Have you heard of this place called ‘Rakchham’ in Himachal Pradesh, India? If not, then you’re not alone. I planned the whole Spiti trip for over a month and still had no idea that such a magical place existed. It was Day 6 of our Spiti valley road trip and as per the itinerary we were supposed to take an overnight halt in Chhitkul. I had really high hopes from the famous ‘Last village of India’ but it failed to impress me. Well, not the place actually. Would you believe me if I tell you that we spent more than 3 hours searching for a decent accommodation in Chhitkul? But still couldn’t find anything satisfactory.

Spiti Valley Circuit Map

And, that led us to this serene village just 10 kms from the last inhabited village. Let me share some reasons why it’s a better idea to stay in Rakchham and not Chhitkul.

After several days of exploring the rugged beauty of Spiti Valley, we were looking for a place to unwind and soak in nature’s charm, and Rakchham did not disappoint.

You may also read: 15-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary!

Skip Chhitkul, Stay in Rakchham – Here’s Why

Here’s why I think Rakchham is a much better place to stay, whether you’re traveling with kids, parents, or even solo.

1. Less Crowded and More Peaceful

Chhitkul is often busier due to its popularity as the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Rakchham, on the other hand, remains relatively untouched and tranquil. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway without the usual tourist buzz, Rakchham is ideal.

2. Proximity to Chhitkul

Rakchham is just about 10 km before Chhitkul. You can easily visit Chhitkul during the day and return to the more peaceful surroundings of Rakchham for the night. You get the best of both worlds, proximity to the attractions without the crowds.

3. Scenic Beauty

Rakchham is nestled between towering mountains along the Baspa River, offering breathtaking landscapes. The village provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks. And, its proximity to the river adds a unique charm that sets it apart from Chhitkul.

4. Better Accommodation Options to Stay in Rakchham

Chhitkul has limited stay options due to its remote location. Also, the ones which are really good are even lesser. Rakchham, however, offers a range of stays, including homestays, and riverside camps. The interesting thing about these stays is that these are equipped with modern amenities. I personally felt that the accommodation in Rakchham is more spacious and suitable for families, especially those traveling with kids of elderly.

Camp Stay in Rakchham

You may also read: Tips to choose the best kid-friendly Hotel!

5. Local Culture and Village Life

Rakchham provides an authentic Himachali village experience. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in local culture, interact with villagers, and experience their lifestyle. For families or those looking to explore the region’s cultural heritage, Rakchham offers a more intimate connection with local traditions.

6. Great for Leisure and Adventure

Rakchham offers a balance between relaxation and adventure. You can take leisurely walks along the Baspa River or go on short treks nearby. Rakchham offers more variety in activities compared to Chhitkul, where options are a bit limited.

7. Less Altitude Stress

Chhitkul is at a higher altitude than Rakchham, which can make it harder for some people, especially kids and seniors, to acclimatize. Rakchham is slightly lower in altitude, which helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness. It still offers stunning views and a true mountain experience.

For travelers, especially families with kids or senior citizens, Rakchham serves as a quieter, more comfortable base while allowing easy access to Chhitkul’s attractions.

Exploring Rakchham: A Hidden Gem

Rakchham may be a small village, but it is surrounded by natural beauty and offers several things to explore. It turned out to be the ideal spot to wrap up our Spiti adventure. While Spiti itself offers stark, rugged beauty, Rakchham gave us a softer, greener landscape that was easy on the eyes and soothing for the soul. After settling into our hotel, we decided to take a stroll through the village to get a feel of the local life.

The village is incredibly picturesque, with traditional wooden homes, apple orchards, and fields of mustard flowers. The cool mountain breeze, coupled with the sound of the river and the sight of towering snow-capped peaks, created a surreal environment for us to unwind.

