10-Days To Explore The State Of Arunachal Pradesh – My Arunachal Pradesh Trip Itinerary

At the north-eastern tip of India, Arunachal Pradesh invites you to an abode of natural beauty, mountains, and picturesque valleys. Apart from natural beauty, the state’s uniqueness lies in its geographical boundaries. It shares its borders with China, Myanmar, and Bhutan. The rich culture of Arunachal Pradesh is very interesting. It has the highest number of regional languages used in any state of India. The state is diverse as it has the maximum tribes and Buddhist monasteries. This post explains my 10 days Arunachal Pradesh trip itinerary.

Before you reach Arunachal Pradesh, tourists require an Inner Limit Permit (ILP). The permission can be obtained from New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, or Shillong. You must ensure to obtain the ILP in advance as you cannot procure the permit on the way to Arunachal Pradesh. The ILP is valid for 15 days and can be extended up to 30 days. If you are a foreign tourist, you require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). It can be obtained from Kolkata or New Delhi.

Some of the most popular destinations of the state are Bomdila, Itanagar, Tawang, Zemithang, Ziro, Dirang, and Roing. A 10 day Arunachal Pradesh trip itinerary gives you a guide to how you can cover the most interesting places of the state in a given route. First, reach Guwahati to start your journey of Arunachal Pradesh. If you have travelled a long distance, check in a hotel for a night and rest. If you reach by afternoon, you can visit some popular nearby places in Guwahati too such as Kamakhya Temple, Assam State Museum, Nehru Park, Umananda Temple, State Zoo, etc.

Also Read: Why I liked Bomdila more than Arunachal Pradesh

Day 1 – Roadtrip To Bomdila

Traveling from Guwahati to Bomdila is 350 kilometers. You can reach Bomdila via roadways from either Tezpur or Guwahati. As the distance is large, you can take a break at Tezpur. Even the closest airport is Tezpur Airport from Bomdila. You can stay in Tezpur and take rest for a night and start your journey again from Tezpur to Bomdila. If you are staying in Tezpur for a day, you can visit places like Nameri National Park, Agnigarh, Bamuni Hills, Chitralekha Udyan, District Museum, Ouguri Hills, etc.

Local buses and shared jeeps are the popular means of transport from Tezpur every morning. They take you to either Bomdila or Dirang. The above options are suitable for budget travelers. You can also reach Bomdila hiring a private car. The distance between Tezpur and Bomdila is around 5 hours via Chariduar- Tawang Road.

After driving up to a certain distance, Bomdila is the best discovered on foot up and down strolling on the roads or steep staircases. When you reach Bomdila, you can explore a lot of local food such as thukpa, momos, and noodles. Some of the famous restaurants of Bomdila are such as Silver Oaks, Tsepal Yongjam and Dragon. Check-in the hotel and take a rest. Be ready with your DSLR in the morning to cover one of the most photographic places in the state.

Day 2 Visit Bomdila Monastery

Bomdila is one of the favorite tourist destinations of Arunachal Pradesh. A home to Monpa, Miji, Sherdukpen, Aka, and Bogun tribes, Bomdila is a nature’s lover delight. Set in lofty ranges of eastern Himalayas, Bomdila is enveloped with scenic environments of Buddhist monasteries and apple orchids. Packed with snow-clad Himalayan peaks, flower-laden valleys, and lush forests, Bomdila offers an unmatched hiking adventure. The great views of Bomdila are the Kangto and Gorichen Peaks, the highest peaks in the State.

The best time to visit Bomdila is between April and October. Start your day with the biggest attraction in the area, Bomdila Monastery. Inaugurated in 1965 by the Buddhist monks and Llamas, the monastery has three parts, Upper Gompa, Middle Gompa and Lower Gompa. You can attend the prayer in a large hall. Visiting the monastery makes you feel spiritually strong

Upper Gompa is located on a steep hill. In the premises, there is a prayer hall, Buddha Temple and a monk school. The Bomdila Monastery is the most popular destination in the town. If you are not tired, you can go trekking to RR hill which is the highest point of Bomdila. You can explore the breathtaking views of Tibet and Bhutan landscapes. Some other attractions are Kameng River, Bomdila Apple Orchards, and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bomdila is not a destination that you can cover in a day. To explore the town, plan to stay at least three days in Bomdila.

