Arunachal Tourism

ARUNACHAL TOURISM

The last frontier of India’s tourism, the virginal Arunachal Pradesh comes across as a gigantic patch of the unchartered green on the map of India. The wildest and definitely the least explored state of the country, Arunachal Pradesh is also known as the Land of Dawn-lit Mountains. It rises precipitously from the plains of the Assam as a large mall of densely forested and fatally steep hills which finally tower off as the snow-capped peaks along the border of Tibet. Arunachal is indeed the last sanctuary for the anthropological and natural heritage of India. It is also a home to 26 primitive tribes. Major section of the state remains beyond the reach of the tourists however there are certain new areas which are gradually being opened for the tourists.  

Temperature:

Summer: 25°C to 35°C; Winter: 1°C to 15°C

Best Time to Visit:

From September to May

BHALUKPUNG:

The main places of interest in Bhalukpong are the picnic spots along the charming Kameng River and the nearby forests. Travelers can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Bhalukpong and its environs. There are a number of trekking and hiking trails in and around Bhalukpong. Adventure seekers can enjoy fishing and angling along different stretches of Kameng River.

BOMDILA:

This small town is famous for Buddhist Gompas and the magnificent view of the Kameng Valley. The view of clouds gathering at the top of the Nechipu Pass can be easily seen from the highest point of this place. The area is also home to the Kangto and Gorichan peaks, which are considered as the highest peaks in the state. Bomdila is also famous for apple orchards.

DIRANG:

Dirang is situated between Bomdila and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Dirang is an ideal getaway in West Kameng district with beautiful apple orchards and sheep breeding farms. Attractions of Dirang includes Kalchakra, Ngingmapa Monastery, Yak Research Center, Sangti Valley, Hot spring, Kiwi and Aapple orchards.

TAWANG

Tawang is birthplace of 6th Dalai Lama, is one of the most beautiful places in Arunachal Pradesh. The destination is located at a height of around 11,500 ft. above sea level. Tawang shares its border with Tibet in north, Bhutan in south-west and Sela range in east.

It is believed that the place has derived its name from one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in India, Tawang Monastery. Tawang Monastery is an important learning centre. About 400 years old, the monastery is believed to be home to more than 700 monks.

The ever-windy Sela Pass, located about 13,700 feet above sea level on the eastern Himalayas, is said to be among the most difficult airspaces to negotiate even for the most experienced pilots.

Some prominent sight seeing points of Tawang

SELA PASS

One of the most visited tourist places in Tawang, Sela Pass boasts of stunning natural beauty. Reckoned for its geographical importance, Sela Pass is located at a height of 4170 metres in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The awe-inspiring landcapes will help you relax and unwind in the midst of marvellous surroundings. 

Blessed with a blanket of snow throughout the year, Sela Pass offers some of the most magnificent views of the Himalayan range. Along with being a popular tourist attraction, the place is also known for being a prominent religious site for Buddhists. The enchanting natural beauty of this rocky pass off your sights of some of the most glorious lakes like the frozen Sela Lake.

TAWANG MONESTRY

Famous as the largest monastery in India, Tawang Monastery is one of the most incredible places to visit in Tawang. Also famous as Galden Namgyal Lhatse, Tawang Monastery is one of the most holy sites for the faith of Mahayana Buddhism. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism, Tawang Monastery is home to over 300 monks and holds 17 gompas in the region. 

Offering a serene view of the Himalayan valley, Tawang Monastery is renowned for its 16th century architecture. Some of the famous things to look forward to at Tawang Monastery are sketches and paintings of Bodhisattvas, silver silk casket dedicated to Goddess Shri Devi and many other works of art. The most favourable time to visit Tawang Monastery is during the Losar festival held in the beginning of new year.

TAWANG WAR MEMORIAL

Situated at a distance of 25 kilometres from Tawang, Tawang War Memorial is a wonderful spot among places to visit in Tawang to cherish some patriotic fervour in Tawang. Commemorating the bravery of martyred Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War, Tawang War Memorial is an important place to visit when you are there. Built in the memory of 2140 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the war, Tawang War Memorial is a fitting place to show your love for the nation and relive those historical events.

Optional sightseeing with additional cost

MADHURI LAKE 

Surrounded by lush pine groves, the picture postcard Shungetser Lake in Arunachal Pradesh's, Tawang district was the perfect location for Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit to sing “Tanhai tanhai tanhai...” in the film “Koyla”. The first Bollywood movie to be shot in pristine Arunachal attracted droves of tourists to Shungetser, a sacred lake for the Buddhist Monpa tribe of Tawang. However, after the film's shooting in 1996, the lake lost its original name. The notorious tour guides sold it to the tourists as Madhuri Lake, after the filmstar.

BUMLA PASS: 

The Bum La Pass is located about 37 km away from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, at the Indo-China border. An old traders road went from Tawang via Milakatong La Pass (La in Tibetan means mountain pass) to Bum La Pass and finally to Tsona Dzong in Tibet. A special permit is required to visit Bum La Pass. The Permits can be requested at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District, and the same has to be stamped in the Indian army cantonment of Tawang. It is also to be noted that without the army stamp, you will not be allowed through the numerous check posts on the way.