One of the staff members at our hotel suggested a short trek to a nearby mountain. We were in the mood to explore, so we went for it. The trail wasn’t marked, but the area was open and easy to navigate. It was slightly uphill but not too difficult, even for my mom. We walked through wide fields, slowly making our way to the top. And the view from the top? Totally worth the climb! We could see the entire Rakchham village below, with the Baspa River flowing gently through it. It was one of those views that make you pause and smile.

On our way back, we took a slight detour through an open meadow. A narrow stream was flowing through it, the water coming straight from melting snow up in the mountains. It had carved a small path through the grass before joining the mighty Baspa. A few cows were grazing nearby, totally at peace. We sat there for a long time, doing nothing—just watching the water, the cows, the sky. It felt like time had slowed down.

You may also read: How to Travel Stress-free with Kids?

We spent a lot of time near the river, where Nemit enjoyed skipping stones and simply running around. It was the kind of quiet, peaceful day that was much needed after the hustle of our earlier stops in Kaza and Kalpa. My mother loved sitting by the riverside, making stone towers, admiring the scenery and soaking up the sun.

A Day Trip to Chhitkul

While we chose to stay in Rakchham, Chhitkul is just a 20-minute drive away, making it an easy day trip. The drive from Rakchham to Chhitkul is nothing short of spectacular. The road winds through lush green valleys with the Baspa River flowing alongside, and the sight of Chhitkul’s snow-capped mountains emerging in the distance is breathtaking.

Chhitkul is often referred to as the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border and is the highest inhabited village in the Sangla Valley. We visited the local Chhitkul Monastery, Mathi Temple and spent some time walking through the village, admiring the traditional wooden houses and the stone fences that line the streets.

One of the highlights of our day in Chhitkul was having lunch at the famous Hindustan Ka Aakhiri Dhaba. As the name suggests, it’s the last Indian restaurant on the road leading to the Indo-Tibetan border. We enjoyed a simple yet hearty meal of rajma, kadhi and chawal, which kept us warm in the cool mountain air.

You may also read: 7 Best Family Adventure Trips to Plan with your Kid!

For anyone visiting Chhitkul with kids, I’d recommend taking it slow and enjoying the natural surroundings rather than rushing through the itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Our stay in Rakchham was the perfect conclusion to our family’s road trip to Spiti Valley. It offered us a chance to slow down and reflect on the incredible journey we had just experienced. For anyone planning a trip to Spiti, I’d highly recommend adding Rakchham to your itinerary. It’s a peaceful retreat, away from the crowds, where you can connect with nature and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.

Whether you’re looking to explore the last village of India, Chhitkul, or just relax by the river with a cup of chai in hand, Rakchham has something to offer everyone. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

The post Stay in Rakchham: Hidden Gem near Chhitkul, Himachal Pradesh appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

When we decided to do a road trip from Bangalore to Northeast India, I knew Arunachal Pradesh would surprise us in many ways. But there was one place we hadn’t really planned for, one that felt more like a blessing than a destination — Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang.

I wasn’t expecting to feel what I felt there. It wasn’t on any must-see list I came across, and yet it turned out to be one of the most peaceful and soulful places we visited on our entire journey.

When we reached, there was no one else there, except the army personnel who maintain the place. And honestly, that made the experience even more special. Maybe not many people know about this Gurudwara, like we didn’t until just a day before (while visiting Sungester lake). Or maybe it’s because getting there involves a short uphill walk, and not everyone is up for that, especially when the weather is not that great.

It had also been raining since morning, so that could be another reason people chose not to visit it. But I’m so glad we didn’t skip it. Some places just find you when you’re meant to experience them and this was definitely one of those.

Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang is also known as Tiger Hill Gurudwara, as it is located on Tiger Hill, the name of the mountain. But why is it called Teesri Udasi?

Teesri Udasi Gurudwara Sahib, Tawang

You may check our Arunachal Trip Playlist on YouTube!

What is “Teesri Udasi”?

