5-day road trip from Guwahati to Tawang

One of the best aspects about road trips is that you get to be in control of your journey. When you begin and end, and more importantly, you get to decide when you just want to take a moment and truly enjoy the scene before you, the majestic mountain landscapes that truly make you feel in awe of and appreciate the present moment.

The Himalayas are truly one of the many significant geographical gems of the world. Its sheer height and white beauty, really allow you to appreciate the beauty of the Earth, when you are on the road. It is a privilege you will not take for granted. The journey from Guwahati to Tawang is long, about 512 kilometers, but definitely worth every minute.

The Long Drive Ahead

Day One – Guwahati to Tezpur

On day one, you are looking to complete about 183 kilometres from Guwahati to Tezpur in Assam.

Want to try out an early morning safari? Then Kaziranga National Park is the famous park that most people make sure to visit in order to get a chance to see the majestic beasts of Indian, the one-horned rhinoceroses. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is also known for its Tiger reserve which was declared in the year 2006.

You can even visit mini Kaziranga, which is the Orang National Park that is also known inhabitants of one-horned rhinoceroses, Maljuria Elephants, Gangetic Dolphins as well as 222 species of birds, such as the White Pelican, Greater Adjutant Stork, among other fauna.

Day Two – Tezpur to Bomdila

After resting in for the night, your next journey would be completing 149 kilometers, from Tezpur to Bomdila. So, you will be entering the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

In Tezpur, you can also visit Agnigarh hill, where stone structures illustrate stories of Love and War. Tezpur is also known as the City of Blood, where a battle was held, so that love could win between Usha, daughter of Banasura (an Asura king) and Aniruddha, grandson of Krishna.

Want more of history? At Bamuni Hills you can be in awe of stone sculptures that date back to 801 -1000 AD, that are believed to be the ancient ruins of a temple. These sculptures illustrate scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana in elaborate detail.

Day Three – Bomdila to Dirang

On day three, you travel across the state of Arunachal Pradesh, ending your journey at Dirang. The distance to be travelled on the third day is about 42 kilometers, which is relatively shorter, as compared to the first two days.

Bomdila is also famous for its monastery which was built in the year 1965. It is also known as the Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery and it is associated with Mahayana Buddhism.

If you enjoy observing birds in their natural habitats, then Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 50 kilometers from Bomdila, is also worth checking out, as it is known for rare bird species like the Bugun liocichla.

While adventure is thrilling, it is natural to want to take a break from all the driving. At Shergaon, which in the silver category also earned the title of the, ‘Best Tourism Village of India’ in recent times. It is known for its rustic elegance and pastoral beauty. A peaceful break for the soul.

By adding these popular destinations to your road trip plan, you do extend your journey by two more days at least, nonetheless, they make your trip to Tawang even more memorable.

Day Four – Dirang to Tawang

Now, on Day four is when things are about to get more exciting, just when the long journey starts to slowly tire you out. Despite the exhaustion, you may start to feel, you will get your spirits high, knowing that you are almost there.

The distance from Dirang to Tawang is about 130 kilometers, and the famous Sela Pass is the way to make it to this town.

The Sela pass will help to reach Tawang quicker. It is also a popular route that is known for the meandering roads that make its way through the mountain terrains. As you make your way through the roads, you can be sure to check out the Sela Lake which is also known as the Paradise Lake.

If you are interested in another detour, then picking apples from the orchards at Sangti Valley, is a fun but relaxing activity to incorporate into your road trip plans, especially if you visit this valley during the winter months.

Day Five – Explore Tawang

On Day five, when you reach the town of Tawang, you will be spoilt for choice as to where to go from there.

If you are not exhausted from your road trip, then about 37 kilometers from Tawang is Bumla Pass. It is a location of strategic importance because it is the Indo-China border within Arunachal Pradesh and its altitude is about 4,572 meters high. Besides this border, there is also the famous Madhuri Lake or the Sangestar Tso, which is about 4 kilometers from the west of the Bumla Pass and 35 kilometers from Tawang. What is interesting about this lake is that it was formed as a result of an earthquake that took place in 1950.

Whether it is Asia’s second-largest monastery of the world, the Tawang Monastery or the grand waterfall of Nuranang, your days spent in Tawang will make you reflect on the journey you took in order to make it to this town which is one among the many serene destinations of Arunachal Pradesh.

What to Know Before Hitting the Road

With any road trip, you need to be well prepared so that you are in a position to start and continue your journey without too much hassle.

Pre-book accommodations - Despite the adventure that a road trip brings, rest is equally important. That is why it is recommended to book your room, whether it is a hotel or a homestay, beforehand so that you can end your day’s journey knowing where you are going to rest for the night.

Best Time to Visit Tawang – March to October

Permits Required - You will need to apply for an Inner line permit to enter the state of Arunachal Pradesh which can be done easily online. While in Tawang, you will also need a vehicle exclusively from Tawang and the permit for which can be obtained through the local Tawang accommodation you are at. 

You will also require a special permit to visit the Bumla Pass and the Sangestar Tso lake since these locations are at the Indo-China border and are a form of security control.

Delicacies to try out - Throughout the journey, you can also visit restaurants and cafés to keep you satiated, however if you want to try out more of the local cuisine while in Tawang, then you can make sure to try Zan, made out of millet flour along with vegetables and meat; Khura, a pancake speciality or Gyapa Khazi, a type of pulao made from rice, fermented cheese, along with small dried fish. This cuisine is the speciality of the ethnic group of the Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh.

Whether it is the grandeur of Tawang Monastery or the cascading beauty of Nuranang Falls, every bit of Tawang’s serenity makes the journey worthwhile. Begin your journey here.