Monpa Trail
An enjoyable trek through the pristine landscapes of West Arunachal with cultural immersions among the local Monpa tribe
Snapshot
- Best Season: October – May
- Region: Arunachal Pradesh
- Duration: 10 days
- Activity: Adventure, Nature
- Grade: Easy
Arunachal Pradesh is an adventure that is every explorer’s dream! Remote valleys covered in lush green forests that can be only reached on foot, snow-capped mountains glistening under the sun, gushing rivers carving deep gorges. Arunachal’s rugged beauty is sure to charm you like no other.
The region west of the Kameng River, which includes Bomdila and Tawang, is popularly referred to as West Arunachal. This part of Arunachal is mainly dominated by the Monpas, a benevolent Buddhist tribe, residing in one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes.
From trekking through dense temperate forests and admiring glorious views of Gorichen peak, the highest mountain in Arunachal, to exchanging stories with the local villagers, over hot cups of tea and laughter- there are endless discoveries of the mystic mountains and its forests, culture and life to be made on this trip.
All in all this trip is an ideal mix of adventure and culture set in the most scenic landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Trek in the remote and pristine landscapes of West Arunachal Pradesh
- Learn about the culture of the Monpa tribe
- Enjoy panoramic views of Arunachal’ highest mountains
- Visit Tawang, one of the largest Buddhist monastery in the world
- Drive to some of the most picturesque glacial lakes in Eastern Himalayas
Day 1: Guwahati to Bhalukpong 223 kms; Drive time: 6 hours
Pickup from Guwahati airport and drive to Bhalukpong. O/n at Prahsanti Tourist Cottages
Day 2: Bhalukpong to Dirang 199 kms; Drive time: 5 hours
From Bhalukpong our road winds up the Kameng river, passing through thick forests and open valleys till your reach Dirang . On the way we visit the Tipi Orchid Centre. O/n at Hotel Pemaling or similar
Day 3: Dirang – Thembang – Lagam 7 kms; Trek: 6 hours
After an early breakfast commence our one hour scenic drive to the historic village of Thembang. Walk around this Monpa village learning about its rich history and association with the Tibetan kings of yore.
From here starts our 6 hour trek to the village of Lagam. Initially the route descends down to Semnak village, from where a steep climb through virgin temperate forests gets you to Lagam village. O/n in tents
Day 4: Lagam to Chander 12 kms; Trek: 6 hours
In the morning walk through the village and interact with the villagers to get a glimpse of their life. Post breakfast continue climbing through mixed temperate forests teeming with a variety of flora & fauna. The forest would be teeming with birds, giving us an opportunity to see avian beauties like Grandla, Chestnut tailed Minla, Blue headed Rock Thrush, and Bullfinch. O/n in tents
Day 5: Chander to Sangti 14 kms; Trek: 6 hours
Weather permiting we will get some grand views of the Gorichen mountain from this camp. This majestic mountains is the highest one in Arunachal.
Our last day’s walk will take us through an open landscape of fields and small hillocks which we will cross over to enter into the fabled Sangti Valley. This picture perfect valley seems like a place straight out of fairy tales. Its serenity accentuated by the lazy meandering of the Sangti river through the broad open valley, patched with golden paddy fields and slender pines. Typical stone houses built by the Monpas lend a very special charm to this place.
From here we drive back to Dirang. O/n at Hotel Pemaling or similar
Day 6: Dirang to Tawang 128 kms; Drive time: 6 hours
Commence the most scenic drive of your trip early in the morning. Our road keeps climbing up all the way till Sela pass offering some grand panoramas of the region. Take a brief halt at the 14,000 foot Sela pass, admiring the beautiful lake and its surroundings. On the way stop at Jung waterfalls. O/n at Dolma Khangsar Guesthouse or similar
Day 7: Tawang
The higher reaches of Tawang have many glacial lakes , some of which we will visit. Drive to PT Tso lake and Sangetsar lake also popularly referred to as Madhuri lake, en route we will also visit Nagula and several other small lakes .
In the afternoon visit the grand Tawang monastery . This monastery built in the 17th century by Merak Lama is one of the largest in the world. O/n at Dolma Khangsar Guesthouse or similar
Day 8: Tawang to Bomdila 170 kms; Drive Time: 7.5 hours
Commence our return journey by driving back to Bomdila, on the way visit the War Memorial where we will learn about the 1962 war with China. .
In Bomdila we will stay at Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Lling giving us an opportunity to interact with the monks. O/n at Doe-Gu-Khil guesthouse
Day 9: Bomdila to Nameri 121 kms; Drive Time: 4 hours
Today we finally return back to the plains of Assam, bringing to an end a memorable trip. Unwind yourself in the lap of nature at Nameri National Park . O/n at Nameri Eco camp or similar
Day 10: Nameri to Guwahati 224 kms; Drive time: 5.5 hours
Drop to Guwahati airport. Participants are suggested to book flights departing after 3 pm
Included
- Entire logistics for the trek
- Accommmodation on a twin sharing basis
- Transportation using a Sumo or similar vehicle
- All meals starting from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10
- Permits for Arunachal Pradesh
Not Included
- Flights to and fro Guwahati
- Rescue / medical charges in case needed due to any ailment and/or accidents
- GST
- Extra stay & meals due to bad weather conditions or strikes, resulting in delay of flights or any other form of transport
- Tips, soft drink charges, table drinks, laundry, cigarettes, telephone expenses, and liquor charges
- Any other costs not mentioned in the "Included" section above
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