Tourist Circuit 1:- Tezpur-Bhalokpung-Bomdila-Tawang

This Circuit starts from Tezpur in the plains of Assam and takes you all the way up to the seventeenth century Tawang Monastery. Nuranang en route offers you a splendid opportunity for snow and rainbow trout fishing. The Sela pass on the way runs through a high altitude lake of shimmering crystal blue clear water. Flocked on both sides by rhododendrons of various hues, the Lake is a brilliant portrait of bliss by nature. Tipi is another important station along the route. A botanical station housing 500 varieties of orchids, which grow abundantly in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh is a must see for all visitors. Places of interests BHALUKPONG (65 kms. from Tezpur) An Orchidarium at Tipi (5 km from Bhalukpong) is the Botanical paradise of the state. About 300 species of the orchids can be seen in the flora-glass house. Some of the orchids here are rare and endangered. Located 24 kms from Tipi, on the way to Bomdila is an Orchid Sanctuary at Sessa. The sanctuary is home for over 2600 orchids of 80 different species, nurtured and cultured in their natural environment. Scenic beauty, exotic water falls and the evergreen forests along the banks of river Kameng is dream come true for the Nature enthusiast. The meandering Kameng river provides excellent opportunity for white water rafting. It's also been the Anglers' paradise for long. BOMDILA (165 kms. from Tezpur) At a height of 8500 ft., Bomdila, the headquarters of West Kameng District, is the land of the Monpas, Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Miji and Bugun (Khawas) tribes. Places of interests: Buddhist Monasteries, an Ethnographic Museum, a Craft center where fine woolen carpets and Masks of exquisite designs are produced. At Bomdila you get a breathtaking, Bird's eye view of Kangto and Gorichen, the highest peaks of the state nestling majestically in the Himalayan landscape. Tourist information centre: Office of the District Tourism Officer, Bomdila, Phone No. (O3782)-222049. DIRANG (42 kms. from Bomdila) Places of interests: Buddhist's Monasteries, the Nuranang Water falls at Jung, the Hot Springs of Dirang with medicinal properties for curing skin ailments. The Apple and Kiwi Orchards, the National Yak Research and Breeding Centre, at Nigmadung are also interesting spots to visit. Sheep Breeding Farm at Sangti valley, where the Siberian Black Necked Storks visit during winter (nine kms. from Dirang) is the place to go for vivid bird enthusiast. The Trout Hatchery farm at Nuranang is also an interesting place to visit. SELA PASS SELA PASS is on the way to Tawang, the world's second highest motorable pass at 14000 ft. height running along the Paradise Lake is hiker's paradise. JASWANT GARH ( 14kms. from Sela Pass) JASWANT GARH ( 14kms. from Sela Pass), the War Memorial raised to pay homage to Jaswant Singh, a soldier who received the Mahavir Chakra awarded by the Govt. of India for bravery (Posthumous), is a place where patriotic emotions of all Indians find a natural expression. In the battle of Nuranang in 1962 during the Chinese aggression, this brave son of the country showed unmatched valor by fighting and holding the invading Chinese for 72 hours, all alone before he met the martyr's end. TAWANG (183 kms from Bomdila) Nestling in the lap of Himalayas at 11,500 feet above sea level lies Tawang - the beautiful land of the Monpas. A picturesque canvas of mesmerizing natural grandeur, it fills one's mind with spiritual bliss. With its cascading waterfalls, and glistening snow-white peaks, Tawang brings you closer to Mother Nature. Places of interests: TAWANG MONASTERY: Built in the 17th Century AD, the Tawang is the second largest in Asia. It is located atop a hillock at a height of about 10,000ft. With a history of over 400 years, the monastery is the largest of its kind in the country and controls seventeen Gompas in the region. It is the fountainhead of spiritual life for the followers of the Gelugpa sect of the Mahayana School of Buddhism. The legendry 17th century Tawang Monastery, perched atop a hill, beckoning the visitor is sure to churn in a poetic bliss with its ethereal beauty. The Tawang monastery is associated with the famous Torgya festival, which is held in the 11th Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah (i.e. December to January as per the Gregorian calendar). The festival brings out the Monpas from far and wide in all their colourful finery. The festival provides ample opportunities for the Gompas to sell an array of all their wares. Other important places to see near Tawang are P.T.TSO lake, Sangetser Lake, the 700 year old Gorsham Chorten, the Nuranang fall, Gontse Garden Rabgayaling, Singsar Ani Gompa(a nunnery still being used by the Nuns), a Craft Centres producing very fine woolen carpet and masks in a burst of colors and myriad of designs. Tourist information centre: Office of the District Tourism Officer, Tawang. Phone No. (03794)- 222359.