Arunachal Pradesh

Mumbai / Guwahati (by Flight) / Tezpur (By Road) (205 Kms ? or 185 Km? )

On arrival at Guwahati Airport ( with Indigo 10.10 am), meet the driver and proceed to Tezpur b 11.00 am. Total journey for 4 hrs. Have lunch on the way. On arrival at Tezpur, check in to the hotel ( ? 4.00 pm) and freshen up. Visit'Chitralekha Uddyan'- that houses the finest specimen of sculptural remains of the 9th century. (Can we visit Visit the ruins and remains of Agnigarh also where the immortal romance blossomed and stands testimony to the eternal time?) Overnight.

The morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Bomdila. On arrival at Bomdila, check in to the hotel (? By 1.00 pm) and freshen up. Later on, proceed for sightseeing (? By 2.30 pm), visit The Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery (the Upper Gompa )- also famous as the GRL Monastery, which houses Buddhist Lamas and monks at Bomdila. It is also recognized as one of the major centers of the Lamaistic faith of Mahayana Buddhism. The GRL monastery is situated in the Western Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh and was built by the 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche in 1965–66. The Main Gompa has three divisions, namely, the Lower Gompa, the Middle Gompa, and the Upper Gompa. The Lower Gompa (Thub-Chong Gatsel Ling Monastery ) is situated at the end of the main market area, depicting the richness of Tibetan architecture, the Middle Gompa can be found at about 2 km from the main market. There is a vast prayer hall inside the Lower Gompa. Popular belief says that ringing the bell of the Gompa fulfills one's wishes. At the Middle Gompa, there is the Blue Medicine Buddha, which is also known as the Lord of Medications, as this deity is believed to cure diseases, by the locals. People perform prayers and meditation to undergo healing. The Middle Gompa is the oldest of all three Gompas. Return back to the hotel. Visit the local market (till what time). Overnight.

The morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel ( what time? 7.00 am) and visit Bomdila Viewpoint - Clouds kissing the ground, the massive Himalayas towering all around, the panoramic view of the Kemang Valley - not a single one of them will let you down. The view from up here is sure to take up a permanent space in your memory and its beauty will be unforgettable. Visit Hot Water Springs, which are just before the Dirang Town. Park the vehicle alongside the road and get down around 100 steps to visit these Hot Water Springs. These springs have warm water. Later on, proceed to Tawang ( ? by 8.00 am), Enroute visit to Sella Pass - One of the most breathtaking places in the Himalayan vista, Sella Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Sella Lake is as heavenly as it gets. The two combine to enchant one and all by their mystic beauty. One of the most stunning gifts of nature to the North-East, Sella Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as it is the only way that connects Tawang district of the state to the rest of the country. Besides its geographical importance, Sella Pass is a breathtaking place always covered in snow providing some beautiful views of the eastern Himalayan range, Jaswant Garh War Memorial (? Same as war cemetery) - Located 21km from Sella Pass, towards Tawang this site is dedicated to the warrior, Jaswant Singh who was killed during the Indo-China War in 1962. The place is open to all to pay tribute to this brave martyr. Later on, proceed to Tawang. On arrival at Tawang, check in to the hotel (? 4.00 pm)and freshen up. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight.

Where to take lunch-? the food at Jaswantgarh canteen
Where will be Tenga Valley ?– A small sleepy town situated on the banks of Tenga River, Tenga is an important army check post that played a pivotal role during the Indo-China war in 1962. A war memorial – dedicated to all the brave soldiers who gave up their life for the sake of the nation – is located in Tenga Valley. Take out some time to visit the main market selling traditional jewelry, stones, and dresses.

