It is an arduous task trying to
encapsulate a trip to Arunachal Pradesh into words. It is a journey more than a
destination, an experience more than a trip, a string of towns and villages
than “tourist spots”.
It is like road-tripping into a
pantomime of changing landscapes – the roads wind into infinity, the fog
sometimes sprinkles magic on the windshield, the mist sometimes engulfs the
majestic mountain peaks, waterfalls gush out of the rocky terrain at unexpected
bends and curves and the stately Kameng river accompanies us through this
enchanting journey.
We hopped into the “border” area
of Arunachal Pradesh called Bhalukpong where one has to display passes and complete
procedures for entry. And then the roads took us uphill into the sleepy town of
Bomdila – the fog thickening into an invisible blanket as we checked into the
cozy comfort of our rooms. A shivering night and a breathtaking morning waking
up to the clouds and mountains and we bid goodbye to the happy faces of the
hotel staff.
And then the roads wound into curves
and took us through an array of tiny villages – their cute rustic houses bordered
with an enviable collection of flower pots, small children playing to their
hearts’ content, ladies breaking into stones with their tiny tots saddled in a
sling…charming sights that warm you and question your rushed and hushed urban existence.
After a while
the villages vanished and were replaced with army barracks, olive green trucks
and an army of personnel who guard the country from the border forces. And the
moment that I awaited flashed before me – Sela Pass – an isolated haven of snow
peaked mountains and frozen lakes..I could not have asked for more as a slight
snow erupted with soft little flakes brushing my hair and nose! The hangover of
the sweaty days in Bangalore made me scream out in elation and the crunchy
feeling of snow in my bare hands was pure bliss found in the summer month of
April. Mustering as much courage as I could, I walked, soaked in and enjoyed
the icy white landscape and hesitantly moved on to Tawang.
Tawang is a mischievous
town of varied weather – as one layers up the winter clothes, the sun would peep
out and shine over the valley and mountains. As you step out to enjoy the sun,
a mad torrent of rain will come pelting down to chill your bones. As you step
out of the comfort of the heated room, a gush of winter fog will get you
scampering back. A non-touristy tourist location – it boasts of a 400-year-old
monastery that will awe you with its rustic architecture and monks who go about
their business. When you tire of the walk and sights of the valley, you can indulge
in the yummiest momos and simply rest to soak in the sights and sounds of its
charming people and regal weather.
The journey
back was equally mystical and we had the luxury of a halt at the picturesque
town of Dirang where the river, mountains and houses united to greet us. As we
descended into the plains, the rear view mirror capturing the last specks of
the peaks and fog, there was an uneasy longing for the mountain, valley and
small town charms..I was almost unsure whether I left a part of my soul behind or
whether I carried a piece of Arunachal within me as I bid goodbye?
