Arunachal Pradesh Kaziranga Meghalaya Grand Circuit – Tawang Monastery, Bumla Pass, Kaziranga Safari
Premium Grand Circuit · 3 States

Arunachal · Kaziranga · Meghalaya Grand Circuit

Tawang Monastery • Bumla Pass • One-Horned Rhino • Dawki Crystal River • Living Root Bridge

📅 12 Days / 11 Nights ★ 4.9 (528 reviews) 📍 Arunachal + Assam + Meghalaya
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About This Tour Package

The Arunachal Pradesh Kaziranga Meghalaya Grand Circuit is Assam Seva's flagship 12-day Northeast India tour — the most comprehensive way to experience three of India's most extraordinary states in a single journey. This itinerary combines the high-altitude Himalayan drama of Arunachal Pradesh, the UNESCO-listed wildlife of Kaziranga, and the cloud-forest landscapes of Meghalaya into one seamless, private-vehicle circuit starting and ending in Guwahati.

From the ancient Tawang Monastery perched at 10,000 feet, to the India-China border at Bumla Pass, to elephant-back rides through the tall elephant grass of Kaziranga, to boat rides on the impossibly transparent Umngot River at Dawki — this 12-day Northeast India tour package covers landmark experiences across all three states at just ₹34,999 per person including all ILP permits, accommodation, breakfast, and a dedicated private vehicle.

🏔️ Arunachal Pradesh — Days 1–5
🦏 Assam (Kaziranga) — Days 6–7
☁️ Meghalaya — Days 8–12
🛕 Tawang Monastery (Asia's Largest) 🏔 Bumla Pass (India-China border) ⛰️ Sela Pass (13,700 ft) 🦏 Kaziranga One-Horned Rhino 🐘 Elephant Safari 🌊 Dawki Crystal River Boating 🌿 Living Root Bridge 💧 Nohkalikai Falls (340m) 🦋 Mawlynnong Village 🏞 Laitlum Canyon 🌸 Dirang Orchid Centre 📜 ILP Permits Included
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Inner Line Permit (ILP) — Fully Included

Arunachal Pradesh requires an Inner Line Permit for all Indian citizens. This package includes all ILP charges and processing. Foreign nationals additionally require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) — arrange via us through the app. Bumla Pass (India-China border) is open to Indian nationals only.

Detailed 12-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Guwahati → Bhalukpong Arunachal Entry
Depart Guwahati by road towards Bhalukpong — the first town inside Arunachal Pradesh's border (approx. 180 km / 5 hrs). En route, your ILP is verified at the border checkpost. Bhalukpong sits on the banks of the Kameng River and marks the beginning of your Himalayan adventure. Check in and enjoy the forested surroundings — a dramatic contrast to the Brahmaputra plains.
Guwahati Airport / Station pickup ILP verification at border Kameng River viewpoint 🏨 Stay: Bhalukpong
Day 2: Bhalukpong → Dirang Arunachal
Drive deeper into Arunachal Pradesh to the scenic Dirang Valley (approx. 100 km / 3 hrs). En route, stop at Tippi Orchid Research Centre — one of Northeast India's finest orchid collections with over 300 species. In Dirang, visit the natural hot springs and the serene Shanti Valley. The Dirang Dzong (ancient fort) and Kalachakra Gompa are nearby and worth a short detour.
Tippi Orchid Centre Dirang natural hot springs Shanti Valley Dirang Dzong (optional) 🏨 Stay: Dirang
Day 3: Dirang → Tawang via Sela Pass Arunachal
One of the most dramatic drives in all of India. Cross Sela Pass at 13,700 feet — a high-altitude mountain pass through the clouds, flanked by frozen lakes and ancient Buddhist prayer flags. Stop at the emerald Sela Lake and pay respects at Jaswant Garh War Memorial, honouring the soldier who single-handedly held the 1962 Indo-China war pass. Descend into Tawang — the highest town in Arunachal Pradesh at 10,000 feet, home to the famous Tawang Monastery.
Sela Pass (13,700 ft) Sela Lake Jaswant Garh War Memorial Jung Waterfalls Tawang town exploration 🏨 Stay: Tawang
Day 4: Tawang – Bumla Pass & Monastery Arunachal
The crown jewel of this circuit. Make an early departure for Bumla Pass at 15,200 feet — the India-China border where Indian and Chinese soldiers famously exchange sweets on important occasions. Standing at Bumla Pass, you're looking directly into Tibet. Return via the stunning Madhuri Lake (also called Shungetser Lake, made famous by the Bollywood film Koyla) and the high-altitude PTSO Lake. Afternoon: visit the Tawang Monastery — Asia's second-largest Buddhist monastery, founded in 1680 and home to 500+ monks. Explore the Tawang market for local crafts and butter tea.
Bumla Pass (15,200 ft / India-China border) Madhuri Lake PTSO Lake Tawang Monastery (400-year-old) Tawang War Memorial 🏨 Stay: Tawang
Day 5: Tawang → Bomdila Arunachal
Begin the descent from Tawang. En route stop at Bhairabkunda — a sacred confluence of three rivers where Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan meet. Visit the apple orchards of Bomdila and the Chillipam Gompa monastery. Bomdila at 8,500 feet offers panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan range — on clear days you can see snowcapped peaks stretching to the horizon.
Bhairabkunda (Assam-AP-Bhutan trijunction) Chillipam Gompa Bomdila viewpoint (Himalayan panorama) Apple orchard visit 🏨 Stay: Bomdila
Day 6: Bomdila → Kaziranga Assam
Leave the mountains and descend back to the Brahmaputra plains. The drive to Kaziranga National Park takes approximately 6–7 hours (approx. 350 km), passing through tea gardens and the heartland of Assam. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your resort on the park boundary. Evening: visit the park's Orchid Garden and enjoy Kaziranga's distinctive ambiance — you may spot elephants grazing at the park edge right from your resort.
Bomdila → Kaziranga drive (350 km) Assam tea garden views en route Kaziranga Orchid Garden Evening park boundary walk 🏨 Stay: Kaziranga
Day 7: Kaziranga National Park Assam
Kaziranga National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is home to the world's largest population of the endangered Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (over 2,600 individuals). It also hosts significant populations of Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species. Morning: Elephant Safari at dawn — the most intimate way to enter the tall elephant grass. Afternoon: Jeep Safari through the Central and Western ranges. Evening: traditional Bihu Dance cultural performance at your resort.

