Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the "Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains," stands as India's most secluded state and the first to embrace the rising sun. Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, bordering China, Bhutan, and Burma (Myanmar), this breathtaking land boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna sure to captivate any traveler. Its dense forests harbor over 500 rare orchid species, while misty hills, sparkling rivers, and cascading waterfalls enhance its natural allure. Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in ancient texts like the Kalika Purana and the revered Hindu epic Mahabharata, believed to be the abode of the Prabhu Mountains according to the Puranas.
Legend has it that Arunachal Pradesh witnessed King Bhishmaka establishing his kingdom, Sage Parshuram absolving his sins, Sage Vyasa meditating, and Lord Krishna marrying Rukmini. Throughout history, Arunachal Pradesh has been ruled by mighty dynasties, leaving behind a legacy of historical monuments and archaeological ruins.
Embark on a revealing journey through one of the world's last thriving natural paradises, offering a glimpse into the remote lifestyles and cultures of its people. Traverse picturesque towns, exchanging greetings with the hospitable locals amidst stunning natural vistas. Let the warmth and grace of the Monpa people, known for their kindness, industriousness, and reverence for nature, leave a lasting impression and provide insights into the teachings of Lord Buddha. Whether soaking in natural hot springs or crossing the exhilarating suspension bridge over the mighty Tawang River, the experiences offered by nature in Monpa surpass imagination. Embrace the tranquility of nature's haven, nestled within the embrace of the Himalayas, and leave your worries behind as you embark on this extraordinary journey.
Short itinerary for Arunachal Pradesh Backpacking Tour:
- Day 1 : Enter the Gateway to North East India
- Day 2 : Enjoy the Splendor of Sangti Valley
- Day 3 : Dirang Sightseeing With Mandala Top
- Day 4 : Drive up one of the highest motorable roads in the world
- Day 5 : Visit the oldest nunnery and ancient monasteries
- Day 6 : Feel Patriotism at the Indo-China Border and take a dip in Sangetsar Tso and other high altitude lakes
- Day 7 : Get Low, Down to Bomdila, Home to a magnificent monastery
- Day 8 : Drive back to Guwahati
- Discover the rugged mountain ranges of the North East.
- Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Tibetan Culture.
- Visit one of India's oldest and largest monasteries.
- Experience the renowned Bomdila Pass during your Arunachal Pradesh tour.
- Explore the majestic Sela Pass of Arunachal.
- Stay with welcoming local hosts.
- Visit enchanting high-altitude lakes.
- Capture stunning moments in orchards and along riverbanks.
Meet the Trikon Team at Guwahati Airport at 10:00 AM. Embark on a tranquil 6-hour journey through the Brahmaputra plains. En route, visit the Maha Mrityunjay Temple at Nagaon, Assam, home to one of the tallest Shivalingas in the world. Arrive at Bhalikpong by evening and let the serene blue waters of the Jia Bhoroli River welcome you to the peaceful realm of Bhalukpong. This river changes its name from Jia Bhoroli River in Assam to Kameng River as you enter Bhalukpong. Nestled along its banks, this quaint town will instantly soothe your senses with its calm and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy an overnight stay.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast as you prepare to journey to the ‘Land of migratory black-necked cranes’ – Sangti Valley. Experience the wonders of nature on this scenic road trip, and visit the Nag Mandir, a temple built by the Indian Army with an intriguing story. By evening, immerse yourself in the dense forests and graceful rivers that adorn this terrain. Surrounded by the towering Eastern Himalayas, expansive fruit orchards, and Tibetan culture, Sangti Valley is a hidden gem. Let nature's grandeur captivate you as you explore the valley, whether by discovering hidden paths or unwinding with a book by the riverbank. Experience the local culture by staying with the welcoming locals in their traditional style. Enjoy an overnight stay in a riverside cottage.
Awaken to the melodious sound of the Sangti river and spend some peaceful moments by its side. After breakfast, soak in the picturesque vistas of beautiful paddy fields and the ever-flowing Kameng River. Visit the Thupsung Dhargye Monastery and Kalachakra Gompa to delve deeper into the rich Buddhist culture. Light a lamp or offer prayers at the prayer wheel, allowing the spiritual essence of the place to touch your soul. Explore the Dirang market for local artifacts and souvenirs before heading to Mandala Top if time permits. Return to Sangti Valley and enjoy a bonfire under the starlit sky. Overnight stay in a riverside cottage.
