This trip to Tawang and Zemithang is a great offbeat North East trip and a variation of our much loved one-week Tawang Tour. Just like our other trips to Arunachal Pradesh, this trip to Tawang introduces you to even more of the Monpa tribal culture of Arunachal Pradesh. This Tawang tribal trip takes you deeper into Arunachal Pradesh right uptill the India – Tibet (China) border, to a small Monpa village called Zemithang. A trip to Zemithang is ultimate for people who love offbeat experiences and, not to mention, gorgeous vistas all around and without any outsiders.
Tawang Zemithang Tour of 10 Days
Day 1 – Guwahati to Dirang
We start from the Guwahati airport in the morning and enjoy our drive through the golden fields of Assam before we start climbing into Arunachal Pradesh, taking a newly built road that makes for a fantastic drive and even better views.
On our way, we stop by the beautiful Gyuto monastery and spend some time exploring it. We stop for lunch at a small Tibetan settlement en route for lunch before proceeding further ahead.
We halt at a lovely little town Dirang, overlooking two mountain rivers, for the night.
Day 2 – Dirang to Tawang
We start for Tawang today and en-route stop at Nyukmadung war memorial and pay our respect to the fallen soldiers there. Next, we stop at the mighty Sela Pass and soak in the gorgeous views of the surroundings.
We visit & pay our respect to the war memorial there and then warm ourselves with piping-hot tea at the army canteen there before we resume our onward journey. We stop for a small stroll by the beautiful Sela Lake if time permits and then start for our next stop, the Nuranang waterfall, the sheer grandness of which is sure to make your jaws drop.
We reach our homestay in Tawang by late evening and call it a day.
Day 3 – Tawang Tour
We start our day by visiting the largest monastery in the world, the Tawang Monastery.
We explore the place at our own pace before heading to the Urgeling monastery, the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama and the Ani Gompa. In the evening, we visit the war memorial and experience the light and sound show there.
Day 4 – Tawang – Penga Teng Tso – Sangestar Lake – Bum La
Madhuri Lake and Bumla. We start early today to explore the beautiful lakes and valleys at the higher reaches of the region. On our way to our first stop, the Penga Teng Tso, we drive through what was once the battlefield. The scars of the war can be seen scattered all around. From there we head to the uniquely beautiful Sungester Lake, also known as the Madhuri Lake of Koyla (the Bollywood movie) fame.
Finally, we head towards the India-China border at Bum-la and spend some time at the border before starting our return journey to Tawang.
Day 5 – Tawang to Zemithang
Today, we start our journey to the border village of Zemithang. A tiny Monpa village perched, Zeithang is a great place for landscape and portrait photography. Since hardly any tourists head this far, the place is practically untouched. A perfect place to experience the raw tribal way of life. During our time here, we explore some of the significant to-visit places around such as the Gorsam Chorten which is believed to have been constructed in the early parts of the 12th century. Not to mention, the entire route is blessed with gorgeous vistas, whichever you look.
Day 6 – Zemithang to Tawang
Today we retrace our way back to Twang. Say your goodbyes to your hosts in the village and start your return journey to Tawang. Make numerous photo-stops as you wish to, on your way back. As the road snakes up and down watch for the black-necked crane a rare variety of birds found in this region.
Day 7 – Tawang to Dirang
We drive down to the Buddhist town of Dirang today, taking the same road we took on our way up to Tawang. We explore the Dirang monastery once back in Dirang. The hot water spring in Dirang is also a nice place to sit and relax amidst nature. Check in to your homestay and then, depending upon which season you are visiting, you can take a walk to the banks of the river flowing nearby or explore the kiwi orchards next to your homestay.
Day 8 – Dirang – Sangti valley – Bomdila
Today, we head to the gorgeously beautiful Sangti Valley off Dirang. The views of the valley, the tall towering trees, the slow-going tribal life of the region, and a beautiful river flowing below – make the place a perfect choice to do nothing. You can go for leisurely walks off the village or just sit and be humbled by mother nature. Then, we head from Santi Valley Dirang to Bomdilla and call it a day.
Day 9 – Bomdila to Gauhati
We wake up early today so that we can explore the Bomdila monastery time while the monks are busy praying. After a hearty breakfast at the monastery or your homestay/hotel, we start our return journey back to Guwahati which marks the end of this wonderful trip.
Day 10 – Guwahati – Flyout
Depending upon what time your flight is, you can go for a day trip in Guwahati city and explore the food and local market scene here, before heading back to the airport to catch your flight.
The Inclusions and Exclusions for this trip to Zemithang & Tawang circuit tour are as follows:
- A dedicated vehicle with a driver cum guide for the entire stay.
- Accommodation for all nights on 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 tour representative.)
- PAP/RAP for foreign nationals
- Anything that is not mentioned in the ‘inclusions’ section.
- 5% GST.
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