Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang & the Monastery Circuit

Bomdila, Dirang, Tawang, Bum La Pass and Madhuri Lake — a high-Himalayan trail through Arunachal Pradesh's Buddhist heartland, from apple orchards and hot springs to the second-largest monastery in the world and a glacial lake by the India–China border. An Inner Line Permit is required for all travellers; we handle the paperwork. Best travelled March–May and October–November, when the passes are clear and the skies are sharpest.

Tawang Monastery
4 – 8Days, your choice
3Itinerary options
100%Customisable itineraries
24 hrsEnquiry response time
Gallery

Glimpses of the journey

Tap any photo to view it full-size.

Signature Experiences

Moments you'll carry home

01

Sunrise over Tawang Monastery, the largest in India

02

A glacial lake day trip to Madhuri Lake via the Bum La border pass

03

Snow-bound Sela Pass and the apple orchards of Dirang

Choose Your Itinerary

Three ways to take this journey

Every trip is fully customisable — tap an option to open the day-by-day plan.

Itineraries are indicative and can be tailored to your pace, interests and budget.

Good to Know

Inclusions & exclusions

What your journey covers, and what to plan for separately.

What's included

Covered in your package

  • Accommodation as per your chosen itinerary
  • Ground transport as per the itinerary
  • Meals as marked in the plan (Breakfast, Dinner)
  • Sightseeing and experiences listed in the day-by-day plan
  • Help arranging the permits this region requires, where applicable
  • Planning support from the Viharasetu team before and during your trip

What's not included

Please plan for these separately

  • Flights and train tickets to and from your starting city
  • Meals not marked in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, tips and phone calls
  • Optional activities and anything marked optional in the plan
  • Travel insurance
  • Extra costs caused by events outside our control, such as weather or road closures

Inclusions and exclusions are indicative. The final list is confirmed in writing in your quote.

Destination Guide

What to see in each stop

Must-visit highlights are marked, so you always know where to begin.

01

Monasteries & Spiritual Sites

  • Tawang Monastery Must visit
  • Urgelling Monastery — birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama
  • Gorsam Chorten
  • Bomdila Monastery
  • Dirang Dzong
02

Featured Towns & Passes

  • Tawang Must visit
  • Bomdila Must visit
  • Dirang Must visit
  • Bum La Pass Must visit
  • Sela Pass
  • Sangti Valley
  • Zemithang Valley
03

War Memorials & Heritage

  • Jaswant Garh War Memorial Must visit
  • Bum La Pass — 1962 Indo-China border post
  • Tawang War Memorial
  • Craft Centre, Bomdila
04

Lakes & Scenic Viewpoints

  • Madhuri (Sangetsar) Lake Must visit
  • Sela Lake
  • P T Tso Lake
  • Nuranang Falls
05

Nature & Wildlife

  • Sessa Orchid Sanctuary Must visit
  • Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Rhododendron blooms (April–May)
  • Apple & kiwi orchards, Dirang
06

Local Handicrafts

  • Thangka Paintings Must visit
  • Monpa Wool Carpets
  • Hand-carved Wooden Masks
  • Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts
07

Festivals

  • Torgya Festival, Tawang Monastery Must visit
  • Losar (Tibetan New Year)
  • Chindang Festival, Bomdila
  • Choskar Festival
Taste of Arunachal Pradesh

Famous Food

  • Thukpa Must try
  • Momos
  • Zan (fermented millet porridge)
  • Churpi (yak-milk cheese)
  • Butter Tea
Find the Stops

The route on the map

Numbered in the order of the trip. Tap a marker for the place name.

  1. 1
    BomdilaGateway townOpen in Google Maps →
  2. 2
    DirangValley townOpen in Google Maps →
  3. 3
    Sela PassHigh mountain passOpen in Google Maps →
  4. 4
    Tawang MonasteryLargest monastery in IndiaOpen in Google Maps →

Map positions are approximate. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Plan Your Journey

Have questions about this trip?

Reach out to us directly — we'll shape the route, pace and stays around you.