🦏 Kaziranga Wildlife You May Spot

Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros • Bengal Tiger • Asian Elephant • Wild Water Buffalo • Barasingha (Swamp Deer) • Gangetic Dolphin • over 480 bird species including the rare Bengal Florican

Elephant Safari (dawn — add-on cost) Jeep Safari Central Range (add-on cost) Kaziranga Lookout towers Bihu Dance cultural show 🏨 Stay: Kaziranga
Day 8: Kaziranga → Cherrapunjee Meghalaya
A long but scenic drive (~350 km / 8–9 hrs) transitioning from Assam's plains across the Meghalaya plateau to Cherrapunjee (Sohra) — one of the two wettest places on Earth. The road climbs dramatically as you cross the Khasi Hills escarpment, with waterfalls cascading off the plateau edge into the plains below. Arrive in Cherrapunjee for sunset views over Bangladesh from the plateau edge — on clear evenings, you can see the lights of Bangladeshi towns in the distance.
Kaziranga → Cherrapunjee drive (~350 km) Meghalaya plateau crossing Bangladesh plains viewpoint (evening) 🏨 Stay: Cherrapunjee
Day 9: Cherrapunjee Exploration Meghalaya
A full day exploring Cherrapunjee — home to some of India's most dramatic natural wonders. Visit Mawsmai Cave — a walk-through limestone cave festooned with stalactites and stalagmites. Stand at the edge of Nohkalikai Falls — India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340m, dropping into a stunning turquoise pool. Stop at Eco Park for the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint. The entire Cherrapunjee-Bangladesh border escarpment is an extraordinary geological spectacle. Optional: trek to Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge (separate day required — can be added for longer itineraries).
Mawsmai Cave Nohkalikai Falls (340m — India's tallest) Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint Eco Park Thangkharang Park 🏨 Stay: Cherrapunjee
Day 10: Mawlynnong Village + Dawki River Meghalaya
Morning: drive to Mawlynnong — declared Asia's cleanest village, a beautifully maintained Khasi community with flowers lining every path and a Living Root Bridge at its edge. Climb the Sky Walk bamboo tower for views into Bangladesh. Then drive to Dawki on the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border for boating on the Umngot River — one of India's most photographed experiences, where the water is so transparent that boats appear to float in mid-air. Evening: stay overnight in Dawki to enjoy sunrise over the river.
Mawlynnong (Asia's Cleanest Village) Living Root Bridge Sky Walk (Bangladesh border views) Umngot River Boating – Dawki Dawki Suspension Bridge 🏨 Stay: Dawki
Day 11: Dawki → Shillong via Waterfalls Meghalaya
Drive from Dawki to Shillong (approx. 85 km) via some of Meghalaya's most beautiful waterfall detours. Stop at Krang Suri Falls — a stunning turquoise waterfall set against jungle rock faces, perfect for swimming. Continue to the lesser-visited Phe Phe Falls — a two-tiered cascade accessible by a short trek through bamboo forest. End the day at Laitlum Grand Canyon — Meghalaya's most dramatic viewpoint, with sheer green cliffs dropping thousands of feet into misty valleys below.
Krang Suri Falls (turquoise) Phe Phe Falls (short trek) Laitlum Grand Canyon Shillong arrival 🏨 Stay: Shillong
Day 12: Shillong → Guwahati – Departure Meghalaya
Morning: explore Shillong — the "Scotland of the East" and capital of Meghalaya. Visit the Don Bosco Museum — Northeast India's finest cultural museum across 7 interactive floors. Stop at the scenic Umiam Lake (Barapani) — a vast blue reservoir set among pine-clad hills. Then drive back to Guwahati (approx. 100 km / 3 hrs) for your onward flight or train. End of an unforgettable 12-day Northeast India circuit.
Don Bosco Museum – Shillong Umiam Lake (Barapani) Police Bazar shopping (optional) Shillong → Guwahati drive 🏁 Drop: Guwahati Airport / Station

