Our trek, negotiating six passes, traverses through mixed sub-tropical coniferous forests, high grasslands, Juniper, Rhododendrons and desolate high Himalayan pastures while providing breathtaking views of the great peaks on the Tibet frontier. We also see quaint Monpa villages and the Tawang Monastery while interacting with locals there.
Our tour starts from Guwahati Airport in Assam. The modern highway which connects the Brahmaputra Valley to Tawang (3048m) encounters three ridges, all of them running roughly West to East. Of these the most formidable is the Sela Ridge rising up to 4900 meters and crossed by the highway via the Sela pass at 4267 meters, Towards the North and the East beyond Tawang the mountains ridges rise up to the Himalayan watershed enclosing Tawang in a horseshoe, marked by the peaks of Gori Chen at 6500 meters from one side and Kangdo at 7090 meters from the other.In ancient days to cross over the Himalayan watershed from Tibet over the Tukung-la pass the traders traveled along a different route. Descending down the head waters of the Tawang Chhu River they crossed the Sela ridge along a yak trail, with their caravans of wool, skins, precious stones and yak butter to reach the barter markets in Assam. Here they exchanged their loads for salt, tea, cloth, and other commodities. This route was first explored by British surveyors led by F.M. Bailey in 1913 - and came to be called ‘The Bailey Trail’. In 1962 the Chinese army used this route to strike deep into Arunachal Pradesh.
Our trek starts from the Dirang River Valley at Chander at an elevation of 2530m. Over seven days it follows the “Bailey trail” to cross the 4550 high Tse la Pass and then diverts along the general alignment of the massive Sela Ridge, making its way through a series of interlocking valleys connected through several passes to reach the highway at the Sela pass. The route traverses through river valleys, quaint Monpa villages and desolate high Himalayan pastures, passing through a fascinating mix of terrain - mixed sub-tropical forests, coniferous forests of pine, fir, oak, and chestnut grasslands, Juniper and Rhododendrons.
There are lovely Alpine lakes and breathtaking views of Gori Chen and Kangdo peaks. From the Se la pass we drive to Tawang for a two- nights visit taking in the Tawang Monastery and to spend time exploring other sights around Tawang. Thereafter, we drive back over the Sela pass to the lovely Dirang Valley to stay for 2 nights, allowing us one full day to see the sights. Finally we take two days to return to Guwahati, driving along the highway crossing over Bomdi la pass with an overnight halt at Tezpur.
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
Upon arrival at the International airport of Delhi and the traditional welcome, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight Hotel
Delhi – Guwahati (By Flight) – Tezpur (180 kms;4-5 hrs). Transfer to airport to board the flight for Guwahati. Upon arrival, drive straight to Tezpur (Assam). Overnight Hotel
Tezpur – Dirang (1500m 97 kms; 3-4 hrs) via Bomdila. This morning drive to Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh), en-route visit orchid research center at Tipi (Bhalukpong). Overnight Hotel
Dirang – Chander (2530m;2 hrs drive) and Trek to Tungri (3100m;4-5hrs). Two-hour drive to Chander. Start trek and walk for 4-5 hours to the camp at a yak pasture. Overnight Camp
Tungri - Chang la (3650m;5-6hrs). Hard trek today through the forests. Enjoy superb views of Sela range after going up Chan La. Overnight Camp
Chang la – Potak (4200m;4-5hrs). Not a hard trek to Potak, but the walk is a long one through coniferous forests all the way to the next camp. Overnight Camp
Potak – Tse la (4550m) – Lortum (4100m ; 5-6hrs). Walk uphill again for 3 hrs to Tse la. Enjoy breathtaking views of Sela ridge and Gorichen and Kangdo peaks. Downhill for 2 hrs to the camp. Overnight Camp
Lortum - to Luguthang (4500m;8-9hrs). Long and strenuous walk to Khokar la. Then downhill and uphill to the next camp at Luguthang. . Overnight Camp
Luguthang - Tsonai (4500m;8-9hrs). Another challenging, long and hard day as two major high passes are crossed today walking at average altitude of 4500 mts. Overnight Camp
Tsonai - Se la, (4267m ;2-3hrs walk). Drive Se la to Tawang (3048m ; 1hr). Enjoy short walk and the lovey views of some great peaks. Uphill to Kya La and downhill to Se La.. Take jeeps for a drive to Tawang. Overnight Hotel
Tawang sightseeing. Visit 350-year old Tawang Monastery. Afternoon participate in a local cultural program of songs and dance. Overnight Hotel
Tawang – Dirang (drive 4-5 hrs) Visit Buddhist nunnery, crafts center, and Urgelling Monastery dating back to 1489. Later also visit the Seru Monpa village. Afternoon drive back to Dirang. Overnight Hotel
Dirang sightseeing Visit Sangti Valley, Yak Research centre, Dirang Dzong and Monpa heritage village. Overnight Hotel
Dirang to Tezpur (215kms;6-7 hrs) Today in the morning drive back to Tezpur, 215 kms in about six to seven hours. Overnight in hotel. Overnight Hotel
Tezpur – Guwahati (185 kms;4-5 hrs) – Delhi (By Flight). Transfer to airport for early morning flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and relax for the rest of the day. Overnight Hotel
Tour Concludes. Today get a transfer to the international airport of Delhi to board flights to respective destinations.
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
Suitable for families with young children
Highest Point (Max altitude)
Tse la (4550m)
Fitness Grade
Depending on the region, some trips often fall between two grades with a mix of terrain and comfort levels. These are marked as mixed or split grades for more specific classification.
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