Morning after breakfast, proceed for a full day sightseeing, visit Buddha Statue and Tawang Monastery - Located amidst the picturesque surroundings, the Tawang Monastery is also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse is truly a gem of Arunachal Pradesh. Perched at the height of 3,000 meters above sea level, it has been recognized as the second-largest monastery in the world, the first one being Lhasa. The monastery is believed to be 400 years old and has control over 17 Gompas in the region. Built as a large mansion, it is an abode for over 300 monks. Lying amidst the Himalayan ranges, it offers a breathtaking view of the Tawang-Chu valley, Urgeling Gompa - one of the first three monasteries built by Urgen Sangpo, is believed to have been present in Tawang since 14th century. Urgen Sangpo was the youngest brother of the famous Treasure-Revealer, Terton Pempalinga, Craft emporium, Tawang War Memorial with Light and Sound show - a 40-foot high multi-hued memorial has a structure constructed in stupa design. Dedicated to the martyrs of the Sino-India War held in 1962, this memorial is nestled among beautiful peaks, which overlooks the Tawang-Chu valley. Popularly known as Namgyal Chorten, the memorial has names of 2,420 dead soldiers. The names of the soldiers are etched in gold on around 32 black granite plagues. Tawang War Memorial comprises two memorial halls. One of the halls has the collection of personal articles of martyrs, while the other is used for sound and light shows, depicting their heroic deeds ( is it thru out the day. What are the timings). The entire memorial was blessed by Dalai Lama. In addition, the Holy Scriptures and idols of Lord Buddha and Arya Avlokiteshwara were also sent by Dalai Lama to this memorial. Return back to the hotel. Overnight. ( Military permit)

What are these places? Namgye Lhaste, Gorsham Chorten, Gontse Garden, Singar Ani Gompa.
Should Pankang Teng Tso Lake be covered on this day?

The hotel charges Rs 500 for arranging the Bum La Permit. The permit is needed to be approved from the DC office and Army Brigade office at Tawang.

Morning after breakfast, collect a permit from the Brigade office ( after 7.30 am; they hand over daily permit on same day morning which is valid for same-day only) and proceed for a full day sightseeing, visit Bum La Pass - Bumla Pass has situated 37 km away from Tawang (? 2 hrs). The Indo-China border that lies at 16000 ft altitude is the right place for you to assess your fitness level if you love adventure. As you go higher, you will be short of oxygen and your vehicle may not be your best companion to take you beyond a certain point. You might have come prepared for trekking but may not be for the lack of oxygen and the chillness of the snow that penetrates deep inside. Since the road to Bumla may not be in the best of conditions throughout the year, the ideal time to visit the place to enjoy its limitless beauty would be from May to October. Pankang Teng Tso Lake - one of the most famous lakes of Arunachal Pradesh, is located at a distance of 18 kilometers from Tawang Township. Popularly known as P.T. Tso Lake, this lake is one of the ideal spots for a picnic. The word 'Tso' in Monpa dialect means Monpa. During the winter months, the lake remains entirely frozen, Shonga-tser Lake - is located at a distance of 42 kilometers from Tawang ( ? how many hrs drive). This lake after the shooting of the movie Koyla was named by tourists as Madhuri Lake. Shonga-tser Lake was formed in the aftermath of the earthquake, which occurred in 1950. Before 1950, the entire lake area was reserved grassland. This grassland was used by the local people of Tawang district for grazing their cattle. This fact is supported by the presence of dead trees emerging from the middle of the lake. The scenery and the land of this lake entice photographers from all across the world. Nagula Lake ( ? how many hrs drive). - is a high altitude lake near to Tawang, which is located at an elevation of about 4300 meters above sea level. This is a must-visit a picturesque destination for nature lovers. The beautiful reflection of the mountain peaks on the pristine water of the Nagula Lake and the scenic beauty of the surroundings is just mesmerizing. The lake is frozen almost all times apart from the summer months of April to May and during September and October. Return back to the hotel. Overnight.

The morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel (? What time) and visit to Nuranang Falls (? What time we reach here, how many hrs?) - A largely unknown and virgin place, deep in the forest of Tawang, Nuranang Falls offer a pristine and beautiful experience. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, the Nuranang Falls are a beautiful white sheet of water that descends from the height of about 100 meters. Part of the Nuranang River which originates at Sella Pass, Nuranang Falls is largely unknown to the popular tourist trail making it an offbeat and tranquil spot. Popular as the BTK waterfall, the Bap Ten Kang has crystal clear water which elevates your spirits and encourages you to indulge in swimming. Later on proceed to Dirang. On arrival at Dirang (? What time), check in to the hotel and freshen up (? Possible). Later on sightseeing visit to Sangti Valley, which is situated about 15 kilometres from Dirang - is not well known to the outside world. In fact, very minimal tourist infrastructure exists here. (how much time needed to reach and spend?) But, in my mind, this is the place to be if you are looking at holidaying in a heavenly hill station. Surrounded by the towering ranges of Eastern Himalayas, blessed with pleasant weather round the year with maybe some light snowfall in the winter months, covered with fruit orchards (kiwi fruit, apple, apricot, orange), dotted with pristine forests and meandering fast hill rivers and home to a very interesting culture and tradition. And it is also home to the black necked cranes who come to the fields of this valley every winter, Apple and Kiwi Garden, Yak Research Center - is located above the main town. The research centre can be visited with permission by tourists ( whose permission?) The centre conducts research on genetic resources, problems associated with production. It also undertakes research on improvement of yak and its products through selection and breeding with exotic frozen semen. The centre also has a yak firm at Nyukmandung about 31 km from Dirang (this we may not see). Kalachakra Gompa (? Same as Dirang Monastery), which refers to a monastery, is located above Kalachakra, a village in Dirang. This monastery is over 500 years old. It is frequented by those who follow Buddhism as well as others who love the serene atmosphere. (Will travel to Dirang and visit all these places possible in one day- Yak research center and Kalachakra Gompa? Do we have to spend 2 nights at Dirang t see all these?)
Return back to the hotel. Overnight.

Morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel ( what time?) and visit Tipi Orchidarium (? Distance) - There are about four species houses provided with neon shade and evergreen climber shade within the campus. About 10,000 orchid plants of belonging to various genera and species are under cultivation in these houses ensuring ex-situ conservation, and later on, proceed to Sessa Orchid Sanctuary ( ? distance). Will both be open on Sunday? Then proceed to Nameri National Park. On arrival at Nameri National Park, check in to the eco-camp and rest of the day free to relax. Overnight

The morning after breakfast, proceed for nature trail for bird watching. In the afternoon, enjoy River Rafting Adventure on Jia Bhorali River (smooth water rafting). Enjoy the ecstatic view of Himalayan Foot Hills along with the rare treasure of its birdlife & the ecosystem of Nameri National Park that has been the paradise for nature lovers Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight.

The morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel (? What time to visit Tezpur and reach Kaziranga by 1.00 pm) and proceed to Kaziranga. En-route visit historic Tezpur town and its ruins and temples constructed during the reign of the 'Ban Dynasty. Agnigarh - is a hillock located in Tezpur. In Hindu mythology, it is the site of the fortress which was built by Banasura to keep his daughter Usha in isolation. The name itself is derived from the words 'Agni' and 'Garh' in Sanskrit, Madhav Bhairav Temple - Hayagriva Madhava Temple is situated in the on the Monikut hill, in Hajo of Assam. It has a stone image of the Hayagriva Madhava. The Hayagriva Madhab Mandir has a big pond near it known as the Madhab Pukhuri. 3 main festival of Assam, Bihu, Doul Jatra, and Janmashtami are celebrated every year in this temple. However, this temple preaches both Hinduism and Buddhism. Visit Hamid’s Centre. ( total time spent in Tezpur 1 hr)Reach Kaziranga by 1.00 pm. Check-in the hotel and Proceed towards jeep safari at Agartoli - The Western Range. - ideal for grassland birds. Agartala is known for bird