What's Included & Excluded

✅ Inclusions

  • ✔ 11 nights accommodation
  • ✔ Daily breakfast (all 12 days)
  • ✔ Private AC vehicle for full 12 days
  • ✔ Experienced local driver + fuel
  • ✔ All ILP permit charges (Arunachal Pradesh)
  • ✔ All toll & parking charges
  • ✔ Guwahati pickup & drop
  • ✔ 24x7 Assam Seva support

❌ Exclusions

  • ✗ Kaziranga safari charges (elephant / jeep)
  • ✗ Lunch & dinner
  • ✗ Personal & shopping expenses
  • ✗ Entry fees at monuments & parks
  • ✗ Dawki boating charges
  • ✗ Travel insurance
  • ✗ Flight / train tickets
  • ✗ PAP for foreign nationals

Kaziranga Safari — Charges & Details

Kaziranga safari charges are not included in the base package price (₹34,999) and are paid directly at the park. Here are the approximate costs to budget for:

Safari Type Duration Cost (approx.) Best For
Elephant Safari ~1 hour (dawn) ₹1,500–₹2,500/person Close rhino encounter in tall grass
Jeep Safari – Central Range ~3 hours ₹3,500–₹5,000/vehicle Tiger, elephant, multiple rhinos
Jeep Safari – Western Range ~3 hours ₹3,000–₹4,500/vehicle Large herds, water buffalo

Prices are approximate and may vary by season. Elephant safari slots are limited — early booking through the park office or your resort is recommended. Our driver will assist with coordination.

The Three States — What Makes Each Unmissable

🏔️ Arunachal Pradesh — The Himalayan Frontier

Arunachal Pradesh is India's least-explored large state — a frontier land of Buddhist monasteries, snow-covered passes, rivers cascading from Tibetan plateau, and dozens of indigenous tribes. The Arunachal Pradesh tour portion of this circuit (Days 1–5) covers the West Kameng and Tawang districts — the most accessible and most dramatic regions of the state.

Tawang at 10,000 feet is the cultural and spiritual heart of this region. The Tawang Monastery — founded in 1680 and one of Asia's largest Buddhist monasteries — houses 500 monks and a three-storey golden statue of Buddha. The town itself has a distinct Tibetan character with butter tea, thukpa, and colorful prayer flags on every rooftop. Bumla Pass at 15,200 feet is the absolute highlight — standing at the India-China border on a road that Indian Army convoys still patrol daily.

🦏 Kaziranga — UNESCO World Heritage & the Rhino Kingdom

Kaziranga National Park hosts over 2,600 Indian One-Horned Rhinoceroses — representing approximately 70% of the entire world's population of this species. The park's ecosystem along the Brahmaputra river floodplain creates an extraordinary diversity of habitats — tall elephant grass, semi-evergreen forest, rivers, and wetlands — that support an astonishing density of large mammals including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and wild water buffaloes.

The dawn elephant safari is an unmissable experience — riding through pre-dawn mist on elephant-back, you come face-to-face with rhinos at distances of just 5–10 metres. It's one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters anywhere in India.

☁️ Meghalaya — Clouds, Waterfalls, and Crystal Rivers

Meghalaya — "Abode of Clouds" — delivers a completely different landscape after the mountains and savannas of Arunachal and Kaziranga. The plateau's edge near Cherrapunjee is draped in waterfalls year-round, with the 340-metre Nohkalikai being the most dramatic. Mawlynnong and Dawki represent the other side of Meghalaya — gentle, beautifully maintained villages and the impossibly clear Umngot River that regularly ranks among the most photographed travel experiences in all of India.