Before I talk about the Gurudwara itself, let me give you a quick background. The word “Udasi” means journey. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, undertook five major spiritual journeys during his lifetime. These journeys are known as Udasis.

These weren’t simple travels, they were deep spiritual pilgrimages covering vast parts of India and beyond. He covered a distance of around 28,000 km on foot, over a period of 24 years. He travelled across India, South Asia, and even reached parts of the Middle East and Tibet, sharing his message of love, peace, equality, and the oneness of God (Ek Onkar).

During his third Udasi, believed to have taken place between 1514 and 1518, Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Tibet twice. The first time, in 1514, he travelled to Mansarovar and Mount Kailash, and came back to India through the same route.

Way to Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

But the second time, his path was different. He travelled through Nepal, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and from there, continued towards Lhasa in Tibet.

And it is believed that during this journey, Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated in a cave right here in Tawang. That very cave has now been turned into a Gurudwara and because it’s associated with his Teesri Udasi, the name stuck.

That’s how this peaceful little place on a hill came to be known as Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang.

Our Journey to Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

We were staying in Tawang and had just started exploring the region. On our very first day of sightseeing, we planned to visit Bumla Pass, PTSO Lake, and Sungester Lake (also known as Madhuri Lake). But since our Bumla permit was scheduled for the next day, we decided to just do the lakes for now.

Here’s a video of how to get the permit for Bumla Pass on YouTube-

After soaking in the views at PTSO Lake, we moved ahead towards Sungester, taking the left turn at the Y-junction. Just about 2.6 km from there, something caught our eye, a small Gurudwara tucked at the base of a hill.

Curious, we stopped to check it out. There was something instantly peaceful about it. But since we were on a tight schedule and had planned the day around the lakes, we skipped the trek up to the main Gurudwara on the hill and continued on to Sungester Lake.

But the story didn’t end there.

While returning from the lake, we passed the same spot again. And this time, something tugged at our hearts. There was this unexplainable pull, like the place was quietly calling us back. We paused. Talked about it. We had just one more day in Tawang, and the next day was fully packed. We were finally visiting Bumla Pass, and from there heading straight to Zemithang.

Still, something inside us knew we had to return.

And so we did.

Here’s a glimpse of our visit to Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang-

The next day, after visiting Bumla, we were driving back on the same route. We took that turn again. This time, we parked the car and walked up the hill to the Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang.

And I can’t explain it in words, the experience was so peaceful, so soulful, it felt like the place had been waiting for us all along.

Sometimes, it’s the unplanned detours that stay with you the longest. For us, visiting Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang became one of the most heart-touching moments of our entire journey in Arunachal Pradesh.

A Simple Structure, A Strong Presence

The Gurudwara is tucked into the rugged cliffs of the mountain, quite literally built into the rock face. From a distance, it almost looks like it’s growing out of the hill itself, camouflaged by nature. But as you get closer, you begin to notice the bright prayer flags, the modest building, and the narrow path leading up to it.

It’s not a grand or elaborate structure. There are no huge golden domes. Yet, it commands your attention. Maybe it’s the setting, surrounded by towering cliffs and silence or maybe it’s the story behind it. Either way, the moment you see it, you feel a sense of awe and reverence.

The stairs to the Gurudwara are narrow and steep but well-built. And as you climb, the world around you starts to fade, it’s just you, the mountain, and a sacred stillness.

A Place Respected Across Faiths

You may already know that Arunachal Pradesh is known for its monasteries, especially the iconic Tawang Monastery, which is the largest in India and the second-largest in the world. But did you know that Guru Nanak Dev Ji is also deeply respected here?

Locals lovingly refer to him as Nanak Lama. In fact, in some traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Nanak is seen as an incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. He is also known as Guru Padmasambhava, the saint who brought Buddhism to Tibet. It’s rare and beautiful to see a spiritual figure being embraced across different faiths like this.

