Solo Travel to Tawang - Part 1: Adventures of a Free Man (For a Week)

A week off between jobs—what a rare and golden opportunity! A time when you have no emails to check, no deadlines to meet, and for once, no one expects you to be responsible? That’s exactly where I found myself and I decided to go on an adventure!

Where to Go? The Great Dilemma

North India had a lot to offer, but after an intense research session, I zeroed in on Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – a dream destination sitting proudly on my bucket list.

I decided to keep this trip flexible – no rigid itinerary, no overbooked schedules. Just a backpack and an open mind.

But, of course, before I could pack my bags, I did what any responsible family man would do—sought approval from my wife and kids. Surprisingly, they granted it without much fuss.

Reaching the Northeast

Flying from Bangalore to Guwahati was the easy part. A couple of hours later - after an overpriced airport coffee, and a tiny battle with a fellow passenger over armrest space, Guwahati, the gateway to the Northeast, welcomed me with open arms (and a lot of humidity).

I had boldly booked a overnight bus to Dirang - a peaceful town en route to Tawang. The cozy 12-hour ride turned out to be quite an adventure - every sharp turn on the treacherous mountain road made me question my life choices, while the snoring symphony from my fellow passengers added to the ambiance.

Dirang – A Hidden Gem

I reached Dirang in the morning, slightly sleep-deprived but ready to take on the world. Found a cozy homestay and promptly rewarded myself with a steaming cup of chai and breakfast.

With renewed energy, I set out to explore Dirang on foot. I walked to Thupsung Monastery, a peaceful retreat set against stunning mountains. It was calm, quiet, and exactly what I needed to recover from my bus ride trauma.

I hired a local driver to take me around Dirang. This was one of the best decisions because: He knew all the hidden gems...He could drive on roads that barely qualified as roads...He had fantastic local gossip...

We explored Sangti Valley, an untouched paradise with lush greenery and postcard-worthy views. Then came the hot springs, where I questioned if I should take a dip (I didn’t, but it looked nice). We also visited Chug Valley, a stunning, offbeat spot where even Google Maps seemed confused. Along the way, I met locals with warm smiles and endless stories.

After a day of exploring, it was time to refuel - the homestay cooked up some amazing local dishes - Tibetan Khapse - a crispy, deep-fried snack, Ema Datshi – a fiery mix of cheese and chili and butter tea, which I drank with enthusiasm (I struggled to finish it, but hey, cultural experiences!).

Every place had its own story, and every turn in the road brought a new postcard-worthy view. Tawang was still ahead, but Dirang had already made this trip worth it.

Part-2: Snow, Yaks & Survival Mode