Explore the last frontier of India in our ” West Arunachal Explorer “. Arunachal is perhaps the last sanctuary for India’s natural and anthropological heritage with 26 major and more than 100 sub tribes living in the quaint mountain villages and around lush tropical jungles. An ideal destination for the offbeat traveller, we explore tribal villages in beautiful valleys, drives through high mountain passes and visit frozen lakes. On our journey we visit Monpa tribe villages in far off Zemithang on the Bhutan – China border, cross the Sela pass at 13700 feet, visit high altitude lakes of Pangateng Tso and Tsungatsar, visit one of the most important Monasteries at Twang and pass scenic valleys and jungles on the beautiful drives.
ITINERARY
Guwahati, Dirang, Tawang, Zemithang & Bomdila Park (8n / 9d)
Day 1 – Guwahati to Tezpur
Arrive in Guwahati and transfer to Tezpur. Overnight at Tezpur.
Day 2 – Tezpur to Dirang : After breakfast we leave for Dirang the land of the Monpa tribe. Dirang is also famous for its apple orchards, sheep breeding farms and natural hot springs. Enroute visit Tippi Orchid Centre and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary. Most part of the road skirts besides the Kameg river, passing occasionally through thick tropical forests. Overnight at Dirang.
Day 3 – Dirang : In the morning visit the historic village of Thembang, whose inhabitants claim direct ancestry from the royal family of Tibet. Walk around the village to learn about the Thembang dzong and its historic significance.
In the afternoon drive to Sangti Valley which seems seasonal homes of black-necked crane that flies across from China. It’s a serene and beautiful place where the Sangti river lazily flows through the valley, patched with paddy fields and pine forests. Typical stone houses built by the Monpa Tribe, lend a very special charm to this place. We visit the Sheep Breeding centre and Dirang Dzong at Sangti valley. Overnight at Dirang.
Day 4 – Dirang to Tawang via Sela Pass : Today after breakfast, depart Dirang for a fascinating drive to Zimithang. The road moves along the Dirang River for 10 kms and then the road climbs towards Sela Pass.
Situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft. this route to Sela Pass from Dirang is sparsely populated and the forest cover is alpine. This famous pass is covered with snow for most of the year as is the Paradise Lake, a small lake. The drive now is bewitching with piercing snow peaks towering above you, waterfalls (some frozen) at every corner and a gushing Nuranang river accompanying you most of the way. Overnight at Tawang.
Day 5 – Tawang to Zemithang : Zemithang at an altitude of 2150 meters, sandwiched between Bhutan and China, lies in the remote and isolated north-western corner of Arunachal. This region also has high cultural and historical significance. As there has been very little impact of urbanisation in the village, it provides, immense potential to experience the traditional life style and culture of indigenous Monpa tribe. Numerous water streams and falls are there and one can enjoy the view of Nyamjanchu rivers that meanders down below the ranges of mountains of different colors.
Spend the afternoon exploring the various villages like Lumpo-Muchat and Kharman-Kyalengteng, to see the traditional lifestyle of the Monpas. Evening drive to the Gorsam stupa and enjoy the tranquil setting of the stupa, measuring 120 feet in width and 100 feet in height. Overnight at Zemithang.
Day 6 – Zemithang to Tawang : After breakfast drive to Tawang stopping at the high altitude PT Tso and Tsungatsar Lake. This is an extremely scenic drive with bird’s eye view of Tawang township below.
Afternoon visit Tawang Monastery, an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism. This famous monastery of the Gelukpa was founded during the 17th century and it is also one of the largest monasteries in the world. Spend the afternoon at the towering Tawang monastery exploring and experiencing its history and architecture. Overnight at Tawang.
Day 7 – Tawang to Bomdila : After breakfast drive to Bomdila a place of misty mountains, lush forest, apple orchards and Buddhist monasteries. Bomdila , the district HQ of the West Kameng district, is located at a height of 2,530m. Catch up on the sights you might have missed out before. In the evening experience the local flavor – head out on walks and interact with the locals to enhance your experience. Overnight at Bomdila.
Day 8 – Bomdila to Guwahati : After breakfast drive down the mountains to the plains of Assam. Evening one can take a river cruise on the Bhramaputra river. Overnight at Guwahati.
Day 9 – Guwahati
After breakfast transfer to airport.End of tour.
THEMESCulture
Nature
Offbeat
DESTINATIONSGuwahati
Dirang
Tawang
Zemithang
Bomdila
HIGHLIGHTS
– Stay at Monpa village in far off Zemithang
– Beautiful Himalayan drives across the Sela Pass
– Visit to Tawang Monastery
– Visit to high altitude PT Tso Lake
– Explore paddy fields, pine forests and rivers in beautiful Sangit valley
– Visit apple orchards, sheep breeding farm and hot spring at Dirang
COST Spoiler content INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS :
5 Nights stay at home stay / resort with breakfast, 1 Night stay at houseboat with all meals, All transfers and excursions in private vehicle including all vehicle charges – driver cost, toll, parking etc. , service charges and taxes, Wildlife Safari Charges.
EXCLUSIONS :
Other than mentioned, Entry tickets and camera charges at sightseeing places ( if applicable )
STAY & TRANSPORT
As this is a customised tour, you can choose the accommodation and transport as per your preference . Accommodation types available – Resorts, Cottages, Home stay, Houseboat. Transport – Private Vehicle ( SUV or Car )
NOTE :
COST MENTIONED IS INDICATIVE.
This is a customized trip. Cost might vary depending on your group size and type of accommodation required. Please contact us for details
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