Home CAR & BIKES 20-day self-drive trip to Arunachal Pradesh in a Maruti Baleno

CAR & BIKES

20-day self-drive trip to Arunachal Pradesh in a Maruti Baleno

NOWHYDERABAD

December 16, 2024

This trip was a shift from the typical flights, hotels, and chauffeur-driven experiences I had during my 30-year travel industry career.

BHPian travelog recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Arunachal Pradesh ~ The Land of the Rising Sun

A hidden paradise where distances are measured in hours rather than kilometers!

The Departure from My Past Trips

This was a long self-drive trip lasting 25 days, unlike my usual 710-day trips. I had not driven much after selling my last car in 2017, which was an automatic like the previous one. This trip was a shift from the typical flights, hotels, and chauffeur-driven experiences I had during my 30-year travel industry career.

Post-retirement, my wife and I decided to explore India extensively by road, staying in homestays or Airbnbs. Arunachal was our second journey, following an 8-day road trip in Kerala.

Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Indian tourists need an ILP (Inner Line Permit), while foreigners require a PAP (Protected Area Permit). Its a simple online process, and approval is almost instant. The ILP is valid for 14 days, so we reapplied a day before it expired.

Tip: List the places you plan to visit and the districts they fall under, as the permit must cover those areas.
Apply here:

About Arunachal Pradesh

Formed from NEFA ( North East Frontier Agency) it was declared as a state on 20th Feb, 1987

Itanagar is its capital

Assam, Nagaland, Bhutan, Myanmar, 1,129 kms border with China

83, 743 sq. kms

17 inhabitants per sq. km

Monpa ( West) Tani ( Centre) Mishmi & Tai ( East) Naga ( South-East)

23 major tribes & 100+ sub-tribes including Nocte, Adi, Nyishi, Singpho, Galo, Tagin, Apatani.

Day 01: November 6

Bengaluru (920 m / 3,018 ft) to Guwahati (55 m / 180 ft) to Bhairabkunda (190 m / 623 ft)

Flew from Bengaluru to Guwahati and picked up a rented Maruti Baleno. En route to Bhairabkunda, our first stop at the Assam-Arunachal border, we relished authentic Assamese cuisine at Hotel Bajwi, an excellent choice for traditional flavors.

Day 02: November 7

Bhairabkunda (190 m / 623 ft) to Dirang (1,490 m / 4,888 ft)

After a leisurely breakfast and minor repair of the cars splash guard, we briefly entered Bhutan to visit a nearby village. Filled up petrol at a much cheaper rate of ₹61.69 per liter before heading to Dirang. Stopped by the Bomdila Monastery (2,217 m / 7,274 ft) en route.

Day 03: November 8

Dirang (1,490 m / 4,888 ft)

Spent a relaxing day exploring Dirangs stunning scenery. Enjoyed the calm and refreshing surroundings of this small town, known for its apple orchards and Monpa heritage.

Day 04: November 9

Dirang (1,490 m / 4,888 ft) to Tawang (3,048 m / 10,000 ft)

The journey to Tawang via Sela Pass (4,170 m / 13,680 ft) was a visual treat, with highlights like Jaswant Garh Memorial and Jang Waterfalls (600 m / 1,968 ft). Reached Tawang by noon and checked into a homestay, preparing for an extended stay.

Day 05: November 10

Tawang (3,048 m / 10,000 ft)

Visited the Tawang Monastery (3,048 m / 10,000 ft), Giant Buddha, and Tawang War Memorial, which had an evening light and sound show narrating tales of valor. The Bob Kathing Museum of Valour was a must-visit spot.

Day 06: November 11

Tawang (3,048 m / 10,000 ft)

Hired a Mahindra Xylo to visit Bum La Pass (4,633 m / 15,200 ft) on the Indo-China border. Obtaining a permit for the pass involved some formalities, but the stunning views of the LAC made the effort worthwhile.

