Gateway to Tibet | Tawang
- North-East India
Durations
10 Days
Difficulty
Beginner, Moderate
Enjoy the Adventure
This incredible journey begins in Guwahati, the gateway to the Northeast, and climbs into the mystical highlands of Arunachal Pradesh. Travelers wind through emerald valleys and ancient monasteries, crossing the legendary Sela Pass to reach Tawang — a spiritual sanctuary nestled high in the Himalayas. Days are spent exploring sacred lakes, Buddhist landmarks, and the region’s serene mountain life.
As the expedition descends back into Assam, the scenery transforms from towering peaks to the lush plains of Kaziranga National Park. Here, jeep safaris bring you face-to-face with the majestic one-horned rhinoceros and diverse wildlife. The adventure concludes in Guwahati, leaving travelers with vivid memories of the Northeast’s vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and untamed beauty — a region where serenity and adventure truly meet.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Arrival Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Int’l (GAU)
Focus: Vehicle checks, permit verification, and team briefing
Permit Note: Inner Line Permits (ILP/PAP) are mandatory for entry into Arunachal Pradesh and should be carried along
Highlights: Arrive in Guwahati, the largest city in Assam. Settle in and use the day for final preparations, including bike or car checks and verifying all necessary travel permits. Optional evening visit to Kamakhya Temple or a Brahmaputra river cruise can be arranged.
Night Stay: Guwahati
Distance Covered: ~320 km
Time Taken: 10-12 hours
Terrain: Plains of Assam transitioning to steep, winding Himalayan roads
Highlights: A long and challenging drive marking the transition from the plains into the Eastern Himalayas. Arrive in the serene Dirang Valley, a picturesque town on the banks of the Dirang River, offering a refreshing climate.
Night Stay: Dirang
Distance Covered: ~140 km
Time Taken: 5-6 hours
High Point: Traverses beneath the Sela Pass via the Sela Tunnel (~4,000m / 13,000 ft)
Highlights: Continue the ascent towards Tawang using the all-weather Sela Tunnel. Stop at Jaswant Garh War Memorial, a tribute to a soldier of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The final descent offers dramatic views of the Tawang Valley and its famous monastery.
Night Stay: Tawang – Altitude: ~3,048m / 10,000 ft
Altitude: ~3,048m / 10,000 ft
Focus: Exploring the region’s primary cultural and historical sites
Highlights: Spend the day exploring Tawang’s key landmarks. Highlights include the magnificent Tawang Monastery, the second-largest Buddhist monastery in the world, the Tawang War Memorial, and the Giant Buddha Statue for panoramic valley views.
Night Stay: Tawang
Activity: Excursion towards the India-China border (requires separate permits)
Focus: Acclimatization and deeper exploration
Highlights: Take a day for leisure or further exploration. Visit high-altitude lakes including Pangateng Tso (PT Tso) Lake and Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Tso). Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery or explore Tawang town at a relaxed pace.
Night Stay: Tawang
Distance Covered: ~170 km
Time Taken: 6-8 hours
High Point: Traverses the historic Sela Pass (~4,170m / 13,700 ft)
Highlights: Begin the return journey via the traditional scenic route over Sela Pass (weather permitting). Enjoy the sacred Sela Lake at the summit. Descend through Jaswant Garh and Dirang, continuing to the quieter Tenga Valley for the night.
Night Stay: Tenga
Distance Covered: ~250 km
Time Taken: 7-8 hours
Terrain: A significant descent from Himalayan foothills to the plains of Assam
Highlights: Drive out of the mountains back onto the plains of Assam. Arrive at Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its conservation of the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
Night Stay: Kaziranga
Activity: Morning and/or afternoon jeep safaris
Focus: Wildlife viewing in the park’s core zones
Highlights: Dedicated to wildlife safaris inside Kaziranga National Park. Spot the one-horned rhinoceros, along with elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, tigers, and a rich diversity of birdlife.
Night Stay: Kaziranga
Distance Covered: ~200 km
Time Taken: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Good quality national highway on the plains
Highlights: Enjoy a final morning near the park before a relaxed drive back to Guwahati. Afternoon can be used for souvenir shopping, including Assam tea and silk. Conclude the tour with a farewell dinner.
Night Stay: Guwahati
Departure Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Int’l (GAU)
Highlights: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, concluding the memorable journey through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accomodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