Also Read: How to travel in Arunachal Pradesh using local travel and how to plan a trip to Arunachal Pradesh

Day 3.  Visiting The Upper Gompa And Lower Gompa

Your day becomes special when you start your day at Upper Gompa. It is located in the village of Bomdila which is 276 km from Itnanagr, 155 km far from Tezpur and 183 km from Tawang. Placed on a steep hill at an elevation of 8500 feet in the Western Kameng district, Upper Gompa is one of the most visited parts of GRL monastery. It showcases the different shades of life and religion Buddhism. It is also an education center for new monks.

Next, Lower Gompa is one of the best places to visit and explore Bomdila sightseeing. The Lower Gompa is worth a visit.  The Lower Gompa is located in the center of the town. You can experience the influence of Tibetan architecture in Lower Gompa. It has a huge prayer hall. Among Buddhists, it is one of the most sacred places. The Middle Gompa is the oldest part that has Blue Medicine Buddha. Here, it is believed to have the medicines to cure all kinds of diseases.

The Middle Gompa is situated in the main market of the town. All the three parts are open from 8 am to 8 pm. When you are done with the three parts, you can visit the Crafts Center right across the Lower Gompa. You can buy some local handicrafts like wood creations, local hand paper, hats, incense sticks, traditional masks and thangkas. Thangkas or tangka is just like a Tibetan painting on a cloth. Thangka means a recorded message. It is creation like an oil painting as an important mode of religious expression.

If you have time, you can also cover the District Museum. It represents the culture and history of the region. The Bomdila mystic beauty is still not over, spend a day more to discover some of the best off-beat destinations of the town.

Day 4 Another Day In Bomdila

Bomdila is enigmatic and mysterious. The massive Himalayas covering it from everywhere and clouds kissing the ground; the breathtaking views will leave you hypnotized. It is worth spending another day in Bomdila. The panoramic view of the Kameng Valley leaves you speechless. Early morning, be ready for an off-beat destination the Secret Cave Temple located in the army restricted area. Firstly, you need permission to reach there. The temple is covered with dense forests all around.

The path to reach the temple is quite challenging yet exciting. The trail is a little steep. You won’t generally find any tourists in the temple. But if you love adventure, this is the right place for you. Once you reach, you will have no regrets. You can view low-height caves where you can spend a good time doing photography.

Walking back is another challenge. If you are wearing good trekking shoes, you can cover the distance easily. Apart from the temple, you can also visit Sessa Orchid Sanctuary.  Travelers love to explore the untouched scenic beauty, deep valleys, rivers and waterfalls here.

The highlights are the orchids and exotic animals in the sanctuary. Another place is the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary that offers splendid scenic beauty of Kameng River, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls. It is home to a variety of animals and birds such as eagle, kingfisher, duck, Bengal Tiger, Red Panda, Black Bear, etc.

Out of all, the best destination for a day is the Secret Cave Temple, a perfect offbeat destination. If you have time for the day, you can think of exploring other destinations too.

Also Read: Visiting Secret cave temple in Bomdila

Day 5  Bomdila To Tawang

After a mesmerizing stay at Bomdila, start your journey to discover the mystique beauty of Arunachal Pradesh in Tawang. Tawang is a perfect destination symbolizing both nature and culture. It is a high altitude town situated in the lap of the Himalayas. A picturesque town with Buddhist monasteries, scenic lakes, and mountains is a favorite spot for mountain lovers.

One of the most popular off-beat destinations, Tawang is situated 185 kilometers from Bomdila at an altitude of 3025m above sea level. Here in Tawang, the wilderness of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, Tawang Valley and Tawang Chu River are enthralling. Tawang makes up the best vacation for off-beat travelers with gorgeous vistas, mountain yaks, and Monpas tribals. Bordered by Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the South-west, the area is covered by Sela ranges. It is an abode to migrating birds and a treat for photographers. Major attractions of Tawang are Gorichen Peak, Tawang Monastery, Bap Teng Kang Waterfall, Madhuri Lake, Sela Pass, Tawang War Memorial, Jaswant Garh, etc.