Inside Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

This deep sense of mutual respect and shared reverence is what makes this Gurudwara even more special. It stands quietly, high up in the mountains, but holds a powerful space in the hearts of the people from this region, regardless of religion.

The Role of the Indian Army

Since this area is very close to the Indo-China border, the presence of the Indian Army is strong throughout this region. In fact, the Gurudwara itself is maintained by the Army personnel stationed here.

They also serve a simple langar (community meal), and even if you’re not there during langar hours, they’ll always offer you tea or prasad with warmth and humility.

Teesri Udasi Gurudwara

We couldn’t help but feel grateful. Not just for the physical upkeep of the Gurudwara, but for their quiet, constant presence in such a remote and extreme terrain. It’s because of their dedication that this piece of history and faith continues to thrive, high up in the mountains.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning a trip to Tawang, do make time for this place. Here are a few tips:

• Start early in the day
  The Gurudwara is 25 km from Tawang and 2.6 Km from Y-junction. The weather in high-altitude areas can change quickly. It’s best to start your day early and keep extra time in hand, both in case the weather turns or if you’re planning to visit other places on the same route, like Sungester Lake or Bumla Pass.
• No permit needed
  You don’t need a special permit to visit this Gurudwara, unlike Bumla Pass. But since it’s on the way to Bumla, plan your stop accordingly.
• Located at a High Altitude
  The Gurudwara is situated at around 13,000 feet, so take your time while climbing. The air is thinner, and it’s normal to feel a little breathless. Keep yourself hydrated to prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
• Carry warm clothes
  Even if the sun is out, it can get windy, cloudy and cold, especially at higher altitudes. Layer up and keep a windcheater or warm jacket handy.

• 

  View from Gurudwara Teesri Udasi

• It’s a short uphill walk
  The Gurudwara on the hill is about a 20-30 minute walk from the road. The steps are steep but well-maintained. There are also resting sheds along the route and even a toilet, which makes the climb more manageable, especially for families and older visitors.
• Respect the space
  Though it’s maintained by the Indian Army, this is a sacred place. Cover your head, speak softly, and follow any instructions given on-site.
• Photography is allowed
  You can take photos inside and outside the Gurudwara, but always be mindful if Army personnel are around. Ask if you’re unsure.

There’s a Footwear protocol before entering. Just before reaching the Gurudwara at the top, you’ll find a Joda Ghar (footwear room). Visitors are expected to remove their shoes here and wear the slippers provided. These slippers must be taken off again at the Gurudwara entrance, as a sign of respect.

Most importantly, go with a quiet mind. You don’t have to be religious to feel the peace here.

Final Thoughts

Out of all the places we visited in Arunachal Pradesh, majestic monasteries, misty mountain passes, beautiful valleys — Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang offered something entirely different.

It gave us stillness.

It reminded me of the strength of simplicity. Of how one man’s journey, centuries ago, still touches lives in the most unexpected corners of the world.

And for that, I’ll always carry this visit close to my heart.

Have you ever visited a place that surprised you with its peace? Tell us in the comments below.

Planning a trip to Tawang? Here’s our detailed Tawang Itinerary, including how to get permits, places to stay, and hidden gems you shouldn’t miss.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mister Tikku.

The post Gurudwara Teesri Udasi in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh | Must Visit appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Every road trip we take feels like a new chapter in our travel story. After successfully completing our 15 Days Spiti Valley road trip in May 2024, we knew we were ready for even longer drives. But the big question was, where next? We had so many destination on our minds… Ladakh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal, and even Kashmir. After months of discussion, we finally locked in Arunachal and started planning our Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary!

There were also endless back-and-forths, last-minute doubts, and dramatic change-of-heart moments! In our home, choosing a destination is not as simple as pointing at a map, it’s a full-fledged debate, with arguments, counterarguments, and occasional cold wars. But in the end, Arunachal won. And now, looking back, I can confidently say, it was the best decision ever!

