Overview: Our fifth day in Arunachal Pradesh was a soul-stirring journey through sacred spaces, snowy landscapes, hidden meadows, and vibrant festivals. Every turn of the road brought with it a new wonder.
A Spiritual Morning: Tawang Monastery and Buddha Statue
The day began with an early start in Tawang town, where we first completed the formalities of collecting the special permit needed to visit Bumla Pass.
With the paperwork done, we made our way to the majestic Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Perched dramatically against a backdrop of soaring mountains, the monastery is a living center of spirituality, home to monks, ancient scriptures, and stunning murals.
Walking through its prayer halls, feeling the peace in the air, and hearing the gentle hum of chants was an experience that centered us for the adventure ahead.
After that, we visited the towering Buddha statue of Tawang, standing tall and serene amidst the clouds. Overlooking the valley, the statue radiates calm and strength, blessing everyone who visits.
It felt fitting to start such a momentous day with these powerful symbols of peace and resilience.
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| Sardar Patel statue at Tawang |
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| Tawang Monastery |
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| Tawang Monastery |
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| Tawang Monastery |
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| Buddha statue, Tawang |
The Majestic Gateway: Bumla Pass
Our journey then took us higher, to Bumla Pass, located 37 kilometers from Tawang at an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters). This strategic and sensitive pass along the Indo-China border is a place where the vastness of the snow-covered world stuns you into silence.
The dramatic whiteness of the landscape, the biting cold winds, and the sight of the Indian Army braving these extreme conditions filled us with both awe and gratitude.
Travel Tip: Always check weather conditions before starting and remember that visiting Bumla requires a special permit stamped by the Indian Army.
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| Road to Bumla Pass |
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| Landscapes on the way to Bumla Pass |
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Landscapes on the way to Bumla Pass
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| War memorial near Bumla Pass |
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| Bumla Pass |
Mystical Reflections at Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake)
From Bumla, we descended towards the shimmering beauty of Sangestar Tso, also called Madhuri Lake after a Bollywood shoot here.
Formed by an earthquake, this lake is like a frozen dream—submerged tree trunks rise from its icy waters, and the entire scene is framed by snow-capped peaks. The cold air, the silence, and the unspoiled beauty of the place created a truly mystical atmosphere.
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| Madhuri lake (Sangetsar Lake) |
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Madhuri lake (Sangetsar Lake)
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Madhuri lake (Sangetsar Lake)
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Hidden Meadows: A Secret Trail to Zemithang
Instead of taking the usual route back, we decided to follow a lesser-used road towards Zemithang.
This detour turned out to be pure magic—green meadows rolled endlessly, yaks grazed freely, and wildflowers splashed color across the landscape. The fresh mountain air and the sense of untouched wilderness made us want to stop every few minutes to take it all in.
It’s in such unexpected moments that the true soul of the mountains reveals itself.
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| Kee Monastery |
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| On the way to Zemithang |
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| Meadows on the way to Zemithang |
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Flowers blooming on the way to Zemithang
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Warmth and Festivities at Zemithang
As evening approached, we reached the remote village of Zemithang, near the Bhutan border. Our stay at the charming Pangchen Homestay was marked by simple comforts and warm-hearted hospitality.
To our delight, we learned that the Losar Festival, marking the Tibetan New Year, was in its final day of celebration. We had the incredible fortune to witness the closing ceremony—vibrant dances, music, and a colorful gathering that brought the community together in joy and hope.
It was the perfect closing chapter to a day that began with prayers, touched the skies, wandered through secret meadows, and ended in festive spirit.
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Losar Festival at Zemithang
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| Welcome drink at Losar festival in Zemithang |
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