Tawang – Bumla Pass – Dirang Tour

⛰️ Tawang – Bumla Pass – Dirang Tour

🌍 A Himalayan Journey to the Land of Monasteries and Mountains

Some journeys are not merely vacations; they are pilgrimages of the soul. My Tawang – Bumla Pass – Dirang Tour was one such sacred chapter in my travel diary. Nestled in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, this expedition was not just about witnessing snow-capped peaks and fluttering prayer flags—it was about feeling the rhythm of a land that breathes history, devotion, valor, and serenity.

Thanks to Sonakshi Travels, the entire trip was thoughtfully planned—from the permits to altitude prep, warm homestays to cultural touchpoints. I returned not just refreshed, but deeply transformed.

🌐 Where It Begins: Planning the Route

🌎 Travel Overview

  • Guwahati to Bhalukpong: 240 km (6-7 hrs)
  • Bhalukpong to Dirang: 140 km (5 hrs)
  • Dirang to Tawang: 140 km (6-7 hrs)
  • Tawang to Bumla Pass: 40 km (2 hrs)

Each stretch unveils a different side of Arunachal—dense forests, gushing rivers, high-altitude lakes, and mystic villages.

Sonakshi Travels ensured we had all the required permits and acclimatization stops pre-arranged.

🏡 Stop 1: Dirang – Serenity in the Valley

Our first overnight halt was Dirang, a quiet valley town cradled by pine-covered hills and blessed with hot springs. The sight of terraced fields and the sound of gushing Dirang Chu river welcomed us.

📅 Things to See in Dirang:

  • Dirang Dzong: 17th-century fortified village
  • Hot Water Spring: Known for therapeutic properties
  • Sangti Valley: 10 km away, famous for black-necked cranes (Nov-Feb)
  • National Yak Research Centre

🏨 Homestay Experience

We stayed at a traditional Monpa homestay where wooden floors creaked with history and hospitality flowed endlessly.

Dinner was:

  • Thukpa (noodle soup)
  • Zan (barley porridge)
  • Local pickles and butter tea

🌄 Journey to the Roof of the East: Tawang

The next morning, we ascended toward Tawang. En route, we stopped at Sela Pass (13,700 ft)—a pristine glacial lake flanked by snow walls and fluttering flags. A tiny cafe served the best Maggi and hot chai of my life.

As we approached Tawang, the giant golden Buddha statue emerged from the mist like a dream.

💼 Must-See Attractions in Tawang

⛪ Tawang Monastery

India’s largest and Asia’s second-largest, this 17th-century monastery is a citadel of peace and wisdom. Monks in maroon robes chanted morning prayers as incense swirled in golden light.

🌊 Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake)

A ghostly beautiful lake formed after the 1950 earthquake. Named after Madhuri Dixit who filmed here for “Koyla.”

⛩️ War Memorial

A solemn place with names of martyred soldiers from the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The evening light & sound show moved many to tears.

🚶 Giant Buddha Statue

Perched above the town, it offers a stunning panorama of Tawang nestled in snow-capped mountains.

❄️ Day Trip to Bumla Pass – The Indo-China Border

This was the emotional highlight of the journey. Located at 15,200 ft, Bumla Pass is where India meets China. The journey was slow and breathless due to altitude, but every second was worth it.

🌿 Key Stops:

  • Pangateng Tso Lake: Reflective and serene
  • Army Cafeteria: Served free tea to all visitors
  • Interaction with Soldiers: Stories of courage and humor at this tough frontier

You need a special permit for Bumla and a strong vehicle. Sonakshi Travels took care of all permissions in advance.

🍽️ Local Food Experiences

🍲 What to Eat in Tawang:

  • Gyapa Khazi: Tibetan-style pulao
  • Momos: Pork, chicken, or cheese varieties
  • Shapta: Sliced beef stir-fried with bell peppers
  • Butter Tea & Tsampa

At a local kitchen, I sat cross-legged, watching a Monpa grandma cook over firewood. It wasn’t just food—it was warmth served in every bite.

🎤 Cultural Immersion

We visited a village during the Torgya Festival (Jan)—masked dances, fire rituals, and chants to drive away evil spirits. Children wore bright woolen coats. Lamas moved rhythmically to long horn sounds.

I was gifted a prayer flag and taught how to tie it to a pine tree so the wind could carry my wishes.

🌍 Travel Tips for Tawang – Bumla Pass – Dirang Tour

🚤 How to Reach:

  • By Air: Tezpur or Guwahati
  • By Train: Nearest railhead is Guwahati
  • By Road: Best via Guwahati > Bhalukpong > Dirang > Tawang

🛆 What to Carry:

  • Layered warm clothing
  • Motion sickness medicine (for winding roads)
  • Portable oxygen canisters (for altitude)
  • Dry snacks, power bank, sunscreen

⛅ Weather:

  • March to May: Best weather, blooming rhododendrons
  • Oct to Nov: Clear skies, ideal for photography
  • Avoid peak winter (Dec-Jan) unless ready for extreme cold

🌟 Bonus Sights Around:

  • Gorichen Peak (22,500 ft): Visible from Tawang, most sacred mountain
  • Jaswant Garh: War memorial dedicated to Jaswant Singh Rawat, the lone soldier who held back the Chinese
  • Nuranang Falls (Jung Falls): One of Arunachal’s most beautiful waterfalls

🙏 Emotional Takeaway

At Bumla, where the wind howled like a hymn and snowflakes danced around soldiers, I found more than beauty—I found pride. In Tawang, I found peace echoing from monastery walls. In Dirang, I found silence speaking through rivers and pine trees.

This Tawang – Bumla Pass – Dirang Tour isn’t just scenic. It’s sacred.

✨ Book Your Himalayan Odyssey with Sonakshi Travels ✨

Experience the spirit of Arunachal with Sonakshi Travels. We offer end-to-end customized tours with:

  • All permits & local guide support
  • Handpicked stays & food experiences
  • Safe vehicles & altitude-prepped itineraries

📦 Featured Packages:

  • 🍽️ Taste the Delta — Savor Local Flavors in Every Sundarban Tour Package!
    Enjoy fresh catches and traditional Bengali meals in the wild.

  • 🧭 Every Sundarban Tour is an expedition—where GPS fails but instinct and local knowledge thrive

📞 WhatsApp for details: +91 7980469744

Sonakshi Travels — Taking You Beyond the Map, Into the Story.