In the high folds of the Eastern Himalayas, where roads curve into the clouds and monasteries stand, watch over valleys carved by time, lies Western Arunachal Pradesh. This journey is not about rushing from place to place, but about taking time to absorb the landscapes, stories, and people along the way. It is for those who wish to watch prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze, sip butter tea by the hearth of a Monpa home, and let rivers, forests, and alpine lakes reveal their quiet magic.
From the gentle forests of Nameri to the windswept grandeur of Tawang and the timeless calm of Zemithang, each day unfolds like a chapter in a story where nature, spirituality, and culture intertwine. With a balance of scenic drives, short guided walks, and immersive cultural encounters, the journey is crafted for travelers of all ages who seek both adventure and ease.
By the time you return, you carry not just memories of high passes and turquoise lakes, but of human warmth, traditional dances, and valleys that invite you to linger a little longer.
If you are landing a day prior to the trip, you can join the group either at Guwahati Airport, Jalukbari Junction, or near Khanapara — depending on where you are staying in Guwahati. These are the designated pick-up points en route to Shergaon, as the vehicle will not stop or enter the city beyond these points.
We will start the trip from Guwahati Airport at 12:30 pm on Day 1. We suggest a flight out post 7:30 PM and will reach the airport by evening.
September to December, and March to Early June is the best time to visit Western Arunachal.
While most of your expenses are taken care of in the trip cost, an additional ₹1,000 per day (upper limit) would be more than enough to cover any personal expenses. Most places along the route also accept online payments, making transactions convenient and hassle-free.
Vegetarians do not need to worry. While a lot of the local delicacies are meat-based, with the influx of tourism there are multiple vegetarian options at all places. You must also try out the seasonal fruits and vegetables in the region.
Yes, you would be requiring an Inner Line Permit to travel enter Arunachal Pradesh. We will be arranging the same for you. We would need details such as your Aadhar Card/Passport, passport size photo, along with a few other details to procure this.
The ILP usually takes about 7 days to process.
To visit Arunachal Pradesh, Indian citizens need to apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be easily obtained online through the official portal https://eilp.arunachal.gov.in. Simply register, fill in your travel details, upload a passport-sized photo and a valid ID (like Aadhaar or Voter ID), select the
districts you plan to visit, and pay 500 per district. The e-ILP is usually approved within 24-48 hours. Once approved, download and carry printed copies of the permit, as it will be checked at various entry points and checkpoints within the state.
Mandala is a village that is around one and a half hours away from Dirang. It is well known amidst the birding circles, and also as an offbeat destination for those looking to witness snow in the winter.
We have added a riverside hike at Bishum Phudung instead, where you will witness life in a Himalayan Monpa village.
As for snow, you will have multiple other chances for the same as we will be taking you to altitudes even higher than Mandala in this chapter.
While Snowfall is weather dependent, you will definitely see snow and snow sheets at the high-altitude passes from November to March.
