11D - Arunachal Pradesh odyssey

Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

After breakfast transfer to the airport, board your scheduled flight to Itanagar, Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi. On arriving in the capital of Arunacha Pradeshtransfer to the hotel for check in.Itanagar is the vibrant capital of Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Known for its rich tribal culture and lush landscapes. The city seamlessly blends ancient history with modern civic life.After freshening up transfer to visit Gompa Buddhist Temple - the best spot in the city is the Gompa Buddhist Temple (also known as Siddharth Vihara). Perched on a hillock overlooking the town, it features a golden pagoda roof, a white stupa, and a small cafe. It is highly recommended to visit late in the afternoon to catch the sunset and panoramic views of the valley before the temple closes. On completion return back to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay at Itanagar.

After an early breakfast, check out and start with your land journey from Itanagar to Bhalukpong, the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh. Spend your afternoon relaxing by the Jia Bharali River or visit the Tipi Orchidarium, which houses over 500 species of orchids. On arrival check in to the hotel.Bhalukpong is a scenic gateway town in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, perched at an elevation of 213 meters above mean sea level. Situated along the rushing Kameng River, it is renowned for its lush, evergreen foothills, the Tipi Orchidarium (5 km away), and as a base for river rafting and angling. To explore this border region, you will need to secure an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh.

After a relaxed morning by the Kameng river, enjoy your breakfast and start with your scenic journey in to the Himalayan Foot hills. Today’s drive is going to bring you gradually ascending through the natural beauty of temperate western Kameng district. Dirang, a town in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district, is famous for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, rich Monpa tribal culture, and being the gateway to Tawang. It is a renowned base for trekking, birdwatching, and unique agricultural and historical sites. Reach Dirang and proceed with the visits of Dirang Hot Water Springs followed by Dirang Dzong (Fort). Located just a few kilometers from town, these sulfur-rich springs are believed to have therapeutic properties and are a popular spot for relaxing baths. Dirang Dzong, A historic 19th-century fort (locally called "JONG") built in 1831, offering insight into the heritage and administration of the local Monpa people. Evening at leisure in Dirang.

After breakfast check out of your hotel and proceed with your land journey to reach Tawang. It is perched on a vast slope of Himalayan mountainside. The scenic drive today is cruising through Dirang and gradually ascending up. Stop on the way to one of the highest motor able Pass of northeast India- the Sela Pass (13700 ft.). The approach to Sela is usually marked by fog and hilly imperfect roads. En-route we will also cover Nuranang waterfalls and Jaswant Garh War Memorial. Tawang is an ideal place to go for walks especially around the villages spread on the hill side below the main town. It has mostly been remembered in times of war (1962 Indo Chinese war).Tawang is a high-altitude town in Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated for the Tawang Monastery, India's largest and the world's second-largest Buddhist monastery. It is famous for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, the rich culture of the Monpa tribe, and as the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. Overnight at Tawang.

Have a relaxed morning at Tawang. After an easy morning enjoy your breakfast and enjoy your day at Tawang, a day to explore and experience the tranquility, serenity and possibilities of Tawang.Tawang, the beautiful land of the people of Monpa Tribe, is located in the Western most part of the state Arunachal Pradesh bordering China and Bhutan. The district is entirely located amongst the mighty Himalayas and has a rugged terrain with deep valleys and altitude ranging between 3,500 to 22,500 feet. Its snow-capped peaks, pleasant lakes, congenial climate, friendly and hospitable people continue to entice the people who visit. This magical land evokes images of awesome mountain views, remote hamlets, quaint and sleepy villages, magical Gompas, tranquil lakes and mesmerizing mountains. Tawang is believed to have derived its name from the Grandiose Tawang Monastery perched on the edge of the ridge running along the western part of Tawang Township. ‘Ta’ means Horse and ‘Wang’ means Chosen. As the legend goes the site of the present Monastery is believed to have been chosen by a horse owned by Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso who was on a search for an appropriate place to establish a Monastery but was unable to locate any appropriate site. So he finally decided to mediate for guidance. As he opened his eyes after prayer, he found his horse missing. So, wearily he went out searching for his horse and found it on the top of hill known as Tana Mandegang where once stood the palace of King Kala Wangpo. Believing it to be a good omen, Mera lama Lodre Gyatso decided to initiate work for building of the monastery with the help of the people. Overnight stay in Tawang.

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Have a beautiful morning and start your day with the spectacular land journey to the next destination of Ziro Valley. The day today seems the longest driving day of the trip but you will be able to see much more and the variety. The change in landscape, the people and the valley structures keep you awake while you cruise your way along. Reach Ziro after a long day and on arrival check in to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.Ziro Valley is a stunning, lush-green hill and it is the ancestral home of the Apatani tribe, famous for their sustainable wet rice cultivation. Known for their unique agricultural system where fish are bred in the same terraced fields as rice, avoiding the need for artificial fertilizers The valley is also highly celebrated for hosting the internationally acclaimed Ziro Festival of Music.

Whole day to explore the Ziro Valley. Discover the unique Apatani culture by visiting the villages of Hong, Hari, and Hija. Visit the Tarin Fish Farm and see the tall Shiva Lingam at Kardo Hills.Tucked away amid the forbidding yet breathtaking mountain-scape of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is one of Northeast India’s most captivating holiday destinations. Blessed with natural charm, sprawling rice terraces, quaint Apatani villages, pine-clad hills and mist-laden valleys, Ziro offers a rare blend of tranquillity, culture and adventure. Ziro is a lush green paradise and a haven for soul seekers, nature lovers, photographers and eco-tourists. Shortlisted in 2012 for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the valley is renowned for its unique paddy-cum-pisciculture system practised by the indigenous Apatani tribe which is an extraordinary example of sustainable living. Take your time to explore the valley and get back to your hotel for overnight stay.

Have a relaxed morning and after enjoying yourbreakfast start with your land journey to get back to Itanagar. It will comparatively be a short driving day and reach Itanagar during noon. After lunch visit the historic Ita Fort. Believed to have been built by the Chutiya (Sutiya) kings between 1350 and 1450 AD, the irregular fortress spans an estimated 16,200 cubic meters of brickwork and features three ancient gates. Its name translates to "fort of bricks" in Assamese. Located just 3-4 km from the city center, the hilltop site is free to visit and open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can opt to walk up to the Fort from the city center. Next is the visit of Jawahar Lal Nehru State Museum, is a premier ethnographic center. It offers a deep dive into the region's tribal heritage. Visitors can explore ancient archaeological finds and shop for authentic indigenous handicrafts at this cultural hub. On completion transfer to he hotel for overnight stay.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at Itanagar. Depending upon the time of your flight to Delhi, you can opt to have a late breakfast and explore the possibilities of last minute shopping.Itanagar is famous for authentic tribal handicrafts and traditional handlooms. Top souvenirs include intricately woven tribal shawls, cane and bamboo products (baskets, mats, and furniture), Tibetan Thangka paintings, and striking local wood carvings. In time transfer to board your scheduled flight to Delhi and connecting flight home sweet home.