Bomdila revealed: Discover Authentic Bomdila with these Insider Tips – Arunachal Pradesh, India

Bomdila revealed: Discover authentic Bomdila with Insider Tips from Safe and Healthy Travel. The authentic town of Bomdila will introduce you to the unique Northeast Indian culture steeped in Tibetan influences. Visit the GRL monastery, dance along at The Chham, hike in the Himalayas and shop for souvenirs at Ama market on the busy Main Street in downtown Bomdila.

If you are going to visit the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, there is a good chance Bomdila will be your first stop. The beautiful authentic town of Bomdila is worth exploring.

Bomdila is located at an altitude of over 2,400 metres in the Eastern Himalayas. The charm of this mountain town has been well preserved over the years. The Monpas, residents of Bomdila, are very proud of their culture and traditions and Bomdila radiates this.

Read about what you should definitely not miss in Bomdila.

To acclimatise to the altitude of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Bomdila is the perfect stop for a few days. And while acclimatising you won’t have to be bored, check out these insider tips and discover authentic Bomdila.

How long stay in Bomdila?

I would definitely book 3 nights in Bomdila. You then have 2 full days which gives you good time to get used to the altitude. You will also have time to include some insider tips in your day programme to discover authentic Bomdila and its surroundings.

Where is Bomdila located?

Bomdila is located in West Kameng district, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in northeast India. At an altitude of over 2,400 metres in the Himalayas, Bomdila is easily accessible and acts perfectly as an acclimation stop.

To give you a rough idea of where the state of Arunachal Pradesh lies, below China (Tibet) and right next to Bhutan.

From Bomdila, you have beautiful views of the high peaks, sometimes snow-capped, of the Himalayas and look down into the valleys where you see small villages and rivers flowing. Unsurprisingly then, the city of Bomdila and its environs has plenty to offer culturally, naturally and culinarily.

Also read why you really want to explore Arunachal Pradesh

Read on for all the tips to discover authentic Bomdila and the surrounding area.

Gontse Gaden Rabgye-Ling monastery

On your first day, you will have plenty of time to visit this amazing monastery. If you plan your visit with Sange from Holiday Scout, you can count on a very comprehensive tour.

Chupta, a senior monk living in GRL monastery, told us everything we wanted to know about the monastery. He took us into the deep Tibetan history of the Dalai Lama and the other Lamas who had fled to India in 1957. Chupta even showed us the room where the Dalai Lama sleeps and lives when he visits the monastery. That the Dalai Lama visited Gontse Gade Rabgye-Ling monastery last happened in 2017, when he planted a Daphne tree in front of the monastery.

During a break, over a cup of massala Chai, I met a monk who fled Tibet in 1958.

It really felt great to get a brief insight into the life of the Buddhist monk.

Main Street Bomdila – Ama Market

Discover authentic Bomdila is also going in the hustle and bustle of the town itself, of course. To get the feel of a Northeast Indian town, take some time to explore the shopping street.

Visit the crammed shops and stop in at Ama Market while discovering authentic Bomdila. This indoor market is occupied by women, selling their home-made bags, clothes and delicacies. Very nice to visit this small market and sponsor it by buying a souvenir.

Traditional Dance Evening – The Chham

If you are serious about discovering authentic Bomdila go to The Chham. A traditional dance night is organised every evening at 6.30pm. Different dances are shown in the varied costumes. It was really fun to watch, especially as the young men and women were visibly enjoying themselves too.

The most fun came at the end where the dancers came off the stage and did a dance together with us, the visitors. So pay attention during the performance, this might help you!

Museum & Craftmenship Centre

The museum displays incredible old and impressive exhibits. The museum is really a must-see and hopefully it will be better maintained and more beautifully decorated. It already shows you very nicely what tribes there are, what clothes they wear and what jewellery, hats or tools they use. Sange from Holiday Scout wants to refurbish this museum and I can assure you that it will then be a top place to visit during your introduction to Arunachal Pradesh.

The handicraft centre in the centre near Lower Gompa is also an interesting place to visit. Several people were working on woodworking, metalworking and rug making. In the various workshops, you get a good idea of how they work and can ask all the questions you want. Still working as they did so many years ago. Here too, you can see how they do their best to maintain the authenticity of their culture.

Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery – Lower Gompa

Near the centre of Bomdila is the Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery, also called Lower Gompa. This is another whole monastery complex. The small old monastery stands next to the new large building which opened in November 2024. The grounds also house the rooms where the many monks stay.

I saw many people walking around the monasteries, always turning left, praying and thinking. I also walked around and got into a conversation with a young woman who was curious as to why I was walking here. Because there is so little tourism and I am travelling with two Indian women, I naturally stand out extra. So nice that then almost everyone can speak a word of English. The woman I spoke to was a student and from Bomdila, and yes she was proud of her town and this new monastery.