As some of you know, I’ve been sharing our Arunachal Pradesh vlogs on YouTube, and I think it’s finally time to put together our complete itinerary on the blog! I’ve been getting so many DMs on Instagram and even emails asking for trip details, so it makes sense to document everything here. So, here’s our complete Arunachal Pradesh itinerary for you!

Why We Chose Arunachal Pradesh?

Honestly, I didn’t want to go to Arunachal Pradesh. Sumit, on the other hand, had been obsessed with it ever since we started discussing our next trip. At that time, I hadn’t seen a single video or read any post about Arunachal, so I had no idea what to expect. For some reason, I imagined it to be hot, humid, and mostly plains with dense jungles. Not exactly what I was looking for! I was craving for mountains, crisp air, and breathtaking views.

So, we almost ruled out Arunachal and started planning for Sikkim instead.

We spent two full days finalizing our itinerary when we found out that Sikkim’s roads were in terrible shape due to heavy rains. Just to be sure, we reached out to a local homestay owner, and he confirmed that driving there would be tough. Plan cancelled.

I was a little disappointed until, out of nowhere, I stumbled upon a travel video about Arunachal Pradesh. And just like that, I fell in love with this beautiful North-eastern state.

This trip was not just about the drive or stunning views anymore. It was about venturing into one of India’s least explored states, experiencing its raw beauty, and meeting the incredible people who call it home.

 

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Planning Arunachal Road Trip

While researching, we found out that Arunachal has 14 unique tourist circuits, each offering something completely different, be it culture, landscapes, or local experiences. Since we had about 15-20 days, we decided to explore the Tawang and Ziro Circuit. These are two of the most stunning and well-known regions of Arunachal.

These circuits are not only close to each other but also among the most popular. The other circuits are still offbeat and less explored, so we decided to play it safe for this trip.

We planned this road trip in October 2024, during the Dusshera holidays. The land of the rising sun, unexplored valleys, and mystical monasteries was calling us! So, we packed our bags, fueled up our car, and set off on an 18-day advebture covering both Tawang and Ziro.

Whether you’re driving from Bangalore like us, flying in and hiring a cab at Guwahati, or renting a self-drive car, this Arunachal Pradesh itinerary will help you plan an epic trip.

The Ultimate Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary & Guide

We love road trips but hate rigid plans. So, for this 18-day adventure, we didn’t pre-book hotels or stick to a strict itinerary. But one thing we were sure about was covering Bangalore to Siliguri/Tezpur as quickly as possible, since it was just the driving stretch. So, we pushed through long hours on the road, driving about 14-15 hours each day.

Now, if you are not crazy about road trips or such long drives, it’s better to fly to Assam (Guwahati or Tezpur) and hire a cab from there. Or, if you love road trips but can’t drive such long distances with family, or if you are short on days, it’s a good idea to book a self-drive rental from Arunachal itself.

We even thought about transporting our car via a trailer truck, but the cost was too high, so we dropped that idea. So, weigh your options and pick the one that suits your family and travel style best.

Now, let’s begin with the itinerary.

Day 1: Bangalore to Rajamahendravaram, AP | 817 km | 14 hrs

It was a long long drive of about 14 hours. However, the roads were in good condition so the drive was quite smooth. Initially, we had planned to go till Vijayawada but had a few hours in hand before it turned dark, so we went till Rajamundry.

• Drive Highlights: Long but smooth highway drive with decent food stops along the way.
• Stay: La Hospin (INR 3,500 with breakfast)

Day 2: Rajamahendravaram, AP to Balasore, Odisha | 817 Km | 15-16 hrs

• Drive Highlights: Smooth roads, great highways, but speed cameras everywhere. Extreme truck traffic.

• Stay: NOCCI Residency (INR 2,800 with breakfast)
• Decent, clean, comfortable, just what we needed after a tiring drive.

