Estimated reading time: 19 minutes
Travel has always been my way of refreshing my mind and discovering new places. This time, we wanted to explore Arunachal Pradesh closely and wanted to explore nature, wild hills, tribal life and culture, and a little adventure — something different from the usual vacations. That’s why we planned a journey through Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, two of the most beautiful states in Northeast India.
From the wildlife of Kaziranga, the spiritual vibes of Maa Kamakhya temple, to the stunning mountains, tribal villages and scenic offbeat valleys of Arunachal Pradesh. These are far away from city life and quite close to nature. A trip through Arunachal is filled with scenic drives, warm people, and experiences you’ll never forget. If you’re searching for a detailed Arunachal Pradesh tour itinerary which covers the best tourist attractions along with comfortable stay option, especially a well-balanced Arunachal Pradesh tour package from Guwahati, you’re in the right place.
Arunachal Pradesh is a vast state, and covering it completely can take 20 to 30 days. Check our detailed guide to the tourist circuits of Arunachal Pradesh for better planning.
Here is the short itinerary we followed during our trip –
Day wise Arunachal Pradesh tour itinerary
Day 1: Reach Guwahati and drive to Bhalukpong. Overnight stay at Bhalukpong.
Day 2: Bhalukpong to Dirang. Sightseeing en route. Night stay in Dirang.
Day 3: Dirang to Tawang. Visit Sela Pass and Sela Lake en route. Overnight stay in Tawang.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Tawang. Overnight stay at Tawang.
Day 5: Excursion to Bum La Pass & Madhuri Lake. Night stay in Tawang.
Day 6: Tawang to Bomdila. Visit Jung waterfalls and Sangti valley. Night stay in Bomdila.
Day 7: Bomdila to Nameri. Night stay in an eco camp.
Day 8: Bomdila to Ziro. Night stay in Ziro.
Day 9: Explore Ziro Valley.
Day 10: Ziro Valley to Kaziranga National Park. Stop for sightseeing enroute. Night stay in Kaziranga.
Day 11: Jeep Safari at Kaziranga and explore the nearby attractions. Night stay in Kaziranga.
Day 12: Return to Guwahati and enjoy river cruising.
Day 13: Early morning Kamakhya temple visit and departure. (Additional day in Guwahati)
Best Arunachal Pradesh tour Itineraries
7 days Tawang tour 10 days Arunachal Tour itinerary 6 days Tawang trip 9 days Arunachal Itinerary Assam Meghalaya Arunachal itinerary 12 days Central Arunachal itinerary 12 days
Details 12-day itinerary of Arunachal Pradesh
Route Map
Day 1: Guwahati to Bhalukpong (Distance approx 242 km, 6 hours)
On arrival at Guwahati airport, we set out for Bhalukpong, a peaceful town at the Assam-Arunachal border. Our arrival was a little late, so we chose to stay in Bhalukpong on the first day. If you reach Guwahati early morning, you can proceed to Bomdila directly which is a stunning town enroute to Tawang. Nestled beside the Jia Bharali River, Bhalukpong was the perfect place to unwind after the long drive. A gentle riverside evening walk gave us our first glimpse into the serene rhythm of Arunachal.
We stayed in a cosy riverside cottage where the gentle gurgling of the Jia Bharali River lulled us to sleep.
Day 2: Bhalukpong to Dirang – Through Valleys and Mist (Distance approx 130 km, 5 hours )
The next day, early morning, we start our journey to Dirang, another splendid town of Arunachal Pradesh. The road to Dirang was wrapped in fog and mystery. On the way, we stop at Tipi Orchid Centre, which boasts over 500 orchid species. These orchids are in full bloom during the spring season. Later, we visited the age-old Dirang Dzong and met friendly locals. This Dzong was built in the 9th century, where locals still inhabit. We also visit the gompa inside the Dzong.
In the evening, we visit the serene Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, also known as TDL Monastery, a spiritual and architectural highlight of Dirang. The monastery showcases exquisite Buddhist architecture, with detailed murals and traditional design elements that reflect the region’s deep cultural roots. Its peaceful, well-maintained surroundings offer a quiet escape, and from the monastery grounds, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Dirang valley below.
