18-Day Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary – Tawang and Ziro Family Road Trip

Every road trip we take feels like a new chapter in our travel story. After successfully completing our 15 Days Spiti Valley road trip in May 2024, we knew we were ready for even longer drives. But the big question was, where next? We had so many destination on our minds… Ladakh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal, and even Kashmir. After months of discussion, we finally locked in Arunachal and started planning our Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary!

There were also endless back-and-forths, last-minute doubts, and dramatic change-of-heart moments! In our home, choosing a destination is not as simple as pointing at a map, it’s a full-fledged debate, with arguments, counterarguments, and occasional cold wars. But in the end, Arunachal won. And now, looking back, I can confidently say, it was the best decision ever!

As some of you know, I’ve been sharing our Arunachal Pradesh vlogs on YouTube, and I think it’s finally time to put together our complete itinerary on the blog! I’ve been getting so many DMs on Instagram and even emails asking for trip details, so it makes sense to document everything here. So, here’s our complete Arunachal Pradesh itinerary for you!

Why We Chose Arunachal Pradesh?

Honestly, I didn’t want to go to Arunachal Pradesh. Sumit, on the other hand, had been obsessed with it ever since we started discussing our next trip. At that time, I hadn’t seen a single video or read any post about Arunachal, so I had no idea what to expect. For some reason, I imagined it to be hot, humid, and mostly plains with dense jungles. Not exactly what I was looking for! I was craving for mountains, crisp air, and breathtaking views.

So, we almost ruled out Arunachal and started planning for Sikkim instead.

We spent two full days finalizing our itinerary when we found out that Sikkim’s roads were in terrible shape due to heavy rains. Just to be sure, we reached out to a local homestay owner, and he confirmed that driving there would be tough. Plan cancelled.

I was a little disappointed until, out of nowhere, I stumbled upon a travel video about Arunachal Pradesh. And just like that, I fell in love with this beautiful North-eastern state.

This trip was not just about the drive or stunning views anymore. It was about venturing into one of India’s least explored states, experiencing its raw beauty, and meeting the incredible people who call it home.

Planning Arunachal Road Trip

While researching, we found out that Arunachal has 14 unique tourist circuits, each offering something completely different, be it culture, landscapes, or local experiences. Since we had about 15-20 days, we decided to explore the Tawang and Ziro Circuit. These are two of the most stunning and well-known regions of Arunachal.

These circuits are not only close to each other but also among the most popular. The other circuits are still offbeat and less explored, so we decided to play it safe for this trip.

We planned this road trip in October 2024, during the Dusshera holidays. The land of the rising sun, unexplored valleys, and mystical monasteries was calling us! So, we packed our bags, fueled up our car, and set off on an 18-day advebture covering both Tawang and Ziro.

Whether you’re driving from Bangalore like us, flying in and hiring a cab at Guwahati, or renting a self-drive car, this Arunachal Pradesh itinerary will help you plan an epic trip.

The Ultimate Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary & Guide

We love road trips but hate rigid plans. So, for this 18-day adventure, we didn’t pre-book hotels or stick to a strict itinerary. But one thing we were sure about was covering Bangalore to Siliguri/Tezpur as quickly as possible, since it was just the driving stretch. So, we pushed through long hours on the road, driving about 14-15 hours each day.

Now, if you are not crazy about road trips or such long drives, it’s better to fly to Assam (Guwahati or Tezpur) and hire a cab from there. Or, if you love road trips but can’t drive such long distances with family, or if you are short on days, it’s a good idea to book a self-drive rental from Arunachal itself.

We even thought about transporting our car via a trailer truck, but the cost was too high, so we dropped that idea. So, weigh your options and pick the one that suits your family and travel style best.

Now, let’s begin with the itinerary.

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Day 1: Bangalore to Rajamahendravaram, AP | 817 km | 14 hrs

It was a long long drive of about 14 hours. However, the roads were in good condition so the drive was quite smooth. Initially, we had planned to go till Vijayawada but had a few hours in hand before it turned dark, so we went till Rajamundry.

