Arunachal Pradesh Tour Package, 7 Nights 8 Days with Tawang
Moderate

Arunachal Pradesh Tour Package, 7 Nights 8 Days with Tawang

8 days / 7 nightsStarts Guwahati
From ₹41,357 · See pricing
8 days
7 nights
Guwahati
start point
901 km
by road

October to early December for clear skies, and March to May for milder days. December to February brings snow on Sela and frozen lakes, so roads may need chains. Avoid June to September, when landslides often block the Tawang road.

best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
Trustedby travellers worldwide
Local repsIndia + overseas support
No prepayfree customisation · GST invoice

Overview

Tour overview

This Arunachal Pradesh tour package gives you 7 nights and 8 days on the Tawang road, starting and ending in Guwahati. You cross Bhalukpong, Bomdila and Dirang, go over Sela Pass, and stay three nights in Tawang for the monastery, Bum La and Madhuri lake. We help with the Inner Line Permit, the army permission for Bum La, and a slow climb that is kind to elders.

What does this Arunachal Pradesh tour package cover?

This Arunachal Pradesh tour package is 7 nights and 8 days. It starts in Guwahati and ends in Guwahati. You drive up the Tawang road through Bhalukpong, Bomdila and Dirang. You cross Sela Pass and stay three nights in Tawang. Then you come back down through Bomdila.

Most packages give Tawang one full day. We give you two, plus the evening you arrive. That spare time matters. Bum La needs a permit from the DC office and the army, and the office issues it only in working hours. Snow or a landslide can also take away a day. With three nights, you still see everything.

The climb is gentle on purpose. Bhalukpong is only about 213 m above the sea. Dirang is about 1,500 m. You sleep at both before you go to Tawang, and you go to Bum La, at about 4,600 m, only after two nights in Tawang. This order is the single most important thing for elders on this route.

This page is the whole-state guide. It also tells you how to add Ziro, the Ziro Festival of Music and the eastern circuit with Parshuram Kund, if you want a longer trip.

Do you need a permit to visit Arunachal Pradesh?

Yes. Every visitor needs a permit, and the type depends on your passport.

  • Indian citizens: the tourist eILP. You apply on the official portal of the Arunachal Pradesh government, eilp.arunachal.gov.in. The state launched this tourist portal on 17 November 2022. The tourist eILP covers a stay of up to 14 days. Children under 14 do not need their own eILP, but they must travel with an adult. Pay the fee on the portal, and confirm the current rate on the official site.
  • Where it is checked. The first check post on this route is at Bhalukpong, where you enter Arunachal from Assam. Keep a printout and the same photo ID you used to apply. Hotels and later check posts may ask too.
  • Foreign nationals: the Protected Area Permit (PAP). The state tourism department says foreigners apply through an approved local tour operator, and pay a royalty per person. The eILP portal links to the PAP service on indianfrro.gov.in. Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar need clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The rules for foreigners have changed over the years, so we confirm the current rule with the permit office before you book.
  • OCI and NRI families. An OCI card holder has a foreign passport, so you need the PAP, not the eILP. If you live abroad on an Indian passport, the eILP is meant for Indian citizens. But the Arunachal Police ILP page asks NRIs to apply for a protected area permit. Please tell us early, and we will confirm the rule for your family with the permit office.

Apply at least a week before you travel, and never on the last day. Travellers on review sites warn that offices keep short hours on weekends and in the off-season. We check every name, date and ID number on your permit before you leave home.

How do you get the Bum La Pass permit?

Bum La is a pass on the India China border, about 37 km from Tawang town, at about 4,600 m (15,200 ft). The Indian Army maintains it. It is one of the official points where Indian and Chinese officers meet. In the 1962 war, the Chinese army came in through this route.

To go there, you need a special permit. You apply at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang. The permit is then stamped at the army cantonment in Tawang town. Without that stamp, the army check posts will not let you pass. From 1 September 2025, the DC office also charges an entry fee when it issues the permit. Children under 12 are exempt. Please confirm the current rate on the official site or at the office.

The same permission covers Sangetsar lake, about 35 km north of Tawang. Our driver files your papers on the day you reach Tawang, so the permit is ready for Day 5. If the army closes the road for weather or duty, we keep the day for the lakes near town and try again the next morning. We cannot promise Bum La. The army decides, and it is right that the army decides.

Foreign passport holders, including OCI card holders, should not plan on Bum La. The official notes we have found speak only of Indian visitors, so please do not count on it.

Is Sela Pass open in winter, and what does the Sela Tunnel change?

Sela Pass sits at about 4,200 m, or about 13,700 ft, on the only road to Tawang. It stays under snow for much of the year. In the old days, heavy snow on Sela could cut Tawang off for days.