As the night approached, we headed to our hotel and spent a cosy night in the beautiful Dirang valley watching the stream which passes by near our hotel.
Where to stay in Dirang:
Dirang has ample options to stay. Budget travellers can choose to stay in a monastery guest house or in a comfortable homestay with basic amenities. It also has many premium hotels like Norphel Retreat, Hotel Rigsel etc.
Day 3: Dirang to Tawang (Distance approx 132km, 6 -8 hours including stops)
We started early this morning for our next destination, Tawang. After travelling for around 2 hours we see the Sela tunnel, but we skipped it this time as visiting Sela Pass was a must on our bucket list. After going uphill through a windy lane, we reach the Sela Pass and see the mighty gate. Sela Pass at nearly 14,000 feet was nothing short of epic. As we reached the Sela top, we were awestruck by the white snow everywhere. It was great to see people playing with snow. Snowflakes danced in the wind, and the frozen Sela Lake looked like a scene from a movie.
We stopped here sometime and continued our journey to the Jaswant Garh War Memorial to honour a brave soldier’s sacrifice—a moving moment for us all. As the evening approached, we reached our homestay in Tawang and had a pleasant night stay in our cosy homestay.
Where to stay in Tawang
Tawang has ample options to stay, from budget to premium. The newly opened Vivanta Arunachal Pradesh is one of the top-notch hotels in Tawang. Apart from this Tawang Heights, Mountain Mist Resort, Tawang Centre Point etc are some best deluxe hotels in Tawang.
Day 4: Tawang local attractions
Our first day in Tawang began with a visit to the magnificent Tawang Monastery. Standing inside its halls, seeing the giant statue of Buddha and colourful decoration inside the monastery gave me chills. Later, we explored Urgeling Monastery, which is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. There, we saw the footprint of the Dalai Lama and beautiful pictures inside it. After that, we visit Ani Gompa and Buddha Park. A giant statue of Buddha and other small statues are the attractions of the park. Later, we paid tribute at the Tawang War Memorial and enjoyed a light and sound show as the evening approached.
The beautiful shops adorned with decorative cups and other Tibetan decorative items were another attraction not to be missed in Tawang. Finally, we ended the day journaling in the cosy warmth of our hotel, enjoying a special butter tea from Tawang.
Day 5: Bum La Pass & Madhuri Lake
That day, we woke up early and were very excited to visit the stunning Sungester Lake or Madhuri Lake, where the Koila movie was shot. Through a rough mountain road, we finally reach the tri-zone leading to Bumla pass. Bum La Pass, a high-altitude military post on the Indo-China border. The thin air and biting cold couldn’t take away the awe of being there.
On our return journey, we take a detour and visit the dreamy Madhuri Lake. It’s a stunning lake indeed, and we did not miss the opportunity to try the delicious food served by the India Army in the canteen nearby. Finally, we leave this place and continue to our next stop at the Panga Teng Tso Lake (P.T. Tso Lake). When we reached there, it was quite cold, and we rushed to our car and returned to our hotel.
Find details at how to plan your road trip to Tawang.
Day 6: Left Tawang and drove to Bomdila (Distance approx 170 km, 8-9 hours including stop )
Start our day in a relaxing way and leave Tawang with heavy hearts, and make our way to Bomdila, another quaint little town with beautiful mountain views. Next, we stop at the breathtaking Jung Falls, also known as Nuranang Falls. We were mesmerised by the sheer power and beauty of the cascading waters plunging from a height of over 100 meters. The roaring sound of the water was both thrilling and calming, making it one of the most memorable highlights of our journey through Tawang.
Nestled just a short drive away from Dirang, Sangti Valley felt like a scene from a dream. The moment we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by a cool breeze, the gentle murmur of the Sangti River, and panoramic views of lush green meadows flanked by pine-covered hills and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The valley was carpeted in shades of green, dotted with grazing sheep, fluttering prayer flags, and traditional Monpa homes with flower-laden balconies. Though our schedule didn’t allow us to linger long, we made a silent promise to return someday—to spend more time walking the trails, visiting local villages, and maybe even camping under the stars.