Day 3: Balasore, Odisha to Kanki, WB | 709 Km | 14 hrs 

• Drive Highlights: Toughest day so far! Extremely tiring, bad roads, unbearable traffic.

• Stay: Kanika Dham Lords Inn (INR 3,500 with breakfast)

During the later part of the day, we were driving along the Bihar border and the deserted roads and multiple police vehicles all along the route scared us a lot. The presence of police was a sign that the route was not safe at night.

Day 4: Kanki, WB to Udalguri, Assam | 576 Km | 16 hrs 

• Drive Highlights: Got stuck in traffic at Assam border. Bad road condition, rough patches on the road before Siliguri.

• Stay: Hotel DJ Tower (INR 2,000) – Not a great stay, and no breakfast.

Entering Arunachal Pradesh

Our journey into Arunachal Pradesh began on Day 5, marking the real start of our much-anticipated Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.

There are two main entry points into Arunachal from Assam:

1. Balemu Check Post (closer for those coming from Udalguri).

2. Bhalukpong Check Post (preferred for those coming from Tezpur; better road conditions).

We entered through Balemu as it was more convenient for us.

Day 5: Udalguri, Assam to Shergaon, AR | 110 Km | 7 hrs 

Finally, we entered Arunachal Pradesh. The border was just a 30 min drive from Udalguri, Assam. Since it was raining continuously, the roads were in bad condition. We got to know that the Bhutan border was just a few kilometers from the check post. So, we decided to cross over and visited a famous hanging bridge and viewpoint.

Check out the video below to know all the details regarding what all documents you need to enter Bhutan.

After spending some time in Bhutan, we began our onward journey and chose Shergaon to spend the night.

• Stay: The Willow Resort (INR 4,000) – Beautiful location but food was disappointing.

• Important: An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory to enter Arunachal Pradesh. I’ve shared all the details in my YouTube video below.

If you have time, spend more time exploring Shergaon. It’s a beautiful, unexplored town with so much to offer to its visitors.

Day 6: Shergaon to Sangti Valley | 85 Km | 2-3 hrs 

Our plan was to reach Tawang by evening, but travel has its own surprises! When we reached Dirang, we saw the roads were a mess-landslides, mud, and slippery stretches everywhere. Still hopeful, we moved ahead, only to be stopped by another landslide. With no choice but to change plans, we decided to stay in the peaceful Sangti Valley which is just 10 km from Dirang.

Traveling with kids? Flexibility is key! Unexpected situations are bound to happen, and adapting to changes is the best way to travel stress-free with kids.

On the bright side, we got to have lunch at an army cafeteria in Sapper near Dirang, an amazing experience amidst all the chaos!

• Stay: Lanjom Homestay (INR 3,000 without breakfast) – Beautiful place beside the river.
• Visit the famous Sheep Farm and Kiwi Orchards in Sangti.

Just like Shergaon, Sangti Valley is a hidden gem. If time permits, spend at least 2 nights at this beautiful paradise.

Day 7: Sangti Valley to Tawang | 140 Km | 4-5 hrs 

Our plan was to leave Sangti Valley early morning, have breakfast in Sapper, and reach Tawang before lunchtime. But nature had other plans! It rained all night, and just a few minutes after starting from Sangti, we hit a landslide blocking the road. Instead of waiting, we decided to take a detour to Dirang Monastery.

• Stay: TYK Hotel (INR 3,000 with breakfast) – Decent hotel with great food.

The second half of the day was quite an adventure as we decided to take a detour via a local village road running along the Dirang river. The drive along the raging river was extremely scary but gave another level of adrenaline rush. We reached Tawang quite late at night, exhausted but excited for the days ahead.

Day 8: Exploring Tawang 

Our plan for the day was simple. Apply for the Bumla Pass Permit at the DC office, get it stamped at the Brigade Headquarters and keep it ready for the next day. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Tawang.