To reach Tawang, rent a shared cab or book a bus from Bomdila that will take around 8-11 hours. The drive time depends upon the weather and road conditions. Though, the roads from Bomdila to Tawang aren’t in a good shape. On the way to Tawang, you can stop at Nuranang Waterfalls, 40 kilometers from Tawang. There are many options to stay in Tawang such as The Circuit House, Government Tourist Lodge, Inspection Bungalow, Hotel Nichu, Hotel Shangrila, etc.

To explore the local food, you can stop at roadside cafes, stalls and restaurants such as Orange Restaurant, Café Nirvana, Lounge Bar, Blue Pine, etc. You would be amazed to see that the food is quite expensive in the town.  Check-in the hotel and relax for a night.

Day 6 – Exploring Tawang

The next morning, pull up your socks to explore the picturesque beauty of Tawang. You can start with the Tawang Monastery, followed by the Twang War Memorial. Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world. The monastery is three stories situated on a mountain at an altitude of 3000m. In the library, you can discover valuable old scriptures, mainly Kangyur and Tengyur. Tawang War Memorial is situated at 2 kms from Tawang Monastery. It is a wonderful spot to explore patriotism in Tawang. The place commemorates the bravery of 2140 martyred Indian soldiers of Indo-China War.

After exploring the war memorial, it’s time to experience the scenic views of Tawang. Pankang Teng Tso Lake is another attraction to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. This lake is also known as P.T. Tso. One of the most interesting lakes enveloped with natural beauty. Surrounded by the snow-clad mountains of Himalayas and cool blue waters, the lake is pristine and mesmerizing. To road trip to the lake is very engaging and interesting. It’s a 17 km road trip set in a white backdrop would totally hypnotize you.

If you wish, you can also travel to Shong-tser Lake located 47km from Tawang. This place is very famous in Arunachal Pradesh as a popular picnic spot. The place is very pleasant, cool and quiet in summers enveloped with blue flowers. The best time to visit this lake in the months from April to October. The lake remains frozen during winter. Near the lake, you can enjoy the hot cuppa noodles, tea and Maggi.

The last destination of the day would be Jaswant Garh, a memorial built in the honor of the soldier Jaswant Singh of the Indian Army who fought against the Chinese Army for three days.

You can learn more about Tawang from my post Tawang: The Hidden Gem of Arunachal Pradesh.

Day 7 Tawang Continues

To cover the exciting places, you can book a shared cab or taxi that makes your trip cheaper. You can’t leave Tawang without visiting some destinations like Bum- La Pass, Sela Pass, Tawang Monastery. Early morning start your day with Bum La Pass, at an elevation of 5000m above sea level. The place is one of the most visited places in Tawang when you have the special permit from Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District, and then Indian army cantonment of Tawang. Here you can experience patriotism and respect towards the Indian soldiers.

You can see the soldiers protecting the border of India in freezing winters. The pass has a historic relevance as Dalai Lama entered India through this Pass.  To reach Bum la Pass, make sure you travel on a clear day when there is no scope of snowfall or rainfall. The road to Bum la Pass is risky so hire an SUV to avoid obstacles and hassles during the drive.

Near the Pass, you can also visit a nearby Lake Shonga-tser, also known as Madhuri Lake.  The lake was named Madhuri Lake after a shooting of a Bollywood song of the movie Koyla by Madhuri Dixit. It is a place where you can click capture attractive pictures near the lake. It is one of the best places for photographers to capture the unseen beauty of Mother Nature. The best time to visit this place is the summers when there is no sign of rain or snow. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and unexplored valleys. A leisure stroll along the lake in a quiet environment would be interesting.

You can explore a lot of local food near the lake. You can spend a good one to two hours at the Lake. The next destination is the “Jung Falls”. Located 35 km from the center of Tawang City and 3 km from the town of Jung, the Jung Falls is the one of the most adventurous tourist spots, also known as the Nuranang Falls. Jung is the valley that lies between Sela and Tawang. The destination is famous due to a shooting of a Bollywood song of Koyla starring Madhuri Dixit and Shahrukh Khan.

The Nuranang Falls are covered by alpine lakes and snow streams with multiple steep steps into the river. Around the waterfall, you can explore dense green beauty that makes the spot more attractive.