The best part here is that the small town of Bomdila is lined up with various shops with traditional jewellery, decorative items and woollens. In the evening, we strolled through the local market and picked up some lovely handcrafted and woollen garments. Our homestay host treated us to local cuisine and shared stories of tribal festivals. We slept early that night as we had to take a long route to the Ziro valley the next day.
Where to stay in Bomdila
Bomdila has several homestays and decent hotels, from deluxe to 3-star. A few best stays in Bomdila are Hotel Grand, Bomdila Embassy, etc., and for budget travellers, Monastery Guest House, Hotel Lungta Residency etc. are good options.
Day 7: Bomdila to Nameri (Distance approx 120 km, 4-5 hours)
Today morning we explored the marvellous Bomdila monastery, one of the best monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh. After spending some time in the monastery and taking lots of photos, we drove down towards Nameri National Park. En route, visit Tipi Orchid Research Centre, which houses over 7500 orchid species.
On reaching Nameri, check in at an eco camp and go for a walk to the nearby riverside. Nameri is home to many migratory birds and animals. It is well known for the white-winged wood duck. If you are fond of wild animals and birds, then you can stay one more day at Nameri and go for trekking inside the park early morning with an expert wildlife guide.
Day 8: Nameri to Ziro (Distance approx 255 km, 6 – 7 hours)
Today morning, we woke up early and felt the beauty of this Himalayan town for the last time and proceeded to Ziro Valley, another top attraction in Arunachal Pradesh, which everyone should see in their lifetime. Arunachal is big, and planning a road trip is quite difficult. Yet we decided to do it for my love of mountains and for the sake of travel, which I have to do anyway!
It was a long and winding drive from Bomdila to Ziro, but completely worth it. Ziro Valley felt like a different world—lush, quiet, and deeply cultural. We were welcomed into an Apatani homestay and treated like family. After a long drive, we slept early, dreaming of exploring the valley the next day.
Day 9: Exploring Ziro Valley
Finally, in our Arunachal Pradesh itinerary, the much-awaited day to meet the Apatani women, known for their unique traditions, had arrived. We began the day with a visit to Hong Village, the largest Apatani settlement in Ziro Valley. Walking through its narrow paths, we were greeted by friendly locals. We met the elderly women, many of whom still proudly wear the distinctive facial tattoos and traditional nose plugs. These aren’t just body art; they’re living symbols of a deep-rooted culture and the strength of women who preserved their identity through generations.
Next, we headed to the iconic Shiva Linga of Kardo Forest. This massive natural rock formation, believed to be the tallest Shiva Linga in the world, is a sacred site hidden in the lush greenery. Next, we made our way to Siikhe Lake, a quiet freshwater lake nestled amidst pine trees and rolling hills. It was a great spot to just sit back, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy the panoramic views or enjoy boating. No trip to Ziro is complete without a taste of the local wine, so we visited a Naara Aaba winery, where we got to try their traditional fruit wines made from kiwi and green apple. The small family-run setup offered warm hospitality and a glimpse into how locals are blending tradition with innovation.
In the afternoon, we hiked up to Kile Pakho, a breathtaking viewpoint just outside the town. From here, we witnessed the stunning beauty of the valley. The entire day in Ziro felt like a beautiful story unfolding—each place, each person adding depth to our journey. It wasn’t just sightseeing; it was a heart-to-heart connection with a land so rich in nature, spirit, and culture.
Day 10: Ziro to Kaziranga – Into the Wild
The next day, we left Ziro valley and drove down to Assam to check the home of the one-horned rhino, Kaziranga National Park. After days of cold mountains and monasteries, the subtropical warmth of the Brahmaputra plains felt like a gentle embrace. In the evening, we reached Kaziranga and checked into a resort and took rest, enjoying the fresh air and gentle sound of birds.
