Arunachal Pradesh

Distance from Tezpur (Assam) to Dirang distance is about 214 km. At 64 km from Tezpur the road enters Arunachal Pradesh at Bhalukpong. After Bhalukpong, we start climbing mountains and for about 50 km that was difficult due to road widening work and landslides. Further on the way to Dirang one gets the picturesque view of the Kengto and Gorichan peaks, white streams, apple orchards, kiwi gardens, yak farms, etc.

• Visit famous hot water springs and picturesque Dirang river.
• Stayed at Norpher retreat on the opposite bank of the river from the town. The hotel has local architecture and excellent view of the river.
• Dirang to Tawang (140kms): Take a break at Sela pass (14000 ft) and watch beautiful scenery and snow. From the pass the road goes downhill. On the way there are many photo stops. Jaswantgarh Memorial (visit here to honour our great army man) and spectacular Nuranang waterfalls

At Tawang we stayed at Dolma cottage (on the road to Tawang Monastery), which as two bedrooms, and a living room. From the sit out one can enjoy flowers, birds and snow peaks. There are other hotels but keep out of bazaar area (one street with congested shops/buildings). Hotel Tashi Ga Tsel, close to 19 ft Buddha is also a good choice.

• Visit 400 year old Tawang Monastery - a must visit.
• Visit Urgelling Monastery, Taktsand Gompa, get a view of Bapteng Kang waterfalls, Dalailama 6th birth place, 18ft high Buddha statue and in the evening watch sound and light show in the Army camp.
• Visit to PTSO lake, Tsuneshwar lake (also called Maclhuni lake) and Bunda pass near China border (requires special photo id pass). These are arranged by the hotel or from booking agent in advance.
• Even though the road to above places is not good due to heavy snow fall, the visit to these places is a must and the highlight of the full trip.
• Stop at PTSO lake. It is frozen in March. Walk on the frozen lake and play in snow. It is very picturesque with snow peaks all around.
• Next visit Shungatser lake (Madhuri lake) which has tourist facility like canteen run by Army, shops selling goods made by Army widows, cooperative drinking water, toilets and covered/open sit outs. Much of the lakes were still frozen in March. Place is very scenic. Jackets, sweaters, mufflers, scarves, socks and gloves from the Army shop are a very good buy for self-use and gifts. It is very difficult to leave this place.
• Bumla Pass road was closed by the Army due to snow fall the previous night but the driver told us that is a very scenic trip to Bumla pass. Maybe next time.

We stayed at Tsepal Yangjom which is a good hotel but is located in the middle of bazaar street. On the way to upper monastery there are some hotels which are in a less crowded place, with better view.

• Tawang to Bomdila (190kms) journey again is very scenic. Take a break at Sela pass and spectacular Jung waterfall beyond Hydro Power plant. Many strategically located viewpoints to stop and take pictures of mountains/snow peaks
• Bomdila is head quarter or west Kameng district dominated by Monpas. It is famous for Upper Monastery, which is a nice place to visit and get view of Bomdila town and the hills. There is also a lower Gompa in the town.

• Bomdila to Bhalukpong is only 100 km but takes about 5 hours due to landslides and road widening work.
• Bhalukpong borders the state of Assam where alcohol is more expensive than in Arunachal. As a result, there are more wine shops in this one street town than restaurants.
• Visit Tipi Orchidarium which is a big area with a wide variety of orchids. Also visit beautiful Kameng river front.
• There is a choice of hotels in Bhalukpong but we recommend Prashanti cottages which is on Assam side on the river front. It is owned by Assam tourism but managed by IORA. The place provides individual cottages in a big U shape with a large playground/lawn in the middle. Excellent place for children and senior citizens.
• Bhalukpong to Guwahati airport is 260 km and there are agricultural fields on both sides of the road.