North East Motorbike Expedition: Sela Pass and Tawang9N/10D
North East Motorbike Expedition: Sela Pass and Tawang
Start & City : Guwahati
best deal price
₹
Without GST ₹1,27,260
per person on twin sharing
Choose your departure city, dates, and add guests to secure your tour.
Hurry, as seats fill up, prices rise! Book now!
1. Choose your departure date
Highlights
Ride out of Assam into Arunachal at Bhalukpong, where the plains meet the hills.
Climb the Kameng valley through Bomdila to the apple orchards of Dirang.
Ride Sangti Valley, a quiet riverside valley near Dirang known for black-necked cranes in winter.
Cross Sela Pass at 4,170 metres, with its prayer flags and high lake.
Join morning prayers at Tawang Monastery, founded in 1680–81 and the largest in India.
Stop at the Jaswant Garh war memorial and Bomdila Monastery on the road.
Essence of Journey
The experiences that capture the true spirit of the entire trip.
| Day | Route | Distance | Major Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Guwahati | Bike handover and test ride | Briefing |
| Day 2 | Guwahati to Bhalukpong | About 230 km, 6 hrs | Brahmaputra bridge at Tezpur, Assam tea country |
| Day 3 | Bhalukpong to Dirang via Bomdila | About 140 km, 6 hrs | Kameng valley, Bomdila Monastery |
| Day 4 | Dirang and Sangti Valley | About 30 km | Dirang Dzong, Sangti Valley, rest |
| Day 5 | Dirang to Tawang over Sela Pass | About 140 km, 5 to 6 hrs | Sela Pass and lake, Jaswant Garh |
| Day 6 | Tawang | About 30 km local | Tawang Monastery, Urgelling, war memorial |
| Day 7 | Tawang to Dirang | About 140 km, 5 to 6 hrs | Second crossing of Sela Pass |
| Day 8 | Dirang to Bhalukpong | About 140 km, 5 hrs | Descent through the Kameng valley |
| Day 9 | Bhalukpong to Guwahati | About 230 km, 6 hrs | Bike return, farewell dinner |
| Day 10 | Guwahati, fly out | Hotel to airport, about 45 min | Departure |
About
This North East motorbike expedition tour rides one of the great mountain roads of India: from the Brahmaputra plain at Guwahati, up through the forests of the Kameng valley, over Sela Pass at 4,170 metres and down to Tawang, home of India's largest monastery.
You ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, built for this kind of road. A ride leader goes ahead, and a backup vehicle with a mechanic follows with your luggage and spare parts. The daily distances are short, from 30 to 230 km, because mountain roads are slow and the views deserve stops.
The route stays in Arunachal Pradesh, where foreign riders are allowed with a permit. Zuluk, on the sheet route, is closed to foreign nationals, so it is not on this trip.
What is this North East motorbike expedition?
It is a private 10-day motorcycle tour from Guwahati to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, crossing Sela Pass (4,170 m) twice. It includes a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, fuel, a ride leader, a backup vehicle with a mechanic, hotels and the Arunachal Protected Area Permit. Daily rides are 30–230 km. It is open to foreign riders with a home licence and International Driving Permit. Prices start from about Rs. 1,27,300 per rider (twin share, Premium tier). Best months: October–November and March–May.
Why Ride to Tawang?
A true mountain road. From near sea level to over 4,000 metres in a few days, with endless bends, waterfalls and forest.
Real frontier country. Arunachal Pradesh sees far fewer foreign travellers than Ladakh or Sikkim, and it feels it.
Living Buddhist culture. Monpa villages, monasteries in Bomdila and Dirang, and morning prayers at Tawang Monastery.
Short riding days. Mountain roads are slow and the views deserve stops, so no day is rushed.
Bike, Crew and Backup
| Item | What you get |
|---|---|
|
Motorcycle |
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, an adventure bike made for mountain roads. One per rider. |
|
Bike checks |
Checked before handover in Guwahati, with a short test ride around the city. |
|
Ride leader |
Rides ahead, sets the pace and knows the road, its stops and its hazards. |
|
Backup vehicle |
Follows every riding day with your luggage, spare parts, a mechanic and a seat if you need a break. |
|
Repairs |
The mechanic handles most fixes on the spot. A spare bike can be arranged if needed. |
|
Fuel |
Included for the whole route. |
|
Helmet |
Provided. You are welcome to bring your own. |
Bike, Crew and Backup
Permits, Licence and Altitude
What foreign riders need
A valid motorcycle licence from your home country.
