Arunachal Pradesh is one of those places in India which still feels very raw and untouched. Not like typical touristy states. Roads are long, network sometimes goes away, but that is also the best part. You actually feel you are travelling.
This side of Northeast is full of mountains, rivers, monasteries and small villages where life is slow. If someone is planning a trip here, mostly they cover Tawang, Dirang and Bomdila together. These three places come on the same route and each one has different vibe.
We will try to explain important places in simple way, like what you actually see and feel there.
Tawang
Tawang is the main highlight of the trip. It is very high in mountains, so weather is cold almost all time. Sometimes even in summer you will need jackets. Roads going to Tawang are not very easy, but views make it worth it.
1. Sela Pass
This place comes before reaching Tawang. It is at very high altitude, around 14,000 feet. When you reach here, first thing you feel is cold wind hitting your face strongly. Many times you will see snow all around, specially in winters.
Breathing also feels little heavy here because of height. People usually stop for few minutes, click photos and move ahead. But honestly, the silence and white mountains around is something you dont forget easily.
2. Sela Lake
Just near Sela Pass, there is this lake. Water is very still and clean. It almost looks like a mirror sometimes. In autumn, grass around becomes orange which looks very different from usual green.
Not much crowd, so you can just stand there quietly. Wind is cold, hands get numb but still you dont feel like leaving.
3. Tawang Monastery
This is one of the most important places in Tawang. It is the biggest monastery in India. But it does not feel like just a tourist spot. It feels like a small town.
There are monks living there, studying, praying. You will see young kids also learning there. Inside there is a big prayer hall, some old books, museum also. When prayers are going on, the sound is very calm and different.
Even if you are not religious, you still feel peaceful sitting there for some time.
4. Nuranang Falls
On the way, you will come across this waterfall. It is quite tall and water falls with strong force. Sound is loud but nice.
There is greenery around and you can go little closer to the falls. After long mountain drive, stopping here feels fresh. Many people just sit there for some time doing nothing.
5. Sangetsar Lake
This lake is little different from others. It was formed after an earthquake long back. Inside the water you can still see tree trunks standing. That makes it look little strange but also interesting.
Area is very quiet. Not much shops or noise. Just mountains, water and wind. Some people also call it Madhuri Lake.
Dirang
Dirang is a smaller place and less crowded than Tawang. Many people just pass it, but actually it is worth staying here for one night. Weather is not as extreme as Tawang, so it feels more comfortable.
1. Thupsung Dhargye Monastery
This monastery looks very colorful from outside. Red and golden colors make it stand out. It is quite new but built in traditional style.
Inside it is neat and peaceful. You can see monks studying there. It is not very crowded, so you can take your time and walk around slowly.
2. Dirang Dzong
This is an old structure made of stone and wood. Around 400 years old. Some parts are broken but still it has that old feeling. Walking inside feels like going back in time little bit. From here you can see valley and houses below.
3. Sangti Valley
This is one of the best places in Dirang. Big open valley, river flowing, farms around. Very simple and calm. If you go in winter, you might even see black necked cranes. Otherwise also, just walking here feels nice. No noise, no rush.
4. Dirang Hot Springs
These are natural hot water springs. Water is warm even in cold weather. Local people believe it helps in body pain. You can just sit near it or put your feet in water. After long travel, it feels relaxing honestly.
5. Mandala Top
This place is at a height and has 108 small stupas. Road to reach here is a bit steep but view from top is worth it. You can see mountains all around. It is windy and quiet. Good place to just sit and look around.
Bomdila
Bomdila is usually the first or last stop in this route. It is located in the West Kameng district, which is home to several beautiful tourist places. It is more developed compared to Dirang but still peaceful. Weather here is cooler than plains but not too extreme.
1. Bomdila Monastery
This monastery is simple but nice. You can see prayer flags, monks and calm surroundings. Many people come here in morning time. It feels very quiet and slow.
2. Bomdila View Point
From here you can see Kameng valley. Sometimes clouds pass very close, almost touching you. View keeps changing with weather. One moment clear, next moment full fog.
3. Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
This place is for people who like nature. There are many types of orchids here. Even if you are not very interested in plants, still it is nice to walk around and see different colors.
4. Tipi Orchidarium
Another place for orchids. It has a glass house where plants are kept properly. It is more organized compared to forest type sanctuary.
5. Thembang Heritage Village
This village shows old style houses and local life. It is not very modern, which is actually good. You can see how people used to live earlier. It feels real, not made for tourists.
Trip to Arunachal Pradesh is not about luxury or fast travel. It is slow, sometimes tiring, but very real.
Tawang gives you high mountains and famous spots. Dirang gives you calm valleys and less crowd. Bomdila gives you mix of culture and easy stay.
If you are okay with long drives and simple stays, this trip will stay in your memory for long time. Not perfect, not fancy, but something different. And, because of the terrain and permits involved, taking help from a local Arunachal Pradesh DMC can make your trip easier to plan and execute.