The Prime Minister opened the Sela Tunnel on 9 March 2024. The tunnel runs about 400 m below the pass. The Tawang district administration calls it an all-weather link between Guwahati and Tawang. It cuts the Dirang to Tawang road by about 10 km, and saves about an hour.

So you have two choices on Day 3. On a clear day, we take the old road over the top. You see Sela lake, the prayer flags and the snow at the pass. If the top is closed or the weather turns, the driver takes the tunnel. Either way, you reach Tawang.

In winter, the Tawang district administration asks drivers to fit non-skid chains on snow. It also warns visitors never to step on a frozen lake, as the ice may be thin.

Is Arunachal Pradesh safe for elders, and how do you handle altitude?

The International Society of Travel Medicine says altitude sickness can start at about 2,500 m. On this trip, Bomdila is about 2,415 m, Tawang is about 3,000 m or more, Sela is about 4,200 m and Bum La is about 4,600 m. So yes, altitude is real here.

This plan climbs slowly. You sleep low at Bhalukpong, then at Dirang, before you cross Sela. You go to Bum La only on Day 5. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and keep the first evening in Tawang quiet.

Know the signs: headache, tiredness, dizziness, a poor appetite or vomiting. Do not go higher until you feel better. If you get worse, come down at once. The Tawang DC also advises people prone to altitude sickness, or with health problems, not to go to Bum La and Sela. If anyone in your family has heart or lung trouble, please speak to your own doctor before you book.

The road days are long. Some days run 6 to 8 hours on mountain roads. If an elder has knee or back pain, or gets motion sick, tell us. We can add a night or move to a seat at the front.

What is the best time to visit Arunachal Pradesh?

The easiest months for this route are October to early December and March to May. Skies are clearer and the roads are drier.

  • December to February: snow and cold. Sela gets snow, and the high lakes freeze. Dirang, lower down, stays pleasant. This is also when the Monpa hold Torgya at Tawang Monastery, around January.
  • June to September: the monsoon. Landslides are common. On 3 September 2025, five landslides near Jang stranded about 60 people on the Tawang highway, until the Border Roads team cleared them by midnight. If your dates fall in these months, please talk to us first.
  • Late September: the Ziro Festival of Music. If music is your reason to come, plan a separate Ziro trip at that time.

How do you reach the start of the tour?

The tour starts in Guwahati. You can fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, or come by train to Guwahati station. Our driver meets you there.

Some families fly to Tezpur instead, which is closer to Bhalukpong. Tell us, and we will start you from Tezpur.

There is also a helicopter service from Guwahati airport to the Tawang helipad. The Tawang district says it takes about 55 to 60 minutes and runs on fixed days, only in clear weather. It is useful for elders who cannot do the long road. Please keep a backup day, because flights can be cancelled.

If you want more of Assam or Meghalaya, add it before or after this trip. See our Assam tour package, our Kaziranga National Park tour, or the Guwahati Shillong Cherrapunjee tour.

Can you add Ziro, the Ziro Festival or the eastern circuit?

Yes. Tawang is in the west of the state. Arunachal is much bigger than one road, and two other trips are worth knowing.

  • Ziro valley. Ziro is about 115 km from Itanagar, at about 1,500 m. It is the home of the Apatani people. Their paddy fields, where fish are reared in the same water, are on the UNESCO Tentative List. The Ziro Festival of Music usually happens in late September. Ziro is a different road from Tawang, so add three or four days.
  • The eastern circuit and Parshuram Kund. Parshuram Kund is on the Lohit river in Lohit district, near Wakro. Tradition says Lord Parshuram washed away his sin here, and the axe fell from his hand. Every year on Makar Sankranti, thousands of devotees take a holy dip. In January 2026, officials counted about 90,000 devotees over three days. The nearest airports are Tezu and Dibrugarh.

Both need the same eILP, so tell us all the places at the time you apply. For a longer North East plan, see our North East vacation page, or the Assam Meghalaya tour.

What to eat, what to buy, and how to manage cash and phones

In Tawang and Dirang you eat Monpa and Tibetan food. Try thukpa (noodle soup), momos, zan (a millet dish), khura (a pancake eaten with tea) and gyapa khazi (a rice dish with cheese). Butter tea is everywhere. Hotels also cook simple North Indian food. Ask us in advance for pure vegetarian meals.

The best thing to take home is Monpa handmade paper. It is made from the bark of the Shugu Sheng shrub, and the craft is over 1,000 years old. The Ministry of Textiles lists it among the crafts of Arunachal. The KVIC revived a paper unit in Tawang in December 2020. You can also buy painted wooden prayer wheels, shawls and brassware in the Old Market. Ask the price in two shops before you buy.

Carry enough cash. During landslides and bad weather, ATMs and digital payments can stop working. Mobile networks can drop on the high road too, so download offline maps and share your route with family at home.