• Drive Highlights: Long but smooth highway drive with decent food stops along the way.
• Stay: La Hospin (INR 3,500 with breakfast)

Day 2: Rajamahendravaram, AP to Balasore, Odisha | 817 Km | 15-16 hrs

• Drive Highlights: Smooth roads, great highways, but speed cameras everywhere. Extreme truck traffic.

• Stay: NOCCI Residency (INR 2,800 with breakfast)
• Decent, clean, comfortable, just what we needed after a tiring drive.

Day 3: Balasore, Odisha to Kanki, WB | 709 Km | 14 hrs 

• Drive Highlights: Toughest day so far! Extremely tiring, bad roads, unbearable traffic.

• Stay: Kanika Dham Lords Inn (INR 3,500 with breakfast)

During the later part of the day, we were driving along the Bihar border and the deserted roads and multiple police vehicles all along the route scared us a lot. The presence of police was a sign that the route was not safe at night.

Day 4: Kanki, WB to Udalguri, Assam | 576 Km | 16 hrs 

• Drive Highlights: Got stuck in traffic at Assam border. Bad road condition, rough patches on the road before Siliguri.

• Stay: Hotel DJ Tower (INR 2,000) – Not a great stay, and no breakfast.

Entering Arunachal Pradesh

Our journey into Arunachal Pradesh began on Day 5, marking the real start of our much-anticipated Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.

There are two main entry points into Arunachal from Assam:

1. Balemu Check Post (closer for those coming from Udalguri).

2. Bhalukpong Check Post (preferred for those coming from Tezpur; better road conditions).

We entered through Balemu as it was more convenient for us.

Day 5: Udalguri, Assam to Shergaon, AR | 110 Km | 7 hrs 

Finally, we entered Arunachal Pradesh. The border was just a 30 min drive from Udalguri, Assam. Since it was raining continuously, the roads were in bad condition. We got to know that the Bhutan border was just a few kilometers from the check post. So, we decided to cross over and visited a famous hanging bridge and viewpoint.

Check out the video below to know all the details regarding what all documents you need to enter Bhutan.

After spending some time in Bhutan, we began our onward journey and chose Shergaon to spend the night.

• Stay: The Willow Resort (INR 4,000) – Beautiful location but food was disappointing.

If you have time, spend more time exploring Shergaon. It’s a beautiful, unexplored town with so much to offer to its visitors.

Day 6: Shergaon to Sangti Valley | 85 Km | 2-3 hrs 

Our plan was to reach Tawang by evening, but travel has its own surprises! When we reached Dirang, we saw the roads were a mess-landslides, mud, and slippery stretches everywhere. Still hopeful, we moved ahead, only to be stopped by another landslide. With no choice but to change plans, we decided to stay in the peaceful Sangti Valley which is just 10 km from Dirang.

Traveling with kids? Flexibility is key! Unexpected situations are bound to happen, and adapting to changes is the best way to travel stress-free with kids.

On the bright side, we got to have lunch at an army cafeteria in Sapper near Dirang, an amazing experience amidst all the chaos!

• Stay: Lanjom Homestay (INR 3,000 without breakfast) – Beautiful place beside the river.
• Visit the famous Sheep Farm and Kiwi Orchards in Sangti.

Just like Shergaon, Sangti Valley is a hidden gem. If time permits, spend at least 2 nights at this beautiful paradise.

Day 7: Sangti Valley to Tawang | 140 Km | 4-5 hrs 

Our plan was to leave Sangti Valley early morning, have breakfast in Sapper, and reach Tawang before lunchtime. But nature had other plans! It rained all night, and just a few minutes after starting from Sangti, we hit a landslide blocking the road. Instead of waiting, we decided to take a detour to Dirang Monastery.

• Stay: TYK Hotel (INR 3,000 with breakfast) – Decent hotel with great food.

