the light baggage

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. Overl...

Overview: Kitpi, a peaceful village near Tawang, unfolded before us like a dream. But what made it truly memorable was our stay at Lham Norbu ji’s homestay — a place where warmth, tradition, and modern comfort meet. Kitpi Landscape From the moment we arrived, we were embraced with unparalleled hospitality. Norbuji greeted us with a glass of locally brewed wine made from ragi and barley. It wasn’t just a drink — it came with a beautiful ritual. According to local custom, the yak butter added on top of the wine forms a pattern that reveals something about the person it’s offered to. Watching this unfold inside their traditional wooden home felt like stepping into a living piece of folklore. Lham Norbu's house in Kitpi Traditional Tawang Wine Way to Attic After the welcome, we climbed up to the attic — a hidden treasure trove! Norbuji has lovingly preserved old vessels, cookware, and crockery that once belonged to his ancestors. He’s turned it into a mini museum, keeping the spirit...

Overview: Our journey on Day 3 led us deeper into the mystical mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, from the serene valley town of Dirang to the quaint hamlet of Kitpi near Tawang. What awaited us en route was nothing short of breathtaking — both in altitude and in experience. ❄️ Through the Snow-Clad Sela Pass As we left Dirang early in the morning, the landscape gradually transformed. Our vehicle climbed through winding mountain roads, until we reached Sela Pass , a majestic high-altitude gateway standing tall at 4,170 meters (13,700 feet). Often mispronounced, the word "Se La" literally translates to “Sela Pass,” where “La” means pass in Tibetan. The cold was biting, but the experience was ethereal. Fresh snow dusted the path, and a sense of tranquility blanketed the region. The Sela Lake , sitting close to the summit, was half-frozen and shimmered in the morning light like a glass mirror nestled among snowfields. Locals say there are around 101 lakes in this area, each con...

Overview: After two eventful days exploring the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, Day 3 in Dirang turned out to be a soul-stirring experience, filled with calm landscapes, spiritual encounters, and warm moments—both literally and emotionally. 🌄 Waking Up to Snow-Kissed Views The day began at Brokpa Estate , our charming homestay in Dirang. As we stepped outside, we were greeted by a bright, sunny morning with crystal-clear visibility of the snow-covered mountains at a distance—thanks to the overnight snowfall. It was the kind of view that instantly lifts your mood and reminds you of the magic of the mountains. 🛕 Exploring the Sacred Circles of Mandala Top Post breakfast, we set off to Mandala Top , located around 30 minutes from Dirang town. At an altitude of nearly 10,000 ft , this unique site is home to 108 Buddhist stupas , beautifully placed in concentric circles. Each stupa is etched with the sacred mantra Om Mani Padme Hum and was built by individual families from the region—m...