Located 444 Km from Guwahati, Tawang, the land of Monpas, and beautiful mountains, is both historically and naturally endowed. The name ‘Tawang’ means: ‘Ta’- Horse and ‘Wang’- Green pastures. It is situated in the state of Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level. The Tawang valley road trip and backpacking tour is one of the most adventurous trips you can go on. This bike expedition is the ultimate adventure for all those seeking the thrill of raw roads. The journey from Guwahati to Tawang is full of surprises and attractions. Riding on the mountains and passing by the majestic spectacles will leave you exalted.
Tawang is a treat for nature enthusiasts, photography lovers, and adventurers, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in the Northeast. Ancient monasteries, waterfalls, lakes, and rugged landscapes are only a few of the things that you will be seeing. Since the routes are raw and rugged, it is very famous in India as well as for bikers from around the world. You will ride over the highway, mountains, off-road, and rocks to get to Tawang, the blessed valley of the North East. It takes a certain level of zeal to go biking through the “Land of dawn-lit mountains”.
We start our 7 nights, 8 days bike expedition to Tawang from Guwahati. Guwahati, the capital of Assam, with rich and diverse flora and fauna, is known as ‘the city of Eastern Light’. It stands on the southern banks of the mighty river Brahmaputra and is a gateway to the entire northeastern states. Dirang, a serene village in Arunachal Pradesh, lies in the West Kameng district on the banks of the Jia Bharali River. While in Dirang, you can take a walk through the peaceful village and take in the beautiful and calm environment. The PTSO Lake, or Sangestar Tso, is a lake located on the way from Tawang to Bumla pass. This lake has one of the highest altitudes in India and the world at a height of 15,200fts. It remains frozen in winters and becomes a haven for migratory birds during summers. The Bum La Pass is located about 37 km away from Tawang, at the Indo-China border 16,500 ft above sea level. The roads are mostly covered with snow. The road to Bum La is also a historical route; here in Bum La Pass one of the fiercest battles took place in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
Up next is Tawang, which has an unmatched natural beauty that will leave you in awe. Here are some of the quintessential places to visit in Tawang. The Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India; the Thembang Heritage village identified by UNESCO as a world heritage site village and so much more.
The ideal time to visit Arunachal Pradesh would be during summers when the valley comes alive with wildflowers and greenery and the weather is pleasant. If you want to experience Arunachal Pradesh during winters, October to February is the best time to experience snow-covered landscapes and mountains. Here is the Tawang Valley Road Trip itinerary with Plan the Unplanned:
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
Trip Start Point: Guwahati
Pickup Point: To be communicate 2 days before the trip, Start time ( Approx 10 AM )
Drop off Time: 6 PM ( approx )
Duration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days
DAY 1: Guwahati – Kaziranga National Park
DAY 2: Kaziranga National Park to Bomdila
DAY 3: Bomdila – Tawang (140 kms – 6 hrs)
DAY 4: Tawang – Bumla Pass – Tawang (100 kms – 5Hrs)
DAY 5: Tawang Local Excusion
DAY 6: Tawang – Dirang (140 kms – 6hrs)
DAY 7: Dirang – Guwahati
DAY 8: Departure from Guwahati
By Air: Guwahati International Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport), is well connected with all the prime cities in India. The Airport is situated 25 km away from the main city. Regular flight options are available by airlines for cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Imphal, Bagdogra, Agartala, Mumbai, etc.
By Rail: Guwahati railway station is located 5km away from the city centre. It is the major railway station in the city and is well connected to all major Indian cities through rails.
By Road: By road, Guwahati can be reached from Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, through NH 31, and all major cities of Assam through NH 37.
You will Meet upon arrival at Guwahati and proceed to the accommodation site where our representative will receive you and give a brief description of the route of Tawang valley road trip. After which we will be departing towards Kaziranga, where we will stay for the night.
Post breakfast, we will go for a Jeep safari. Through this wonderful ride, you can explore one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, tigers, deer, and many other animals and birds as well. Later, we will ride towards Bomdilla. En route, we will stop for lunch at Bhalukpong. We will arrive at Bomdilla late in the evening. It is a beautiful destination, worthy of your attention and time. We will check-in to the hotel, have dinner and will sleep to regain energy for the next day.
After breakfast, start for Tawang. While you are en route, the mesmerising landscapes will leave you spellbound. Make a pause at Sela Pass, located at an altitude of 13,700ft above sea level. And pay homage to the JaswantGarh War Memorial and enjoy the valley view. The mountains and roads as you approach Tawang are beautiful and adventurous. On reaching Tawang, check in to the venue and get yourself refreshed. We will arrange an evening tea/coffee time for you at Café Suburb where a renowned local Lama will tell you about the history and significance of the place, and will also guide you for your next day’s travel track. After which, we will get back to the hotel and rest for the day.
After breakfast, leave for Bum La pass on cabs. And your bikes will get serviced at Tawang on this day. The beautiful and adventurous Bum La Pass is located about 37 km away from Tawang, at the Indo-China border above 16,500 ft above sea level. The roads are mostly covered with snow. The road to Bum La is also a historical route; here in Bum La Pass one of the fiercest battles took place in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. On the way, also enjoy the beauty of the Heart Lake, the P. T. Tso, and the Sangetsur Tso. Here “Tso” means “lake” in their local language. Way back to Tawang from Bum La Pass and reach the hotel. Evening you are free for shopping and personal activities.
Tawang Valley is dotted with monasteries and stupas. One can spend a whole day visiting monasteries in Tawang. Post breakfast, visit the Tawang Monastery, known in Tibetan as the Galden Namgey Lhatse, it is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Then visit the Urgelling Monastery which is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama (born Tsangyang Gyatso). Then we will leave for a short adventure ride to Chakzam Village (25 km from Tawang) where you will find a hanging bridge hand-made of iron wires dating back to 560 years. Also, watch the sound and light show at the War Memorial of Tawang in the evening. After a hard-core exploration of the day, relax in the evening in your hotel rooms.
After breakfast, set out for Dirang and en-route visit the Nuranang Falls at Jang which is a 100 meters high waterfall and Apple Garden, Kiwi Garden, Kameng River at Dirang and stay overnight at our campsite. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes; snow-filled mountains and foggy roads along the way. And not much far below, you will see the roaring Kameng River. This view is so beautiful that it cannot be explained in words, one must experience it.
After breakfast, we will take you to Thembang Heritage Village which has been identified by UNESCO as a world heritage site village. Here you are going to have an experience of proper traditional Monpa houses built of stones. We will travel from Dirang to Guwahati. We will rest for the day and settle ourselves in Guwahati.
After Breakfast, depart with amazing everlasting memories of the Tawang valley road trip from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