The second half of the day was quite an adventure as we decided to take a detour via a local village road running along the Dirang river. The drive along the raging river was extremely scary but gave another level of adrenaline rush. We reached Tawang quite late at night, exhausted but excited for the days ahead.

Day 8: Exploring Tawang 

Our plan for the day was simple. Apply for the Bumla Pass Permit at the DC office, get it stamped at the Brigade Headquarters and keep it ready for the next day. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Tawang.

We tried handling the permit ourselves instead of relying on agents, which meant hours of running around, but we finally got it! We really wanted to understand the process so that we could share it with other enthusiastic travelers like us.

I will soon share the video, explaining the complete process.

• Stay: Cheodar Homestay (INR 2,000 without breakfast) – Basic stay but wonderful hosts and good food.
• Visited Pangateng Tso Lake (PT Tso Lake) & Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake).
• Arranged Bumla Pass Permit.
• Had yummy local food at Giant Buddha Temple.
• Tip: Get your permits arranged by your hotel if you don’t want the hassle.

If you’re a vegetarian and wondering what to eat in Arunachal, check out my post on Vegetarian Local Dishes to Try in Arunachal Pradesh for some great recommendations!

Day 9: Tawang to Zemithang via Bumla Pass | 93 Km | 4 hrs

We started early for Bumla Pass, and the moment we hit the route, we were spellbound! The scenery was surreal, with colors we had never seen before in a landscape. It felt straight out of a fairytale, pristine blue lakes reflecting the sky, golden-brown-red mountains, and vast open stretches with no sign of civilization. It felt as if we had stepped into a different world.

If you love capturing travel memories, this is the perfect place to do it. You may check out my post on Easy Ways to Get Good Pictures Every Time You Travel! for some useful tips.

We decided to go to Zemithang from Bumla and stay there for the night. It’s the ‘Last Village’ of Arunachal Pradesh along the Indo-China border, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

• Stay: Pangchen Homestay (INR 2,500 with breakfast) – Warm hospitality, nice stay.
• Covered Bumla Pass (15,200 ft) & Gurudwara Teesri Udasi.
• Tip: Have enough time in hand to soak in the beauty of Bumla Pass. Visiting Bumla Pass & Gurudwara was a highlight of our Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.

Also, this unexpected detour to Zemithang became one of the most special parts of our trip. If you love offbeat places, this village should be on your list!

Stay in Tawang for at least 3-4 days, if possible.

Day 10: Exploring Zemithang & back to Tawang (Kitpi Village) | 70 Km | 3 hrs

After a hearty breakfast, we explored Zemithang and attended a peaceful morning prayer at a local monastery, a truly special experience. By afternoon, we left for Kitpi village, a small village near Tawang.

• Stay: Kitpi Kee Homestay (INR 3,000) – Best stay of the trip! Exceptional hospitality, tried homemade rice wine.
• Visited the Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa and many hanging bridges. Attended a special prayer at Guru Padmasambhaba Monastery.
• Tip: Spend at least two days in Zemithang to soak in its serene beauty and rich culture.

Day 11: Kitpi Village (Tawang) to Bomdila | 174 Km | 5 hrs

We started early, making a quick stop at Chagzam Bridge, a stunning 15th-century iron suspension bridge. After returning to our homestay for breakfast, we visited the Tawang Monastery & Tawang Market. Later, we set off towards Bomdila, stopping at the breathtaking Nuranang Falls, a towering 100m waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. We also crossed the Sela Pass and enjoyed some time at Sela Lake.

• Stay: Monshing Homestay (INR 2,500 without breakfast) – Basic stay.
• Visited the Chagzam Bridge (a true engineering marvel), Nuranang Falls (also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls), Tawang Monastery, Tawang Market, Sela Pass (13,700 ft) and Sela Lake.

You may also check: 7-Day South Goa Itinerary!

