11D/10N
West Kameng & Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Trip Overview
In the magnificent highlands of the eastern Himalayas, Tibetan Buddhism has for ages survived and progressed true to its essence. Once contingent to that glorious free Tibet and ruled from Lhasa, the region today forms the western part of the forested state of Arunachal Pradesh. This land is proverbially beautiful; where the forests are massive, where plentiful fruits and flowers, high mountains, large rivers and humble cultures come alive in their awe and simplicity.
In this journey starting at the plains of Assam, you will begin at Nameri National Park for a brief introduction to the biodiversity of the region. You will drive as far as the holy lands of Tawang and even beyond to paradisiacal landscapes of the mysterious high eastern Himalayas. In the verdant village of Thembang, you will come across and participate in the village life of the Monpa people and be introduced to their Bon-Buddhist culture. A responsible tourism project in the village ensures visitors get to stay in homestays and benefits remain at a grassroots level. In medieval era the village was a headquarter of a large territory ruled by the powerful Thembang Bapu, a direct descendant of the king of Tibet, and remains of fortification of this kingdom is still found in the village. Around Thembang, you will spend a few days in utmost serenity in moderate hikes to lonely remote mountain ranges, where the highlights will be the pristine nature, the flowers and fauna, along with a chance to interact in remote Monpa villages.
In Bomdila, a thriving multi-cultural Himalayan town, you will be staying in the monastery's guesthouse making it possible to observe early morning activities of the monks. Lastly, as you travel near the borderlands, the geography opens up into spectacular high-altitude peaks, pastures and wetlands, like nature’s eye-candy. While Indian travelers can go on a day trip towards Bum La pass to enjoy the scenic beauty of breathtaking lakes, foreign nationals get to spend a day traveling towards Bhutan to visit Zemithang village to see the traditional lifestyle of people living in the secluded frontiers and visit the large Gorsam Stupa which is a sacred pilgrimage site resembling the colossal Boudhanath Stupa of Nepal.
There will also be a visit to two community projects which are engaging in social work. The Manjushree Vidyapeeth is an orphanage run by the Buddhist monks and is on the way to Lhou. It is open for visitors and many even offer help for the welfare of this institution. Jhamtse Gatsal is another project – a community, home and school for about 90 children who come from nearby villages. Coming from various problems, the school’s goal is to provide the children with a better future and enable them to reach their fullest potential. The community focuses on the wholesome development of a child by activities such as education, cultural preservation, family bonds, community outreach, food & gardening, healthcare and sustainable living. Volunteering here is highly recommended and the school assists interested individuals find a temporary vocation which will benefit the children.
A revealing journey through one of the planet’s last thriving natural paradise, this trek and tour provides a simple insight into distant lifestyles and cultures, all the while hiking and driving though a diversity of pretty landscapes. A quote by the great anthropologist Dr.Verrier Elwin aptly describes “Gentle, friendly, courteous, industrious, good to animals, good to children, you see in the Monpas the influence of the compassionate Lord Buddha on the ordinary man.”
A journey into the distant and lush mountains of Arunachal Pradesh.
Go on an enchanting trek into high mountains filled with rare plants and vibrant cultures.
A chance to get close to the Buddhist Monpa and Brokpa tribespeople.
Guwahati - nameri National park
After arrival at Guwahati Airport, drive to Nameri National Park (6-7 hours) which is one of the most scenic national parks of India with its view of the Himalayan peaks and is a haven for rare and exotic birds. The jungle lodge is run by a local NGO involved in ecotourism and conservation of the Pigmy Hog and Golden Mahseer, both critically endangered species. Evening at leisure with campfire. Your stay will be at Eco Camp tents or Jia Bhoroli cottage with basic amenities.
nameri national park - thembang
Go for an early morning thrilling guided jungle walk for bird watching. One may also come across larger species such as deer, elephants and gaur. Return for breakfast, then leave for Thembang (7 hours) in Arunachal Pradesh. Thembang is a historic village of the Monpa Tribe where a community run tourism project maintains and preserves the local environment and culture. Your journey will thus enter the lush and pristine Himalayas of the east. En-route also visit Tipi Orchid Center that has an amazing diversity of orchid species., providing you a glimpse into the distant lifestyles of the Monpa people. Evening at leisure. Your stay will be in a clean homestay with basic amenities.
