Himalayan Majesty: A 6-Day Expedition to Tawang
Complete Journey Overview
Himalayan Majesty: A 6-Day Expedition to Tawang
Himalayan Majesty: A 6-Day Expedition to Tawang
Embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences
Day 1: Ascent to the Himalayas - Guwahati to Dirang
Arrival in Guwahati & Drive to Dirang
Arrive at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati. Meet your pre-booked driver and begin the long but scenic drive towards Dirang. The journey will take you from the plains of Assam into the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. This itinerary focuses on the Tawang circuit, as covering both Tawang and Ziro Valley in 6 days is logistically impractical due to extensive travel times (over 30 hours of driving between them). This plan ensures a meaningful experience in one of India's most spectacular regions.
Lunch at a Roadside Dhaba
Stop for a simple yet authentic lunch at a roadside dhaba en route. Enjoy classic North-Indian fare or simple Assamese thalis. This is a great way to experience the local travel culture.
Check-in and Relax in Dirang
Arrive in the picturesque valley of Dirang by late evening. Check into your hotel and rest after the long journey. The town is situated on the banks of the Kameng river and offers a pleasant climate.
Day 2: Crossing Sela Pass to Tawang
Drive from Dirang to Tawang
After breakfast, continue your journey towards Tawang. The drive today is shorter but involves a steep ascent to the formidable Sela Pass.
Sela Pass and Sela Lake
Cross the Sela Pass, located at an altitude of 13,700 feet. The pass is marked by a beautiful gate and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Stop by the serene and often frozen Sela Lake.
Jaswant Garh War Memorial
Pay homage to the brave soldier, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat (Maha Vir Chakra), who single-handedly fought the Chinese army for 72 hours during the 1962 war. The memorial is maintained by the Indian Army.
Arrive and Check-in at Tawang
Reach Tawang by mid-afternoon. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the evening acclimatizing. Take a short walk around the local market if you feel up to it.
Day 3: Monasteries and Monpa Culture
Tawang Monastery (Galden Namgyal Lhatse)
Visit the magnificent Tawang Monastery, the second-largest monastery in the world. Perched atop a hill, it offers panoramic views of the Tawang valley. Explore the main prayer hall, the museum, and the library which houses ancient scriptures.
Urgelling Gompa & Giant Buddha Statue
Visit the Urgelling Gompa, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. It's a serene and historically significant site. Afterwards, drive up to the Giant Buddha Statue for another stunning viewpoint of Tawang town and the monastery.
Lunch with Local Monpa Cuisine
Head to a local restaurant to savor authentic Monpa cuisine. Try dishes like Thukpa (noodle soup), Momos (dumplings), and Zan (a porridge made of millet or other grains served with vegetables or meat).
Tawang War Memorial & Light and Sound Show
In the evening, visit the Tawang War Memorial, a beautiful stupa dedicated to the martyrs of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Stay for the light and sound show which narrates the story of the battle and the bravery of the Indian soldiers.
Day 4: Journey to the Indo-China Border
Excursion to Bum La Pass & Madhuri Lake
Embark on a thrilling full-day excursion towards the Indo-China border. The journey takes you through rugged terrain and past several stunning high-altitude lakes.
Bum La Pass (Indo-China Border)
Stand at the border at an altitude of over 15,200 feet. Interact with the Indian Army soldiers, who are happy to share stories and offer hot tea. The sense of patriotism and the stark beauty of the landscape are unforgettable.
Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake)
Visit the breathtaking Sangestar Tso, popularly known as Madhuri Lake after the Bollywood movie 'Koyla' was filmed here. The lake was formed by an earthquake and has dead tree trunks emerging from its crystal-clear water, creating a surreal landscape.
Backup Plan: Zemithang Valley
If the Bum La Pass is closed due to weather, use this day for an alternative excursion to the beautiful and remote Zemithang Valley. It's a scenic drive to a less-visited area, home to the Gorsam Chorten, a large stupa modeled after the one in Bodhgaya.
Day 5: The Journey Back - Tawang to Bomdila
Overnight Stay in Bomdila
Check into your hotel in Bomdila for the night. Enjoy a final dinner in the mountains.
Drive from Tawang to Bomdila
Begin your journey back towards the plains of Assam. The drive back offers a different perspective on the landscapes you passed on your way up.
Nuranang Falls (Jang Falls)
Make a stop at the spectacular Nuranang Falls, located near the town of Jang. This 100-meter high waterfall is one of the most stunning in the region. You can walk down close to the base for a magnificent view.
Bomdila Monastery (GRL Monastery)
Upon reaching Bomdila, visit the Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery. It's a smaller, more peaceful monastery compared to Tawang's, and its location provides a great view of Bomdila town and the surrounding valleys.
Day 6: Descent to the Plains & Departure
Drive from Bomdila to Guwahati
After an early breakfast, start the final leg of your journey from Bomdila back to Guwahati. The drive will take you back through the winding roads and into the plains of Assam.
Farewell Lunch
Stop for lunch at a good restaurant on the highway, perhaps near Tezpur or Nagaon, for one last taste of the region's flavors before heading to the airport.
Departure from Guwahati
Arrive at Guwahati Airport (GAU) with ample time to catch your evening flight back home, filled with memories of the majestic Eastern Himalayas.
