Arunachal Grand Circuit, Ziro to Tawang

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival at Itanagar, drive to Ziro

   Pickup from Donyi Polo Airport near Itanagar and a scenic drive of about 120 km (4 hours) up to the pine-covered Ziro plateau. Evening tea with your Apatani homestay family. Overnight in Ziro.

2. Day 2

   Apatani villages of Ziro Valley

   Walk through Hong and Hari villages to see bamboo houses, rice fields with fish farming and the famous elders with nose plugs and face tattoos. Afternoon at Kile Pakho ridge and the Pine Grove. Overnight in Ziro.

3. Day 3

   Ziro to Tezpur on the Brahmaputra

   Drive down through North Lakhimpur to Tezpur, about 270 km (7 hours). Sunset from Agnigarh hill above the Brahmaputra river. Overnight in Tezpur.

4. Day 4

   Tezpur to Dirang

   Enter Arunachal at Bhalukpong and climb past Tenga and Bomdila to Dirang, about 230 km. Short stop at the Dirang hot water springs before dinner. Overnight in Dirang.

5. Day 5

   Dirang to Tawang via Sela Lake

   Morning at the Dirang Dzong and the yak research centre, then up to Sela Pass and its high lake. Pay respects at Jaswant Garh and roll into Tawang by evening. Overnight in Tawang.

6. Day 6

   Tawang Monastery and Giant Buddha

   Visit the 17th century Tawang Monastery and its library of old scriptures, the Giant Buddha statue on the hill and the Ani Gompa nunnery. Evening at the War Memorial. Overnight in Tawang.

7. Day 7

   Bum La border pass and Shungatser Lake

   A day trip on army roads to Bum La pass and the snow-fed Shungatser Lake, with a hot lunch at a roadside canteen on the way back. Subject to permit and weather. Overnight in Tawang.

8. Day 8

   Tawang down to Bomdila

   Easy morning, then drive over Sela again with a stop at the Nuranang waterfall. Afternoon walk around Bomdila's upper and lower monasteries. Overnight in Bomdila.

9. Day 9

   Bomdila to Guwahati, trip ends

   Breakfast and a full day drive of about 280 km back to Guwahati. Drop at the airport or railway station for your onward journey. Trip ends.

Timings and stays can be adjusted to your dates on enquiry.