Arunachal Heights & Passes

Depart from Tezpur and enter Arunachal Pradesh through the Bhalukpong check gate. Stop at the Orchid Park to see diverse exotic orchid species, and ascend the winding mountain roads passing by the peaceful Nag Mandir shrine overlooking the deep Kameng river gorge. Overnight stay in Dirang.

Explore the scenic valley of Dirang. Visit the serene Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, a major center for Buddhist learning. Spend quiet time in the scenic meadows of Shanti Valley, and climb up the hairpins of Mandala Top, famous for its 108 stupas built in a circle and sweeping views of the Eastern Himalayas. Overnight in Dirang.

Climb through alpine terrain to the high Sela Pass at 13,700 feet, reflecting the snowy peaks in the frozen Sela Lake. Pay your respects at the Baisakhi site and the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, commemorating heroes of the 1962 war. Marvel at the dramatic Jung Waterfalls before completing your ascent to Tawang for the night.

Spend a full day exploring Tawang. Stand beneath the giant Buddha Statue overlooking the valley, and walk the halls of the historic 17th-century Tawang Monastery—the largest in India. Later, browse the Tawang local market for handmade woolens, prayer wheels, and traditional woodcraft. Overnight in Tawang.

Journey to the high-altitude Indo-China border at Bum La Pass (15,200 ft) under army coordination. On your return, walk the wooden walkways of the serene Sangetsar Lake, popularly known as Madhuri Lake, situated amidst high peaks and dead tree trunks standing in the water. Overnight in Tawang.

Begin your descent from the high plateaus of Tawang. Re-cross Sela Pass, taking in the reverse views of the mountains, and descend back into the warmer, lush valley of Dirang for your final night in the hills.