Discover Culture outside Bomdila – Arunachal Pradesh

Dirang (Dzong)

I really loved this nice little place called Dirang Dzong. And I really recommend taking a guided tour so you visit the old town behind the defence wall and get the background stories. It gives you the full picture and then adding the surrounding mountains to make it a whole. It is really great to explore the small alleys and experience the atmosphere.

In the evening hours, the gates of the defensive wall used to close. The small town thus became a safe haven for residents against wild animals as well as other malicious persons. Walking through the narrow streets, where no motorised vehicles can come anywhere, really gives you that protective feeling as well. Everywhere, children play in the streets and you can see right into the gardens and houses.

Dirang – Thupsung Dhargye Ling monastery

Near the town of Dirang itself, the impressive Thupsung Dhargye Ling Buddhist Monastery is really worth a visit. A modern monastic complex and Tibetan institute with beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains. In 2017, this monastery was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama and given its name. The name means ‘Place of Flourishing of the Buddha’s Speech’.

Sangti Valley

And who knows, you might have time to go into the Sangti Valley after your visit in Dirang. There really is a beautiful village to visit. Once this was a tourist resort but this seems to have moved away, even so I found it really worth doing a walk through the area.

Ps. we saw two cranes walking in the meadow there. At a considerable distance that is… but we saw them standing. How cool!

Lhagyala Monastery

This truly beautiful monastery which dates back to the 7th century is really a MUST visit. The trip from Bomdila to it already gives you the most beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains. Then as you slowly drive up, the roads get narrower and the curves sharper the excitement also rises. Suddenly the road stopped and we were there…. I was standing in the mist, in the Himalayas, looking at a 7th century monastery painted white.

We walked in and were welcomed by a young monk, there are a number of monks staying here and, as I would discover later, an older couple as well. On my way to the toilet, I walked through their kitchen and the woman and I suddenly found ourselves face to face. She was startled by me and I by her reaction. After that, very nice contact developed. Later, when we had a cup of tea with the monks, she also joined us.

After the tour, I was given time to do a 15 minutes meditation in the heart of this ancient monastery. This is surely the most special place where I have ever meditated and I will always have fond memories of this visit.

Buddha Heritage Park – Yokmuzor

There are several Buddha Parks in the Bomdila area and you will often be able to see them from a great distance. A huge colourful statue of a Buddha at the most beautiful spot along the mountainside. The Buddha looks over the valley and in this way, prayers will also blow out over the valley. Beautiful thought I think.

Take a moment to enjoy the wide views when it is clear at your place!
And feel the serene atmosphere, stroll around at your leisure and view the many paintings.

Ps. In Jigaon, the place just before the Buddha Heritage Park, you can have a delicious breakfast/lunch at Zgang Bliss

Morshing – Best Sustainable Tourist Village

Walk through the authentic village of Morshing where the houses are still made of stacked bricks and Nepali prayer flags blow the prayers through the village.

Get called in by a villager and have a delicious cup of massala chai on the floor by the wood stove in the kitchen. We were offered a glass of hot water and sat on the couch in a living room, which you don’t see as often. The cat of the house did keep a close eye on us.

And see the red scarf hanging on the door?

This is a Khata and you get it on official or ceremonial occasions, in different colours, to wear as a welcome and sign of respect.

Will you get the scarf when you leave again? Then you will be wished a safe journey. During my trip through Arunachal Pradesh, I received several scarves in a variety of colours.

Discovering authentic Bomdila – Arunachal Pradesh

Of course, there are other beautiful and interesting places to discover near authentic Bomdila. How about the Eagles Nest Wildlife Sanctuary or the War Memorial just outside the city.

Where to stay in Bomdila?

We stayed for 3 nights at the beautiful and modern Bomdila Embassy. It has a welcoming homely atmosphere, the delicious food is made by the family and there is a common living room and kitchen. In winter, houses are cold and Bomdila Embassy has a solution for that with electric underblankets in your bed. Really lovely!

And from your room with adjoining balcony you have really fantastic views over authentic Bomdila.

Coming & Going Bomdila

Tawang – Bomdila is about 175 kilometres but it will take you about 5 hours because of all the mountains you have to cross and through. So that’s a day’s travel…but in the meantime, you’ll cross the Sela Pass. A beautiful place to visit. This one is at an altitude of 4170 metres!

Nameri NP – Bomdila is about 3.5 hours’ drive over 123 kilometres. During my round trip, I flew into Guhawati and had my first overnight stay near Nameri NP. The morning I had a nice walk at the park and then we drove on to Bomdila. With a stop at the orchid centre, this made for a fun trip.

Do you want to read more about India?

Read why you want to visit Arunachal Pradesh

Read these tips for women travelling solo in India

Dive into the streetfood culture of Mumbai

All you need to know for your visit to India

See the best highlights of Chennai – Tamil Nadu