Tawang, tucked away in the eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, had always fascinated me. Known for its ancient monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and snow-covered passes, it felt like a hidden world waiting to be explored. Many assume that trekking in the Northeast requires a hefty budget, but I was determined to do it affordably. With the help of Bino, I found budget-friendly transport, homestays, and trekking routes, making this offbeat adventure possible without overspending.

Day 1: The Long but Scenic Journey to Tawang

Reaching Tawang isn't easy, but the journey itself is an adventure. I started with an overnight train from Guwahati to Tezpur (₹400) and then took a shared sumo (₹1,000) towards Tawang. The 14-hour ride was rough but unforgettable—winding roads, towering cliffs, and sudden views of snow-clad peaks.

By evening, I reached Dirang, a small town nestled in the valley, where I found a budget homestay for ₹500 via Bino. The local host welcomed me with butter tea and homemade momos (₹100), the perfect meal after a long journey.

Day 2: Acclimatizing and Exploring Tawang Monastery

To prepare for the trek, I spent the day in Tawang town (10,000 ft), exploring its monasteries and markets. The Tawang Monastery, the second-largest in the world, was a spiritual haven, with monks chanting and prayer flags fluttering against the snow-covered backdrop.

For lunch, I found a small dhaba serving thukpa and tingmo (₹120), a delicious Tibetan meal that warmed me in the chilly weather. In the evening, I walked to the Giant Buddha Statue, which overlooked the valley bathed in golden light.

Day 3: Trekking to Pankang Teng Tso (PT Tso Lake)

Early the next morning, I set out towards Pankang Teng Tso Lake (PT Tso), a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by pristine snow. Instead of hiring an expensive taxi, I took a shared sumo (₹300) to a point from where I could trek.

The trail led me through pine forests, frozen streams, and rhododendron-covered slopes. With every step, the silence of the mountains felt deeper. After about three hours of trekking, I reached PT Tso, where the frozen lake reflected the towering peaks around it. I sat there in complete solitude, feeling like I had discovered a secret part of the Himalayas.

Day 4: Bum La Pass – Trekking to the Indo-China Border

The next challenge was Bum La Pass (15,200 ft), a strategic point on the Indo-China border. Most travelers take permits and expensive taxis, but I found a local villager offering a guided trek for ₹800, much cheaper than the usual tour packages.

The trek was tough, with thin air and steep ascents, but the landscape was like something out of a dream—vast, snow-covered plains, Buddhist chortens, and the occasional sight of the Indian Army camps. Reaching Bum La, with the border post in front of me and the endless Tibetan plateau beyond, was a surreal moment.

After spending some time at the top, I descended to Sangetsar Lake (Madhuri Lake), named after the Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a film here. The lake, surrounded by snow-draped trees, was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.

Day 5: Return to Tawang and a Budget Breakdown

Returning to Tawang felt like stepping back into civilization after days in the wild. I treated myself to a plate of steaming butter momos (₹80) and spent the evening chatting with locals. The next morning, I took a shared sumo (₹1,000) back to Guwahati, carrying memories of frozen lakes, high passes, and endless mountain silence.

How I Kept My Trek Budget-Friendly

• Used Bino to find budget homestays (₹500 per night, including food) instead of hotels.
• Took shared sumos (₹2,300 round-trip) instead of expensive private taxis.
• Trekked to lakes and passes instead of hiring vehicles (saved ₹3,000+).
• Ate local food (₹80-150 per meal) instead of dining at tourist restaurants.

Tawang was more than just a trek—it was an experience of untouched Himalayan beauty, deep Tibetan culture, and rugged adventure. With the right planning and Bino helping me find affordable transport, stays, and trekking routes, I proved that exploring Arunachal Pradesh doesn’t have to be expensive.

If you're looking for budget-friendly trekking options, affordable stays, or local transport tips, just message Bino on WhatsApp at +91 9800081110.