So, what’s your dream birthday plan? Skydiving with cake or a quiet night with pizza and Netflix? Well, Well! Celebrating my birthday amidst the snow-covered landscapes of Tawang was something I manifested for so long :-P. haha! You can say I wanted to have a birthday with a chill vibe, literally!
This trip was not just a celebration of another year of life but also a celebration of the raw, pristine beauty that this part of India has to offer. Our road trip adventure from Guwahati to Tawang began with a leap of faith toward the untouched beauty of Anini. (keep reading to know why!)
I had my heart set on visiting Tawang, while Animesh was all about heading to Anini. Instead of choosing one, we decided to take a chance and embark on an epic 10-day road trip from Guwahati.
So, this blog is divided into two parts- Anini and Tawang, where we share our raw experiences and unfiltered stories from the road. The first half of our adventure took us to the untouched beauty of Anini, while the second half led us to the stunning landscapes of Tawang.
How to reach Guwahati?
Reaching Guwahati is relatively straightforward with its well-connected transportation options. You can fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which receives flights from major Indian cities and some international destinations. Alternatively, Guwahati is well connected through railways as well. For those preferring road travel, National Highways connect Guwahati to neighbouring states, offering scenic routes through the lush landscapes of Northeast India.
We started off from Delhi and took an early morning flight to Guwahati. There are plenty of airlines to choose from and typically a return flight costs between 10-12k per person.
Be mindful of the fact that the baggage allowance for domestic flights is generally 15 kgs and travel during winters can add up quickly. Don’t miss reserving a window seat( left, in the direction of plane) as you will witness the Great Himalayan Range on this route, the vast snow blanket spread across the mountains.
Renting a Self-drive in Guwahati: Tips and Planning
This was the most important part of our planning as our entire trip depended upon the four wheels we were about to rent. We strongly recommend getting a robust 4X4 Vehicle while driving in North-eastern region, keeping in mind the terrain, especially if you are driving through the snowy season.
After researching for few days, we finally came across a reliable car rental service in Guwahati, Fufugadi.com. You can easily book your car online and directly contact the team over the phone for any queries.
My first reaction on seeing our Thar was “WOW”, as it was well maintained and fully customised. Animesh got way too excited:-D. The entire process was super smooth and hassle-free, and we found their service to be both reliable and highly professional. What impressed us most was how responsive they were- just a call away throughout our journey, which gave us great peace of mind.
Fuel planning was another big deal. In remote areas, gas stations can be few and far between, so we made sure to top up the tank whenever we had the chance. Our advice? Never let your fuel drop below half a tank- it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re miles away from the nearest town.
Planning the route was also cruicial part of this trip. We researched road conditions and mapped out key pitstops for food, rest, and fuel. Pro tip: download offline maps- as network issues are common in these areas.
Costing
Our car rental cost around ₹36,000 for 9 days, and we covered approximately 3,500 km during the trip. The fuel and toll taxes added another ₹25,000 to our expenses. It was definitely an investment in an unforgettable road trip adventure through the stunning landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh!
How to get Inner Line Permit (ILP)
To enter Arunachal Pradesh, you’ll need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens, which can be easily booked online and costs a nominal fee of ₹100, valid for 30 days. It typically arrives within 2-3 days of application.
Foreign tourists require a Protected Area Permit (PAP), which costs $50 and is also valid for 30 days.
Let’s dive into our adventourous road trip!
Day 1: Guwhati to Dibrugarh
I could imagine the bliss of the lady sitting right ahead of me, flying for the first time perhaps, looking out of window with eyes gleaming. A little turbulence in weather and my heart was pounding on the thought of where actually we will be heading to as soon as we land! Anini or Tawang? As its snowing heavily in Tawang and due to some traffic regulations, we might have to change our itinerary!
After a comfy 2-hour flight with Vistara (now Air India), we landed in Guwahati, ready to kick off our road trip adventure! Our 4×4 was already waiting for us at the airport, and Animesh couldn’t hide his excitement. After fuelling up the tank, we were all set to explore the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh.
The roads from Guwahati to Dibrugarh were mostly smooth, with a few rough patches here and there. Assam welcomed us with tropical vibes- rows of charming hut-shaped houses lined the way, adding a unique touch to the scenery. Along the route, there were plenty of small eateries perfect for quick pitstops. We decided to try Hotel New Raj Kamal and their kachoris were delicious!
The last leg of the drive was pretty rough, but after over 10 hours of crazy travel, we finally reached our homestay- Bhaskar’s Home. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a place we’d recommend-we weren’t happy with it at all. Exhausted from the journey, we crashed for a much-needed 6-7 hours of sleep, ready for the adventures to come!
Day 2: Got stuck in Snowfall while going from Dibrugarh to Anini via Roing
We woke up at 6 AM to a cold, cloudy morning with a crisp nip in the air-perfect weather to kickstart our day. Today, we’re headed to Mayodia Pass via Roing, but there’s a catch-we’ve heard the roads might be blocked due to heavy snowfall. Still, we decided to take a leap of faith, packing some protein bars and juice to keep us fuelled for the journey.
The Roing to Anini distance is approximately 220 km, which takes about 6.5 hours to cover. After getting our ILP checked, we officially entered Arunachal Pradesh, and wow, what a moment! The pristine beauty of the place left me in awe- clean, fresh, and breathtaking.