Day 11: Kaziranga Safari – One-Horned Rhinos and More
Early morning, after having a buffet breakfast at our hotel, we went for a jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park. We began our safari through the Central Range, known for its dense population of the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. And it didn’t take long—within the first few minutes, we found ourselves face-to-face with a magnificent rhino grazing peacefully just a few meters away. It was a surreal moment, watching this prehistoric-looking creature in its natural habitat, completely unbothered by our presence.
As we ventured deeper into the park, the sightings only got better. A herd of wild elephants slowly emerged from the tall grasses, including adorable calves playfully spraying each other with mud. We also spotted groups of swamp deer, gracefully sitting in the sunlight.
After the safari, we took some time to relax and visit Kaziranga Orchid Park. It is more than just an orchid garden; it’s a vibrant showcase of Assam’s culture, biodiversity, and craftsmanship. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by over 500 species of orchids, many of which are rare and endemic to the Northeast. The caretakers, most of whom are local youths, were incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, explaining the unique traits of various orchids and how they’re nurtured year-round. There’s also a small organic food court inside the park where we tried local delicacies like pitha, apong (traditional rice beer), etc. It’s not just a botanical experience, but a celebration of Assam’s heritage, community, and natural wealth. If you’re visiting Kaziranga, don’t skip this wonderful stop—it truly deepens your appreciation of Northeast India.
In the evening, a cultural performance takes place here. In this cultural show, local performers put on vibrant displays of traditional dance and music—Bihu, Jhumur, Deu dhani and other folk dance forms. The kids couldn’t stop clapping along, and we even got to join in for a quick Bihu dance workshop!
Day 12: Kaziranga to Guwahati – Enjoy a river cruise on the Brahmaputra River
The next day, after breakfast, we made our way back to Guwahati. Upon arrival, head straight to the Brahmaputra River for an evening sunset river cruise. Glide along the mighty river as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in stunning hues—a majestic and tranquil experience.
Later, explore the bustling Fancy Bazar market, a perfect place to shop for local souvenirs. Return to your hotel for the night.
Overnight stay: Hotel in Guwahati
Day 13: Guwahati Deperature
The next day we woke up early in the morning and proceeded to visit the sacred Ma Kamakhya Temple, one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India. Due to heavy morning crowds, we took a darshan from the outer premises and offered our prayers from the main entrance.
After the temple visit, continue to Guwahati Airport for our return journey. Finally, my 12 day Assam and Arunachal Trip came to an end, and we returned home with lots of memories of hills and valleys.
This is the best 12-day Itinerary of Arunachal Pradesh. If you want to complete it in 10 days, you can skip Kaziranga National Park. For senior travellers, if you want a relaxing tour, you can add one more day in Dirang or Ziro and explore comfortably at a relaxed pace. If you want to take the most famous route visited by most travellers then check the 7 day Arunchal Tour itineary.
Cost estimate
If you want to visit with family, then this tour will cost you around 1.2 Lax – 1.8 Lax Rs, which includes deluxe stays and a comfortable SUV vehicle.
Check tourist circuit in Arunchal Pradesh and how to travel all the circuits
Tips from My Journey
- An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for visiting Arunachal Pradesh. Apply online or get help from a travel agent.
- Choose homestays or eco-resorts for authentic experiences.
- Keep motion sickness meds handy for winding roads.
- Dress in layers – the weather can change in minutes.
- The best time to visit is from January to April, if you want to experience snowfall.
- Roads can be rough—opt for a 4×4 or a reliable local vehicle.
- Always respect local customs and ask permission before clicking portraits.
Final Thoughts
A 10-day trip to Arunachal isn’t just a tour—it’s a transformational journey. Every day, every bend in the road offers something unique. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or solo, the memories you create here will stay etched forever.
If you’re planning an Arunachal tour for your family, let this itinerary be your guide. And if you want to explore more, don’t forget to check our other travel blogs for insider tips, real photos, and personal stories.
If you are looking for a customised Arunachal Pradesh tour itinerary, please check out our Arunachal tour packages or email us on support@nexplore.org to start planning your trip!
