PLACES OF INTREST:

Tawang

The drive to Tawang is very scenic and exhilarating starting from the plains of Assam to the 4150 meters high Se-la pass taking two days to reach.

Enroute you pass through Bhalukpong – the Assam Arunachal border, Bomdila, and Dhirang Dzong.

Tawang Monastery stands atop a mountain, 3300 Meters high, overlooking the Tawang Chhu Valley. It is over 350 years old, and is the fountainhead of the spiritual life for the followers of the Gelukpa Sect of the Mahayana School of Buddhism, which is followed by the Monpa, and Sherdukpen tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. It is an awe-inspiring sight. Surrounded by lofty peaks of over 4000 Meters in elevation, it is built like a fortress and can house over 500 monks. The surrounding Tawang Chhu Valley is a virtual Shangri-La, of lush forests, smiling vales, gurgling streams, picture post card villages and a lovely, smiling people, surrounded by high mountain barriers above 4000 meters. This is a rare opportunity to explore the Buddhist lifestyles of the unique and remote Himalayan tribal culture of the Monpas and Panchenpas. You get to see the various monasteries, Monpa villages and the breathtaking vistas of Himalayan uplands.

NAMDAPHA

This entry point to Namdhapa is from Margherita, a road-rail head in Assam about 64 kms away.

Three major rivers drain this area and flow into the Noa Dihing, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.

Namdapha National Park has the widest diversity of habitat of any of South Asia's protected areas. It is unique, with it's elevation varying between 200 to 4500 mts. and has all four large cats, the tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard in addition to lesser feline species like the Golden cat and marbled cat.

Seven species of primates i.e. Hoolock Gibbon, Slow loris, Assamese macaque, Rhesus macaque, Pigtailed macaque, Stumptail macaque and Capped langur are found here.
All the three goat antelopes found in India i.e. Serow, Goral and Takin are found here.
Among the large mammals, Mittan, which is a cross between the wild Gaur and domestic cattle, buffalo and elephant are all found in the plains and adjoining hills.
The other high altitude animals include Himalayan Black bear, Red panda etc. The Musk deer is found in some areas of the state while the bharal has been reported in the western part of the state.
Among the smaller mammals a large number of rodents(squirrels, porcupine and rats), civet, mongoose, linsang, shrew and bat species are found here.

More than five hundred bird species have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state , e.g. White winged wood duck, sclater monal, temminck's tragopan, Bangal florican etc. This state has the highest number of species of pheasants with some ten species at different altitudinal levels. Arunachal Pradesh is equally rich in reptiles, amphibia and pisces. Pythons and snakes of all colours and descriptions are found in the forests all almost all the levels upto the temperate zone.
The invertebrate faunal communities are found in the dense and evergreen forests of Namdhapa. Numerous species of butterflies, moths, beetles and all other kinds of small creatures make it a paradise for Entomologists and Naturalists.

ITANAGAR - ZIRO - DAPORIJO - ALONG - PASIGHAT

This circuit Itanagar - Ziro - Daporijo - Along - Pasighat starts from the State Capital Itanagar, the place of the Nyishi tribes.

Geker Sinyi (Ganga lake), a beautiful spot for picnic, for outing and boating, the Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, the Ita-Fort (ruins), Buddhist Temple etc. are places to see.
Ziro, a hill station which stands at 5754 ft enclosed by blue pine-clad rolling hills situated on the Apatani plateau home of the Apatani tribes. Both men and women tattoo themselves and women are distinguished by their big nose plugs ( dat ) made of bamboo.

The Tagin and the Miri tribes are from Daporijo. The Menga cave (Temple) can give immense satisfaction to the believer of Lord Shiva, a famous holy place of worship drawing large number of visitors and pilgrims specially during the Makar Sankranti and Shivratri.

The way to Along and Pasighat is very scenic with the turbulent Siang river flowing across Pasighat is the place for the Adi tribes.

Most ideal locations are available for river rafting, angling with splendid picnic spots.

