Arunachal Pradesh Tour Will Change Your View of India

It is one of the “famously known” seven sister states of India and one of the two Buddhist states, along with Sikkim that is also situated in North East India. Arunachal Pradesh is the last state where a permit or entry pass is required to enter its territory. It is the easternmost state on the Indian subcontinent and is located in the rugged northeast region of the country. The state is characterized by snow-covered Himalayan peaks, deep valleys, and rutted hills. It is also home to 26 different tribal groups, some closer to those in Tibet and Bhutan than India. The state’s infrastructure such as the roads and bridges are still under development.

Arunachal Pradesh borders China and was involved in the warzone in 1962 (Sino-India War).

To Travel and tour the state of Arunachal Pradesh, you need a permit to enter the state.

How to Get the Arunachal Pradesh Permit?

The Arunachal Pradesh government provides an Inner line permit.

Here’s how to easily obtain your Inner Line Permit (ILP):

Online Way to Obtain: Apply online for a quicker and hassle-free experience. Choose between:
- Regular Permit: It takes 5-7 working days for processing and costs Rs.100.
- Rapid Permit: Ready within a few hours, but at Rs.400.
Offline option: If online application isn’t possible, apply at Delhi, Kolkata, or Guwahati airports.
Local assistance: Staying with locals? Ask them to assist with your ILP application.

What you’ll need:

Solo travelers: Choose “Single Permit.”
Groups: Choose “Group Permit”.
Required documents: Upload scanned copies of:
- Identity proof (PAN, Passport, voter ID, etc.)
- Passport-sized photo
- Local address of your accommodation (homestay/hotel)

While Indian nationals can conveniently apply for Inner Line Permits online, foreign visitors must seek assistance from their tour guides, hotels, or homestays to navigate the application process.

Validity of the Permit: While your initial permit grants access for 15 days, extending it and adding more locations is a breeze, all within Tawang. ⛺️ Don’t miss out on hidden gems; visit the local authorities and expand your permit horizons.

Get your ILP and embark on your adventure! Are You Ready to Explore?

Top Places To Visit in Arunachal Pradesh – We Traveled Without Any Hassles

In the early hours of a pleasant morning, my wife and I, who are always profoundly bonded by love and a passion for exploration, discovered ourselves boarding a flight to the enchanting realm of Arunachal Pradesh. As the aircraft descended, the expansive valleys and snow-clad peaks unfurled beneath them like a magical tapestry, signaling the commencement of an adventure destined to be treasured for a lifetime.

We started out journey from Shergaon.

Our expedition commenced in the bustling town of Itanagar, where the scent of traditional cuisine intermingled with the lively hues of local markets. We both intertwined, navigated through narrow alleys, indulged in local delicacies, and admired the intricate handwoven textiles that narrated the tales of Arunachal’s indigenous tribes.

Filled with eagerness to explore the unspoiled wilderness, we embarked on a road trip(contact the car/bike rental service provider) through the hills, their eyes feasting on the ever-changing scenery. The air was crisp and fragrant, carrying the whispers of pine trees and the distant melodies of mountain streams. Each bend in the road showed a new and more spectacular view than the last.

Our grand expedition led us to the spiritual sanctuary of Tawang, where the ancient Tawang Monastery stood proudly on a hill. We also went to another well-known but not so famous Dirang Monastery. The monastery had detailed murals and the profound silence enveloping the sacred space.

Next We moved forward to Mandala Top

Mandala Top was another hilly area that was located 32 km from Dirang. The place consisted of many amazing Buddha Stupas. The weather was super cold. If you want to see peace and inquire deep into your soul, you should visit this place without fail. Those 108 Buddhist Stupas at the Mandala Top Buddhist Temple hold significant value for Buddhists of the Himalayas.

The view was extraordinarily secluded, and it felt like we had reached the place called Shangri La(famous for being a place for Enlightened beings). In the company of monks dressed in maroon robes, We discovered a profound sense of tranquility and a connection to the spiritual energy within the whole region.

We had a wonderful time with the Apatani tribe, who were friendly and lovely. We also visited the Sheep farm there in Dirang which had pleasant views and terrific weather. It is a must visit place.

Further, we Ventured into Namdapha National Park, where we explored the highly dense jungles that unfolded like a living, breathing canvas. Locals were helpful and friendly, so they helped us get to know the terrain and the roads to certain places.

Our Experience at Sela Pass

Sela Pass is the crown jewel of Arunachal Pradesh!

When we reached a Sela pass, we had the perfect romantic getaway of our life. Sela Pass was too cold and windy.

Sela Pass is the crown jewel of Arunachal Pradesh! This breathtaking mountain haven proved to be our best journey among all the other places we have been to.

The Road Less Traveled:

We started our journey from Tawang, a quaint Buddhist town in Arunachal Pradesh. When we began our journey through National Highway 13, the air became thinner and freezing. We traveled in October, so there was little snow to explore. The roads were curvier and narrow.

Reaching for the Sky:

We drove for 78 km of super curvy roads and reached Sela Pass at a shocking 13,700 feet. The world looks so tiny and beneath us, and We gasp in awe as we behold the unbridled beauty of the Himalayas.

Nature’s Magic and Creativity

Sela Pass extends beyond being merely a stunning panorama; it unfolds as a tapestry crafted from nature’s most exquisite elements. Crystal-clear lakes, such as the fittingly named Sela Lake, gleam like sapphires amidst the rugged landscape. Meadows come alive with the vibrant colors of wildflowers, while prayer flags bring spiritual enchantment to the scenery.

A Mesmerizing Night To Remember

Imagine yourself nestled in a classic homestay, with the dancing flames of a crackling fire casting shadows on the walls. Beyond, a million stars glitter in the deep black sky, and the Milky Way appears almost touchable.

Our Timeless Memories:

As the first light of dawn bathes the mountains in hues of orange and gold, we say goodbye to Sela Pass, holding onto memories that will remain indelibly etched in our hearts. Then we head straight to our starting line of the journey, the enchantment of Sela Pass to the untamed beauty and awe-inspiring vastness of nature in the Tawang Valley; we witnessed it all.

Bonus Tip:

For an extra dose of adventure, consider trekking around Sela Pass. We even Explored all the hidden waterfalls in the deep areas and witnessed rare birds soaring through the skies. The place is taken care of by the Defence forces(Actually, the whole of Arunachal Pradesh is heavily under Military influence because of Chinese incursions and skirmishes in 2020), so you will easily find some Military personnel selling food items and cooking on the roadside eateries controlled by the Defense Forces that lead to the place. It’s a tranquil and enchanted place. You feel like all your senses are ideally activated, and the internal bliss will flow through your veins.

We came to Assam from Arunachal Pradesh and boarded an airplane. On this trip, we carried more than memories; we had a sense of fulfillment and a commitment to return to the embrace of the Himalayas.

Hotel Arunachal Pradesh – Homestays We Stayed In our Arunachal Pradesh Tour