How is this Arunachal Pradesh tour package different?

Before we wrote this page, we read the other popular Arunachal tour pages. Most do not explain the eILP portal or the Bum La permit. Many give no day-by-day distances, or give two different numbers on the same page. Very few say a word about altitude, landslides or what OCI families should do.

  • Every permit is explained in plain steps, with the official portal name.
  • The Bum La permit is explained honestly: DC office, army stamp, working hours and the new entry fee.
  • The Sela Tunnel is your backup on snow days, with real dates and facts.
  • Distances and drive times are given for every day, as ranges, because the sources differ.
  • A spare Tawang day is built in, so one closed road does not cost you Bum La.
  • Ziro, the Ziro Festival and Parshuram Kund are shown as add-ons, for the longer trip.

Tour highlights

Three nights in Tawang, so you have time for the monastery, Bum La and the lakes without rushing
Prayers at Tawang Monastery, founded in 1680 to 1681 and the largest Buddhist monastery in India
Sela Pass at about 4,200 m (about 13,700 ft), with the Sela Tunnel as the all-weather way when snow closes the top
Jaswant Garh, where Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat held his post in 1962 and the army still keeps his room
Nuranang falls near Jang, about 100 m high, named after the Monpa girl Nura
Bum La at about 4,600 m on the India China border, on the special permit from the DC office and the Indian Army
Sangetsar lake, the one families call Madhuri lake, at about 3,708 m, with the army's small cafe beside it
The Tawang War Memorial for the 2,420 soldiers of 1962, with its sound and light show
A slow, safe climb: Bhalukpong (about 213 m), Dirang (about 1,500 m), then Tawang, before the high day
Morning darshan at Maa Kamakhya on Nilachal hill in Guwahati before you fly home

Destinations covered

GuwahatiBhalukpongDirangTawangBomdila

Best Time

October to early December for clear skies, and March to May for milder days. December to February brings snow on Sela and frozen lakes, so roads may need chains. Avoid June to September, when landslides often block the Tawang road.

Ideal For

Indian families and couples, NRI families on an Indian passport, army and history lovers, devotees who want Tawang Monastery and Kamakhya darshan, and first-time visitors to the North East who want one clear, well-paced road trip.

Difficulty

Moderate

Route & distances

Your journey, stop by stop

Accurate distances and travel times for every leg: 901 km by road. Road times include a traffic buffer; distances marked “aerial” are straight-line for flight, helicopter, ropeway and water legs.

  1. 1Guwahati
  2. 2Bhalukpong209 km · ~3h 52m est.
  3. 3Dirang140 km · ~2h 30m est.
  4. 4Tawang128 km · ~2h 8m est.
  5. 5Bomdila171 km · ~2h 49m est.
  6. 6Guwahati253 km · ~5h 15m est.

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.

Today you arrive in Guwahati, by flight or by train. Our driver meets you at the airport or the station. If you land early, you have a smooth drive. If your flight is late, we leave as soon as you are ready.

The drive to Bhalukpong is about 230 to 245 km, through the Assam plains and past Tezpur. It takes about 5 to 6 hours. Stop for lunch at a clean highway dhaba. Simple rice and dal, with fish curry or vegetables, is the safe choice today.

Bhalukpong sits on the bank of the Kameng river, where you enter Arunachal Pradesh. It is only about 213 m above the sea. The inner line check post is here, so keep your eILP printout and photo ID in your hand bag, not in the suitcase.

In the evening, walk down to the river. If you are not tired, sit by the water and watch the light go. Have an early dinner and sleep well. Tomorrow you start to climb.

  • Distance and drive time: Guwahati to Bhalukpong about 230 to 245 km, about 5 to 6 hours by road.
  • Best time today: Leave Guwahati by about 9 am, so you reach Bhalukpong before dark.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: There is little to shop for today. Buy drinking water, dry fruits and biscuits for the hill days in Guwahati, where you have the most choice. Check the expiry date on every packet.
  • A fact few people know: Bhalukpong is the home ground of the Aka people, who also call themselves Hrusso. Their big yearly festival is Nyethrii Dow. Ask us for this year's dates.
Special Tips for This Day: Keep the eILP printout, photo ID and two spare photos in one folder. Elders should drink water every hour on the plains, even if they do not feel thirsty. If you fly in from abroad, rest one night in Guwahati first and start this plan the next morning.

Today you leave the plains behind. After breakfast, drive about 5 km to Tipi and visit the Tippi Orchid Research Centre. Walk slowly and look for orchids in flower. Then the road starts to climb.

By lunch you reach Bomdila, at about 2,415 m. This is the highest you have been so far. Visit the Lower Gompa, part of the Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery, and turn the prayer wheels as you walk around. If you have time, stop at the Bomdila War Memorial. The army dedicated it in 2016 to the soldiers of the Battle of Bomdila.

