Bus Travel to Tawang: Long-Distance and Local Routes

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1. Tawang’s Location Overview

• Country: India
• State: Arunachal Pradesh
• Region: Western Arunachal
• Height: 10,000 feet (~3,048 meters)
• Distance from Guwahati: ~500 km
• Border proximity: Close to China and Bhutan borders
• Entry point: Bhalukpong gate (Assam-Arunachal border)

Due to Tawang’s location, there are no train or commercial flights directly to the town. The only way to Tawang is through road travel via private cars, shared Sumos, and government buses.

2. Travel By Bus To Tawang: A Synopsis

Two types of buses or shared transport are available:

• Long Distance Buses To Bomdila And Dirang
• Local Buses and Shared Vehicles To Tawang From Bomdila and Dirang

Due to the distance and terrain, Tawang does not have direct, regular government or private buses from Guwahati. However, the journey can be completed in the stages using buses and shared jeeps.

3. Long Distance Bus Routes, To Reach Tawang Region

Most travelers reach Bomdila or Dirang which tend to be the last fully connected towns, From there, the rest of the way to Tawang is shared jeep to local bus.

Route A: Guwahati → Bomdila / Dirang

• Operator: Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services
• Departure Point: ISBT Guwahati (Garchuk)
• Distance to Bomdila: ~340 km
• Duration: 10–12 hours
• Fare: ₹600 – ₹700 (non-AC semi deluxe bus)

Details:

• Daily departure frequency
• Buses operate daily around 5:30 AM
• Stops include Tezpur, Bhalukpong (ILP check post), Tenga, Rupa
• An overnight stay is needed in either Bomdila or Dirang before proceeding to Tawang.
• Important: Travel goal from Guwahati is to reach Bomdila or Dirang via bus, no direct buses go from Tawang.

Route B: Tezpur to Bomdila and Dirang

• Operator Details: APSTS and ASTC
• Distance Covered: Roughly 250 km
• Travel Duration: Approximately 8 to 9 hours
• Ticket Price: ₹400-₹500
• Departure Time: Early Morning from 5:30 AM to 6 AM

Reason for Using Bomdila Airport:

• Easier and shorter road distance from Tezpur to Bomdila.
• Good for those who come to tezpur via train or taxi.
• Tezpur acts as a gateway for all western parts of arunachal travels.

Route C: From Lakhimpur to Bomdila (Limited route)

• Distance Covered: Roughly 310 km
• Travel Duration: 9 to 10 hours
• Frequency: Low, better to reach tezpur and catch a bus to bomdila

Final Portion: From Dirang or Bomdila to Tawang

Upon arrival of Dirang or Bomdila, there are two primary routes to Tawang:

Option A: Shared Tata Sumo / Bolero Jeeps

• Ticket Price: ₹800-₹1000
• Travel Time: 6-7 hours from Dirang, 8-9 hours from Bomdila
• Departure Port: Local taxi stand between 5 AM to 6:30 AM

Rise of this Option:

• Takes less time compared to buses.
• Frequent trips daily except for harsh weather conditions.
• Stops at Sela Pass, Jaswantgarh, and Jung.
• Important: Seats are reserved a day before at the stands of Bomdila and Dirang.

Option B: Local Buses (Very Limited)

• Operator: APSTS
• Type: Non-AC Mini Buses
• Fare: Rectangular shaped currency of India, 250 to 400.
• Travel Time: 7-9 hours
• Schedule: Not Daily, check locally at Bomdila bus depot.

Challenges:

• Unpredictable timing
• Slowness
• Quotable: “These seats do fill up pretty quick.”
• Pro Tip: Select this option if you’re on a strict budget, otherwise, shared jeeps are better.

5. Major Stopovers on the Way to Tawang

If you’re on a jeep or bus, here are important stops you will cross:

6. Shared Sumo Travel From Assam To Tawang (Alternative To Bus)

As bus services are scant past Bomdila, shared Tata Sumo jeeps are very popular and well organized.

Available From:

• Guwahati (Paltan Bazar Stand)
• Tezpur (near ASTC stand)
• Bomdila
• Dirang

Characteristics:

• Ten seater vehicles
• Only early morning departures
• Reserved seating for women and elderly
• Food and relief stops

Approx Fare:

Note: Prices increase during winter for demand and snowfall.

7. Scheduling, Reservations, and Bus Terminals

Booking Locations for APSTS Buses:

• Website: https://apsts.arunachal.gov.in
• Physical Booking Locations:
  • ISBT Guwahati
  • Tezpur ASTC Bus Stand
  • Bomdila Bus Station
  • Itanagar Ganga Market

Scheduled Departures:

Always confirm the timing 1 day before travel. Schedules often change due to weather or landslides.

8. ILP – Inner Line Permit for Bus Travelers

For those traveling to Tawang via bus or any road travel, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a prerequisite.

Steps to Apply:

• Web: https://arunachalilp.com
• In-person: DC Office Tezpur, Guwahati, Bhalukpong
• Documents: Government ID, and passport sized photograph
• Permit Fee: ₹100-₹200
• Border Control: Checkpoints validating entry permits (ILP) take place at Bhalukpong which is right before one enters Arunachal Pradesh.

9. Optimal Travel Seasons for Bus Trips to Tawang

Travel advisory: During the winter season, roads surrounding the Sela Pass are heavily trafficked. January and February are particularly problematic for bus travel.

10. Budget Overview: Estimation of Expenses for Bus travel to Tawang

Guwahati – Bomdila

Cheapest Estimate:

Bus travel combined with shared jeep services constitute the most economical means to transit from Guwahati to Tawang.

11. Transport in Tawang

Once you get to Tawang:

• Shared Sumo Taxis: For excursions to Bum La Pass, Madhuri Lake.
• Private Taxi Hire: For 3,000 to 5,000 per day.
• Local APSTS buses: Rarely operate, only for nearby villages.
• Walking & Hitchhiking: Used by solo travelers. Safe but slow.

12. Sample Budget Travel Itinerary (Bus & Shared Sumo)

Estimated Total Cost (Transport): 3,000 – 4,000.

13. Final Thoughts: Bus Travel To Tawang, Is It worth it?

Yes, for the more adventurous of you, bus travel to Tawang gives:

• Incredible value transport.
• A real sense of land and local people.
• A slow but stunning drive through forests, rivers, valleys, and snow passes.

But does come with strict early starts, long hours, better opted for off season weather, and basic comfort. Tough for many travelers but will become the most memorable part of their Tawang trip.

Zogyy Bus Travel Tip:

“Best views are from the mountain around Sela Pass, shared Sumo at sunrise from Bomdila or Dirang to Tawang.”