Longing for an adventurous bike trip to charge you up for the year ahead? Then a bike trip from Guwahati to Tawang is something that you should definitely consider. The North-Eastern parts of India have always been a favorite for bike enthusiasts; the abundant natural beauty sprawling across the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh makes for an unforgettable experience. While Guwahati is pretty popular and is one of the most visited tourist destinations, Tawang is still new and being explored by travel enthusiasts. The journey between the two cities is fascinating and full of adventure. Don’t rack your brains planning your bike trip from Guwahati to Tawang – here’s all the information you need!
A Tale Of Two Cities: Guwahati And Tawang
Previously known as Pragjyotishpur (The City of Eastern Lights), Guwahati is the largest city in the state of Assam. Surrounded by gigantic mountains, thunderous waterfalls and gorgeous temples with an enchanting history, Guwahati is a place you will fall in love with instantly. A popular tourist attraction, Guwahati serves as the right destination for bikers to get acquainted with the culture of North India. The well-maintained roads, welcoming nature of the locals who are always ready to help, and the disciplined traffic system attract bikers from across the nation. When you plan your bike trip from Guwahati to Tawang, make sure to dedicate at least a day to explore this beauty on earth.
Tawang and its history are impressive. The small town located amidst the Himalayan ranges in Arunachal Pradesh was a part of Tibet in the medieval era. Later, it became the cause of a tiff between India and China in 1947 post India’s independence. History has it that it was invaded by China in 1962, but their troops later voluntarily withdrew. Tawang is of utmost importance to the followers of Buddhism as it is home to one of the oldest and biggest monasteries – The Tawang Monastery. Such rich culture teamed with jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes and an adventurous, thrilling road journey is what attracts tourists to Tawang.
Your Route
The bike trip from Guwahati to Tawang provides the most scenic yet thrilling route possible. It will give you the adrenaline rush that you have been craving for. Ride along NH13 and it should take you approximately two days to reach Tawang with a few halts. From Guwahati, you begin your journey towards Tezpur. Try to begin the journey as early in the day as possible in order to avoid the city traffic. You’ll glide through the eastern Himalayan ranges that will definitely serve as a visual treat.
From Tezpur, embark on the journey to Bhalukpong and then to Bomdila. You can stop by Bomdila to visit a monastery or the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. The road from Bhalukpong to Bomdila is a slightly tricky one. Post Bomdila, your journey to the final destination of Tawang is breathtaking. However, it is advisable to ride cautiously so you’ll have a smooth journey to Tawang, coming across nature’s untouched beauty without any mishaps. Once you are at Tawang, soak yourself in nature and culture. If you get the chance, visit the Nuranang Falls, Sangestar Tso Lake and the Bum La Pass.
The most important part to remember about this trip is to get an Inner Line Permit, without which you will not be allowed to enter Arunachal Pradesh. You can get an Inner Line Permit either in Guwahati or at Tezpur.
Who Is This Bike Trip For
A bike trip from Guwahati to Tawang, or anywhere in North-Eastern India, is not for faint-hearted souls. You really need to be an expert at riding to go through the sleek lanes with several twists and turns at an ever-rising altitude. It is almost a two-day long journey with most of your time spent riding, so be prepared for the backache and exhaustion that will come with it. But, we bet the captivating beauty of the hills and cool breeze will ease the aches!
You’ll be riding through slippery lanes while passing by frozen lakes, dusty trails of unconstructed roads and if lucky, even through the clouds. Be equipped with a bike and gear that can withstand any weather condition. People are pretty welcoming and always up to help you with directions – trust the locals to guide you through when Google Maps isn’t helping. A pro tip – carry your food along with you since there are very few eateries on this journey! Similarly, there are very few petrol pumps, so make sure to fill up your tank at Bhalukpong.
Best Time To Travel
Nothing compares to having favorable weather conditions while traveling to heaven (Tawang is nothing short of a heaven)! The best season for a bike trip from Guwahati to Tawang is summer, from March to June. The weather is pretty pleasant and bearable. The temperature is not that cold, so you can ditch your leather gloves and let the cool breeze touch your soul. The monsoon and winter seasons are not considered to be preferable, because it is far from ideal being completely drenched in sub-zero temperatures! Some may consider this to be adventurous, but it may not suit everyone. Yet, if you wish to travel in these odd seasons, then September and October are ideal.
Another pro trip – look up the dates for the annual Tawang Festival, since it is not something that you would want to miss. Overall, a bike trip from Guwahati to Tawang can prove to be a life-changing experience for a biker as you’ll be witnessing a whole new world. So why wait? Pack your bags, put on your jacket, grab the keys and go “vroom”
Related: Rent a Bike in Guwahati