Day 07: November 12

Tawang (3,048 m / 10,000 ft)

Explored more of Tawangs local culture and cuisine. A relaxing day spent visiting nearby spots, savoring meals at Fat Buddha Restaurant, and interacting with locals.

Day 08: November 13

Tawang (3,048 m / 10,000 ft) to Dirang (1,490 m / 4,888 ft) onto Thembang (2,150 m / 7,054 ft)

Visited Thembang Fortified Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Monpa tribe. The settlement offered insights into traditional architecture and cultural heritage.

Day 09: November 14

Thembang (2,150 m / 7,054 ft) to Ziro (1,524 m / 5,000 ft)

Made a technical halt at Ziro, doing injustice to this beautiful valley. Stayed at a centrally located homestay for the night, marveling at the quaint surroundings.

Day 10: November 15

Ziro (1,524 m / 5,000 ft) to Aalo (300 m / 984 ft)

The journey to Aalo was long but rewarding. Checked into a sprawling 25-acre farm homestay and enjoyed a delicious pizza at GMT Cafe, which became a favorite.

Day 11: November 16

Aalo (300 m / 984 ft)

Spent the day at the farm, relaxing amidst nature. Got the car washed to prepare for the challenging drive ahead to Mechuka.

Day 12: November 17

Aalo (300 m / 984 ft) to Mechuka (1,829 m / 6,000 ft)

Started early for Mechuka. The road conditions worsened closer to Tato, requiring cautious driving. Stopped for tea and Maggie near the Siko Dido Waterfalls and reached Mechuka by late afternoon.

Day 13: November 18

Mechuka (1,829 m / 6,000 ft)

Visited Dorjeeling Village, Salman Point, the old monastery, and the ALG airport. Explored the Indo-China border at Lamang (approx. 3,960 m / 13,000 ft), witnessing stark and rugged beauty.

Day 14: November 19

Mechuka (1,829 m / 6,000 ft) to Aalo (300 m / 984 ft)

Returned to Aalo for a night halt at a new homestay. It served as a technical stop, with another car wash to prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 15: November 20

Aalo (300 m / 984 ft) to Roing (405 m / 1,329 ft)

A smooth drive brought us to Roing, where we inaugurated a newly built treehouse. The bright, colorful walls of our homestay added a quirky charm to the day.

Day 16: November 21

Roing (405 m / 1,329 ft) to Anini (1,968 m / 6,457 ft)

Drove through rugged mountain terrain to Anini, Dibang Valleys remote gem. The treacherous roads tested our patience, but the vistas of pristine beauty made it all worthwhile.

Day 17: November 22

Anini (1,968 m / 6,457 ft)

Visited Mawu Aando Falls, Dree Aftra Campsite, Chigu Camp and Acheso Viewpoint, enjoying Aninis tranquil beauty. Lunch at a local shack added a delightful rustic touch.

Day 18: November 23

Anini (1,968 m / 6,457 ft) to Wakro (200 m / 656 ft)

The descent to Wakro was smooth and scenic. Checked into a beautiful homestay amidst green landscapes, a perfect spot for rejuvenation.

Day 19: November 24

Wakro (200 m / 656 ft)

Visited Parshuram Temple (approx. 1,200 m / 3,937 ft) and climbed over 700 steps to reach Parshuram Kund, a spiritual site with strong river currents. Visited the Kamlang Tiger Reserve in the afternoon.

Day 20: November 25

Wakro (200 m / 656 ft) to Assam – Jorhat (116 m / 380 ft)

Bid farewell to Arunachal with a stop at Golden Pagoda (300 m / 984 ft) in Namsai. Entered Assam for the final leg of our trip, with Jorhat welcoming us with its vibrant city vibe.

Caption 01: Day 01:Authentic Assamese cuisine at Hotel Bajwi

Caption 02: Day 02: Petrol in Bhutan at Rs 61.69 pr litre