Eastern Himalayas is home to Arunachal Pradesh where adventure enthusiasts are graced with untouched natural beauties as well as cultural phenomenons that have no match within the globe. Amongst many jewels of the state Tawang Town is quite different from others due to its historical monasteries and beautiful landscapes which are not only off the beaten track but also unknown to many people. If you are an adventurer who wants more than just a touristic trek, here are a few great treks around Tawang Town for you.
1. Gorichen Base Camp Trek
Experienced hikers can get a challenge through Gorichen Base Camp Trek. This is because Mount Gorichen at 6,488 meters is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh and going there will give you an adventurous experience. The trek starts from Zemithang Valley which is so calm featuring unpolluted scenery with rural villages. When you climb up amidst thick forests and alpine meadows, all of a sudden you will see several peaks and glaciers around. Staying out under the stars close by the base camp is a real description of what true beauty of Eastern Himalayas actually looks like.
2. Pankang Teng Tso Lake Trek
Pankang Teng Tso lake at 4,600 meters above sea level is one of such lakes with so much scenic beauty that even during most times it remains frozen throughout the year. Your journey would start from Shungetser village which again takes you across lush valleys filled with rhododendron forests that contain various grazing yaks. This trip gives insights about the Monpa tribe’s traditional life found in this area. A serene experience awaits when one camps on the shores of Pankang Teng Tso surrounded by tall peaks whose images are reflected on the surface of this crystal clear lake.
3. Bum La Pass Trek
For those passionate about history and nature, the Bum La pass trek is an opportunity to cross the Indo-China border. This route begins from Tawang Town itself and leads through harsh terrains and pristine valleys. On the way you will encounter remnants of old trade routes and wartime bunkers which symbolize a lot concerning the history of that place. The view at the pass is really dreamlike as it has grazing yaks all over with snow covered mountains behind them.
4. Geshila Trek
Geshila trek is suitable for beginners or those who love nature because it introduces them so well to beautiful landscapes around Tawang town in a gentle way. It commences from Khonsa village where you walk through thick green meadows, forests full of trees as well as waterfalls coming down steeply down towards you .Gesila Pass set at 13,700 feet above sea level is what makes this trek interesting because one can capture a breathtaking sight of Tawang Chu River Valley lying below while standing there. Also they do have interactions with locals besides observing their traditional ways thus making it more cultural than other treks into these areas which are mainly secluded wildernesses.
5. Taktsang Gompa Trek
To capture the essence of nature and culture, this is the must-do trek around Tawang Town. The way goes through beautiful forest rich with chirping of birds and occasional seeing of rare fauna; it leads to a monastery built on a cliff above Nyamjang Chhu River. A peaceful visit to this temple would offer one a chance to be away from everything in such an amazing place.
Conclusion
Delving into the unknown treks around Tawang Town, Arunachal Pradesh offers a window for adventure and bond with nature, history and culture; each possessing its own unique reflection of eastern Himalayas’ grandeur, interaction with local community and off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you are looking for challenging high altitude mountaineering or a quiet walk across green valleys, Tawang has it all for different levels of trekkers. Therefore take these trails not frequently traveled by tourists where you’ll see little known sites in Arunachal Pradesh and will always remember them.