Before leaving majestic Tawang, we tried to go even more to the North to see some beautiful lakes and the Bumla Pass — the border with China (Tibet Autonomous Region) at 15,200 ft. We started to ride around 6AM, but on the exit of the city military stopped us, because it's icy and dangerous with a motorbike. We explained that it was just to see the first lake and we achieved to cross this step. We rode around 8 kms going up, but we faced a big military camp (Marta — another one!) and this time, they didn't let us pass. So, it's true how unfair it is for foreigners… Only Indian tourists can go there and only through a travel agency to get the specific permit. How sad!
Every Kind of Mountain Weather in One Day
So finally, we rode all day to sleep in the village of Bomdila. We crossed again the Sela Pass without any snow this time but once we passed the crest to go down, we had a very huge fog with a big hail all the way down. We can say we had every weather in the mountains: sun, rain, hail, thick fog. Anyway, it's a magical place 😊! We found a really nice homestay (Anu) in Bomdila. They really took care of us because we were so frozen and totally wet.
We continued our journey, crossed the military border again in Bhalukpong because the best road to go to our next destination (Ziro) was forcing us to exit Arunachal Pradesh, and slept in Bishwanath (a not very welcoming city…). The next morning, we continued to ride to Ziro. We crossed the border to enter again in Arunachal Pradesh (more soft security there) and fought with the road until Ziro (so bumpy road, mate!). It was really an exhausting day for us but Ziro Valley is breathtaking.
The Apatani Tribe
We found a very nice place, very calm to sleep and relax. They even helped us to plan our day. We spent some time within the tribe villages and saw women with the tattoos on their faces and big piercings in their noses. It was a bit surprising to see the first time.
Kiwi Wine and the Cleverest Rice Fields
We visited the only Kiwi wine factory in India (second in the world) and honestly, it's a good wine! Then, we visited the old Ziro.
Oh yes, we also saw the beautiful rice plantations everywhere. They are unique in Ziro. They grow fishes at the same time in the rice plantations. Smart, isn't? It's very specific and only a few places in the world do the same. Last but not least, we loved kids waving saying hello 😉!
We really enjoyed time in the Ziro Valley! Next updates will be about an intense ride day and two days in Majuli Island, the biggest river island in the world.
May 12–15, 2018