From Bomdila, the road drops about 42 km into the Dirang valley, at about 1,500 m. This drop is good for your body. You sleep lower than Bomdila tonight.

If you are not tired, take a taxi to the Dirang hot spring, about 3.5 km from town. You climb stone steps to reach it, so elders should skip this. Dinner at the hotel is the best plan. Ask for thukpa, a hot noodle soup that is perfect on a cold valley night.

  • Distance and drive time: Bhalukpong to Dirang about 135 to 140 km via Tipi and Bomdila, about 5 to 6 hours plus stops.
  • Best time today: Tipi in the early morning, and Bomdila monastery by about 1 pm, before afternoon clouds come in.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Dirang grows apples and kiwi. If fruit is in season, buy it at a village stall and not at the highway stops. Weigh it in front of you, and ask the price before the seller packs it.
  • A fact few people know: Dirang has a National Research Centre on Yak above the town. Scientists there study yak breeding, and visitors may go with permission.
Special Tips for This Day: Carry a light jacket for Bomdila, even in summer. The road between Tipi and Bomdila has many bends, so give motion-sickness tablets to children before you start, if your doctor agrees. In Bomdila, walk clockwise around the monastery, as the monks do. Do not photograph monks at prayer without asking.

Today is the big drive of the trip, so start early. Leave Dirang by 7 am. About 21 km out, you pass the Nyukmadong War Memorial, with its tall chorten. Stop for a few minutes and pay your respects.

Then the road climbs to Sela Pass, at about 4,200 m. On a clear day, you see Sela lake, snow and prayer flags against a blue sky. Spend only 15 to 20 minutes at the top. The air is thin, and elders should stay near the car. If the pass is closed or the weather is bad, the driver takes the Sela Tunnel, which runs about 400 m below.

After Sela, you come to Jaswant Garh. Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of the 4th Garhwal Rifles held this post in November 1962. He died on 17 November 1962, at the age of 21, and was given the Maha Vir Chakra. The army keeps his room and his uniform clean. Soldiers serve him bed tea at 4:30 am, breakfast at 9 am and dinner at 7 pm, as if he still lives here.

Near Jang, see Nuranang falls, about 100 m high. The army's Warrior Cafe nearby serves tea, coffee, samosas and noodles. You reach Tawang by evening. Keep tonight very quiet. Rest, drink water and eat light.

  • Distance and drive time: Dirang to Tawang about 125 to 140 km, about 6 to 8 hours with stops (sources differ; the Sela Tunnel saves about 10 km).
  • Best time today: Cross Sela before noon. Clouds and snow often come in after midday.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: The army-run Warrior Cafe near Nuranang has a small souvenir shop. Buy a memento there, and have hot tea. Ask the price before you pay, as with any shop.
  • A fact few people know: Sela Pass, Sela lake and the Sela Tunnel are named after Sela, a Monpa girl. Nuranang falls are named after Nura. Tradition says both girls helped Jaswant Singh Rawat in 1962.
Special Tips for This Day: Wear warm layers from the morning, a cap and gloves. Keep a flask of hot water in the car. At Jaswant Garh, remove your cap inside the shrine and speak softly. Morning light is best for photos of Nuranang falls. Do not let children run at Sela. A fall on ice is the biggest danger here.

Today you stay in Tawang, so the day is easy. After breakfast, go up to Tawang Monastery, called Gaden Namgyal Lhatse. Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso founded it in 1680 to 1681, at the wish of the 5th Dalai Lama. It is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. Inside the Dukhang, the main prayer hall, sits a tall gilded Buddha. A small museum stands near the back gate.

Go early, when the monks gather for morning prayers. Sit quietly at the back and listen. Then drive to the Urgelling Monastery, founded in the late 1480s by Lama Urgen Sangpo. The 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born here in 1683.

After lunch, our driver files your Bum La permit at the DC office, in working hours. Then rest at the hotel. Your body is still getting used to the height.

In the late afternoon, visit the Tawang War Memorial. It honours the 2,420 soldiers who died in the 1962 war. Their names and regiments are written on the memorial, beside the Namgyal Chorten. The memorial is open from 7:45 am to 6 pm. Stay for the sound and light show if it runs that evening.

  • Distance and drive time: Short drives within Tawang town and its edges, with waits for the permit office.
  • Best time today: The monastery between about 6 am and 8 am for prayers; the war memorial after 4 pm.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Ask the driver to take you to the KVIC Monpa handmade paper unit, and buy notebooks or cards made from Shugu Sheng bark. In the Old Market, buy painted wooden prayer wheels and brassware. Ask the price in two shops first.
  • A fact few people know: Every third year, during Torgya, Tawang Monastery also holds the Dungyur festival in its courtyard.
Special Tips for This Day: Dress modestly for the monastery, with shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes where asked. Do not point your feet at the altar when you sit. Carry small notes for offerings. If anyone has a headache today, skip Urgelling and rest. Bum La tomorrow is higher.

