Royal Arunachal

21 Days

Motorbike

Arunachal Pradesh - Assam

Highlights

Crossing the Sela, one of the highest passes in India
Be spoilt by tribal hospitality
Ride through bamboo bridges
Being a pioneer rider in this area

Difficulty: Experienced Biker

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Pictures

When rumbling engines reach the hilly regions of Northeast India, the misty landscape welcomes every traveller with open arms. A motorbikebike trip in this region can offer one of the most adventurous mountain bike trips in India. Slanting hills and the narrow passes between them, snow covered mountains and the dense green forests can allure any biker for an adventurous motorcycle tour in India.

The North Eastern India comprises of seven different states that are popularly known as the ‘Seven Sisters’ of India. Most of the trip will comprise rough, hilly and rocky passes. Being a remote area, Arunachal has a poor road network. The tour will test your riding skills to the max. From the biggest Buddhist temples to small villages where local Gods
are either Nature or the Sun and Moon, this intoxicating mix of culture and adventure guarantees that every second of this tour will make you feel alive.

This trip is meant for experienced pilotes. Slush, sand, rain, jungle dirt tracks, rocky river beds, boat rides and camping makes this ride a religious experience for the ultimate adventure seeker. And the high drama within all these are the two rickety bridges you have to ride through. The locals in Arunachal do not refer to the roads as good or bad, but as “adventurous.” But apart from adventure, Arunachal has various indigenous tribes and their lifestyle and culture change drastically every 100 Km.

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Day 1

Arrival in Guwahati - Nameri NP

Welcome at the airport and transfer Nameri National Park. Meet the team and the bikes. Night in eco camp.

Day 2

Nameri NP - Dirang

After breakfast, we go to Dirang. In Bhalukpong, which is the border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, we will ask permission to enter Arunachal. En route, stop at Tipi to visit a greenhouse of orchids with more than 7,500 flowers. We will also stop in the temple of Nag Mandir in Dedza. Visit the village inhabited by the ethnic Rupa of Shertukpen. Lunch at Bomdila and will continue to Dirang. Night in hotel.

Day 3

Dirang

After breakfast, set out to explore Dirang. Visit Sangti Valley. Situated along the shores of Sangti river, 25 km from Bomdila near Dirang, the Sangti Valley is one of the winter homes of the majestic creature called the black-necked crane that flies across from China and perhaps Leh, right into its laps. Later visit the Sheep Breeding Centre, Dirang Dzong and if time permits explore the beauty and nature of Mandala. Experience the local flavour - head out on village walks and interact with local villagers to enhance your experience. Night in hotel.

Day 4

Dirang - Tawang

After breakfast, visit the hot springs of Dirang and then drive to Tawang, the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism. To reach Tawang, pass through the mountain pass Sela, at 4 170 m. Night in hotel. A scenic drive through the serpentine roads along the river Kameng with beautiful landscapes. Dirang, the sub- divisional headquarter of West Kameng district is situated between Bomdila and Tawang. This town is situated in the valley of river Kameng. Inhabited by the Monpa tribe.

Day 5

Tawang

In the morning, visit of Tawang monastery. In the afternoon, excursion to Sungester Lake. Road back to Tawang. Night in hotel. Tawang was in the route chosen by the Dalai Lama to enter India from Tibet. A stunning 8 m high gilded statue of Buddha dominates the sanctum. Attached to the monastery, there is a Museum and a library with priceless collections. The monastery is one of the largest in Asia with a thousand monks. The craft center sells beautiful masks, hand-woven carpets, tangkhas, and jewelry in silver, turquoise, coral and amber. The museum presents the rich cultural diversity of Tawang.

Day 6

Tawang - Bomdila

After breakfast, we go to Bomdila. En route we pass Nuranang Falls, the memorial of Jaswant Garh (in memory of the Indochina war) and the Dirang Ta Dzong (Tibetan old prison). Night in hotel.

Day 7

Bomdila - Balipara

Road to Balipara where we arrive for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a tea garden and factory to see how tea is processed. Night in resort.

Day 8

Balipara - Itanagar

Today we drive to Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal, a modern enclave where resides the ruins of the ancient capital of the 14th century. Arrival and check in the hotel. In the afternoon, exploration of Itanagar. Night in hotel.

