Every road trip we take feels like a new chapter in our travel story. After successfully completing our 15 Days Spiti Valley road trip<\/a> 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\u2026 Ladakh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal, and even Kashmir. After months of discussion, we finally locked in Arunachal and started planning our Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary!<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n As some of you know, I\u2019ve been sharing our Arunachal Pradesh vlogs on YouTube<\/a>, and I think it\u2019s finally time to put together our complete itinerary on the blog! I\u2019ve been getting so many DMs on Instagram and even emails asking for trip details, so it makes sense to document everything here. So, here\u2019s our complete Arunachal Pradesh itinerary<\/strong> for you!<\/p>\n Honestly, I didn\u2019t 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n So, we almost ruled out Arunachal and started planning for Sikkim instead.<\/p>\n We spent two full days finalizing our itinerary when we found out that Sikkim\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This trip was not just about the drive or stunning views anymore. It was about venturing into one of India\u2019s least explored states, experiencing its raw beauty, and meeting the incredible people who call it home.<\/p>\n While researching, we found out that Arunachal has 14 unique tourist circuits<\/strong>, 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. <\/strong>These are two\u00a0of the most stunning and well-known regions of Arunachal.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n We love road trips but hate rigid plans. So, for this 18-day adventure, we didn\u2019t pre-book hotels or stick to a strict itinerary<\/strong>.\u00a0But 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.<\/p>\n Now, if you are not crazy about road trips or such long drives, it\u2019s better to fly to Assam (Guwahati or Tezpur) and hire a cab from there. Or, if you love road trips but can\u2019t drive such long distances with family, or if you are short on days, it\u2019s a good idea to book a self-drive rental from Arunachal itself.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 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.<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s begin with the itinerary.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Our journey into Arunachal Pradesh began on Day 5, marking the real start of our much-anticipated Arunachal Pradesh itinerary.<\/p>\n There are two main entry points <\/strong>into Arunachal from Assam:<\/p>\n Balemu Check Post<\/strong> (closer for those coming from Udalguri).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Bhalukpong Check Post<\/strong> (preferred for those coming from Tezpur; better road conditions).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n We entered through Balemu<\/strong> as it was more convenient for us.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Check out the video below to know all the details regarding what all documents you need to enter Bhutan.<\/p>\n After spending some time in Bhutan, we began our onward journey and chose Shergaon to spend the night.<\/p>\n If you have time, spend more time exploring Shergaon. It\u2019s a beautiful, unexplored town with so much to offer to its visitors.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n On the bright side, we got to have lunch at an army cafeteria in Sapper near Dirang, an amazing experience amidst all the chaos!<\/p>\n Just like Shergaon, Sangti Valley is a hidden gem. If time permits, spend at least 2 nights<\/strong> at this beautiful paradise.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The second half of the day was quite an adventure as we decided to take a detour via a local village road<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I will soon share the video, explaining the complete process.<\/p>\n Giant Buddha Statue, Tawang<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you\u2019re a vegetarian and wondering what to eat in Arunachal, check out my post on Vegetarian Local Dishes to Try in Arunachal Pradesh<\/a> for some great recommendations!<\/p>\n We started early for Bumla Pass<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n Bumla Pass<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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!<\/a> for some useful tips.<\/p>\n We decided to go to Zemithang from Bumla and stay there for the night. It\u2019s the \u2018Last Village\u2019<\/strong> of Arunachal Pradesh along the Indo-China border, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).<\/p>\n Teesri Udasi Gurudwara<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Also, this unexpected detour to Zemithang<\/strong> became one of the most special parts of our trip. If you love offbeat places<\/strong>, this village should be on your list!<\/p>\n Stay in Tawang for at least 3-4 days, if possible.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, a small village near Tawang.