Today you go to the border. Leave after an early breakfast, with your permit stamped at the army cantonment. The road to Bum La is about 37 km, but it is rough and slow. Only SUVs are advised, and only on clear days. Plan the whole day for it.

On the way, you may pass PT Tso and other small lakes. In winter they freeze. Please never step on the ice.

Bum La is at about 4,600 m. The army guides visitors here. Listen to the soldiers and follow every instruction. Photography rules are set by the army on the day. You will feel the cold and the thin air, so stay only as long as you are comfortable.

On the way back, stop at Sangetsar lake, at about 3,708 m. An earthquake blocked the stream here and formed the lake. Families call it Madhuri lake, after a film song shot here. The army runs the small Shungatser Cafe beside it. Have a hot drink and sit for a while. You reach Tawang by evening.

  • Distance and drive time: Tawang to Bum La about 37 km each way; Sangetsar lake about 35 km north of Tawang. Full day on a rough road.
  • Best time today: Leave Tawang by about 7 am and aim to be back before dark; clear mornings are best.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: There is nothing to buy at the border. At the Shungatser Cafe, food is simple and army-run. Carry your own dry snacks and water for the day.
  • A fact few people know: Bum La is one of the official Border Personnel Meeting points, where officers of the Indian Army and the Chinese army meet.
Special Tips for This Day: Wear every warm layer you have, with a cap, gloves and sunglasses. Snow light is strong. Carry your eILP, the Bum La permit and your photo ID. Elders with heart or lung trouble, or anyone unwell at breakfast, should skip Bum La and visit only the nearer lakes. If the army closes the road, we use tomorrow morning or keep the day for Tawang town.

Today you start your journey home. Leave Tawang after breakfast. You cross Jang and Sela again, or take the tunnel. If you missed Nuranang falls on Day 3, stop there now.

The drive to Bomdila is about 165 to 185 km, and takes about 7 to 8 hours. As you come down, the air gets thicker, and most people feel lighter and sleep better.

If you reach Bomdila before 4 pm, visit the Upper Gompa on the hilltop, which has a school for young monks.

In the evening, walk in the Bomdila market. Have momos and a hot cup of tea, and sleep early. Tomorrow is a long day to Guwahati.

  • Distance and drive time: Tawang to Bomdila about 165 to 185 km, about 7 to 8 hours (sources give 167 km and 183 km).
  • Best time today: Cross Sela before noon again; reach Bomdila by late afternoon.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Bomdila has apple orchards around the town. If apples are in season, buy from a stall where you see the fruit, not from a sealed box.
  • A fact few people know: Bomdila is the headquarters of West Kameng district. The Lower Gompa here is part of the Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery.
Special Tips for This Day: Keep your warm jacket in the car, not in the boot, because Sela is cold even on the way down. Give elders the front seat today. If you feel car-sick, look at the horizon and keep a window a little open. Fill the water bottles before you leave Tawang.

Today you drive out of the mountains. Leave Bomdila by about 7 am. You come down through Tenga and past Bhalukpong, and then into the Assam plains.

The drive to Guwahati is about 320 to 340 km. With stops, it takes about 8 to 10 hours. This is the longest day, but the last part is on flat road.

If you are not tired, stop at the army's Ball of Fire Museum in the Tenga valley. It tells the story of the 5th Mountain Division and the brave soldiers of 1962.

You reach Guwahati by evening. Check in, have a good hot bath and a proper dinner. Rest well. Tomorrow morning is for Maa Kamakhya.

  • Distance and drive time: Bomdila to Guwahati about 320 to 340 km, about 8 to 10 hours with stops (our estimate from map data and the official 14 to 16 hours for Guwahati to Tawang).
  • Best time today: An early start, so you are off the hill road before the afternoon.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: In Guwahati, buy Assam tea from a shop with sealed, labelled packs, and check the date of packing.
  • A fact few people know: The Tawang road is a working army road. The Border Roads teams who clear landslides at midnight are the reason families can make this trip at all.
Special Tips for This Day: Keep snacks and water within reach, as long stretches have few good stops. Elders should get out and walk for five minutes every two hours. Share your live location with family at home on this long day. Charge your phone and power bank the night before.

Today you take darshan of Maa Kamakhya before you fly home. The temple stands on Nilachal hill in Guwahati. Go early in the morning, as the queues grow fast through the day.

Please check the temple's timings for your date before you go. Every June, during the Ambubachi Mela, the temple doors close for about four days. In 2024 they closed from 22 June and opened for darshan on 26 June.

