,000 feet to 11,000 feet.
- Historical significance of the Yangtse region and the waterfall.
- Mention of 108 channels and healing qualities of the water.
- Indian Defence controls the border area, open to Indian nationals only.
- Visit to Damting village for the Sulphur springs of the Eastern Himalayas:
- Opportunity to relax in 70-degree Celsius water.
- Picnic lunch and return to the homestay in Tawang for the evening.
- Overnight stay in Tawang.
Please note: This is a new experience in our repertoire the recce of which was only done this summer. The photo above is a representation of the summer season.
Day 6 : Descending to Dirang Valley
- Comfortable morning start at homestay
- Breakfast at the homestay
- Farewell to hosts
- Journey from Tawang mountains to Dirang valley
- Short break near Sela Lake (13,700 feet)
- Possible short walk around the lake
- Hot coffee break
- Arrival at homestay in Dirang by evening
- Rest recommended for hiking the next day
- Overnight stay at Dirang Homestay
Day 7 : Explore a rural Himalayan village and immerse yourself in nature
- After breakfast, an adventure to explore the Monpa community's mountain life.
- Journey to Bishum Phudung village with 80 households, 2 monasteries, and beautiful forests.
- Encounter diverse trees in the surrounding forests, including oak, pine, rhododendron, and wild cherry blossom.
- Forest types range from deciduous to tropical rainforests, creating a diverse natural environment.
- Enjoy tea in a scenic forest spot, reached after an 8-kilometer hike through paddy fields and farmlands.
- Visit a local holy lake for personal reflection and relaxation.
- Stop for a home-cooked picnic lunch by the river before heading to a homestay in Dirang for an evening of leisure.
- Overnight stay in Dirang.
Please note: This is a new experience in our repertoire the recce of which was only done this summer. The photo above is a representation of the summer season.
Day 8 : Bidding farewell to the Eastern Himalayas
- Mountain getaway ending: The trip is coming to a close after a mountain getaway.
- Farewell in Arunachal Pradesh: Saying goodbye to hosts and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Guwahati drive: A 9-hour drive to Guwahati is planned.
- Airport arrival: Planning to reach the airport area by 7pm.
- Recommendation for flight: Suggesting booking a flight the following day, especially if it's a late night flight.
- Option to stay in Guwahati: Offering the option to stay in Guwahati for the night.
- Farewell in Guwahati: Dropping travellers at a designated point near the city and expressing hopes for future visits.
Package Details
Inclusion
- Stay on all nights in twin sharing basis
- Breakfast from Day 2 to 8
- Lunch on Day 2, 4 and 7
- Dinner on Day 1 and 2
- Local guides on Day 2, 4, 5 and 7
- Arunachal Pradesh registered vehicle for Day trip to Chumi Gyatse
- Inner Line Permits
- Permits to enter Chumi Gyatse
- Trip lead throughout the trip
- Transport from Day 1 to 8 in a Tempo traveller
Exclusion
- Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Entry fees to sightseeing points (Ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 100 per spot)
- Protected Area Permit (For non Indian Passport holders)
- Hotel Tips, Driver Tips or Guide Tips
- Any personal expenditure
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Inclusions".
- Flight or Train Tickets
- Stay on Day 8