An International Driving Permit that covers motorcycles.
An India e-Tourist visa (apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in).
The Arunachal Protected Area Permit, which includes a USD 30 royalty. We arrange it for you; just send passport and visa copies at least three weeks before you travel.
Travel insurance covering motorcycling up to 4,500 metres.
Altitude made easier
Sela Pass sits at 4,170 metres and Tawang at about 3,000 metres. To help your body adjust, you spend three nights in Dirang at around 1,500 metres, one of them a short, easy riding day, before and after Tawang.
ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES
Tier labels follow the standard of the room and the property, not a star count. Bhalukpong, Dirang and Tawang have small hotel markets, so tiers there reflect the best rooms available. The Ultra-Luxury stay near Bhalukpong is a heritage tea-estate bungalow about 40 km before the town. Where no property is named, it is flagged honestly rather than guessed.
| Destination | Nights | Premium | Luxury | Ultra-Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Guwahati |
2 (Days 1, 9) |
Novotel Guwahati GS Road |
Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati |
Vivanta Guwahati |
|
Bhalukpong area |
2 (Days 2, 8) |
Good riverside lodge |
Best-available riverside resort |
Wild Mahseer, Balipara (heritage tea bungalow) |
|
Dirang |
3 (Days 3, 4, 7) |
Good valley hotel |
Best-available boutique stay |
Best-available boutique stay, top room |
|
Tawang |
2 |
Good town hotel |
Best-available hotel |
Best-available suite |
North East Motorbike Accommodation Categories
What to Bring
Riding jacket, gloves, boots and rain gear (helmets provided).
Warm layers and thermal base layers for Sela Pass and Tawang evenings.
Sunglasses or tinted visor, sunscreen and lip balm for altitude.
Your home licence, International Driving Permit and passport.
3-TIER PRICING SUMMARY
| Tier | Per couple | Per person | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Premium |
Rs.254,520 to Rs.274,882 |
Rs.127,260 to Rs.137,441 |
Good hotels and lodges |
|
Luxury |
Rs.292,320 to Rs.315,706 |
Rs.146,160 to Rs.157,853 |
Best-available stays and a larger backup vehicle |
|
Ultra-Luxury |
Rs.355,320 to Rs.383,746 |
Rs.177,660 to Rs.191,873 |
Heritage tea bungalow, best rooms, premium backup vehicle |
North East Motorbike 3-Tier Pricing Summary
The upper figure allows for date and season variance of about 8%. Prices are indicative and confirmed on request.
WHY BOOK THIS WITH BIZAREXPEDITION
A motorcycle expedition in Arunachal Pradesh, planned and run by BizareXpedition from start to finish.
The right bike. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450s, checked before handover on Day 1, with a short test ride around Guwahati.
Ride leader and backup. A ride leader up front, and a backup vehicle with a mechanic, spares and your luggage behind, every riding day.
Built-in acclimatisation. Three nights in Dirang at about 1,500 metres, before and after Tawang, with a short ride day on Day 4.
Short daily distances. No day is longer than about 230 km, and the longest days are on the flat Assam roads.
Permit handled. The Arunachal Protected Area Permit is arranged before you arrive.
A registered company. BizareXpedition Services Pvt. Ltd. (CIN U63090UR2016PTC007433), headquartered in Haridwar, plans and runs the trip itself.
Road etiquette: expect trucks and army convoys, ride slowly on bends, and never photograph army installations, bridges or convoys.
Best Time to Ride to Tawang
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
|
Peak |
October to November |
Dry roads, clear skies and Sela Pass open. The best riding weather. |
|
Good |
March to May |
Warm days in the valleys and rhododendrons on the pass. Some rain from May. |
|
Caution |
December to February |
Snow and ice on Sela Pass can close the road; the Sela tunnel helps. Very cold riding. |
|
Closed |
June to September |
Monsoon landslides make riding unsafe. The trip is not sold in this period. |
North East Motorbike Season Adjustments
PRACTICAL NOTES
Who can ride. Experienced riders with a valid motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit. You should be comfortable on mountain bends, gravel and wet roads.