A quick chai pitstop gave us the warmth and energy to keep moving forward on the narrow, steep roads that offered a stunning drive. Along the way, we even spotted some Mithuns grazing peacefully; they’re such majestic creatures!
Just 10 km before Mayudia Pass, we caught our first sight of snow! The excitement quickly turned into chaos as the snow brought a line of cars, creating a traffic jam. Now, as I sit in our 4×4, watching others enjoy the snow, every passing car is telling us to turn back because the road ahead is blocked. But Animesh was determined-whether we made it today or tomorrow, we were going to take that leap of faith and continue to Anini!
Heading towards Anini, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Surrounded by snow on all sides, my heart was pounding as we carefully drove through the frosty terrain. By 4:40 pm, the sun was nearly set, and we found ourselves in the middle of nowhere, completely immersed in the wilderness.
Thanks to the Army’s intervention, the roads were finally cleared, and we managed to push ahead to Hunli. A co-passenger suggested we stay there, but finding accommodation turned out to be a mission! 😅 We drove for nearly an hour through a scary, rugged terrain, and as expected, Google Maps didn’t help much. Thankfully, some kind locals came to our rescue and helped us find a place to stay.
It was hands-down our best worst stay ever– the rooms were smelly, the mattresses were as hard as rocks, there were broken windows, and no washrooms in sight- but at least we had a place to stay at 9:30 pm! With no network, freezing 1-degree temperatures outside, and nothing but blankets for warmth, we settled in for the night. It was a truly bone-chilling winter evening but one we’ll never forget!
Day 3: Lost our way from Hunli to Anini
Next day, we woke up at 5:30 am to rain and dense fog. We snapped a photo with the friendly aunty at the hotel and headed out for Anini. But after 45 minutes, we realized we were on the wrong route! We turned around, and after another 45 minutes, we were finally back on track- phew!. The road to Anini, which was supposed to be decent, was all muddy and slippery, thanks to the rain. We did a lot of off-roading and really put the Thar to good use! The landscape was completely different from what we expected—driving through clouds was an unreal experience.
We stopped for a chai and Maggi break before pushing on. About 30 minutes from Anini, we hit a roadblock due to ongoing roadwork and had to wait. It was 12:17 pm, and the roads didn’t open until 1 pm. So, we chit-chatted with the guard!
Finally, we were on our way, fueling up diesel (at 82 rupees per liter). When we reached the hotel, Mishmi Hills, it was pouring, so we quickly freshened up and decided to head out to explore the Anini viewpoint. Unfortunately, no one could guide us to the location, so we took a stroll through the market instead. We met a friendly local, chatted with her, clicked some pictures, and returned to the hotel. A warm cup of tea and noodles made everything better-so yummy!
After a few drinks, we met the hotel owner, Mrs.Chimmi, and had an amazing conversation. We discussed everything from travel and life in the mountains to the impact of climate change on the hills. Chimmi shared how the climate in the lower regions is slowly reaching the higher altitudes, which is a serious concern. Apples have stopped growing, and now oranges are thriving. We also talked about the Idu Mishmi tribe, their values, and beliefs. It was a thought-provoking conversation that made us realize how much attention our planet needs. After an hour of insightful discussion, we had dinner and called it a night, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Day 4: I Don’t Want to Leave Anini
Day 4 of our adventure started at 6:30 am, and when I opened my eyes, I couldn’t believe the view. Snow-capped mountains everywhere! I couldn’t help but stare at those beautiful white and green peaks while waiting for breakfast. I wish I could stay here longer.
We had planned 2 days for Anini, but due to heavy snowfall, we got stuck and couldn’t make it. Based on our experience, we’d highly recommend keeping at least a week for a trip to Anini, especially during the winter season.We’re already planning our return to Anini and can’t wait to explore even more of this stunning, remote paradise. On our next trip, we’ll be sure to share all the activities we enjoy- whether it’s trekking, exploring local villages, or soaking in the breathtaking landscapes. Stay tuned for more detailed adventures from our journey through Anini!
It was time to leave Anini, and the drizzling rain made it feel even more magical as we drove through the clouds. Both of us promised to come back soon. The fog was thick today, making everything look so romantic. We stopped for a few pictures, capturing the moment before reaching Mayodia Pass.
And then, it started snowing! Yes, actual snow! We decided to have our chai date in the car, which felt like the most romantic thing ever.
After waiting for about an hour, we were told we needed to wait longer, so we quickly grabbed Dal Chawal from Old 65 Hotel. After our meal, we resumed our journey, and to our amazement, the snowfall grew heavier. As beautiful as it was, we couldn’t help but worry about getting stuck in the middle of it. By 6:15 pm, it was dark, chilly, and still snowing. We crossed Mayodia Pass around 8 pm, and the experience will forever stay in my memory.
But the adventure wasn’t over yet-an 8-hour journey to Jorhat awaited us! Our eyes were starting to hurt, our backs were sore, and we were feeling the exhaustion set in. The roads were rough, and we were battling sleepiness. By 3 am, we were still driving through dense fog, and finally, at 4 am, we reached the hotel. What can I say? We were completely exhausted!
Anini truly came as a surprise. Even though we didn’t get to explore it as much as we would have liked, it felt like stepping into another world at every moment. The untouched beauty, and the remote charm of this place left us in awe.
As we wrapped up our time in Anini, the call of Tawang was irresistible. Little did we know that the next leg of our journey would take us through breathtaking snow-covered passes and into the heart of Tibetan culture.
