Travelling has always been my way of reconnecting with myself. As a woman, a mother, and someone who finds peace in the unknown, I craved a destination that wasn’t just about sightseeing—it had to be about feeling alive. That’s when we decided on Arunachal Pradesh. What began as a simple plan to explore Northeast India turned into one of the most soul-enriching journeys of my life.
This blog is more than a travel guide—it’s a diary of our unforgettable adventure through misty mountains, frozen lakes, tribal villages, and serene national parks. If you’re searching for a detailed Arunachal Pradesh itinerary, especially a well-balanced Arunachal Pradesh tour package from Guwahati, you’re in the right place. Along the way, we clicked some of our best photos and even wrote dedicated blogs for some destinations, linked throughout this article.
Here is the detailed itinerary we followed during our trip.
Daywise 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.
Details 12-day itinerary of Arunachal Pradesh
Day 1: Guwahati to Bhalukpong – Gateway to the Wild East
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 explore the beautiful town of Bhalukpong on the first day. Nestled beside the Jia Bharali River, it 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
Next day, early morning, we start our journey to Dirang. 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.
Day 3: Dirang to Tawang – A Drive Above the Clouds
We started early this morning for our next destination, Tawang. After so much excitement, we approached 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.
Day 4: Tawang – Monasteries and more
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 – At the Edge of India
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 the return journey, we take a detour and visit the dreamy Madhuri Lake—its still waters reflecting the surrounding snow-clad peaks. 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. It’s a breathtaking place, we cannot keep time passing by. 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. Read more about our road trip to Tawang.
Day 6: Tawang to Bomdila
We left Tawang with heavy hearts and made 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.
Day 7: Bomdila to Nameri
Post breakfast, drive 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 walking tour to the nearby river. 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 – Journey into Tribal Heartland
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 – A Fitting Farewell
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 return home with lots of memories of hills and valleys.
Tips from My Journey
- ILP (Inner Line Permit) is mandatory. 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 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.
Related Read:
Top 10 offbeat places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
What No One Tells You About Buddhist Monasteries In Arunachal Pradesh
Top 15 tourist attractions in Tawang you don’t want to miss on your trip
If you are looking for more Arunachal Pradesh itineraries, please check out our Arunachal tour packages or email us on support@nexplore.org to start planning your trip!