Rise early and after breakfast, embark on a journey to one of the highest motorable passes globally – Sela Pass. While Khardungla is renowned for its towering height in Leh, Sela Pass, nestled at 13,700 ft, is celebrated for its enchanting beauty and sanctity. Admire the breathtaking Sela Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and misty clouds, while savoring a cup of tea and hot maggi. Visit the Jaswant Garh war memorial, dedicated to Indian soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat, who valiantly fought the Chinese near Sela Pass during the Sino-Indian War 1962. Learn about the history of Sela Pass and its significance in the war. Continue your journey to the Monpa town in the Tawang district and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay.
Bid farewell to your gracious hosts at the homestay as you head to the Tawang monastery, one of the largest in the world. Visit Khinmey Gompa, belonging to the Mahayana Buddhism sect, and delve into their culture and spiritual tales. Explore the Tawang market and in the evening, attend the light and sound show at the war memorial in Tawang, commemorating the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Sino-Indian War 1962. Return to Tawang and enjoy an evening at the homestay, savoring local brews like Arak. Overnight stay.
Start your day early and journey to the historic Bum La Pass, a significant military post where annual border meets are held between India and China. Learn about the pass's importance and its role as the Dalai Lama's escape route to India. Continue to Sangetsar Tso and immerse yourself in the misty surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake and enjoy snacks from the cafeterias lining its banks. Return to Tawang and spend the evening by the bonfire. Overnight stay.
After a delightful breakfast at the homestay, bid farewell to your hosts and descend to Bomdila. Along the way, marvel at the awe-inspiring Nuranang Falls, also known as Jang Waterfalls or Bong Bong Falls. Capture the mesmerizing beauty of the falls as they cascade into the Tawang River. Upon reaching the guest house, visit the Bomdilla monastery, where peace and tranquility await. Spend time in the Meditation hall or engage with the monks to learn about the monastery's history. Explore the market area in the evening for shopping. Overnight stay.
On your final day in Bomdila, rise early to bid farewell to Arunachal. Witness the sunrise at 4 am before enjoying breakfast en route. Visit the Bhutan border as you make your way back to Guwahati, cherishing memories from this remarkable journey through North-eastern India.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation in comfortable, clean, and hygienic lodgings & homestays throughout Arunachal Pradesh.
- Parking fees, tolls, and driver allowances included.
- Breakfast and dinner provided during the trip.
- Internal transportation arranged throughout the journey.
- Round trip transportation from Guwahati.
- Inner Line Permit and Border Area Permit arranged.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Camera fees
- Lunch
- Any additional expenses during the Arunachal Pradesh Backpacking tour
- Exclusions: Anything not specified in the itinerary
- Step 1: Scroll down & tap on "BOOK NOW"
- Step 2 : Select your departure date from the calendar and proceed.
- Step 3 : Select your ticket type & no. of participants. (At this step you can use the coupon code if you have any)
- Step 4 : Fill your details and proceed.
- Step 5 : Tap on review & Payment to select your payment type (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) and proceed.
- Step 6 : Once your tickets are booked, you will receive confirmation mail. WhatsApp us the booking ID details on 8799856476 & fill the google registration form.
OR
- Step 1 : Make Payment on PhonePay/Google Pay 8799856476 (Maharashtra Gadkille)
- Step 2 : Send a screenshot of the payment on WhatsApp number 8799856476 for confirmation.
- Step 3 : Fill the registration form for the final booking procedure.
- Please confirm on call about the seats availability before paying.
- Once the payment is completed, inform our team via sharing a screenshot/copy of the payment confirmation. Make sure the date, time, and UTR number are visible in the copy and please fill the registration form to confirm your seats, names & age with the team.
- Do note that your registration will be confirmed only after the acceptance of complete trek/tour charges.
- Please make sure you are added in the whatsapp group 6-8 hours prior to the trip as all the pickup & lead details would be shared in the group.
- Food and Stay arrangements are done as per the availability of the locations so kindly don't expect too luxurious.
- Backpacking trips are arranged for the people who are looking out for pocket friendly trips and are more about chasing experiences.
- First two seats will always be reserved for leaders to lead & show route to the driver.
- Seats arrangement will be on first come first serve basis at the time of pickup and it will be same throughout journey. (Any disputes regarding seating arrangement would result in dismissal of both the parties and would not be liable for any refunds.)
- Please note that the advance amount paid would not not refunded in any case, except if the trek/tour departure is cancelled by us. Do check cancellation policy in case any refunds or cancellations.