Trekking around thembang
Spend the next three days trekking in the mountains around Thembang. The trek will cover altitude between 2000 to 3000 m, crossing remote villages and forested areas. Highlights of the trek can include birds such as pheasants, dense temperate and conifer forests, rhododendrons, red pandas, bears, view of snow covered Gorichen peak, winter and summer grazing ground and village life. Overnight will be in tents or a local's simple home.
thembang - tawang
After breakfast, drive from Thembang to Tawang (7-9 hours), a sacred and hidden Buddhist highland where the essence of ancient Buddhist preaching and spirituality have flourished since ages. The testimony to this stands the beautiful Tawang Monastery, a center for deep Tibetan learning. En route to Tawang, you will have to cross the snowy Sela Pass at an height of 14,000ft and the Jung Waterfall can also be visited. Evening at leisure. Your stay will be in Hotel Mon Paradise with fairly standard amenities.
tawang
The day will be well spent visiting the significant monasteries and nunneries located in and around the town, with further visits to markets and craft centers that will help understand the lifestyle and skills of the town's people. Evenings at leisure where you may taste some steamy hot Tibetan food in the busy market area.
tawang
The day will be spent in an extremely scenic outing. Indian citizens will visit till the picturesque Sangetsar Lake along with some other equally mesmerizing high-altitude wetlands, going as far as the untouched borderlands with Tibet with a visit to the Bumla Pass army base right at the Line Of Control. Alternatively, foreign nationals will drive till Zemithang, an interesting and scenic village of the Monpa tribe, located near to the tri-border with Tibet and Bhutan. Located right at the secluded frontiers of the Himalayas, the village is an example of traditional Monpa living where nature provides for the community. You will also visit Jhamtse Gatsal en route, a local sustainable community or rather a school of life, which is doing commendable and heartwarming work for local children and allows for interaction with travelers. Return to Tawang by evening at leisure.
tawang - bomdila
Drive from Tawang to Bomdila (7-8 hours), a scenic mountaintop town which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains on a clear day. Evening will be at leisure to explore the upbeat market area of the town. Your stay will be in the cozy monastery guesthouse with standard amenities.
bomdila - tezpur
Visit the monastery to observe early morning activities of the monks. Later after breakfast, drive to the small town of Tezpur (8-9 hours), thus returning back to the Assam plains. Evening at leisure. Your stay will be in a comfortable standard hotel.
tezpur - guwahati
Early morning can be spent visiting some historic temples of the town. Later after breakfast, leave for Guwahati Airport (5-6 hours) for a departure flight preferably in the afternoon. Tour ends.
Where you will stay?
When you travel with us, we make sure that you stay in the best available accommodations in the places you visit, especially since many areas in Northeast India are remote and do not have many options to stay.
These properties are highly reviewed by our team of experts and are aesthetic in nature when possible.
Our itineraries are flexible, highly customisable, and you can always choose a different property depending on budget and style.
eco camp, nameri NP
RATING: standard
STYLE: campsite
Run by a local NGO involved in conserving two endangered species, Nameri Eco Camp is located near the Bhoroli River midst quiet and quaint surroundings. The property offers deluxe styled cottages and camps with colorful fabrics, private bathrooms, sturdy beds and thatched-roof shelters that make the experience relatively luxurious. An atmospheric open-sided restaurant is where a lot of conversations happen.
homestay, thembang
RATING: basic
STYLE: homestay
The village of Thembang sits verdantly somewhere in the subtropical Himalayas. The inhabiting Monpa community's responsible tourism initiative in the village ensures visitors get to stay in homestays thus providing them an opportunity to interact closely with the local culture and that benefits reach directly at local hands and spread to improve village life. Rooms here are simple and clean as per the local way of living.
homestay, tawang
RATING: standard
STYLE: homestay
This beautiful homestay, run by a warm Monpa family, is located at a lovely open compound filled with plants and flowers. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and have great views of the landscape of Tawang.
Dhe Dhen Gakhyil homestay, bomdila
RATING: standard
STYLE: homestay
It's a nice little place run by family and provides clean comfortable stay with home made tasty food. There is running hot water, room heater and the bedding is comfortable too. The host Jambhu is always smiling and takes good care of all staff. They even have a good collection of books and some games. The main room with large seating is great to spend some time looking at sky.
curated experiences
Our itineraries are one of a kind, carefully detailed from our own personal travel experiences, such as choosing the best logistically correct routes to the most interesting stay options.
native guides
With our charming tour guide native to the region, you will get an insider view of life and culture of Arunachal Pradesh, thus bringing forth authentic local expereinces and friendships.
experts in tours
Traveling with Greener Pastures, be assured you are in the best hands of experts who know and are passionate about the region. Expect a hassle-free, easy going and insightful travel.
By choosing us, we share together a pledge towards responsible tourism, and share a belief that travel has the power to positively transform local livelihoods, cultures and environment.
The tours listed in this website are our own well-researched itineraries that come with a great degree of flexibility and customization. Each tour is therefore individually costed around your requirements and budget. This provides you with a sense of choice and reliability, and also helps us meet customer expectations much more closely, making your travel experience all the more memorable.
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