A scenic 09-day Arunachal Pradesh road journey covering Bhalukpong, Dirang, Tawang, Bumla Pass, Madhuri Lake, Bomdila and Shergaon. The journey combines Himalayan landscapes, monasteries, waterfalls, war memorials, high-altitude lakes and local experiences, travelling at a comfortable pace in a private Swift Dzire.
The itinerary is built around the driving distances rather than against them. From Guwahati the road climbs to Bhalukpong at the Arunachal boundary, then on to Dirang, where a full day is kept aside for Mandala Top, the monastery and Sangti Valley — useful both for sightseeing and for adjusting to the altitude before Sela Pass. Tawang gets three nights: one for the monasteries and town, one for the Bumla Pass and Madhuri Lake excursion, and the buffer that high-altitude travel usually needs.
The return leg is deliberately unhurried. Bomdila breaks the long descent from Tawang, and Shergaon adds a quiet village night with waterfalls and orchards before the final drive down to Guwahati. Transport is a private Swift Dzire for the full nine days with fuel, tolls and driver allowance included, and the Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit is arranged for you.
Tour Highlights
Sela Pass and Sela Lake on the drive into Tawang
Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India
Bumla Pass excursion near the India–China border, permit and weather permitting
Madhuri Lake (Sangestar Tso) among high mountains
Mandala Top and Sangti Valley from Dirang
Jaswant Garh War Memorial and Jang Falls
Bomdila Monastery on the return leg
A quiet village night at Shergaon with Chococham Waterfalls
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Tap any day to open the details. Distances and driving times are approximate.
DAY01
Begin your journey from Guwahati and drive towards the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh. En route, visit the Maha Mrityunjay Temple, Nagaon, known for its massive Shiva sculpture and peaceful surroundings. Continue towards Bhalukpong, the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh, and check in at the hotel.
Overnight: BhalukpongMeals: DinnerApprox. 240 km
DAY02
After breakfast, drive through beautiful mountain roads towards Dirang. En route, visit Tippi Orchid Centre, known for its collection of Himalayan orchids, followed by Nechepu Falls. You may also visit the Nag Mandir and enjoy the scenic Bomdila Bypass route before reaching Dirang.
Overnight: DirangMeals: Breakfast & DinnerApprox. 180 km
DAY03
Explore the beautiful surroundings of Dirang. Visit Mandala Top, offering spectacular Himalayan views, followed by the historic Dirang Monastery. Later, head towards the peaceful Sangti Valley, famous for its green landscapes, river valley and mountain scenery.
Overnight: DirangMeals: Breakfast & DinnerApprox. 50 km
DAY04
A spectacular Himalayan drive towards Tawang. En route, visit Baisakhi Camp, followed by the iconic Sela Pass and Sela Lake, one of Arunachal's beautiful high-altitude landscapes. Continue towards Jaswant Garh War Memorial, dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, and stop at the magnificent Jang Falls before arriving in Tawang.
Overnight: TawangMeals: Breakfast & DinnerApprox. 130 km
DAY05
Discover the cultural heart of Tawang with visits to the magnificent Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, and Urgelling Monastery, associated with the 6th Dalai Lama. Visit the Giant Buddha Statue overlooking Tawang and spend the evening exploring Tawang Market. Later, enjoy the Light & Sound Show, subject to operational schedule.
Overnight: TawangMeals: Breakfast & DinnerApprox. 30–40 km
DAY06
An exciting high-altitude excursion to Bumla Pass, located near the India–China border. Continue to the stunning Madhuri Lake (Sangestar Tso), surrounded by dramatic mountains. The route offers some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Tawang region.
Bumla visit is subject to permit, weather and local administration conditions.
Overnight: TawangMeals: Breakfast & DinnerApprox. 150–170 km round trip
DAY07
After breakfast, begin the return journey through the mountains. Cross the scenic Chagcham Bridge before continuing towards Bomdila. Visit Bomdila Monastery, an important Buddhist centre offering beautiful views of the surrounding Himalayas.
Overnight: BomdilaMeals: Breakfast & DinnerApprox. 175 km
DAY08
A relaxed drive towards the beautiful mountain village of Shergaon. En route, visit Chococham Waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery. Later, explore Buddha Park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Shergaon village.
Overnight: ShergaonMeals: Breakfast & DinnerApprox. 55 km
DAY09
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Guwahati. Enjoy the final Himalayan drive before reaching Guwahati, marking the end of your Arunachal Pradesh adventure.
Tour Ends.
Overnight: Tour endsMeals: BreakfastApprox. 160 km
Package Inclusions
08 nights accommodation
Deluxe room category
Hotel meals as specified in the itinerary
01 Swift Dzire for 09 days – Guwahati to Guwahati
Fuel
Toll
Driver allowance
Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Package Exclusions
Personal expenses
Tourist spot parking charges
Guide and porter charges
Entry tickets and fees wherever applicable
Bumla Pass / Madhuri Lake local vehicle charges, if applicable
Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Please note
Travel times and distances are approximate and may vary depending on road conditions, weather, traffic and sightseeing stops. High-altitude sightseeing such as Bumla Pass & Madhuri Lake is subject to weather, road conditions and local administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
This itinerary uses 9 days and 8 nights from Guwahati, which allows the drive to be broken at Bhalukpong and Dirang on the way up and at Bomdila and Shergaon on the way back. Shorter Tawang trips are possible, but they mean longer driving days and less time to adjust to the altitude. We can also plan a shorter or longer version on request.
Day 06 is planned as an excursion to Bumla Pass and Madhuri Lake. The actual visit depends on the Bumla permit being issued, on weather and road conditions, and on clearance from the local administration and Army authorities on the day. Local vehicle charges for the Bumla and Madhuri Lake stretch are not included in the package cost where they apply.
Yes. Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh, and the Arunachal Pradesh ILP is included in this package. You will need to share a valid government photo ID in advance. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit instead, which follows a different process — please contact us before booking.
March to June and late September to early November are generally the most settled periods for this route. Winter travel is possible but Sela Pass can close temporarily after snowfall, and the monsoon months bring landslide risk on the Kameng road. Conditions in the high-altitude areas change quickly, so some flexibility helps at any time of year.
The package includes a private Swift Dzire for the full 09 days, Guwahati to Guwahati, with fuel, tolls and driver allowance covered. For larger groups or if you prefer a higher-clearance vehicle for the mountain sections, we can quote an alternative such as an Innova or a Scorpio.
Yes — 08 nights of accommodation in deluxe category rooms, based on 01 triple sharing room, along with the meals listed in the itinerary (breakfast and dinner at the hotels, with dinner only on the first night and breakfast only on the last day).
Driving days on this route range from about 2–3 hours between Bomdila and Shergaon up to 7–8 hours between Tawang and Bomdila. The distances and times given in the itinerary are approximate and change with road conditions, weather, traffic and how long you stop at sightseeing points.
Yes. The number of nights, the hotel category, the vehicle and the sightseeing stops can all be adjusted, and we can add or drop destinations such as Bomdila or Shergaon. Tell us your dates, group size and budget on the enquiry form and we will send back a revised plan.