Day 8 Visiting Anni Gompa

Tawang is famous for its rich culture, traditions and history of Buddhism. You can find many nunneries here. They are known as ‘Ani Gompas’. The Brama dung- chung Ani Gompa is one of the oldest nunneries of Tawang. You have to travel 12 kms from Tawang to explore the history of this place. In 1595, the foundation of this nunnery was laid down by Karchen Yeshi Gelek from Tibet. Around 45 nuns or ‘Anis’ live here on the charity given by the people.

5 km from the Tawang , The Gyangong Ani Gompa is under the control of Tawang Monastery. Set on hill surrounded by natural beauty, the nunnery is a home of 50 nuns. You would be stunned to see the pristine and calm atmosphere around the nunnery and simple lifestyle of Buddhist nuns. The Singsur Ani Gompa is another beautiful nunnery built in 1960 by Gonpaste Rimpoche.

Visiting Ani Gompa is a spiritual ride set in the lap of the mountains. Having a traditional history of more than 500 years, it is one of the most religious places in Tawang. Visitors come across the globe to experience divinity and Buddhist culture. You can spend your day meditating or experiencing and understanding the Buddhist culture and life of the nuns. There is so much to learn from this place.

On the way back, if you are not tired, you can explore the Bap Teng Kang Waterfall is situated 80 km away from Tawang. A famous destination, the Tsong-Tsong-La peak is also located at a distance of 90 km from Tawang in Bongkhar at a height of 14,000 feet. Near Tawang, there are many hot springs such as Mago, Thingbu, and Tsechu hot springs. The route to these hot springs is very scenic and attractive. The attractions are suitable for travelers who love trekking and hiking.

Day 9 Explore Zemithang

After eight days of your journey, if you want you can explore more or go back to Bomdila or Tezpur. Some of the destinations like Gorichen Peak, Yak Research Center, and Zemithang are good to explore. Going back to Bomdila or Tezpur, you can also explore Zemithang, 90 kilometers from Tawang. Locally the place is known as Pangchen.

It is a hidden jewel of Arunachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level. The place has amazing scenic views, old monasteries, apple orchards, pine trees and much more. Near the Zemithang village, some offbeat destinations are the Lumpa Village, Thembang, and Muchet Village.

Visit Gorsam Chorten which is the largest stupa with a height of 100ft. It lies in the valley on the banks of Namjang Chu River. It is supposed to have been built in the 12^th century by a monk named Lama Pradhar, The entry is free and open from 9 am in the morning. Zemithang is raw, green and beautiful.

It is home to innumerable birds and animals. On the way back, if you have time, you can also visit the gorgeous Gorichen Peak. It is one of the highest peaks of Tawang. If you love trekking, it is worth a visit.

10 –day trip to Arunachal Pradesh is unforgettable and very tiring. It is good to take rest during the trip. On your 9^th day, make sure you reach Tezpur or Bomdila so that you can reach Guwahati on time. If you are tired, you can stay at Tezpur and move to Bomdila the next morning.

Day 10 Leaving Arunachal Pradesh With Mesmerizing Memories

Keep your last day of the trip very memorable. If you are tired, either you can relax in your room or cover the nearby places. When you reach Bomdila early morning, you can visit some unexplored places. If you are a shopper, you can go shopping in the nearby market. Every town of Arunachal Pradesh has a lot of Buddhist monasteries, temples, and apple orchards. Hence, you would never run out of places. Discovering Arunachal Pradesh is a blessing. Covered with snow-clad mountains, towns like Bomdila and Tawang have innumerable locations where you can spend a lot of time relaxing and exploring the natural beauty. The tranquility in these places is unmatchable.

Capturing the most memorable moments and fly back to Guwahati, and from there to your home town. Travelling to Arunachal Pradesh doesn’t seem enough. There is so much to explore that you would surely plan your trip again to discover paradise on the Earth.

Also read “15 days of Being Curious – My Solo Backpacking Trip Arunachal Pradesh”

What Makes the Best Arunachal Pradesh Travel Itinerary?

Indeed, you have my Arunachal Pradesh trip itinerary that will help when you plan your Arunachal Pradesh trip. Nevertheless, in case, you are framing an Arunachal itinerary yourself, you should know what makes the best Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary. When crafting an itinerary apart from knowing the Itanagar and Tawang distance, you should also know certain other things as well.