Zuluk and Sikkim. Zuluk and the Old Silk Route in East Sikkim are closed to foreign nationals because of border restrictions, so they are not on this trip.
Permits. Arunachal Pradesh needs a Protected Area Permit with a USD 30 royalty. Send passport and visa copies at least three weeks ahead.
Altitude. Sela Pass is at 4,170 metres and Tawang at about 3,000 metres. Three Dirang nights help you adjust.
Riding gear. Bring a riding jacket, gloves, boots and rain gear. Helmets are provided; you may bring your own.
Road conditions. Roads are mostly paved, with broken patches, gravel and roadworks in the hills. Ride slowly and expect trucks and army convoys.
Insurance. Travel insurance that covers motorcycling up to 4,500 metres is required.
Pillion. A partner can ride pillion or travel in the backup vehicle. Ask for the pillion price.
Photography. Do not photograph army installations, bridges or convoys.
Tipping. Appreciated but not required. Most riders tip the ride leader, mechanic and driver at the end.
Booking Summary
Dept. City :
--
Dept. Date :
--
Traveller :
Adults: 2, Child: 0, Infant: 0
Rooms :
--
Basic Price :
--
Total Cost
--
GST
--
Grand Total
--
Itinerary (Day Wise)
You start this ride on the flat Brahmaputra plain and finish it at over 4,000 metres in the mountains of Arunachal. After you pick up your Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 in Guwahati, you ride through Assam’s tea country and cross into the hills at Bhalukpong. From there the road climbs the Kameng valley, past Bomdila Monastery, to the apple orchards of Dirang. You get a slow day there for the old dzong and quiet Sangti Valley before the big one: Sela Pass at 4,170 metres, with its prayer flags and frozen lake, then down to Tawang. Get up early in Tawang to join morning prayers at India’s largest monastery, then stop at the Jaswant Garh war memorial on the way back over the pass. A ride leader goes ahead of you, and a backup vehicle with a mechanic carries your bags. The days are short because these roads are slow, and you’ll want to stop often anyway.
Day 1
ARRIVE GUWAHATI | BIKES AND BRIEFING
Route: Arrive Guwahati airport; bike handover and short test ride
Your driver meets you at the airport. In the afternoon, meet your ride leader and mechanic, and collect your Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Check the controls, set up your luggage and take a short test ride on quiet roads.
In the evening, your ride leader runs through the route, hand signals, riding order and road rules in India.
Note on licences
Foreign riders need a valid motorcycle licence from home and an International Driving Permit. India drives on the left. Bring both on the trip.
Experience of the Day
Bike handover
Test ride
Route briefing
Food
Recommended: Paradise, a long-running Guwahati restaurant, for an Assamese thali.
Must-Try: Masor tenga, a light, sour fish curry.
Activities to Do
Bike check
Test ride
Briefing
Day 2
GUWAHATI TO BHALUKPONG | ACROSS THE BRAHMAPUTRA
Route: Guwahati to Tezpur and Bhalukpong, about 230 km, 6 hours
Ride east along the Assam plain and cross the Brahmaputra on the long road bridge near Tezpur. North of the river, tea gardens line the road to Bhalukpong, the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh at the foot of the hills.
This is the longest riding day, on mostly good, flat highway. Traffic is heavy near Guwahati, so the ride leader sets a steady pace.
Experience of the Day
Highway ride across Assam
Brahmaputra crossing
Tea gardens near Bhalukpong
Food
Recommended: Lunch at a highway dhaba; dinner at your lodge.
Must-Try: Assamese chicken curry with rice.
Activities to Do
Riding day
Optional Nearby Excursions
A short walk in Nameri National Park near Bhalukpong, if time allows
Day 3
BHALUKPONG TO DIRANG | INTO THE KAMENG VALLEY
Route: Bhalukpong to Bomdila and Dirang, about 140 km, 6 hours
Show your permits at the Bhalukpong checkpost and start climbing. The road follows the Kameng river through forest, then climbs in bends to Bomdila at about 2,400 metres. Stop at Bomdila Monastery, built in 1965.
Drop down to Dirang, a Monpa valley town at about 1,500 metres known for apple and kiwi orchards.
Note on the Arunachal permit
Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for Arunachal Pradesh, arranged through a registered local agency with a USD 30 royalty per person. Bum La pass is not open to foreign nationals.
