Places to Visit: Guwahati – Bomdila – Tawang – Nameri Rising from the tropically lush valley of the Brahmaputra river, the serred ridges and peaks of the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh stand vigilant over one of the mosy compelling holiday destinations in India.
Arrive Guwahati
Meeting upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit Kamakhya Temple: The Kamakhya Temple dominates the life of Guwahati, as much as does the great Brahmaputra River. The temple, situated high aloft a hill called Neelachal Parbat or Kamagiri in the city of Guwahati is one of its several religious landmarks, which speaks volumes about the rich historical treasure over which the state of Assam is seated. The Kamakhya Temple had been built in reverence to Goddess Kamakhya or Sati, who was one of the numerous incarnations of Goddess Durga or Goddess Shakti. Bashista Ashram: Dating back to the time when the great sage Vashista visited this spot on confluence of the Sandhya, Lalita and Kanta stream, and set up his ashram here. Shankardev Kalakshetra: a place where Assamese history and culture is depicted in a sprawling open enclosure Evening enjoy River Cruise: A River Cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra is a wonderful opportunity to get a feel of this legendry river. Overnight at hotel.
Guwahati / Bomdila(342 kms, 7hrs drive)
Morning after an early breakfast depart for Bomdila by the same vehicle. En route visit Bhalukpong: Situated on the Assam-Arunachal border, 250 kms from Guwahati, Bhalukpong is another picturesque spot for angling and leisurely picnics. Tipi: An Orchidarium at Tipi (5 kms from Bhalukpong) is the Botanical paradise of the state. About 300 specis can be seen in the flora – glass house. Some of them are rare and endangered species. By the side of the glass house there is an orchid museum too. Arrive Bomdila and check in at hotel. Bomdila: At a height of 8500 ft, Bomdila is the headquarter of West Kameng District, the land of the Monpa, Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Miji and Bogun (7. Khawas) tribes. Later Visit craft center, where very fine wooden carpets of colourful designs and Masks are produced, Buddhists Monasteries, Ethnographic Museum and shopping center. Bomdila also offers a Bird’s eye view of Kangto and Gorichen peaks (highest peaks in the state) amidst the Himalayan landscape and snow clad ranges. Overnight at hotel.
Bomdila / Tawang(180 kms, 5hrs drive with stop)
Morning after breakfast ddepart by car for Tawang. En route visit Jaswant Garh: 14 km from Sela Pass the war memorial raised to pay homage to Jaswant Singh, Mahavir Chakra awardee of 4 Batallion Garhwal Rifles is a place where patriotic emotions of all Indians find a natural expression. Sela Pass: One of the world’s highest pass at 13714 ft. Height, which runs through a small ridge and along the paradise lake. Dirang: It is a small hill resort which is famous for the breathtaking views of the snowy Himalayan ranges and its orange farms. Arrive Tawang and check in at hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Tawang
Morning after breakfast explore Tawang, visiting Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhaste: Popularly known as the Tawang or Gompa Monastery, is a 400 years old Mahayana Sect Buddhist Monastery. It was built during the 17th century AD by Mera Lama, a contemporary of the 5th Lama. It is situated at a height of 3500 near the Buddhist border. It is a place worth paying a visit because of the collection of huge scriptures, books, gold lettered Buddhist scriptures, images and tapestries. The Parkhang Hall of the monastery has the library with the rare hand-written and block-painted thank as or manuscripts of revered books like Tangun, Kangyur and Sungbhum. The 108 gold-embossed manuscripts of the 'Teaching of Lord Buddha' and 225 volumes of the explanations of Buddha's teachings covered with specially designed moth - proof silk adorned with paintings are the other rare works of Buddhist literature. The18 ft high gilded statue of the Buddha in the monastery complex is also worth watching. The festival of Torgya is held in the 11th Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah in the Tawang Monastery. A Craft Center here produces fine woolen carpets in various colorful designs. Urqelling Monastery is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama who is the only Indian to have risen to such a high position in Gelupka Sect of Buddhism so far. These monasteries along with several other monasteries and nunneries are visited by several tourist from all over the world all the year round. The Craft Center: The craft center in Tawang sells beautiful masks, hand woven carpets, jewellery in silver, coral and amber, ‘chubas’ the local dressand delightful affordable mementos. Rest of the time free to explore the town by your own. Overnight at hotel.
Tawang / Nameri(320 kms, 6 1/2hrs drive)
Morning After an early breakfast drive to Nameri National Park, into the plains of Assam. Nameri National Park is one of the two rain forest we have in north East. Now it comes under the “Project Tiger” operated by Govt. of India. Sighting of wild animals is difficult but the place has over 350 species of birds. Known to be a good place to sight the White-winged Wood Duck, pax can view Ibisbill (uncommon), Ruddy Kingfisher, Wreathed hornbill, Long-billed Ringed Plover, Sultan Tit, and Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantails. Arrive and check in at Eco Camp. Rest of the time free at leisure Overnight at hotel.
Nameri / Tezpur / Guwahati(255 kms, 4 1/2 hrs drive)
Early morning go for bird watching at Nameri National park and rain forest. Later return to camp for breakfast. Afternoon visit : Tezpur: “The city of blood” (as a result of the great mythological war faught between Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva), Tezpur is 174 kms away from Guwahati. The remains of 5th – 6th century stone temples have been discovered in nearby Da Parbatia. Later drive to Guwahati. Arrive Guwahati and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Guwahati / Depart
Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport / railway station for the onward destination. Tour ends.