Road Trip To Tawang via Kalaktang-An Offbeat Route
Tawang is both historically and naturally endowed. It is located at a distance of 183 Kms from Bomdila and is situated at an altitude of 3500 metres above sea level. It’s not only a natural paradise it is a unique combination of Buddhist culture and Tibetan heritage. The road trip to Tawang from Guwahati is a destination itself which passes through gorgeous hills, lively deodorant forests and sprawling rivers.
Tawang Monastery is one of the most historical places in India to visit, making the journey up to the far NE India well worth your time.
Roads-
There are two roads to reach Tawang from Guwahati, One is via Tezpur, Nameri, Bomdila, Dirang. And another is via Guwahati, Mangaldoi, Rowta, Orang/Bhairabkunda, Kalaktang, Shergaon, Rupa, Bomdila, Dirang. The road trip to Tawang is the most thrilling experience where you have to overcome uncertain weather conditions, unpredictable road. This is one of the most scenic road trips in entire India.
Route 1-Guwahati to Tawang Road Trip Route (via Kalaktang)- Distance: 457 kilometres
Guwahati → Mangaldai → Orang → Kalaktang → Shergaon → Rupa → Bomdila→ Tawang
The road to Bomdila via Kalaktang is in good shape. Very fewer people travelled by this road. This road was constructed recently and is known as Trans Himalayan Highway.
Route 2-Guwahati to Tawang Road Trip Route (via Bhalukpong)- Distance: 509 kilometres
This is the most popular route for traveller, this road goes to via Tezpur & Nameri Tiger reserve. After Nameri the fascinating Kameng river accompanies you. Though construction is going on in this road still some part have bumpy stretches.
Guwahati→ Tezpur → Nameri → Bhalukpong → Bomdila → Dirang → Tawang
How’s the Tawang weather?
The reason people come in the cold months of Nov-March is because the other months have monsoon rain. It is COLD. You have to plan ahead and pack properly! It was -2 celsius at night in November.
Eateries Locations in Guwahati – Tawang Road Trip
Very few eateries or roadside Dhabas are available on the road. So it’s better to have early lunch or pack your food in the hotel. A few roadside stalls are available along the road, which offers delicious Momo, Maggi or Roti Sabji etc. If you miss the roadside Dhabas, Indian Army canteen is your last rescue. One such canteen is available in the Sela Pass and Jaswant Garh. Stock up water as much as possible and drink enough water to keep yourself away from dehydration.
Suggested Itinerary-
DAY 01 : GUWAHATI – BHALUKPONG (ABOUT 230 KMS/5-6 HRS)
After arrival at Guwahati transfer to Bhalukpong. Night stay.
DAY 02 : BHALUKPONG – DIRANG (ABOUT 135 KMS/ 05 HRS)
After Breakfst Transfer to Dirang ,Enroute visit Asia’s second largest Orchidarium at Tipi where one can have a quick look over 7500 orchids from a collection of about 300 species. On arrival in Bomdila, check in at your hotel for overnight. If time permits visit Bomdila Monastery.
DAY 03 :DIRANG – TAWANG (ABOUT 165 KMS/ 06 HRS
After breakfast drive to Tawang, en-route stop over at Sella Pass (13,700 ft) to enjoy the area. Arrive Tawang and transfer to your hotel. If time permits visit the local market area. Overnight in Tawang.
DAY 04 :TAWANG
After breakfast visit of 400 years (17th century) old Tawang Monasterywhich is the second largest monastery in the world after Potala Palace in Tibet. The building is about 113 feet longand 80 feet wide and houses valuable antiquities, books and manuscripts-handwritten and printed. Later visit Tawang War Memorial, a 40 foot high multi-hued memorial, has a structure constructed in stupa design. Dedicated to the martyrs of Sino-Indo War held in 1962, this memorial is nestled among beautiful peaks, which overlooks the Tawang-Chu valley. Rest of the day free to stroll round the streets of the town. Overnight in Tawang.
DAY 05 : TAWANG – BOMDILA – (ABOUT 187 KMS/ 07 HRS)
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Bomdila and check in at your hotel. Afternoon sightseeing in and around Bomdila. Overnight at Bomdila.
DAY 06 : BOMDILA – GUWAHATI ( ABOUT 07 HRS)
After breakfast drive to Guwahati. Night stay at Guwahati
DAY 07 : TRANSFER
Early morning visit Kamakhya Temple. Later transfer Guwahati Railway Station
Trip Essentials for Guwahati–Tawang Road Trip
- Enough water bottle to keep you dehydrated
- Bring some packed food since food joints may not available in some stretch
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Battery Pack
- DSLR
- Cash
- Documents and IDs
- Inner Line Permit.
