North East India
Tawang & Sela Pass — The Monastery Circuit
The great road trip into Arunachal Pradesh — Bomdila and Dirang, the climb over Sela Pass, and two nights in Tawang for the monastery, the war memorials and, permits allowing, the India–China border at Bumla Pass.
Highlights
- Tawang Monastery, the largest in India
- Crossing Sela Pass at nearly 4,200 metres
- Jaswant Garh war memorial
- Bumla Pass on the India–China border (permit arranged in Tawang)
Day by day
- 1
Arrive Guwahati → Bhalukpong
Transfer from the airport and drive to Bhalukpong via Tezpur, the first stop on the road into Arunachal Pradesh.
- 2
Bhalukpong → Dirang, via Bomdila
A stop at Bomdila's monastery and apple orchards, then on to Dirang — a deliberately gentle climb to help with acclimatisation.
- 3
Dirang → Tawang, via Sela Pass
The high point of the drive, literally — over Sela Pass at around 4,170 metres, with a stop at the Jaswant Garh war memorial on the way.
- 4
Tawang
Tawang Monastery, the largest in India, and the Tawang War Memorial with its evening light-and-sound show.
- 5
Bumla Pass or Madhuri Lake
Either the India–China border at Bumla Pass (subject to the special permit, arranged in Tawang the day before) or, if that isn't available, Madhuri Lake and Nuranang Falls instead.
- 6
Tawang → Dirang / Bomdila
Drive back down, breaking the return journey the same way as the way up.
- 7
Depart
Continue to Guwahati for your onward flight.
What's included
- 6 nights hotels and homestays with breakfast
- Private SUV with driver for the full road trip
- Inner Line Permit processed on your behalf (Indian nationals)
- Protected Area Permit guidance for foreign nationals
- Local guide in Tawang, and help arranging the Bumla Pass permit
Not included
- Flights to and from Guwahati
- Permit government fees (nominal, paid directly)
- Lunches and most dinners
- Bumla Pass access, which depends on border conditions on the day
Prices are indicative “from” rates per person on twin sharing, land only, and vary with season, hotel category and group size. Send an enquiry for a firm quote on your dates.
Make it yours
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