After darshan, come back to the hotel for breakfast and check out. Our driver drops you at the airport or the station.

If you have more days, you can stay on in Assam. See our Kaziranga National Park tour for the rhinos, or the Guwahati Shillong Cherrapunjee tour for Meghalaya.

  • Distance and drive time: Hotel to Kamakhya and then to the airport or station, short city drives in Guwahati traffic.
  • Best time today: Kamakhya as early as you can manage; keep at least three hours between darshan and your flight.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Buy prasad and red chunri only from the stalls at the temple steps that show a price. Do not pay touts who offer a quick darshan for money. Use only the temple's own counters for any paid darshan.
  • A fact few people know: During the Ambubachi Mela, devotees believe the Goddess goes through her yearly cycle, so worship stops for about four days.
Special Tips for This Day: Wear simple, modest clothes for the temple. Leave phones and bags with a family member or in the car if the temple does not allow them inside. Carry a water bottle for the queue. Elders should ask about any separate queue for senior citizens at the temple office.

Travel tips

A family guide to the Tawang road and the rest of Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh, Sela and Tawang

On this trip you climb slowly from the Kameng river at Bhalukpong to Dirang, cross Sela Pass, pray at Tawang Monastery, stand at Bum La on the border, and end with darshan of Maa Kamakhya in Guwahati. Here is everything you should know before you go, and while you travel.

7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYSSTART: GUWAHATISELA ABOUT 4,200 MILP NEEDED FOR INDIANS

The shrines

Swipe →
01
Tawang Monastery
Tawang
Founded 1680 to 1681, the largest Buddhist monastery in India
02
Sela Pass
Tawang road
About 4,200 m, with the Sela Tunnel below since 2024
03
Jaswant Garh
Tawang road
The post of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, 1962
04
Nuranang falls
Jang
About 100 m high, named after the Monpa girl Nura
05
Bum La
India China border
About 4,600 m, on an army-stamped permit
06
Sangetsar (Madhuri) lake
Tawang district
About 3,708 m, formed by an earthquake
07
Maa Kamakhya
Guwahati
Darshan on Nilachal hill before you fly home
01Before you book

The eILP for Indians, and the PAP for foreigners

Every visitor needs a permit. Indian citizens apply for the tourist eILP on eilp.arunachal.gov.in. Foreign nationals, including OCI card holders, need a Protected Area Permit.

  • The tourist eILPThe state launched the tourist eILP portal on 17 November 2022. A tourist eILP covers a stay of up to 14 days. Children under 14 do not need their own eILP, but they must travel with an adult. Pay the fee on the portal, and confirm the current rate on the official site.
  • Where it is checkedThe first check post on the Tawang road is at Bhalukpong. Keep a printout and the same photo ID you used to apply, in your hand bag.
  • For foreign nationalsThe state tourism department says foreigners apply through an approved local tour operator and pay a royalty per person. Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar need Home Ministry clearance. The rules have changed over the years, so we confirm the current rule before you book.
  • Apply earlyApply at least a week before you travel. Travellers warn that permit offices keep short hours on weekends and in the off-season.
For NRI and OCI families

An OCI card holder has a foreign passport and needs the PAP. If you live abroad on an Indian passport, the eILP is meant for Indian citizens, but the Arunachal Police page asks NRIs to apply for a protected area permit. Tell us early, and we will confirm the rule for your family.

02The army permit

Bum La and Sangetsar lake, in simple steps

Bum La is about 37 km from Tawang, at about 4,600 m. You need a special permit from the DC office in Tawang, stamped by the army.

  • Where to applyApply at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang, in working hours. The permit is then stamped at the army cantonment in Tawang town. Without the stamp, check posts will not let you pass.
  • The entry feeFrom 1 September 2025, the DC office charges an entry fee when it issues the permit. Children under 12 are exempt. Please confirm the current rate on the official site or at the office.
  • The same paper for the lakeSangetsar lake, about 35 km north of Tawang, also needs army permission. The army runs the small Shungatser Cafe beside it.
  • The roadThe road is rough. Only SUVs are advised, and only on clear days. Plan the whole day, even though the distance looks short.
Our promise on Bum La

Our driver files your papers the day you reach Tawang. If the army closes the road, we keep the day for the lakes near town and try again the next morning. The army decides, and we follow.

03Snow and landslides

Sela Pass, the Sela Tunnel and the monsoon

Sela Pass is at about 4,200 m. The Sela Tunnel, opened on 9 March 2024, runs about 400 m below it as an all-weather link to Tawang.