Day 9

Itanagar - Ziro

After breakfast, ride along the Ranga River, you quickly enter the extensive foothills of the Himalaya. The mountain road cuts through densely forested hills and slowly keeps gaining altitude till we reach the Apatani plateau. En route, visiting Nyishi villages. Night in hotel. Ziro is a small picturesque and beautiful destination filled with Pine and Bamboo groves, villages, a craft centre and Tarin Fish Farm. In Ziro you will also be able to see the indigenous method of rice cultivation.

Day 10

Ziro - Daporijo

Morning visit Apatani villages and later on proceed for Daporijo enroute visiting Tagin and Hill Miri villages (now a days they are also called Nyishi). Night in hotel.

Day 11

Daporijo - Along

Morning drive for Along. En route, visit of the tribal villages. The main tribe of this area is Adi Gallong. Rest of the day, visit the local market and museum. Night in hotel. The Adis are quite a number of tribal groups, scattered over the Siang districts and the Lower dibang valley district of Arunachal. One of the most striking features of the Adi society is its highly organised political institution represented by the kebang. Option: Extension Mechuka (2 nights)

Day 12

Along - Mariyang

Today's drive takes us to Mariyang via Yinkiong village. En route we take a short walk to visit a Shimong tribal village. You can also test your skills by crossing a narrow suspension bridge made out of wood and bamboo. Spend the rest of the day exploring another laid back tribal village and spend the night at the Circuit House.

Day 13

Mariyang - Oyan

Drive to Pasighat visiting the tribal villages of Pado, Sili and Bodak on the way to Pasighat. After riding in the mountains for over a week, Arunachal Pradesh will reveal a dramatically new landscape to you. Out go the Himalayan mountains, dense jungles and curvy roads and in comes mighty plains, never ending river beds and stream crossings. In the afternoon you get to visit the Pasighat museum and handicraft centre. Continue to Oyan at the Assamese border in a nice lodge.

Day 14

Oyan - Dambuk - Roing

Drive back to Pasighat and head to Dambuk. You start another engaging day in the tour. You ride across one of the most majestic dry river beds in Arunachal Pradesh, the 20 Km of the Dibang river. Riding through the riverbed can be best described as landscape riding. No road, no directions; one is at the mercy of their instincts to ride ahead on a terrain that is completely submerged under water in the monsoons. You also have several water crossings this day - some you ride across and some you cross in a small boat after loading your motorcycle on it. Crossing the Dibang and other river beds is no doubt an adventure, but most importantly it is a spiritual experience in the never ending landscape amidst pristine nature.

Day 15

Roing - Mayodia Pass - Roing

Today you ride to Mayodia pass which lies at an altitude of 2650 m. The ride is a non-stop climb up to the mountain pass with gorgeous views of the vast Dibang river bed. And if you're lucky, different species of birds that are found only in this high-altitude region. We return back to Roing for the night.

Day 16

Roing - Wakro

This would be the most fascinating day of your ride. This day, you ride across three dry river beds, miles of narrow jungle dirt tracks and smooth curvy mountain roads. In just one day, Arunachal exposes you to a wide variety of landscapes and elements of nature. Apart from nature, what makes this days ride special is the several villages you pass through, home to the Mishmi tribe. Night in Eco Resort.

Day 17

Wakro - Dibrugarh

From Wakro, you ride south towards Assam. The mountains give way to the mighty jungles and plains of Assam. This day, you ride amidst thick jungles, centuries old tea plantations and mustard fields. You also visit a few Buddhist monasteries enroute. Night in hotel. Option: Extension Dibru Saikhowa National Park (1 night)

Day 18

Dibrugarh - Jorhat

After breakfast, leave for Jorhat. En route you will be visiting the architecturally rich medieval ruins of the Ahom Dynasty that once ruled Assam for more than 600 mighty years. You will also visit the Tea Research Association at Tocklai where pioneering experiments and research is conducted to help tea growers. You will get a chance to interact with some of the scientists and professionals who are experts in their field. Evening will be free at leisure. Option: Extension Majuli (1 night)

Day 19

Jorhat - Kaziranga NP

Early morning depart for Kaziranga National Park. On arrival check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, optional jeep safari. Night in hotel/resort.