- No compensation would be given due to sudden closure of the destinations, road accidents, unexpected circumstances, vehicle breakdown, any natural or unexpected calamities after reaching the venue.
- If the event is cancelled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
- We need at least 12-14 Travellers to manage our Trip, so our team reserves all the rights to cancel the Trip if the minimum batch size is not enough.
- Your payment implies that you have read & complied with all our terms and conditions.
- What is Arunachal Pradesh known for?
Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and winding rivers. Additionally, it is celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, boasting over 26 tribes and more than 100 dialects spoken throughout the state.
- I have booked the Arunachal tour. What is the process after this?
Upon booking, you'll receive a confirmation through our website. Approximately 10-12 days before the trip, a WhatsApp group will be created where essential details will be shared. A group call will be arranged where our experts will provide a tour briefing and address any last-minute queries you may have. Additionally, our team will message you regarding balance payment.
- Do we need a permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, a permit is required to enter Arunachal Pradesh due to its proximity to the international boundary. Maharashtra Gadkille will handle securing all necessary permits for you. Once the WhatsApp group is formed, you'll be requested to share required documents for permits, so please ensure timely submission.
- What will be the mode of local transport, and how are the roads in Arunachal?
Local transport will be provided via Sedan, SUV, or Tempo Traveller based on group size. The roads in Arunachal, maintained by the Border Roads Organisation of the Indian Army, are generally in good condition. However, as they are hilly roads, individuals prone to motion sickness should carry medication. Our vehicles will use AC on flat roads but will be turned off on hilly terrains.
- Can we get vegetarian/Jain food in Arunachal?
Certainly! Vegetarian or Jain food will be served for breakfast and dinner throughout the tour, albeit with limited options. Vegetarian meals are available for lunch at restaurants or Army cafes, but there are no strictly vegetarian restaurants. Jain food options may be limited, but basic choices like noodles and rice are available.
- What is the food like in Arunachal Pradesh?
Arunachal Pradesh offers a blend of Indian and Chinese culinary influences, featuring rice, vegetables, and meat dishes. Local specialties include thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), and ara (local brew). Seasonal delicacies crafted from bamboo shoots and wild berries are also available, depending on the time of year.
- What type of accommodations will be provided on this tour?
Accommodations will comprise a mix of hotels and homestays. At Trikon, we strive to offer a unique experience, and homestays in Arunachal allow for immersion in local culture, interaction with residents, and sampling homemade delicacies. All accommodations offer self-contained rooms with attached toilets and provide toiletries such as soap and towels. Room sharing is on a twin/triple basis.
- How is mobile coverage in Arunachal?
Both prepaid and postpaid SIM cards work in Arunachal Pradesh. Airtel typically offers the best coverage, followed by Jio, while Vi connectivity may be slightly poorer. Tawang may experience power cuts, affecting mobile coverage during such instances.
- What is the local language spoken in Arunachal Pradesh?
The official language of Arunachal Pradesh is English and is widely spoken throughout the state. However, over 100 dialects are spoken, including Apatani, Adi, and Nyishi.
- Are there any cultural do's and don'ts in Arunachal Pradesh?
It's essential to respect local customs and traditions when visiting Arunachal Pradesh. Some key points to remember include dressing modestly, removing shoes before entering homes or places of worship, and greeting people with traditional Indian salutations like "namaste." It's also crucial to seek permission before photographing individuals and refrain from disrespectful behaviors or comments about local customs or beliefs.
- What is the weather like in Arunachal Pradesh?
Weather in Arunachal Pradesh varies depending on the season and altitude. Summers (April to June) are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Winters (November to February) are cooler and dry, with temperatures between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall and high humidity.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Arunachal Pradesh?
It is generally not advisable to drink tap water in Arunachal Pradesh. Travelers should carry bottled or filtered water, or use water purification systems, especially in remote areas.
- Which high-altitude places will we be visiting? What precautions should we take?
We'll visit SE LA (13,500 ft) on day 4 and BUM LA (15,200 ft) on day 6, two high-altitude passes. While visiting, ensure you wear appropriate winter clothing as advised by the tour leader, as it can be cold and windy. Stay hydrated, especially before visiting these places. At BUM LA, some individuals may experience dizziness temporarily; walking and drinking water can help alleviate symptoms. Indian army personnel will be present for assistance, ensuring safety. Individuals with a history of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) should consult a physician and consider carrying Diamox tablets for prevention.