We tried handling the permit ourselves instead of relying on agents, which meant hours of running around, but we finally got it! We really wanted to understand the process so that we could share it with other enthusiastic travelers like us.

Giant Buddha Statue, Tawang

• Stay: Cheodar Homestay (INR 2,000 without breakfast) – Basic stay but wonderful hosts and good food.
• Visited Pangateng Tso Lake (PT Tso Lake) & Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake).
• Arranged Bumla Pass Permit.
• Had yummy local food at Giant Buddha Temple.
• Tip: Get your permits arranged by your hotel if you don’t want the hassle.

If you’re a vegetarian and wondering what to eat in Arunachal, check out my post on Vegetarian Local Dishes to Try in Arunachal Pradesh for some great recommendations!

Day 9: Tawang to Zemithang via Bumla Pass | 93 Km | 4 hrs

We started early for Bumla Pass, and the moment we hit the route, we were spellbound! The scenery was surreal, with colors we had never seen before in a landscape. It felt straight out of a fairytale, pristine blue lakes reflecting the sky, golden-brown-red mountains, and vast open stretches with no sign of civilization. It felt as if we had stepped into a different world.

Bumla Pass

If you love capturing travel memories, this is the perfect place to do it. You may check out my post on Easy Ways to Get Good Pictures Every Time You Travel! for some useful tips.

We decided to go to Zemithang from Bumla and stay there for the night. It’s the ‘Last Village’ of Arunachal Pradesh along the Indo-China border, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

• Stay: Pangchen Homestay (INR 2,500 with breakfast) – Warm hospitality, nice stay.
• Covered Bumla Pass (15,200 ft) & Gurudwara Teesri Udasi.
• Tip: Have enough time in hand to soak in the beauty of Bumla Pass. Visiting Bumla Pass & Gurudwara was a highlight of our Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.

Teesri Udasi Gurudwara

Also, this unexpected detour to Zemithang became one of the most special parts of our trip. If you love offbeat places, this village should be on your list!

Stay in Tawang for at least 3-4 days, if possible.

Day 10: Exploring Zemithang & back to Tawang (Kitpi Village) | 70 Km | 3 hrs

After a hearty breakfast, we explored Zemithang and attended a peaceful morning prayer at a local monastery, a truly special experience. By afternoon, we left for Kitpi village, a small village near Tawang.

Hanging Bridge to Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa

• Stay: Kitpi Kee Homestay (INR 3,000) – Best stay of the trip! Exceptional hospitality, tried homemade rice wine.
• Visited the Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa and many hanging bridges. Attended a special prayer at Guru Padmasambhaba Monastery.
• Tip: Spend at least two days in Zemithang to soak in its serene beauty and rich culture.

Day 11: Kitpi Village (Tawang) to Bomdila | 174 Km | 5 hrs

We started early, making a quick stop at Chagzam Bridge, a stunning 15th-century iron suspension bridge. After returning to our homestay for breakfast, we visited the Tawang Monastery & Tawang Market. Later, we set off towards Bomdila, stopping at the breathtaking Nuranang Falls, a towering 100m waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. We also crossed the Sela Pass and enjoyed some time at Sela Lake.

Jang Falls

• Stay: Monshing Homestay (INR 2,500 without breakfast) – Basic stay.
• Visited the Chagzam Bridge (a true engineering marvel), Nuranang Falls (also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls), Tawang Monastery, Tawang Market, Sela Pass (13,700 ft) and Sela Lake.

You may also check: 7-Day South Goa Itinerary!