Short Itinerary – Tawang Circuit (10 Nights)

Day 1 – Tezpur/Guwahati to Shergaon (2N).
Day 2 – Explore Shergaon.
Day 3 – Shergaon to Tawang (3N) – Explore Tawang Market.
Day 4 – Bumla Pass, Gurudwara Teesri Udasi, Madhuri Lake, PT TSo Lake.
Day 5 – Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, Giant Buddha Statue.
Day 6 – Tawang to Zemithng (2N) – Explore Zemithang.
Day 7 – Explore Zemithang (Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa, Guru Padmasambhaba Monastery, Gorsam Chorten Buddhist stupa, Hanging Bridges.
Day 8 – Zemithang to Kitpi Village (1N) – Day at Leisure.
Day 9 – Kitpi Village to Sangti Valley via Sela Pass (2N) – Visit Chagzam Bridge, Jang Falls, Jaswantgarh War Memorial, Sela Lake.
Day 10 – Explore Sangti Valley – Visit Sheep Farm, Apple and Kiwi Orchards.
Day 11 – Sangti Valley to Tezpur/Guwahati – Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery.

Note: If you’re only doing the Tawang Circuit, you can start your return journey from here. But if you have more time, continue to explore the Ziro Circuit like we did!

Day 12: Bomdila to Ziro | 362 Km | 8 hrs

It’s a long, tiring drive through scenic but challenging roads. We reached Ziro late in the evening amidst light rain. Instead of heading out, we kept it simple, cooked Maggi and tea at our homestay and called it an early night.

• Stay: AMI Homestay (INR 2,000) – Basic stay with a private kitchen. Perfect for groups.

Day 13: Ziro to Tezpur | 236 Km | 6 hrs

Ziro was a cultural delight! We visited an Apatani home, where locals welcomed us warmly, sharing their traditions and food.

• Stay: KRC Palace (INR 3,700 without breakfast)
• Explored Ziro, visited Pamu Yalang, Shree Sidheshwar Nath Temple.
• If time allows, visit Ziro Point & Koloriang.

Short Ziro Itinerary – 3 Nights

Day 11- Sangti Valley to Bomdila (1N) – Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery.
Day 12 – Bomdila to Ziro (2N)
Day 13 – Explore Ziro – Pamu Yalang, Shree Sidheshwar Nath Temple, Paddy Fields, Ziro Point & Koloriang.
Day 14 – Ziro to Tezpur/Guwahati

Day 14: Tezpur to West Bengal | 637 Km | 14-15 hrs 

A long and tiring day on the road. We retraced our route and checked into the same hotel for the night.

• Stay: Kanika Dham Lords Inn (INR 3,500 with packed breakfast)

If you are craving a beach holiday, you may check this Lakshadweep Travel Guide for Families!

Day 15: West Bengal to Mirzapur | 700 Km | 14-15 hrs 

Instead of taking the Kolkata route, we explored an alternate path, making the long drive slightly more interesting.

• Stay: Konark Grand (INR 4,400 with packed breakfast) – Comfortable stay.
• Tip: Better to stay in Varanasi, if you can find budget-friendly options.

Day 16: Mirzapur to Nagpur | 667 Km | 12-13 hrs 

• Stay: Spring Dale (INR 3,200 without breakfast) – Simple stay.

Day 17: Nagpur to Hyderabad/Bangalore | 533 Km | 10-11 hrs

We decided to take a break in Hyderabad for a comfortable end to our rugged trip. If you’re up for it, you can drive straight to Bangalore instead.

• Stay: Lemon Tree Hitech City (INR 6,700) – Super comfortable stay and great food.

Day 18: Hyderabad to Bangalore | 575 Km | 8-10 hrs 

The final leg of our journey! We took it easy, enjoying the smooth highways, reminiscing about the past 18 days of adventure before finally reaching home.

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This 18-day road trip was an experience of a lifetime! From breathtaking landscapes to heartwarming local hospitality, Arunachal Pradesh has left an unforgettable mark on us. If you’re planning a similar journey, I hope this Arunachal Pradesh itinerary helps you! Feel free to tweak it based on your travel style and time constraints.

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube vlogs for detailed insights into each destination!

Happy travels!

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This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

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