Only a few places on earth can boast nature bounties as well as Arunachal Pradesh. High mountain peaks, diverse flora and fauna, and gushing rivers are only a few things that define this place. Those, who want to go on an adventurous trip to this majestic land, now have a great chance to do so.
Though the entire state is magical, its western part is something special, and this is precisely where this motorbike expedition to Arunachal Pradesh takes you. This meticulously designed 10-day itinerary gives you ample time and opportunities to learn about the different sides of this North-eastern state, be it the natural splendour or the cultural heritage. A bike ride here takes you past serene lakes, thick forests, hairpin bends and high mountain passes; something a true adventurer seeks.
The bike trip to West Arunachal begins from Guwahati, from where it takes you on an almost 225-km road journey to Nameri National Park. A white water rafting session on the glittering waters of the Kameng River in the evening will speak to the thrill seeker inside you. The third day of the jaunt will take you through dense coniferous forests, all the way to the scenic hill station of Dirang. The next section of the trip takes you on the well-known Sela Pass. From an altitude of over 14000 feet, the views will surely be enchanting. Here, you also get the opportunity to admire the beauty of Sela Lake and click some fantastic pictures.
Tawang Monastery is a must-visit place for any tourist coming to Arunachal Pradesh, and that is why it is a part of this itinerary too. One of the largest gompas in the world, it has an expansive library, and assembly hall, which has an 18 feet tall gilded image of Lord Buddha. Later, you also get to visit the Tawang War Memorial. The pristine lakes of PT Tso and Sangetsar, and T gompa are also a part of this trip.
Your day in the Zemithang Valley is the perfect time to learn about the culture and traditions of the Morpa people. A walk here lets you visit various Morpa villages, and see the local way of life. Over the next three days, you trace your way back to Guwahati, driving via Dirang, Nameri National Park, and finally to Guwahati, where this motorbike expedition to Arunachal Pradesh concludes.
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Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Guwahati
Upon arrival in Guwahati, transfer to the hotel and check-in to rest. Later, you can collect your bike and take a few rounds in the city to get familiar with the rides. In the evening, assemble for an introductory session about the expedition, and also meet the other bikers, who will be joining you on this road trip. Early dinner, and then enjoy a good night’s sleep at the hotel.
Day 02: Guwahati to Nameri National Park (223 km | 5 hours)
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast, and later embark on an adventurous road journey to Nameri National Park, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. For most part of the ride, you will be passing through a four-lane highway through the Assamese countryside. As you cut through the refreshing wind, your senses will be treated to sights and aroma of lush tea plantations and rice paddy fields. In the afternoon, go for river rafting on the sparkling waters of the Kameng River. Enjoy an overnight stay in comfortable camps near the protected territory.
Day 03: Nameri National Park to Dirang (164 km | 6 hours)
This day of the west Arunachal bike tour takes you to the serene hill station called Dirang. A 40-minute drive from Nameri National Park gets you to the small town called Bhalukpong. This marks as your arrival in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Finish the permit formalities here, and then continue your journey.
The ride ahead, along the gushing Kameng River, is quite thrilling. The road starts winding up, and you will even face some hairpin bends on the way. After a 6-hour long road adventure, through dense coniferous forests, and past numerous army check-points, you reach Dirang. On reaching the hill station, transfer to the hotel and spend the night.
Day 04: Dirang to Tawang (170 km | 6.5 hours)
Check-out from the hotel and begin the excursion to the quaint town of Tawang. This is the most scenic section of your motorbike expedition to Arunachal Pradesh, and during this time, your eyes will be treated to some really majestic vistas.
During this 170-km long journey, get to drive on the famous Sela Pass, which takes you to an altitude of over 14000 feet. You can take a halt here to admire the beauty of Sela Lake. The placid lake, nestled amidst high mountain peaks, is truly a sight to capture. This is also a great opportunity for you to indulge in a photography session and click selfies against the backdrop of the picturesque lake.
As you drive past the high-altitude pass, you will come across many hairpin bends, one right after the other. On the way, also halt at the captivating Jang Falls. Later, arrive in Tawang and rest at the hotel.
Day 05: Sightseeing in and around Tawang
In the morning, visit Tawang Monastery, famed as one of the largest gompas in the world. The monastery has a library, which holds numerous valuable scriptures and other old Buddhist texts. If you want, you can also take a one-hour hike to the nunnery to see how monks live. In the latter half of the day, visit the well-known Tawang War Memorial to pay respect to the Mahavir Chakra Awardee, the late Jaswant Singh Rawat. This Indian rifleman lost his life while stopping the Chinese army from invading India in 1962. This temple-like monument holds various belongings of the soldier, including his uniform, watch and belt. After sightseeing, return to the hotel and enjoy a refreshing sleep.
Day 06: Sightseeing around Tawang | Tawang to Zemithang (135 km | 5 hours)
The surroundings of Tawang are dotted with numerous lakes that are a major attraction in the area, and on this day, you get to explore these magnificent waterbodies. First, visit PT Tso and Sangetsar Lake, and after clicking some pictures here, move ahead to the peaceful Taktsang gompa. Also referred to as T gompa, the small monastery is situated on a hillock, and the magnificent backdrop of high mountain peaks add to its charm. After spending some moments of peace here, continue your road journey and drive to the Zemithang Valley. In the evening, sit beside a bonfire with friends, and later sleep in your tent.
Day 07: Sightseeing and Trek around Zemithang
The Zemithang Valley is the home of the Monpa tribal people, and this is the day when you to get to learn about their culture and traditions. A walk in the valley will take you to numerous Monpa villages, where you can see their traditional houses. Trekking in the forest, you will get the chance to come across the regional plant and animal life, and get one step closer to nature. Return to your tent and sleep for the night.
Day 08: Zemithang to Dirang (207 km | 7-8 hours)
Post breakfast, begin your journey back to Dirang, passing Sela Pass and the serene lake once again. On reaching the hill station, transfer to the hotel and rest.
Day 09: Dirang to Nameri National Park (164 km | 6 hours)
The exciting ride now takes you back to Nameri National Park – the 200 sq km wide home of 300 bird species. Arrive at the protected park and spend the night in your cosy tent on the banks of the Jai Bharali River.
Day 10: Nameri National Park to Guwahati | Departure from Guwahati
Today, the bike trip to west Arunachal ends as you are transferred to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to board the flight for your onward journey.
Departure Dates: November 2016 - 18th
Note :
If Minimum group strength is not met , we have the right to cancel the departure.
Should you wish to customise the trip as per your preferred date, separate charges will apply.
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