Best Time to Visit – Month by Month

October–November (Best for all three): Post-monsoon clarity. Arunachal's passes are clear, Kaziranga reopens after monsoon with lush greenery, and Meghalaya's waterfalls are full. Ideal temperatures across all three states.

December–February (Winter circuit): Tawang and Sela Pass may have snow, making for dramatic winter scenery. Kaziranga wildlife viewing is excellent in the dry season when animals congregate near water. Meghalaya is cool and clear. Best for those who love winter landscapes.

March–April (Best for Arunachal flowers): Rhododendrons bloom spectacularly along the Sela Pass and Tawang road. Kaziranga's dry season continues. Meghalaya's spring festival season. One of the best overall windows for this circuit.

May–September (Monsoon — caution advised): Kaziranga National Park closes May–October. Tawang and Sela Pass can have landslides. Meghalaya reaches its most dramatic — Cherrapunjee's waterfalls are at their peak but road conditions are challenging. This circuit is not recommended during monsoon months.

Who Is This Package Best For?

👨‍👩‍👧 Families seeking adventure
💑 Couples – Himalayan romance
🦅 Wildlife & nature lovers
🛕 Buddhist culture enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
🥾 Moderate trek lovers
🗺️ "Tick off Northeast India" travelers

This is not recommended for travelers with mobility limitations (Bumla Pass involves walking on uneven terrain at 15,000 ft), those with severe altitude sensitivity, or people who prefer urban/luxury-only itineraries. The 12-day circuit involves long driving days (up to 8–9 hours on Days 6 and 8) — best suited for travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Arunachal Kaziranga Meghalaya package?

The base package is ₹34,999 per person for 12 days / 11 nights, including accommodation, breakfast, private vehicle, all ILP permits, and Guwahati pickup/drop. Add approximately ₹3,000–₹5,000 per person for Kaziranga safari charges, ₹2,000–₹3,000 for meals, and ₹1,000–₹2,000 for entry fees. Total all-in cost from Guwahati: approximately ₹40,000–₹45,000 per person.

Is ILP required and is it included in the package?

Yes — Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. All ILP charges are fully included in this ₹34,999 package. Our team handles all permit processing before your departure. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) in addition — contact us via app.

Can foreign nationals visit Bumla Pass on this tour?

No. Bumla Pass (India-China border) is restricted to Indian nationals only. Foreign nationals can visit all other destinations on this itinerary but Bumla Pass will be replaced with an alternative excursion from Tawang. We customize accordingly.

When does Kaziranga National Park open and close?

Kaziranga National Park typically opens in mid-October / November and closes in late April / May due to annual flooding from the Brahmaputra. This circuit is best done October to April. Do not book this package between May and October as Kaziranga will be closed.

How strenuous is this 12-day circuit?

Moderate. The main physical challenges are altitude (Bumla Pass at 15,200 ft — mild altitude symptoms possible) and long driving days (8–9 hrs on Days 6 and 8). No strenuous trekking is required on the standard itinerary. The Kaziranga elephant safari, Mawlynnong walk, and Laitlum viewpoint involve light walking on fairly even terrain.

Can this itinerary be customized?

Yes. After booking via the Assam Seva app, our consultant calls you to discuss any customizations — adding extra nights, upgrading hotels, adding the Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge trek, or adjusting the route. The base package is fully customizable.

What is the tour package from Guwahati start / end point?

This package starts and ends at Guwahati — pickup from Guwahati Airport (LGBI), Railway Station, or city hotel, and final drop at the same. If you're flying in from Delhi or Mumbai, fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) and we pick you up directly.

Starting from
₹34,999 / person
12 Days / 11 Nights · 3 States
★★★★★ 4.9 (528 reviews)
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Inclusions

11 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast (all 12 days)
Private AC vehicle — full 12 days
All ILP permits (Arunachal Pradesh)
All toll & parking charges
Guwahati pickup & drop

Exclusions

Kaziranga safari charges
Lunch & dinner
Entry fees
Personal expenses
🏆 Grand Circuit — Our most comprehensive Northeast tour. 3 states, 12 days, 1 price.
Quick Facts
Start / EndGuwahati
States Covered3 (AP + Assam + Meghalaya)
Max Altitude15,200 ft (Bumla Pass)
DifficultyModerate
ILP PermitIncluded ✔
Best SeasonOct – Apr
Min. AgeNo restriction
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