Note : Heavy snowfall and weather conditions may occasionally restrict access to Chumi Gyatse and certain high-altitude areas.
Arunachal Pradesh remains one of Northeast India’s most beautiful secrets, a land shaped by remoteness, protected by rugged terrain, and preserved in a way that few places in the world still are. Once part of the vast NEFA region until the early 1970s, this mountain realm slowly stepped into its identity, finally becoming a state in 1978.
With nearly 80% of its expanse draped in forests, Arunachal is a living sanctuary of biodiversity — home to rare endemic birds, newly discovered species, and landscapes that shift dramatically with altitude. It shelters the world’s northernmost tropical rainforest and nearly half of India’s flowering plant species.
Its people are just as diverse as its forests. Twenty-six major tribes and over a hundred sub-tribes call this land home, each with its own dialect, cuisine, attire, rituals, and worldview. Much of this cultural richness still lies undocumented, adding to the mystique of the region.
In this chapter, we journey across the western frontier, the land of the warm and gracious Monpas and Sherdukpens, followers of Mahayana Buddhism with deep cultural ties to Tibet and Bhutan. These mountains carry stories of shifting kingdoms, of ancient trade routes, and of the 14th Dalai Lama’s historic passage into India in 1959.
Winter transforms this region into something even more ethereal. High-altitude lakes shimmer beneath sheets of ice, waterfalls freeze mid-cascade, and mountain passes are dusted with soft blankets of snow. The air grows rarer, the silence deeper, and every viewpoint feels like a window into another world.
This is a journey for the spirited traveller, a winter expedition that takes you up to 15,200 feet and back, weaving through snow-kissed valleys, frozen riverscapes, and remote villages wrapped in quiet beauty.
Note: Owing to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control and the legacy of the 1962 Sino-India conflict, this region remains heavily militarised. Certain areas are restricted, especially for foreign nationals.
The trip starts at Guwahati Airport on Day 1, where the group assembles for departure, and ends at Guwahati Airport on Day 8. Your ChaloHoppo trip leader shall meet you at the airport on Day 1.
On Day 1, participants are required to arrive at Guwahati Airport by 10:00 AM at the latest. The group will depart from the airport by 11:00 AM. Any arrivals after this time, due to flight timing or delays, will need to reach the destination at their own expense.
For departure, return flights can be booked anytime after 9 PM on Day 8 or ideally the following morning, with an overnight stay in Guwahati. Participants are advised to plan their flights in line with the recommended arrival and departure timings shared for this trip.
Note: The drive back to Guwahati on the last day is long and can be tiring for some travellers. Traffic conditions in and around Guwahati, along with meal stops and comfort breaks, can significantly impact travel time. Arrival in Guwahati is typically expected between 7 PM and 8 PM, which could be delayed as well. As a precaution, we recommend staying back the night in Guwahati.
Please note that Guwahati Airport is the only designated pick-up and drop-off point for this trip. The vehicle will not stop at any other location. All participants must ensure they reach the airport before the scheduled departure time, as the trip will commence from there.
The ideal age range for this experience is 18-50 years. The average participant is around 30 years old, and the group atmosphere is generally young, social, and easy-going. Participants often enjoy spending time together beyond the day’s activities, whether over conversations, music, food, or a drink in the evening.
This journey does not involve strenuous trekking or high-intensity physical activity, and travellers do not need to be in peak athletic condition to participate. Most experiences involve leisurely hikes/walks through villages, monasteries, valleys, and forested landscapes at a comfortable pace.
However, this is a high-altitude Himalayan journey, with certain regions, including the excursion to Chume Gyatse/Bumla Pass at approximately 11,500 to 15,200 ft, reaching significant elevations. At such altitudes, it is common to experience mild breathlessness, fatigue, or headaches, particularly for those who are not accustomed to mountain environments.
While the trip is suitable for semi-active travellers, participants should be comfortable with long mountain drives, cold weather conditions, and occasional walking on uneven terrain. All the participants are strongly advised to consult their doctor before joining the journey and check if they are fit to travel to such altitudes.
This trip is generally not recommended for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions (such as asthma), heart conditions, severe knee concerns, or any medical condition affected by altitude, serious heart, breathing, or mobility-related concerns. We recommend carrying medication to deal with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) after consulting your trusted doctor.
We’ll be staying at simple, handpicked homestays throughout the trip. None of the properties on the trip is boutique/luxurious. However, they are all clean, comfortable and hygienic, and have been handpicked by our team.
Rooms are shared on a double-sharing basis. In case you are a solo traveller, you will be paired up with another solo traveller of the same gender. Please note that almost all of the properties will have double-bedded rooms. Room categories are not uniform across all accommodations and can vary by property.
Note: Room allocation is managed by the sales and reservations team based on gender and confirmed bookings.
Single occupancy requires an additional room and impacts overall group capacity. To maintain the experience quality and balance trip logistics, a limited number of single rooms are offered with a single-room supplement.
During the trip, you can expect simple, home-style meals that reflect the flavours of the region. Most meals are light, comforting, and well-suited.
Breakfasts are usually basic (poori–sabji, momo, thukpa, bread and butter,or omelettes, depending on the stay). Some days with an early start will have light packed breakfast on the go.