ROING - MAYUDIA – ANINI

Roing is known for the historical fort of Bhishmaknagar built with clay bricks and embellished with pottery. The Bhishmaknagar Fort was first excavated in 1996-97 which testifies to the penetration of the Aryan culture into Arunachal in the 4th century A.D. This is the place of the Idu Mishimi tribes. This place is also known as the Mishimi hills.

To reach Roing one has to cross the mighty Brahmaputra by ferry from Saikowaghat ( upper Assam ), the district headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley District.
Mayudia, a unique hill resort, is 56kms.from the district headquarters, Roing. It is situated at an altitude of about 7000 ft. amidst lofty hills, lush green forests and breathtaking landscapes. A good place to camp and do short treks with views of the snow capped peaks all around.

About 90kms from Roing on the way to Anini is a picturesque small town called Hunli. There is an interesting cave temple at Kupunli near Hunli. The Motor drive from Roing to Hunli through the well-maintained black topped road provides thrill and eye catching scenic beauty.

Mehao Lake forms a part of the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at a distance of approximately 17kms. from Roing. It is a vast lake covering an area of about 4sq.kms. The surrounding of the lakes are extremely rich in flora and fauna. Water of the Lake is absolutely crystal clear and a walk around the lake is a divine pleasure.

Sally,a lake resort 3kms.from Roing. It forms a part of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a natural lake surrounded by thick vegetation. The lake overlooks the beautiful valley down below on the far horizon.

PASIGHAT - JENGGING – YINGKIONG

This circuit from Pasighat,, the district headquarters of East Siang district.
The major attractions in this circuit are the Dr. Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, a rich habitat of many plants, birds and wild animals such as hog deer, hispid, hare, Bengal floricans, raptors and migratory water birds.

From Jengging one can see Namcharua Peak, and visit Nubo Bridge Point, Pegu Lake, Mouling National park

Mouling National Park, situated in the Upper Siang district, covering an area of 483 sq kms. is another attraction. Is the home of the rarest wild animals such as Takins, Serow, Goat, Clouded Leopard, Black Bear, Leopard, Red Panda etc. During winter, Large number of migratory birds are seen in this park.

Kekar Monying (Black Rock) situated in the East Siang District is one of the important memorials of the State erected in memory of the Adis who fought with the British at this site on 4th December 1911 and who died a heroic death.

Komsing, where the British had erected the epitaph/memorial stone of Sri Neol Williason killed by Narmi Manmur

13 Days Tawang and the Monpa circut:

The Best time to visit is in Sep-Dec and Feb Mar

An enchanting journey across the 4150 meters high Se-la pass to the 350 years old Tawang Monastery.

A rare opportunity to explore nature, and the Buddhist lifestyles of the unique and remote Himalayan tribal culture of the Monpas, Panchenpas and sherdukpens.

Day 01: Fly to Guwahati and drive to Nameri

Fly Kolkota / Delhi to Guwahati. Arrive mid day. Drive for 200 kms taking 4 hrs to reach Nameri Eco Camp.

Day 02: Drive Tezpur to Dirang, 1600 m

Drive to Dirang, 211 Kms in 06 hrs, The journey is along a very scenic road traversing through forested hills, and crossing over the Nichephu pass to the Tenga Valley. Traversing the Tenga Valley, the road climbs up through a series of hairpins to the town of Bomdila, located at a 2800 m high pass of the same name. Hereafter the road descends to the picture postcard Dirang Valley at 1600 mtrs.

Overnight at Hotel in Dirang.

Day 03: Dirang Valley sightseeing

Today we will spend the day exploring this picture post card Valley. We will be visiting an ancient Monpa Village and Gompa, the Kalachakra Monastery, and the Sangti Valley to get a peep into the life styles of the Monpas, and see their unique method of agriculture. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 04: Drive Dirang- Tawang

Drive to Tawang, 165 kms. Our enchanting, journey to Tawang continues over the 4150 meters high Se-la Pass, which was once the battle ground between the Indian and Chinese armies. Enroute we visit an Alpine Lake and Se-la temple, and marvel at the scenery. There are photo opportunities at every turn and twist of the mind-boggling road. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 05: Explore the 350 years old Tawang Monastery, and have an audience with Rimpoche. In the afternoon visit the Urgelling Monastery dating back to 1489 followed by the Seru Monpa village, and the craft center. Overnight at hotel.