Creating the perfect Arunachal Pradesh trip itinerary requires a delicate balance of experiencing the region’s breathtaking natural beauty, diverse cultures, and unique traditions. From verdant valleys and snow-capped mountains to vibrant festivals and warm hospitality, Arunachal Pradesh offers a mesmerizing blend of experiences for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and tranquillity. Here’s how to craft an unforgettable Arunachal itinerary:

Entry Point

Begin your journey by choosing an entry point into Arunachal Pradesh, typically through cities like Guwahati or Tezpur in Assam. Arrange for necessary permits, such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP), required for entering certain regions of Arunachal Pradesh. When planning your Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary, you might find my post on how to get an Inner Line Permit helpful.

Explore Itanagar

Start your Arunachal Pradesh trip with Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. Visit the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary to witness diverse flora and fauna, explore historical sites like Ita Fort and Ganga Lake (Gekar Sinyi), and immerse yourself in the local culture at the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum.

Tawang Monastery

Journey to Tawang, one of the most iconic destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, known for its majestic Tawang

Monastery. Explore the sprawling monastery complex, which houses valuable artefacts, intricate murals, and a rich Buddhist heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the scenic beauty of Sela Pass en route to Tawang. Make sure that your Arunachal Pradesh itinerary includes a trip to Tawang.

Bumla Pass and Madhuri Lake

Embark on an excursion to Bumla Pass, located near the Indo-China border, offering panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. En route, visit the picturesque Madhuri Lake, also known as Sangestar Tso, famous for its serene beauty and association with the Bollywood film “Koyla.” Ensure the inclusion of this exploration in your Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary.

Dirang Valley

Experience the tranquillity of Dirang Valley, nestled amidst lush forests and surrounded by towering mountains. Explore the ancient Dirang Dzong, soak in the therapeutic waters of Hot Springs, and visit the apple orchards and kiwi farms dotting the landscape. It is better to include a visit to Dirang Valley in your Arunachal Pradesh trip plan.

Sela Lake and Nuranang Falls

En route to Dirang or Tawang, stop by Sela Pass to admire the pristine Sela Lake, which remains frozen during the winter months. Nearby, marvel at the cascading beauty of Nuranang Falls, also known as Jung Falls, surrounded by verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks.

Ziro Valley and Apatani Culture

Discover the enchanting beauty of Ziro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes and unique Apatani culture. Explore traditional Apatani villages, hike through lush rice fields, and attend the vibrant Ziro Music Festival (if the timing aligns). This should be part of the best Arunachal itinerary.

Namdapha National Park

Embark on a wildlife adventure at Namdapha National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern Himalayas. Trek through dense forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including elusive species like the snow leopard and clouded leopard.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Arunachal Pradesh by participating in local festivals, interacting with indigenous tribes, and savouring traditional cuisine. Experience the warmth and hospitality of tribes like the Nyishi, Galo, Monpa, Apatani, and Adi. When your Arunachal Pradesh travel itinerary has cultural immersion, you will get a different learning experience.

Adventure Activities

Indulge in thrilling adventure activities amidst the pristine natural landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh. Go trekking in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, river rafting on the Siang River, or angling in the crystal-clear waters of the Kameng River. If you love adventure activities, it is better to have adventure activities included in your Arunachal Pradesh trip plan.

Homestay Experience

Enhance your cultural immersion by opting for homestay accommodations in remote villages, where you can engage with local communities, learn about their customs and traditions, and enjoy authentic home-cooked meals.

Stargazing and Nature Walks

Conclude your Arunachal Pradesh adventure with serene stargazing sessions under the clear night skies and leisurely nature walks amidst the tranquil surroundings, allowing you to reflect on the beauty and serenity of the region.

By incorporating these highlights into your Arunachal itinerary, you can embark on a truly enriching journey that captures the essence of this enchanting Himalayan destination. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, cultural aficionado, or adventure seeker, Arunachal Pradesh promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. If you plan to cover Guwahati and Bomdila, make sure you know the Guwahati to Bomdila distance. In turn, you can plan effectively.