Expect humble, simple rice-based meals throughout the trip. Meals throughout the journey typically include rice, dal, seasonal vegetables, meat preparations, and local accompaniments or whatever is available in the stays.
Vegetarian options are available in every place of stay. Please do note that the veg options at certain places could be limited.
It is important to note that booking flights before reserving a slot with us does not guarantee availability. In the event that we are sold out, we cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience caused.
Most of your major expenses during the trip are already covered. An additional ₹800-₹1,000 per day should generally be sufficient for personal expenses, snacks, café visits, or small purchases.
Most places in the region now accept UPI payments, making transactions easy and convenient. However, we recommend carrying a small amount of cash as well, especially in areas where digital payments may not always work reliably.
You can also refer to the Exclusions section for a clearer idea of potential additional expenses.
Mobile connectivity is available in most towns and key areas throughout the trip. BSNL, Airtel and Jio generally offer the best network coverage in Arunachal. However, in remote and high altitude locations, the signal may be weak, intermittent or absent.
Wi-Fi is not available in all the selected properties that you will be staying in.
We recommend informing family and colleagues in advance that you may be temporarily unreachable while exploring certain remote or high altitude locations.
This journey takes place during winter in the Eastern Himalayas, a season when Arunachal Pradesh reveals a quieter and more intimate side of itself. Snow lingers on the higher reaches, the skies are often crisp and clear, and the mountains stand out in harsh winter sun.
Lower altitude regions such as Shergaon and Dirang generally experience pleasant daytime temperatures ranging between 8°C to 22°C, with crisp and comfortable evenings.
Higher altitude areas including Sela Pass, Tawang and Chume Gyatse remain significantly cooler, especially during mornings and nights, with temperatures typically ranging between -10°C to 6°C.
As for snow, fresh snowfall can be common during your visit. Tawang and high altitude regions may experience occasional rain and snow in the region during these months.
Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Temporary road delays caused by snowfall, black ice, or maintenance work in high-altitude stretches may occur. Our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind, and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure both safety and a meaningful travel experience.
In rare situations where access to a planned destination becomes restricted due to weather, road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances, our team will carefully assess the situation on the ground and make suitable adjustments to the itinerary if required. Your safety and comfort remain our highest priorities, and we will always strive to ensure the journey remains immersive, seamless, and meaningful despite any changes.
We recommend a large-sized backpack or duffel (60L+) that’s easy to carry, along with a small daypack for day trips and daily essentials. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone, we kindly request that guests do not bring suitcases.
Pack heavy warm clothing, woolen socks, beanies, gloves and comfortable walking shoes with good grip, personal medications, and basic toiletries.
Once you sign up, we’ll share a detailed seasonal “Things to Carry” list to help you prepare – but don’t forget your rainwear.
Yes. All the activities and explorations will be led by knowledgeable local guides. You will also be accompanied by a ChaloHoppo Trip Leader throughout the journey to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated experience.
Absolutely. We recommend carrying a few light, ready-to-eat snacks such as energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates, or trail mix. These can be especially useful during long drives, hikes, or whenever meal timings get delayed.
As this journey traverses the high-altitude landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, driving speeds are naturally slower due to winding mountain roads, steep gradients, sharp bends, and changing terrain. As a result, certain travel days can be long despite relatively shorter distances on the map.
Road conditions across Arunachal Pradesh can vary considerably. That said, the drives themselves form an integral part of the experience. The journey unfolds through mountain roads, dramatic valleys, riversides, alpine landscapes, monasteries, and expansive Himalayan vistas that make even long travel days visually rewarding.
We recommend beginning drives early each morning and maintaining punctuality throughout the journey to allow comfortable buffer time for road, weather, or terrain-related delays.
Yes, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian nationals, while foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh.
For ILP – Once you sign up for the trip, we will guide you through the permit application process. The application is straightforward, can be completed online, and our team will assist you with the same.
For PAP – To process the permit, we’ll need a copy of your documents and a few basic details. The permit takes some days to be issued, so we’ll reach out in advance to collect the required information. We appreciate your cooperation in sharing the documents on time – it helps us ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for you.
Owing to the proximity of certain regions to the Indo-China border, certain visits are restricted to foreign nationals. The day excursion to Chume Gyatse near the Indo-China border falls within restricted areas where access for foreign nationals is not permitted under current regulations.
If a foreign national signs up for the trip, he/she may have to alternatively do a day tour within Tawang town on Day 5, while the group heads to Chumi Gyatse. Please note that this experience may incur extra charges if a guide and vehicle are booked for the same.
You’ll find a good number of local eateries and highway dhabas till a point, along the route up to Shergaon, making meal stops relatively convenient in the initial part of the journey.
As we travel further toward Dirang and higher altitude regions, food options become more limited due to the remoteness of the terrain. On certain long driving days, meal timings may also shift slightly depending on road and weather conditions.
For added comfort, we recommend carrying some personal snacks or stocking up the previous evening – especially for early morning starts and long drive days. If you prefer specific items or like having something handy during scenic stretches, get it along from your home.
If you have extra days, here are some great add-ons based on your time:
2-5 days: Parts of Assam
5-7 days: Parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland
7-10 days: A deeper journey into Eastern Arunachal Pradesh or Meghalaya
We’re happy to curate a seamless extension based on your time and interests.
