Sep 17, 2017 12:51 PM
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We went on a 9D/ 8N package; from Guwahati to Shillong, Sight seeing in Shillong for 2 days(Cherrapunje and Mawlyngong fully) and back to Guwahati. Then we started to Tawang en route halts at Tezpur, Dirang and Bomdilla. We were a group of 4 ladies and overall we had an amazing and completely safe experience. We were initially a little edgy about our safety. But the driver(Mr. Sanjay Singh - 9402557527) was the best we could ever ask for! Never once did we feel our safety was compromised since we were surrounded by the best warm hearted people and the best driver we could wish for.
We went through a travel agency, but our driver is starting up his own agency and I would recommend to reach out to him for travel and accommodation. You can call the number provided in this write up. The agency did arrange the tour very well but it was a bit costly. There was a lot of customization for our needs and good suggestions by our driver. The hotels booked were good except at Tezpur. It was two horrible rooms on top of a wine shop. Never even think about staying at hotel Grand Palace, Tezpur. The photos on the site and actual rooms available are deceptive for this particular place. It was the only low point of our otherwise wonderful trip.
We visited Shillong, Cherapunjee and Mawlyngong in Meghalaya and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Meghalaya has good roads and so covering it was easy. Since Arunachal has only rudimentary road connectivity be a little patient as even 15kms might take an hour to cover due to landslides or snowy conditions. Better discuss with the tour operator/ driver to know the time it would usually take to scale to the top during that season. ILP is required to get into Arunachal which will be arranged by the tour operator. Also to get to the BUM LA pass further permits are needed which will take a day to process. Be specific to the tour operator to arrange it as we missed this and so had to turn back without seeing the Indo-China border.
Overall just the sheer beauty of the landscape, the hospitality of the people and adventure of facing the raw power of mother nature will be an experience of a lifetime! Highly recommended. More recommended to hire Sanjay Singh as your driver for a guaranteed safe trip!
Our duration of the trip was from 02/Sep/2017 to 11/Sep/2017
About our driver, Mr. Sanjay Singh:
He knew the place very well and took immense care of our safety and gave the best options for visit. In my travel experience so far I have not seen a driver with so much dedication and perfection in his driving. He did not have any bad habits like smoking or drinking or using phone while driving. He is so much used to the roads there that he knows the best way to drive through mashy roads. Also on our way back to Guwahati we were held up on the road due to floods. He did not get tensed and instead kept enquiring people for alternate routes and finally managed to get another quick route. He is planning to start up his own agency by this month end and told us that he can do it at a way more cheaper price. He will be arranging for all the seven sister states based on your need. Kudos to him:)
Please find our itinerary below,
02/Sep/2017 - Chennai to Guwahati, halt at Shillong(03 Hrs Approx)
Arrive at Guwahati Airport/Railway Station
Proceed for Shillong
Shillong is called'Scotland of the East"
En-route visit Umiam Lake or Barapani Lake, Water Skiing, Water scooter & other water sports activities
Evening you can go for shopping at Police Bazar
Overnight stay at hotel in Shillong
03/Sep/2017 - Shillong to Cherrpunjee, halt at Shillong
After breakfast proceed to Cherrapunjee
On the way to Cherrapunjee you can visit Shillong peak and Elephant falls
Cherrapunjee is a land of wonderful waterfalls and beautiful valleys
Some of the main attractions are the Ramakrishna Mission Museum, Mawsmai caves, Arwah caves, First Presbyterian Church, Mawsmai Fall, Nohkalikai Falls, and Eco Park etc.
Mawsmai caves near Cherrapunji are an experience in itself, the limestone caves are well lit up. But if you want to thrill yourself more, climb up to the caves hitch are not lit up, they are guaranteed to spook you as one has to crawl their way in
Evening free for leisure
Overnight stay at hotel in Shillong
04/Sep/2017 - Shillong to Mawlynnong and Dawki, halt at Shillong
After breakfast proceed to visit Mawlynnong the cleanest village in Asia. The main attraction are living Root Bridge and Balancing rock.
After lunch proceed to Dawki. Dawki is a small town in Jaintia hills district.
The main attraction is the Umngot river. Dawki is known for Indo-Bangladesh border.
Evening back to Shillong
Overnight stay at hotel in Shillong
05/Sep/2017 - Shillong to Tezpur, halt at Tezpur(06 Hrs Approx)
After breakfast proceed to Tezpur
Visit Agnigarh Park, Chitrakalya Udyan and watch sunset at Brahmaputra river
Evening free for leisure
Overnight stay at Tezpur Hotel
06/Sep/2017 - Tezpur to Dirang, halt at Dirang(06 Hrs Approx)
After breakfast, proceed to Dirang
Dirang: is a charming city located in north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. With beautiful apple orchards and impressive sheep breeding farms, Dirang draws travelers for a welcome break.
En route visit hot water spring nd Orchards
Check in to your hotel
Evening free for leisure. You can visit local sightseeing.
Overnight stay at Dirang hotel
07/Sep/2017 - Dirang to Tawang, halt at Tawang(07 Hrs Approx)
After breakfast, drive to Tawang
Sela pass: It is a narrow pass in the mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh, at an elevation of 13700 ft above mean sea level and it signals our entry into the Tawang valley.
There are many scenic spots on the way to Tawang. i.e. Paradise lake, Jung fall, Jaswantgarh etc.
Overnight stay at Tawang hotel
08/Sep/2017 - Tawang to Bum La Pass, halt at Tawang(04 Hrs Approx)
After breakfast, leave for Holy Lake
Tawang is the 6th Dalai Lama’s birth place. Tawang is a hill station situated at an altitude of 3500 meters. It is one of the most spectacular destinations for any tourist. Tawang is located at a height of 12000ft above the sea level.
It is a land of Monpa Tribes
The main attraction of Tawang is the 400 years old Tawang Monastery and War Memorial
Head for Bumla Pass
The Bumla Pass is located about 37 km away from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, at the Indo-China border above 16, 500 ft above sea level.
En route visit PTSO Lake, Madhuri Lake.
Evening back to Tawang
Overnight Stay at Hotel in Tawang
09/Sep/2017 - Tawang to Bomdilla, halt at Bomdilla(07 Hrs Approx)
Early morning checkout from hotel and directly proceed to Bomdila.
Evening visit Bomdila Monastery.
Overnight stay at Bomdila hotel.
10/Sep/2017 - Bomdilla to Guwahati, Flight to Chennai(09 Hrs Approx)
Early morning drive back to Guwahati.
Proceed to Guwahati Airport/Railway Station for connecting flight/train back home, having had a great adventure.
It is advisable to book flights after 6 PM as you will be reaching Guwahati after 3 PM on Day 9TOUR ENDS:(
Hotels that we used:
Shillong: Nalgre Guest House(Booked – 02nd, 03rd, 04th September)
Tezpur: Hotel Grand City(Booked – 05th September)
Dirang: Hotel Samdup Khang(Booked – 06th September)
Tawang: Tenzing Guest House(Booked – 07th & 08th September)
Bomdila: Atisha Guest House(Booked – 09th September)
Budget for a single person:
Flight tickets from Chennai Guwahati - Rs. 9500(own)
Agency(includes travel, fuel, driver bata, parking and accomodation) - Rs.17189, this is a bit costly please reach out to the driver for a cheaper quoting
Food and other expenses(includes entrance fee, shopping and all other expenses) - Rs. 3500
