Day 128 - Bomdila

Bomdila, is a small town located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of about 2217 meters above sea level, Bomdila is renowned for its Buddhist monasteries and apple orchards. Bomdila had been a part of the kingdom of Tibet where it was ruled by the local tribal rulers of Bhutan. The Ahom rulers of Assam never interfered with these local tribes except in case of retaliatory raids. In 1873, the British banned the entry in this area of Arunachal Pradesh. After India gained independence in 1947, there has been constant disagreement on this area between India and China. In 1962, China invaded the area around Bomdila, but later withdrew its troops from there. The view of clouds gathering at the top of the Nechipu Pass can be easily seen from the highest point of this place. The area is also home to the Kangto and Gorichen peaks, which are considered as the highest peaks in the state. The town is famous for its arts and crafts and these can be seen in stalls all around the town.Bomdila is also known as a paradise for trekking and hiking.


How to reach here:

By Air: The town of Tezpur is the nearest airport.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is located at the town of Tezpur.


Best time to visit: Throughout the year.


Languages spoken: Monpa, Sherdukpen, Miji, Aka, Hindi, Assamese.


Places you must visit: 

Bomdila Monastery, constructed by 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche is one of the most famous attractions of Bomdila. Inaugurated in 1965, this monastery is abode to Buddhist Monks and Lamas. In addition, this monastery is believed to be exact replica of Tsona Gontse Monastery, which is located at Tsona in South Tibet. Popularly known as the Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling monastery, this monastery belongs to Mahayana Buddhism.A huge prayer hall was added later to this monastery, which was built by the 13th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. This payer hall was blessed by the guardian spirit of 14th Dalai Lama in the month of October during 1997.








Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, sprawling over an area of 100 sq.km, is one of the most popular sanctuaries located in Arunachal Pradesh. This sanctuary houses around 200 species of exotic orchids, of which 5 belong to endemic species. In addition, the sanctuary is home to several animals such as pheasant, red panda, goral and crows along with some of the endangered species of animals.






Apple Orchards, famous for its huge trees laden with apple fruits, is one of the major attractions for tourists visiting Bomdila and that too especially during winters. The orchards are immensely filled with fruits during winters, as nature is at its best during this time in the region.





Craft Center & Ethnographic Museum can see wide variety of carpets, Buddhist Thangkas (wall hangings) and handicrafts along with masks crafted by locals. In addition, the center is famous among tourists for its dragon design carpets as well.





The Orchid Research and Development Station is based on the banks of river Bharali, which flows in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh.  Sprawling across vast geographical area of about 112.8 acres, the place displays 425 species of orchids out of which 20 are considered as rare or endangered species. Established in the year 1972, the entrance gate of this orchidarium is beautifully decorated with the title board showing ‘temple of orchids’.The main aim behind establishing an orchidarium was to preserve and conserve various species of orchids in their natural habitat. At present, this orchidarium holds more than 50, 000 odd and exotic orchids on display. In addition, the place also has an Orchid Glass House, which is one of the major attractions of this centre. Constructed using fiber glass roof, this glass house was established on 26th December, 1972 by Sri B.K. Nehru. This glass house has around 1000 exotic orchids on display, most of which are in hanging baskets or pots.




Lower Gompa, based at the end of Bazaar Street, is situated in the middle of the town. Tourists visiting the lower gompa can see beautiful Tibetan architecture and huge prayer hall located inside this gompa.

R.R Hill, the highest point at Bomdila, is also one of the major tourist attractions of the region. From this place, tourists can see the road leading to Tawang along with the one that leads to Bhutan border.

Bomdila View Point provides magnanimous view of entire West Kameng Valley. From the highest point of this place, tourists can also enjoy beautiful views of clouds congregated at the top of the Nechipu Pass.