Enchanting Tawang. A Motorcycle Expedition

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Bike Tour Details

This winter ride to Enchanting Tawang is a opportunity of a life time to ride on ice and snow. Our expert guides will teach you how to do it safely. Come prepared and you will make memories and friends for a life time. There is as much adventure and challenge as there is spirituality waiting to be experienced. Every rider has a paradigm shift after this ride.

The North East region of India has always been one of the most elusive in terms of motorcycle adventure rides. Comprising of ‘The Seven Sister States’ of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, there is so much on offer here for adventure motorcyclists like us.

Covering an area of 255,511 square kilometers, this region has a halo effect on Indian as well as international motorcycle riders. Its remoteness, pristine wilderness and lack of mainstream motorcycling mentions is what draws riders to it.

Month of travel is crucial. October rides are to explore and experience the local Monpa Culture. The Extreme Winter ride in January throws up a frozen road challenge for the hardened adventure rider.

Red Panda Adventures is one of the few established and well-known motorcycle tour operators in this region, catering to Indian as well as international riders. We have a local team who know this region well, allowing us to serve you and organize our rides with utmost care and planning.

Pricing is based on twin sharing basis (2 riders, 1 room).

For more details WhatsApp at +91 98 3030 8847

Departure & Return Location

Guwahati

Price Includes

Royal Enfield Himalayan Motorcycle
Fuel for motorcycle
Basic Motorcycle Spares
Hotel Accommodation
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Expert Ride Captain & Sweep Rider
Back-up Pickup truck for luggage
Two way Walkie-Talkies
First-Aid Kit
Local Permits (Extra fee for Foreign nationals)
Motorcycle Insurance* (Please refer FAQs section)

Price Excludes

International and Domestic Airfare
Visa Charges
Tips
Room Service Fees
Alcohol/smokes
Additional Meals
Personal Insurance
Damage compensation for property and life
SUV cost to Bum La

Enchanting Tawang – North East India

From Rs.

Date

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Explore The Tour Map

Tour Itinerary

Day

Arrive in Guwahati

Meet and greet with all riders at the hotel. Introduction to the motorcycle and ride briefing. Short cultural presentation. Welcome kit distribution.

Guwahati to Tenzin Gaon

Guwahati to Tenzing Gaon is a 230 kms / 8 hrs ride. We start the ride early, so that we get on to the highways before Guwahati wakes up. After riding for about 2 hours, we will stop at small village named Bordolguri (roughly means village of big drums) for breakfast in a typical local “Dhaba”. Then ride for about 2 hours thru traditional Bodo villages, to reach Balemu. This is where plains abruptly give way to mountains and we enter Arunachal. We will be constantly ascending for the next 4 hours thru good winding roads. The scenery constantly changing. These temperate evergreen forests are hosts to many exotic birds. We recommend riding at a pace slow enough to soak in the smells & sights of these forests. If lucky get a chance to spot some exotic birds and animals too. Tenzing Gaon is small village that was set up in the early 1970s, to resettle Tibetans who were forced to abandon their homeland and become refugees India. They are very harmoniously integrated in to local society. This is also where the Gyuto Monastery and Tantric University was initially set up. Our stay will be in very rustic but very welcoming homestay.

Tenzin Gaon to Dirang

Tenzing Gaon to Dirang is 130kms/6 hours ride. We start early to be able to spend as much time en-route. Roads will largely be good and the scenery keeps getting better. Vegetation changes from tropical to Alpine. At Morshing village, we will take an off road track to climb up to a historically important Gompa. This Gompa’s is the birth place of “Khandro Drowa Sangmo”; The second queen of King Kala Wangpo (17th Century). She is credited with having brought dharma (Buddhism) amongst warring people. From here we head off to Phudung, Mandala top and descend down in to the Dirang Valley. Weather at Mandala top is always unpredictable. So we must target crossing Mandala Top by about noon. We get to stay in a beautiful river side resort in Dirang.

Dirang to Tawang

Dirang to Tawang is 135Km/ 6 hours. Breath taking views while crossing Sela pass at 13700 ft above MSL. Snow covered peak all around, lakes and river flowing alongside. This is a national highway, but due to the difficult shifting terrain, we will encounter broken/graded tracks punctuated with proper sealed roads. Being alert and taking it slow is the only way to enjoy the journey thru these mountains, to Enchanted Tawang.

Tawang - Local Excursions

This is a well-earned rest day. Soak in the unique culture, local flavours and attractions (Tawang war memorial, Tawang monastery, while the body gets used to the altitude and cold.

Tawang - Bum La Pass - Tawang

In winters this is a 4x4 only road. Getting permits is also unpredictable. Be prepared to fight sub zero temperatures and the reward of getting to Bum La (Pass) (16,500Ft) is beyond words and can only be experienced. This is the old trade road between India and Tibet. Only Indian Nationals are permitted to visit Bum La.

Tawang to Sangti Valley

Tawang to Sangti is 147Km/6 hrs. Having ridden one way, you will now know how to pace yourself. Also now you will be able to see vistas you missed on your way to Tawang. Our stay will be in beautiful home stay in a orange orchard.

Sangti Valley to Rupa

Sangti Valley to Rupa is 67 Km/2 hrs. The ride from Sangti to Bomdila and onward to Rupa is on well laid out, fast twisty roads. This is the only section you will wish the Himalayan motorcycles had little more power. We will stay in beautiful wooden cottages on a hill over looking Rupa Valley.

Rupa to Guwahati

Rupa to Guwahati is 320 kms/ 8Hrs. We will ride on the one of the most beautiful highways in Eastern India. Mountains will give way to plains at Bhalukpong. From here on, the ride will be on good 4 lane highways till we reach Guwahati.

Depart from Guwahati

Home bound with stories to tell. As you look out of the flight window, feel draw of enchanting Tawang.

Tour Gallery

Explore Our Exclusive, Otherworldly Retreats From The Ride.

What to Expect

Riding in the North East is a lot of fun and promises adventure around every bend. Formed over millions of years, the Himalayas and it’s foothills command and deserve respect. We try our best to inform our clients of all the possible challenges they might face and also of all the key highlights and attractions along the way. However, the ultimate responsibility of safety lies with the riders.

This trip is not ideal for someone who has just started riding. The terrain, culture and remoteness may get a bit overwhelming at times, but stay with it to get your adrenaline fix.

We want you to soak in all the wonders this ride has to offer. So the schedule allows for many stops along the way for photographs and chit chat. There are a multitude of ‘chai’ stops along the way but we aim to start and finish the ride each day while the sun is up.

The accommodation and food we provide is best one can get in these remote tribal villages. We do expect our clients to set their expectations accordingly. Luxury in this part of the world is relative to the terrain and needs a bit of adjusting.