Bomdila

Bomdila, headquarters of West Kameng district, sits at around 2,400 m on the main road between the Assam plains and Tawang. It is a relaxed hill town of Monpa and Sherdukpen communities, with prayer flags fluttering over the ridges and, on clear days, views of the snowy Gorichen and Kangto ranges.

The town's main sight is the Gentse Gaden Rabgye Ling (Bomdila Monastery), built in 1965 as a replica of the Tsona Gontse monastery in southern Tibet, with a large prayer hall and a community of monks. The Upper and Lower Gompas, a small craft centre producing carpets and masks, and the local market are worth exploring. Apple and kiwi orchards cover the surrounding slopes.

Bomdila is a common overnight stop on the return from Tawang, breaking the journey to Guwahati. It is also a base for visiting Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary near Tenga and the Sherdukpen town of Rupa.