Short Itinerary – Tawang Circuit (10 Nights)

Day 1 – Tezpur/Guwahati to Shergaon (2N).
Day 2 – Explore Shergaon.
Day 3 – Shergaon to Tawang (3N) – Explore Tawang Market.
Day 4 – Bumla Pass, Gurudwara Teesri Udasi, Madhuri Lake, PT TSo Lake.
Day 5 – Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, Giant Buddha Statue.
Day 6 – Tawang to Zemithng (2N) – Explore Zemithang.
Day 7 – Explore Zemithang (Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa, Guru Padmasambhaba Monastery, Gorsam Chorten Buddhist stupa, Hanging Bridges.
Day 8 – Zemithang to Kitpi Village (1N) – Day at Leisure.
Day 9 – Kitpi Village to Sangti Valley via Sela Pass (2N) – Visit Chagzam Bridge, Jang Falls, Jaswantgarh War Memorial, Sela Lake.
Day 10 – Explore Sangti Valley – Visit Sheep Farm, Apple and Kiwi Orchards.
Day 11 – Sangti Valley to Tezpur/Guwahati – Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery.

Note: If you’re only doing the Tawang Circuit, you can start your return journey from here. But if you have more time, continue to explore the Ziro Circuit like we did!

Day 12: Bomdila to Ziro | 362 Km | 8 hrs

It’s a long, tiring drive through scenic but challenging roads. We reached Ziro late in the evening amidst light rain. Instead of heading out, we kept it simple, cooked Maggi and tea at our homestay and called it an early night.

• Stay: AMI Homestay (INR 2,000) – Basic stay with a private kitchen. Perfect for groups.

Day 13: Ziro to Tezpur | 236 Km | 6 hrs

Ziro was a cultural delight! We visited an Apatani home, where locals welcomed us warmly, sharing their traditions and food.

Apatani Tribe, Ziro

• Stay: KRC Palace (INR 3,700 without breakfast)
• Explored Ziro, visited Pamu Yalang, Shree Sidheshwar Nath Temple.
• If time allows, visit Ziro Point & Koloriang.

Short Ziro Itinerary – 3 Nights

Day 11- Sangti Valley to Bomdila (1N) – Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery.
Day 12 – Bomdila to Ziro (2N)
Day 13 – Explore Ziro – Pamu Yalang, Shree Sidheshwar Nath Temple, Paddy Fields, Ziro Point & Koloriang.
Day 14 – Ziro to Tezpur/Guwahati

Day 14: Tezpur to West Bengal | 637 Km | 14-15 hrs 

A long and tiring day on the road. We retraced our route and checked into the same hotel for the night.

• Stay: Kanika Dham Lords Inn (INR 3,500 with packed breakfast)

If you are craving a beach holiday, you may check this Lakshadweep Travel Guide for Families!

Day 15: West Bengal to Mirzapur | 700 Km | 14-15 hrs 

Instead of taking the Kolkata route, we explored an alternate path, making the long drive slightly more interesting.

• Stay: Konark Grand (INR 4,400 with packed breakfast) – Comfortable stay.
• Tip: Better to stay in Varanasi, if you can find budget-friendly options.

Day 16: Mirzapur to Nagpur | 667 Km | 12-13 hrs 

• Stay: Spring Dale (INR 3,200 without breakfast) – Simple stay.

Day 17: Nagpur to Hyderabad/Bangalore | 533 Km | 10-11 hrs

We decided to take a break in Hyderabad for a comfortable end to our rugged trip. If you’re up for it, you can drive straight to Bangalore instead.

• Stay: Lemon Tree Hitech City (INR 6,700) – Super comfortable stay and great food.

Day 18: Hyderabad to Bangalore | 575 Km | 8-10 hrs 

The final leg of our journey! We took it easy, enjoying the smooth highways, reminiscing about the past 18 days of adventure before finally reaching home.

This 18-day road trip was an experience of a lifetime! From breathtaking landscapes to heartwarming local hospitality, Arunachal Pradesh has left an unforgettable mark on us. If you’re planning a similar journey, I hope this Arunachal Pradesh itinerary helps you! Feel free to tweak it based on your travel style and time constraints.

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube vlogs for detailed insights into each destination!

Happy travels!

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

The post 18-Day Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary – Tawang and Ziro Family Road Trip appeared first on Growing With Nemit.