  • Over the top or through the tunnelOn a clear day you take the old road over the pass, for Sela lake and the prayer flags. If snow closes the top, the driver takes the tunnel. It cuts the Dirang to Tawang road by about 10 km and saves about an hour.
  • Winter rulesThe Tawang district administration asks drivers to fit non-skid chains on snow. It warns visitors never to step on a frozen lake.
  • Monsoon landslidesOn 3 September 2025, five landslides near Jang stranded about 60 people on the Tawang highway, until the Border Roads team cleared them by midnight. June to September is the riskiest time.
If your dates are in the monsoon

Please talk to us before you book. We add a spare day and keep the plan flexible, or suggest a better month.

04Altitude

Altitude, elders and long road days

Altitude sickness can start at about 2,500 m. Tawang is about 3,000 m or more, Sela about 4,200 m and Bum La about 4,600 m.

  • Climb slowlyThis plan sleeps at Bhalukpong (about 213 m) and Dirang (about 1,500 m) before Tawang. You go to Bum La only after two nights in Tawang.
  • Know the signsHeadache, tiredness, dizziness, a poor appetite or vomiting can mean altitude sickness. Do not go higher until you feel better. If you get worse, come down at once.
  • Ask your doctorThe Tawang DC advises people prone to altitude sickness, or with health problems, not to visit Bum La and Sela. If anyone has heart or lung trouble, ask your own doctor before booking.
  • Long drivesSome days run 6 to 8 hours on mountain roads. If an elder has knee or back pain, or gets car-sick, tell us. We can add a night.
The helicopter option

The Tawang district says a helicopter runs from Guwahati airport to the Tawang helipad in about 55 to 60 minutes, on fixed days and in clear weather. It can help elders, but keep a backup day.

05Season

When to go, and what each season gives you

The easiest months are October to early December and March to May. Avoid June to September if you can.

  • October to early DecemberClear skies and dry roads. Nights in Tawang are cold, so pack well.
  • December to FebruarySnow on Sela and frozen lakes. Dirang, lower down, stays pleasant. Torgya is held at Tawang Monastery around January.
  • March to MayMilder days and easier roads. A good time for families with elders.
  • Late SeptemberThe Ziro Festival of Music usually happens now. Ziro is on a different road, so plan it as its own trip.
06Eat and buy

What to eat, what to buy, and cash on the road

Try thukpa, momos, zan, khura and gyapa khazi. Buy Monpa handmade paper in Tawang.

  • Monpa foodThukpa is a noodle soup, zan is a millet dish, khura is a pancake eaten with tea, and gyapa khazi is a rice dish with cheese. Hotels also cook simple North Indian food. Ask us in advance for pure vegetarian meals.
  • Monpa handmade paperMade from the bark of the Shugu Sheng shrub, the craft is over 1,000 years old. The Ministry of Textiles lists it among the crafts of Arunachal. The KVIC revived a paper unit in Tawang in December 2020.
  • In the Old MarketPainted wooden prayer wheels, shawls and brassware. Ask the price in two shops before you buy.
  • Carry cashDuring landslides and bad weather, ATMs and digital payments can stop working, and mobile networks can drop. Download offline maps and share your route with family.
Army cafes on the road

The army runs the Warrior Cafe near Nuranang, with tea, coffee, samosas and noodles, and the Shungatser Cafe at Sangetsar lake, which needs a permit.

07Longer trips

Ziro, the eastern circuit and Parshuram Kund

Tawang is the west of the state. Ziro and Parshuram Kund need their own roads and their own days.

3 to 4 extra daysdays
Ziro valleyAbout 115 km from Itanagar, at about 1,500 m. The Apatani paddy fields, where fish are reared in the same water, are on the UNESCO Tentative List. The Ziro Festival of Music usually happens in late September.
Its own tripdays
Parshuram Kund and the eastOn the Lohit river in Lohit district, near Wakro. Tradition says Lord Parshuram washed away his sin here. About 90,000 devotees came for Makar Sankranti in January 2026. The nearest airports are Tezu and Dibrugarh.
One permit, all places

Your eILP must list every place you plan to visit. Tell us the full plan before we apply.

The prayer on every wheel in Tawang

Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum

In Tawang you will see these words on many prayer wheels. Monks and Monpa families turn the wheels as they walk, clockwise. Turn one slowly on your last morning at the monastery. Then go down the mountain with a quiet mind, and take darshan of Maa Kamakhya before you fly home.

