Arunachal Pradesh Exploratory Trek

**In June 2010 Joel died while leading The Great Himalayan Bike Adventure.
The itinerary pages of all his trips, including this one remain here unchanged.**

See Our treks for current treks

An autumn journey to a hidden land

From the North west to the North East of our home in the Himalaya, every year we try to push our treks into new areas; and 2009 is the year we head for Arunachal, known for its remote valleys, tribal people, and demanding trails to the bases of remote and unclimbed peaks.

Working with our longtime friend Basant Giri of Ren Expeditions, we have put together a circuit crossing several passes that offers the best of this beautiful region that people have compared with Bhutan. The high point on the trek is the base camp for the Gorichen group of peaks, including the 7000m Kangto and Gorichen main and east, both 6000m plus.

This is an exploratory trek, and our first in the region; so be among the first!

Outline itinerary

Trekkers Say

[About Joel] I wanted to thank you for an amazing trip - you are a great guide and leader, and, more important, a kind and caring person. It really was a pleasure to know you - I hope we trek again!

Darrel Smith, India trek 2007

Thank you for a wonderful month of trekking. Your professionalism, your genuine concern for everybody, and your great sense of humor make you a fabulous guide and friend.

I will be back!

Annie Andrews, India treks 2004 & 2007

Thanks again for a good trek - you really seem to have a terrific knack at allowing independence on treks but also stepping in and being supportive/decisive when needed. I must admit, I was worried about doing the group gig as I'm a bit of an independent wanderer, but now would have absolutely no hesitation booking on another of your group trips...hopefully/probably/god willing/if my stars say so/if I haven't been eaten by a koala etc etc..in 09!

Gaye Kittel, Nanda Devi team 2009

Detailed itinerary

Our good friend Basant has travelled and trekked in Arunachal a bit, so we are not trekking entirely blind, but this really is an exploratory trek to a remote, little-visited (by tourists) region.

Day 1- arrive Delhi

Joel will be at the airport to meet you, look for the Project-Himalaya sign. We drive to our hotel in Parhar Gang, the main bazaar of Delhi, and over dinner, discuss gear and our adventure.

Day 2 - Fly to Guwahati

We fly to the far north east of India, Guwahati - where we have been many times en route to Sikkim - but just for half an hour! The flight, if it is clear weather, is a superb experience; incredible views of all the Himalayan giants, including Everest and Kanchenjunga. On arrival we are met by our local guide and drive to Dirang, the roadhead for our trek, at 1600m.

Day 3-19 Trek

The itinerary of the trek days and campsites are above; we are trekking with a mixed team of porters and horses, and the trek is a circuit of the high and beautiful places of the region, crossing no less then 9 passes - Chang La, Poshing La, Tse La, Cari La, Camlung La, Dedung La, Zelung La, Nicktung La and Kyu La...all around 15000 feet/4600m. As usual we take it slow and easy as we start, building up to some more demanding days towards the end of the trek; which is expedition style, camping in our usual four season tents with the best food and staff.

Day 20 - Tawang Monastery

Tawang is one of the remotest locations for a monastery; we drive there and overnight after looking over the ancient site, still a thriving teaching institution. The Gelugpa monastery was built in 1681, and is one of the largest in the world.

Day 21 - Drive Guwahati & fly Delhi

Our last day, an early morning drive followed by our flight to Delhi, landing mid afternoon...most international flights depart late evening.

jdesign -- all rights reserved -- frozen in time July 2013