🏞️ Introduction: The Journey into the Eastern Himalayas
The road from Tezpur (Assam) to Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) is one of India’s most adventurous and soul-stirring road trips. With winding mountain roads, breathtaking passes, Buddhist monasteries, and war memorials, this trip isn’t just about the destination — it's about the transformational journey.
📍 Overview of the Route
- Starting Point: Tezpur, Assam
- End Point: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Total Distance: ~320 km
- Ideal Duration: 4–6 Days
- Best Time: March to June & October to December
🧭 Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Before entering Arunachal, Indian citizens must apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Apply online via: arunachalilp.com
🗺️ Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 🚩 Day 1: Tezpur → Bhalukpong → Bomdila
Distance: 160 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
• Drive through lush green hills
• ILP check at Bhalukpong
• Visit Bomdila Monastery
• Stay: Hotel Tsepal Yangjom / homestays
- 🚩 Day 2: Bomdila → Dirang
Distance: 45 km | Time: 2 hrs
• Soak in Dirang Hot Water Springs
• Visit Dirang Dzong (Old Fort Village)
• Walk along the river / local farms
• Stay: Dirang Boutique Cottages / homestays
- 🚩 Day 3: Dirang → Tawang (via Sela Pass)
Distance: 135 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
• Cross Sela Pass (13,700 ft) – often snow-covered
• Stop at Sela Lake for photos
• Visit Jaswant Garh War Memorial
• Optional detour: Nuranang Falls (Jung Falls)
• Stay: Tawang homestay or Hotel Gakyil
- 🚩 Day 4: Explore Tawang
• Tawang Monastery – second‑largest in Asia
• Giant Buddha Statue overlooking town
• Tawang War Memorial
• Shop for woollens & souvenirs
- 🚩 Day 5: Optional – Bum La Pass & Sangestar Lake
• Requires special permit from DC office (Tawang)
• Bum La Pass (~15,000 ft) – Indo‑China border
• Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake) – scenic & cinematic
• Army-permit required — book SUV/cab accordingly
- 🚩 Day 6: Return Journey
• Tawang → Dirang / Bomdila → Tezpur
• Break the return journey into one or two segments
🧳 Travel Essentials
- Carry woollens year‑round (Sela & Bum La can be freezing)
- Hire experienced mountain drivers
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks
- Download offline maps—network is limited beyond Dirang
- Be aware of road closures (snow/landslides)
📸 Best Photo Spots
- Sela Pass (at sunrise/sunset)
- Sela Lake reflections
- Nuranang Falls long-exposure shots
- Viewpoint around Tawang Monastery
- Sangestar Lake (with drone, if permitted)
📅 Quick Trip Planner
- Tezpur: Agnigarh Fort, Brahmaputra Ghats
- Bomdila: Monastery, local markets
- Dirang: Hot springs, Dzong Village
- Sela Pass: Snow & Lake Views
- Tawang: Monastery, War Memorial, Buddha
- Bum La / Sangestar: Border point & hidden lake
🎯 Final Thoughts
This Tezpur to Tawang itinerary offers the perfect Himalayan escape. Each stop — from Dirang’s cozy springs to Sela’s icy heights — builds a journey of peace, purpose, and panoramic beauty. So pack your warmest clothes, grab your camera, and let Explore With Me lead you to the magical mountaintops of Arunachal.