What's included

What's included

Included

  • ✓Your 7 hotel nights: 1 in Bhalukpong, 1 in Dirang, 3 in Tawang, 1 in Bomdila and 1 in Guwahati, on twin or triple sharing
  • ✓Your daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel (hill hotels are simple, and menus are basic)
  • ✓One private SUV with a hill-trained local driver for the whole trip, from Guwahati arrival to Guwahati drop
  • ✓Help with your tourist eILP on the official portal, and a check of every name and ID before you travel
  • ✓Help with the Bum La and Sangetsar lake permit at the DC office in Tawang, when the army allows visits
  • ✓Driver allowance, fuel, parking and tolls for the route in this itinerary
  • ✓A WayToIndia briefing call before you travel, with a packing list for cold and altitude
  • ✓Phone and WhatsApp support from our team through the trip, with a road status check each evening

Not included

  • ✕Flights or trains to Guwahati and back (we can book them on request)
  • ✕The eILP fee and the Bum La entry fee, paid at the official rate when the permit is issued
  • ✕Lunch, snacks and drinks on the road, and meals not listed in inclusions
  • ✕Entry tickets, camera fees and the sound and light show ticket where they apply
  • ✕The helicopter between Guwahati and Tawang, if you choose it
  • ✕Extra hotel nights or vehicle days caused by landslides, snow or closed roads
  • ✕Temple and monastery offerings, tips and personal shopping
  • ✕Travel insurance and anything not listed in inclusions

What travellers say

What travellers say

4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 47 reviews
S
Shivani Gupta★★★★★
“Had a wonderful experience with way to india for my badrinath kedarnath yatra.everything was well organized-from travel accommodation to food. A special thanks to Ms. Neha who managed everything so beautifully n was extremely supportive n cooperative throughout the journey. They took great care of us n darshan was done very smoothly.”
3 weeks ago · Google
Y
Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”
4 months ago · Google
A
Aruna Persand★★★★★
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”
5 months ago · Google

Travelled with Way to India?

Share your experience on Google — it takes a minute and helps fellow travellers plan with confidence.

Review us on Google

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

For the Tawang road from Guwahati, 7 nights and 8 days is the right length. You need two nights on the way up to climb slowly, three nights in Tawang for the monastery and Bum La, and two nights coming down. With fewer days, you lose Bum La or rush the altitude.

Yes. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit. Tourists apply online on the official portal, eilp.arunachal.gov.in. The tourist eILP covers a stay of up to 14 days. Children under 14 do not need their own eILP, but must travel with an adult. Carry a printout and your photo ID, as it is checked at Bhalukpong.

Yes, with a Protected Area Permit. The state tourism department says foreigners apply through an approved local tour operator and pay a royalty per person. OCI card holders have a foreign passport, so they also need this permit. Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, China and Myanmar need Home Ministry clearance.

You apply at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang, in working hours. The permit is then stamped at the army cantonment in Tawang. From 1 September 2025, an entry fee is charged at the time of issue. The army can close the road for weather or duty.

The top of Sela Pass, at about 4,200 m, can close after heavy snow. Since 9 March 2024, the Sela Tunnel runs about 400 m below the pass. The Tawang district calls it an all-weather link to Tawang. In snow, drivers should use non-skid chains.

October to early December and March to May are the easiest months for the Tawang road. December to February brings snow and frozen lakes. June to September is the monsoon, when landslides often block the road. For the Ziro Festival of Music, go in late September.

Yes, with care. Tawang is at about 3,000 m or more, and altitude sickness can start at about 2,500 m. Elders should climb slowly, rest on arrival and skip Bum La if unwell. Anyone with heart or lung trouble should ask their own doctor before booking.

By road, you go through Bhalukpong, Bomdila, Dirang, Sela Pass and Jang. The Tawang district says the full drive takes 14 to 16 hours, so most people break it at Bhalukpong and Dirang. There is also a helicopter from Guwahati airport, about 55 to 60 minutes, on fixed days in clear weather.

Sangetsar lake is about 35 km north of Tawang, at about 3,708 m. An earthquake blocked the stream and formed it. People call it Madhuri lake because a film song with Madhuri Dixit was shot there. You need army permission to visit.

Yes, but Ziro is on a different road. Ziro is about 115 km from Itanagar and is the home of the Apatani people. The Ziro Festival of Music usually happens in late September. Add three or four days, and include Ziro in your eILP when you apply.

Parshuram Kund is a Hindu tirth on the Lohit river in Lohit district, in eastern Arunachal. Devotees believe Lord Parshuram washed away his sin here. Thousands take a holy dip on Makar Sankranti. The nearest airports are Tezu and Dibrugarh, so it needs its own trip.

Yes. Carry enough cash for food, tips and small shopping. During landslides and bad weather, ATMs and digital payments can stop working, and mobile networks can drop on the high road. Download offline maps and share your route with family.

Before you book

Cancellation & Refund Policy

As per the cancellation terms shared at booking. Please ask our team for the full policy.

You may also like

Similar journeys

Ready to plan your Arunachal Pradesh Tour Package, 7 Nights 8 Days with Tawang?

Tell us your dates and group size. A WayToIndia travel expert replies within a few hours with a plan you can customise freely. Planning India journeys since 2010.

Chat on WhatsApp
✓ No payment now✓ Free customisation✓ GST invoice✓ India + overseas support