The famous Galden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1860-81. This monastery is the largest of its kind in the country and the second largest in Asia. This monastery is the fountain-head of the spiritual life of the Gelupa Sect of the Mahayana School of Budhism, The inner walls of the Dukhang - the assembly hall are painted with murals of various divinities and saints. The silver casket wrapped in silk containing the Thankas of Goddess Sri Devi (Palden Lhamo) the principal deity of the monastery, is kept here. It was given to Merak Lama by the Vth Dalai Lama. The Thankas were painted with blood drawn from the nose of the Vth Dalai Lama. A colossal richly – gilded statue of Lord Buddha occupies the middle of the northern side. It is the largest image of the monastery and is about 26 feet high.

The Urgelling Monastery is the birth place of the Sixth Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama was deposed in 1706. In 1714 the destruction of all Gelupa Gompas was carried out by Sokpa Jomkhar, a Mongolian warrior who invaded from Bhutan. During this campaign, the Dalai Lama’s original monastery at Urgelling was destroyed. All valued possession of Urgelling monastery like scriptures, statues and other objects were taken to Tawang Monastery. It was during this time that the Ka-gyur (scriptures) written out in gold and silver arrived at the Tawang monastery, where they are preserved to this day. Today a modest Gompa stands at this site.

Day 06: Day Excursion toward Tibet Frontier and Ani Gompa

Drive up the "spiral staircase" road leading to the Tibet frontier, to Peng teng Tso Lake at an altitude of 4100 meters. Breath taking views. Later visit a Buddhist nunnery. The Monpas have a tradition of nunneries called "Ani Gompas". Traditionally at least one girl from a family joined an Ani Gompa. However this practice no longer exists. We will be visiting the Gyangong Ani Gompa close to Tawang town. In the evening Monpa cultural programme. Overnight at Tawang.

Day 07: Tawang - Zemithang - Tawang
Drive to Zemithang (88km, 3hrs) and visit Pangchenpa tribe and see the second largest Stuppa in Asia and later drive back to Tawang. Overnight at Tawang.

Day 08: Tawang- Sela- Dirang

Drive back 165 Kms over the Se-la pass to Dirang Dzong. On the way stop over at Jang to explore another village and visit the Indo-China War memorial. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Day excursion to Namsu

Drive 60 kms to ancient Monpa Village. Spend the day exploring the exquisite Buddhist Gumpa, Kakaling gate, Chusker (traditional water mill), and village houses.. Meet the village folks and get an idea of lifestyles. Return to Dirang Dzong. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Dirang- Bomdila - Elephant

A short drive to Bomdila.Visit Rabgyaling Gontse Gompa, Upper Gompa , Thupchob Gatseling Gompa., and Bugin tribal village. After lunch continue through Tenga Valley to Elephant for overnight halt at The Retreat - a comfortable resort set up overlooking the River Bhareli in a wilderness location in the foothills.

Day 11: Drive to Kaziranga

Drive 143 Kms to Kaziranga National Park, in 4.00 hrs. First e will retace our footsteps to the to the city of Tezpur. Here we cross over the Brahmaputra bridge and drive along the Assam Valley to the Kaziranga National Park. The park lies on the South bank of the Brahmaputra, and is famous for its 1000 plus, population of Rhinos. Tigers are also present in sizable numbers. Other attractions include the wild buffalo, magnificent swamp deer, hog deer, wild boar, Hoolak Gibbon, Capped Langur, and Badger. Amongst the birds, the Crested Serpent Eagle is common. While Pallas Fishing Eagle, as also Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Crane, Great Adjutant Stork, Bengal Floricab, Bar Headed Goose, whistling Teal and Pelican can be seen in the wild. Jeep and Elephant Safari, is the mode of exploration.. Overnight at Bon Habi Resort.

Day 12: Kaziranga

Early morning Elephant safari for one horned Rhino and other animals. Thereafter morning and after lunch jeep safaris in outlying ranges of the park.

Overnight at Bon Habi Resort.