<\/p>\n Hanging Bridge to Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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, <\/strong>a towering 100m waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. We also crossed the Sela Pass and enjoyed some time at Sela Lake.<\/p>\n Jang Falls<\/p>\n<\/div>\n You may also check: 7-Day South Goa Itinerary!<\/a><\/p>\n Short Itinerary \u2013 Tawang Circuit (10 Nights)<\/p>\n Day 1 \u2013 Tezpur\/Guwahati to Shergaon (2N). Note:<\/strong> If you\u2019re 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<\/strong> like we did!<\/p>\n It\u2019s a long, tiring drive through scenic but challenging roads. We reached Ziro<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Ziro was a cultural delight! We visited an Apatani home<\/strong>, where locals welcomed us warmly, sharing their traditions and food.<\/p>\n Apatani Tribe, Ziro<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Short Ziro Itinerary \u2013 3 Nights<\/p>\n Day 11- Sangti Valley to Bomdila (1N) \u2013 Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery. A long and tiring day on the road. We retraced our route and checked into the same hotel for the night.<\/p>\n If you are craving a beach holiday, you may check this Lakshadweep Travel Guide for Families!<\/a><\/p>\n Instead of taking the Kolkata route, we explored an alternate path, making the long drive slightly more interesting.<\/p>\n We decided to take a break in Hyderabad for a comfortable end to our rugged trip. If you\u2019re up for it, you can drive straight to Bangalore instead.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram<\/a>. And don\u2019t forget to check out my YouTube vlogs<\/strong><\/a> for detailed insights into each destination!<\/p>\n Happy travels!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhy We Chose Arunachal Pradesh?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Planning Arunachal Road Trip<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The Ultimate Arunachal Pradesh Itinerary & Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Day 1: Bangalore to Rajamahendravaram, AP | 817 km | 14 hrs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Day 2: Rajamahendravaram, AP to Balasore, Odisha | 817 Km | 15-16 hrs<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 3: Balasore, Odisha to Kanki, WB | 709 Km | 14 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 4: Kanki, WB to Udalguri, Assam | 576 Km | 16 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Entering Arunachal Pradesh<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Day 5: Udalguri, Assam to Shergaon, AR | 110 Km | 7 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 6: Shergaon to Sangti Valley | 85 Km | 2-3 hrs\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Day 7: Sangti Valley to Tawang | 140 Km | 4-5 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 8: Exploring Tawang\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Day 9: Tawang to Zemithang via Bumla Pass | 93 Km | 4 hrs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nDay 10: Exploring Zemithang & back to Tawang (Kitpi Village) | 70 Km | 3 hrs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Day 11: Kitpi Village (Tawang) to Bomdila | 174 Km | 5 hrs<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 2 \u2013 Explore Shergaon.
Day 3 \u2013 Shergaon to Tawang (3N) \u2013 Explore Tawang Market.
Day 4 \u2013 Bumla Pass, Gurudwara Teesri Udasi, Madhuri Lake, PT TSo Lake.
Day 5 \u2013 Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, Giant Buddha Statue.
Day 6 \u2013 Tawang to Zemithng (2N) \u2013 Explore Zemithang.
Day 7 \u2013 Explore Zemithang (Holy Tree of Grong Kukpa, Guru Padmasambhaba Monastery, Gorsam Chorten Buddhist stupa, Hanging Bridges.
Day 8 \u2013 Zemithang to Kitpi Village (1N) \u2013 Day at Leisure.
Day 9 \u2013 Kitpi Village to Sangti Valley via Sela Pass (2N) \u2013 Visit Chagzam Bridge, Jang Falls, Jaswantgarh War Memorial, Sela Lake.
Day 10 \u2013 Explore Sangti Valley \u2013 Visit Sheep Farm, Apple and Kiwi Orchards.
Day 11 \u2013 Sangti Valley to Tezpur\/Guwahati \u2013 Visit Dirang Monastery, hot springs and Bomdila Monastery.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nDay 12: Bomdila to Ziro | 362 Km | 8 hrs<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 13: Ziro to Tezpur | 236 Km | 6 hrs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Day 12 \u2013 Bomdila to Ziro (2N)
Day 13 \u2013 Explore Ziro \u2013 Pamu Yalang, Shree Sidheshwar Nath Temple, Paddy Fields, Ziro Point & Koloriang.
Day 14 \u2013 Ziro to Tezpur\/Guwahati<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nDay 14: Tezpur to West Bengal | 637 Km | 14-15 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 15: West Bengal to Mirzapur | 700 Km | 14-15 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 16: Mirzapur to Nagpur | 667 Km | 12-13 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Day 17: Nagpur to Hyderabad\/Bangalore | 533 Km | 10-11 hrs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Day 18: Hyderabad to Bangalore | 575 Km | 8-10 hrs<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
This blog post is part of\u00a0<\/b>\u2018Blogaberry\u00a0Dazzle\u2019
<\/b>hosted by\u00a0Cindy D\u2019Silva<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Noor Anand Chawla<\/a><\/b>.<\/b><\/h5>\n