Home to about 26 tribes and 100 sub-tribes, Arunachal Pradesh is one of India’s most culturally diverse and vibrant states. Every part of the state is home to a different tribal culture with food and language that vary significantly. This Arunachal Pradesh tour combines two of our most loved north east India tours, the Ziro Valley tour, and the Tawang tour, two fascinating parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
This 10-day Arunachal Pradesh tribal tour will first take us to the high Eastern Himalayas’ West Kameng region, home to the Monpa people. Also known as the Tawang circuit, this tour will take you to the beautiful little towns of Bomdila and Tawang, before finally taking us on the other side of the Se La, to the Buddhist town of Tawang.
Home to the largest Buddhist monastery, Tawang is also the cultural capital of the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Then on the second leg, this tour will take us to the land of the Apatani people and help us get a glimpse into their unique culture and way of life.
Ziro Valley And Tawang Tour – 10-Day North East Tribal Tour Itinerary
- Day 1 – Guwahati – Bomdila/Dirang
- Day 2 – Bomdila/Dirang – Tawang
- Day 3 – Tawang local
- Day 4 – Tawang – Bum La – Tawang
- Day 5 – Tawang – Bomdila
- Day 6 – Bomdila – Itanagar
- Day 7 – Itanagar – Ziro Valley
- Day 8 – Ziro Valley – Guided Tour
- Day 9 – Ziro Valley – Guided Tour
- Day 10 – Ziro – Tezpur
- Day 11 – Tezpur – Guwahati
Tawang and Ziro Valley – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Guwahati – Bomdila/Dirang
Our tour begins with our representative meeting you at the Guwahati airport. As we drive through the plains of Assam, leaving the capital city behind, you will notice how the scenery gradually changes around you. The transition from the busy city to the calm Assamese countryside is a welcome change. After a few hours’ drive, you will be at the Arunachal Pradesh check gate from where the beautiful hills of Arunachal begin.
Depending on whether the route we take (OKSRT road or BCT road) to enter Arunachal Pradesh, you will stop for your lunch break either in Assam or at a Tibetian village in Arunachal Pradesh. If taking the OKSRT road, we will also visit the Gyuto Monastery at Tenzin Gang, which will also be our lunch stop, in all probability.
Enjoy the gorgeous scenery all around as you drive – up to either Bomdila or Dirang for the night where you will be hosted at a wonderful local homestay, for the night.
Day 2 – Bomdila/Dirang – Tawang
Wake up in the fresh air of Arunachal Pradesh and head out for a small morning walk. Or, if you want to laze around and appreciate your surroundings, that’s also equally fine. After your breakfast, we will start our journey to Tawang, crossing the mighty Se – La (Pass). But first, we will visit the extremely beautiful TDL Monastery.
As we move ahead from there, we will make multiple stops at the Nyukmadung War Memorial, Jaswant Garh, Se La (top) / tunnel, to name a few. As we proceed through this gorgeous terrain, if your jaw drops every few minutes, don’t be surprised, it is only natural 🙂
By the time you reach Tawang, it should be around evening. Check in to your stay and settle down, it will be your home for the next 3 nights 🙂
Day 3 – Tawang Local Attractions
Your first morning in Tawang, take it easy. Have a relaxed breakfast and then visit the mighty Tawang monastery as your first place to see in Tawang. Walk through the alleyways of the monastery, meet lamas, or just watch them go about their daily routine. Spend time visiting the multiple temples within the compound and most importantly, do not forget to catch one of the most beautiful views of Tawang from the monastery.
With the Tawang monastery done, proceed to visit the Big Buddha and enjoy the surroundings. If you are lightly hungry by then, the Dharma Cafe is great stop. It offers some of the best food in Tawang and equally great views.
And while you are exploring Tawang, don’t forget to grab the tickets for the Light and Sound show at the War Memorial, for tomorrow evening.
Explore the local market, at your own pace. Rest of the day is free, to help your body acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 4 – Tawang – Bum La – Tawang
Day 5 – Tawang – Bomdila
Day 6 – Bomdila – Itanagar
Day 7 – Itanagar – Ziro Valley
Day 8 – Ziro Valley – Guided Tour
Day 9 – Ziro Valley – Guided Tour
Day 10 – Ziro – Tezpur
After breakfast, we start our return journey to the plains of Assam, bidding goodbye to the beautiful state of Arunachal Pradesh.
On your way down, you will mostly retrace the same route for most parts. You will reach Tezpur by evening and check-in for the night at a hotel/homestay.
Day 11 – Tezpur – Guwahati
After breakfast, start for Guwahati and reach in about 5 hours or so. The trip ends with a drop-off at your hotel or at the Guwahati airport.
- A dedicated vehicle with a driver cum guide for the entire stay.
- Accommodation for all nights on a twin-sharing basis in local homestays/monasteries/hotels.
- Breakfast starting day 2 till the last day.
- Local guide wherever required.
- All toll charges as required.
- Inner Line Permit [Indian Citizens]
- Any personal/sanitary/medical expenses.
- Any extension in the number of days stay.
- Food and snacks.
- Parking & entry fees anywhere.
- Bum La Permit and vehicle charges. (Costs around Rs.5,500-6,000 per vehicle. To be paid in cash to the tour representative.)
- PAP/RAP for foreign nationals
- Anything that is not mentioned in the ‘inclusions’ section.
- 5% GST.
**Please note that only Indian citizens are allowed beyond Tawang and towards Bum-la. For non-Indian citizens, stay at Tawang will be 2 nights with 1 additional day in the West Kameng region. The specifics will be decided based on the guest’s interest.
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