Experience of the Day
Bhalukpong checkpost
Kameng river gorge
Bomdila Monastery
Food
Recommended: Lunch in Bomdila; dinner at your hotel in Dirang.
Must-Try: Thukpa and Monpa-style momos.
Activities to Do
Mountain riding
Monastery stop
Day 4
DIRANG | SANGTI VALLEY AND A REST
Route: Dirang Dzong and Sangti Valley, about 30 km
A short day to let your body adjust before the high pass. Walk through Dirang Dzong, the old stone fort village with houses several storeys high.
Ride the quiet road into Sangti Valley, a flat river valley with fields and pine. In winter, black-necked cranes come here from Tibet. The afternoon is free; the mechanic checks every bike.
Experience of the Day
Dirang Dzong
Sangti Valley ride
Bike check
Food
Recommended: Lunch at a local café; dinner at your hotel.
Must-Try: Local apples and kiwi fruit in season.
Activities to Do
Village walk
Short ride
Rest
Day 5
DIRANG TO TAWANG | OVER SELA PASS
Route: Dirang to Sela Pass (4,170 m), Jaswant Garh and Tawang, about 140 km, 5 to 6 hours
Climb in hairpins above the tree line to Sela Pass at 4,170 metres. Prayer flags line the pass and Sela Lake lies just below it, often frozen in winter. The new Sela tunnel, opened in 2024, can be used if the pass is snowed in.
On the way down, stop at Jaswant Garh, a memorial to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, who held his post here in the 1962 war. Ride on to Tawang at about 3,000 metres.
Note on altitude
Sela Pass is at 4,170 metres. Keep stops short at the top, drink water, and tell your ride leader if you feel dizzy or have a headache. The backup vehicle can carry you if needed.
Experience of the Day
Sela Pass and lake
Jaswant Garh memorial
First view of Tawang
Food
Recommended: Tea and snacks at the army canteen near Jaswant Garh; dinner at your hotel.
Must-Try: Butter tea and zan, a Monpa millet dish, if available.
Activities to Do
High-pass riding
Memorial stop
Day 6
TAWANG | INDIA'S LARGEST MONASTERY
Route: Tawang Monastery, Urgelling, Tawang War Memorial, about 30 km
Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680–81 on the instruction of the 5th Dalai Lama and is the largest monastery in India. Ride up for morning prayers, then visit the museum.
Later, visit Urgelling, birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama in 1683, and the Tawang War Memorial.
Note on sensitive places
Do not photograph army installations. Dress modestly in monasteries.
Experience of the Day
Morning prayers at Tawang Monastery
Urgelling
Tawang War Memorial
Food
Recommended: Lunch in Tawang town.
Must-Try: Momos and butter tea.
Shopping
Monpa handwoven carpets and wooden masks from the craft centre.
Activities to Do
Monastery visit
Memorial visit
Day 7
TAWANG TO DIRANG | BACK OVER THE PASS
Route: Tawang to Dirang over Sela Pass, about 140 km, 5 to 6 hours
Ride back over Sela Pass. The views look different heading south, with the Kameng hills ahead. Back in Dirang, a hot shower and an easy evening.
Experience of the Day
Second crossing of Sela Pass
Descent to Dirang
Food
Recommended: Lunch on the road; dinner at your hotel.
Must-Try: Thukpa after the ride.
Activities to Do
Mountain riding
Day 8
DIRANG TO BHALUKPONG | DOWN THE KAMENG
Route: Dirang to Bomdila and Bhalukpong, about 140 km, 5 hours
Ride back over the Bomdila ridge and down the Kameng valley to the plains. The air warms quickly as you drop.
Experience of the Day
Bomdila ridge
Kameng river descent
Back to the plains
Food
Recommended: Lunch on the road; dinner at your lodge.
Must-Try: Fresh river fish, where the lodge offers it.
Activities to Do
Riding day
Day 9
BHALUKPONG TO GUWAHATI | THE FINAL RIDE
Route: Bhalukpong to Tezpur and Guwahati, about 230 km, 6 hours
Ride back across the Brahmaputra to Guwahati and hand back the bikes. In the evening, share a farewell dinner with your ride leader and crew.
Experience of the Day
Last ride across Assam
Bike return
Farewell dinner
Food
Recommended: Farewell dinner at an Assamese restaurant.
