Drive through fruit orchards, prayer flags fluttering in the wind up to Sela Pass, located at an elevation of 13,700 ft above sea level, with stunning vistas and down to Tawang . The tropical ferns of the plains give way  to dense Autumnal  mountain as you ascend to the Himalayas.  The journey  to Tawang itself makes for a fairy tale experience. 

Enjoy walks to see the oldest monastery in the region at Shergaon and to explore hamlets in Sangti Valley, both relatively off the tourist map. Visit the UNESCO listed Dirang Dzong with its distinct architectural legacy. 

Savour meals in local homes, a cooking workshop, market and culture outings with many opportunities to interact with locals.

Dirang

It  is emerging as a destination on it’s own both for culture and outdoor activities. It now boasts restaurants and places to stay, not just a stop gap on the way to Tawang. The only Dzong outside of Bhutan and a UNESCO world heritage site is located here. There are many places to go for rustic walks or treks outside of the town . Local homes to visit to interact and explore Monpa weaving and cooking.

Highlights

Sapoi Tea Estate  

Located in the north banks of Assam near the town of Dekhiajuli this tea estate is family run for three generations. Recently been converted to a farmstay it is a good place to relax. It is a reminder of the colonial tea culture but set in a contemporary atmosphere.

Shergaon

Home to the Sherdukpen tribe with many rustic hiking routes through old juniper trees. It has the oldest monastery  to date in the West Kameng district. The ruins of the Thungeey Gompa predates the 17th century and is proof that the tribe migrated here around then. Apple orchard, trout farms are set in this idyllic valley with many picturesque spots for picnics.

Tawang

Tawang is home to the 2nd largest Buddhist monastery after the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Tawang means horse chosen. Legend has it that the location of the monastery is believed to have been chosen by a horse owned by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso, the 5th Dalai Lama. The sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso was born in here.   

Temperatures to expect:

Autumn

Assam – day time 29C, night time 21C

Dirang – day time 18C, night time 10 C

Sela pass – day time 15C, night time -1C

Tawang – day time 12 degrees C, night time 5C

Spring: 

Assam – day time 30C, night time 18C

Dirang – day time 15C, nighttime -5C

Sela pass – day time 14C, Nightime -3C

Tawang – day time 12C, night time -5C

Day 1 – Guwahati Airport – Sapoi

Met on arrival by your driver and travel to Sapoi.  Check into the  boutique tea farm, explore the tea gardens and relax. 

Day 2 – Sapoi – Bomdila

Check out after breakfast by 9am and drive to Shergaon, a small settlement of the Sherdukpen community in the lower hills of the Himalayan range.

Take a short walk near the top of a hill to see the oldest Monastery in west Kameng.  Continue to Bomdila, check in and then visit the local market.

Day 3 – Bomdila – Tawang

Today drive across the highest motorable road in Eastern India – the Sela Pass at 13,700 ft. Walk around Paradise Lake – a high altitude lake in the Tawang district. Enjoy hot tea, momos or maggi at a local shack. 

Drive down to Jaswant Ghar – a war memorial for the Indo-China conflict in 1962. Pay your homage to the fallen heroes and have a hot cup of tea served by the Indian army to every visitor. 

Arrive Tawang and check in to your hotel.

Day 4 – Tawang

This morning at 5am attend the morning prayers at Tawang Monastery. 

The Gaden Namgya Lhatse is located at 10,000ft and was built in accordance with the wishes of 5th Dalai Lama in 1680 -81. 

Return to hotel for breakfast. 

Later this morning visit the Monastery Museum and Buddhist School. Continue to the Uni Gompa (women’s monastery) and Urgilling (birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama).

After lunch proceed to Cheru Basti – a typical Monpa village which is situated about 19 kms from Tawang. Here you will witness the daily life of the traditional Tibetan Monpa people. Visit a local home or community centre where we will arrange an interactive session on the Monpa language with a cup of yak milk tea or the local brew.

Day 5 –  Tawang 

After breakfast drive to Sangester Lake, also known as Madhuri Lake. It is a picturesque lake surrounded by snow capped mountains and was formed by a flash flood following an earthquake in 1950. 

Hike to the woods near the lake and enjoy the beauty of the area. A picnic lunch will be arranged near the lake.

After lunch, drive back down to Tawang.

Late afternoon wander around the market and catch up on souvenir shopping.

Day 6 – Tawang – Dirang  

After breakfast check out and drive to Dirang.  Stop at Jang Waterfall to see this beautiful natural wonder.

Check in to the property by lunch time. Late afternoon visit the nearby hot springs and walk by the river  or choose to relax in the property

Day 7 – Dirang 

Today a local guide will join you around 9.30 am and start out to explore the Sangti Valley. One of the most scenic drives and in the West Kameng region. A village and riverside walk has been planned, explore a charming old village with examples of traditional architecture. As you walk you will get a glimpse into how the Monpa tribe live and interact with the locals. 

Afternoon drive to Dirang Dzong, the only Dzong outside of Bhutan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A weaving demonstration and a momo making class will be arranged at Dirang village.

Enjoy a glass of the local brew as you make your own momos.

Day 8 – Dirang – Tezpur 

After breakfast check out and drive back down to the plains of Assam. En route visit the Tippi Interpretation Centre, where the forest department has worked with artists and content creators to explain the importance of a rainforest for local communities and tourists.

Lunch at Bhalukpong.

Check in to your hotel and relax.

Day 9 – Tezpur – Guwahati

After breakfast check out after and drive to Guwahati airport