Must-Try: Duck with ash gourd, a traditional Assamese dish.
Activities to Do
Riding day
Farewell dinner
Day 10
GUWAHATI | DEPARTURE
Route: Hotel to Guwahati airport, about 45 minutes
Transfer to Guwahati airport for your onward flight.
Experience of the Day
Last morning by the Brahmaputra
Airport drop
Food
Recommended: Breakfast at your hotel.
Must-Try: A last cup of Assam tea.
Activities to Do
Airport transfer
Tour Information
Your complete guide to a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.
Inclusion
Exclusion
Payment Terms
Important factors to consider before your trip!
Cancellation
Need To Know
Be Responsible Traveller
- Minimize Plastic Use : Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to reduce the need for single-use plastics. Many destinations have water refill stations and eco-friendly stores.
- Support Local and Sustainable Businesses : Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and choose tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and support the local community.
- Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Avoid disturbing wildlife or their natural habitats. Stick to designated paths and observe animals from a distance without feeding or touching them.
- Dispose of Waste Properly : Follow local guidelines for recycling and waste disposal. If facilities aren't available, carry your waste with you until you can dispose of it responsibly.
- Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the local environment, culture, and customs. Respect local practices and traditions, and share your knowledge about responsible travel with others.
- Choose Sustainable Activities : Engage in eco-friendly activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting national parks. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage the environment.
- Leave No Trace : Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace," which means leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and refrain from carving or writing on rocks or trees.
- Plant Trees Whenever Possible : Participate in local tree-planting initiatives or plant trees in your own community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and help support biodiversity, making them vital for a healthy environment.
Connect
Share Itinerary
Email Itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & People Also Ask — North East Motorbike Expedition: Sela Pass and Tawang
We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.
Can foreigners ride a motorcycle to Tawang?
Yes. Foreign riders can ride to Tawang with an Arunachal Protected Area Permit, a home motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit.
Is a sela pass zuluk bike trip possible for foreigners?
Not in full. Zuluk and the Old Silk Route in East Sikkim are closed to foreign nationals for border reasons. This trip rides Sela Pass and Tawang in Arunachal instead.
Can I do an arunachal sikkim motorcycle tour for foreigners?
Arunachal is open to foreign riders with a permit. Sikkim's high border areas are restricted, and the two states are far apart by road, so this trip covers Arunachal. A Sikkim leg can be added by car.
What bike will I ride?
A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, an adventure motorcycle made for mountain roads. Each bike is checked before handover.
How difficult is the ride?
It is moderate. Daily distances are short, but mountain bends, broken patches and the cold at Sela Pass need experience and care.
How high is Sela Pass?
Sela Pass is at 4,170 metres. The road crosses it on Day 5 and Day 7, with nights at Dirang, about 1,500 metres, before and after.
What happens if my bike breaks down?
The mechanic in the backup vehicle carries spares and handles most repairs on the spot. A spare bike can be arranged if needed.
Is there a support vehicle?
Yes. A backup vehicle with a driver and mechanic follows the group every riding day, carrying luggage and spares.
When is the best time to ride to Tawang?
October and November are best, with dry roads and clear skies. March to May is also good. The trip is not sold in the monsoon, and Sela Pass may close in winter.
Can my partner ride pillion?
Yes. A partner can ride pillion or travel in the backup vehicle, at a lower price.
Is this north east motorbike expedition tour private?
Yes. It runs privately for your group, with your own ride leader, backup vehicle and mechanic.
How much does this motorbike expedition cost?
This 10-day ride costs about Rs.254,520 to Rs.274,882 per couple on two bikes at the Premium tier, or Rs.127,260 to Rs.137,441 per rider. Luxury runs Rs.292,320 to Rs.315,706 per couple, and Ultra-Luxury Rs.355,320 to Rs.383,746. Prices include bikes, fuel, backup, permits and GST, but not flights or riding gear.
BizareXpeditionTMReviews
Let's go, pack up, and hit the road!
Similar Tour Packages
Explore other exciting options for your next adventure!
Trusted Paths, Bold Journeys — Inside BizareXpedition
From humble beginnings to a trusted name in the industry, BizareXpedition's story is one of purpose-driven growth, community connection, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that speaks for itself.
North East Motorbike Expedition: Sela Pass and Tawang
best deal price
Without GST
₹1,27,260
per person on twin sharing
Book Now