Days 23 & 24: Tawang and the road back to Bomdila

Yesterday we were due a relatively lazy day, starting at about 8.30, but just after 7 we realised we were in for a beautiful day. The view of the monestary from the room inspired us to brave the cold and so we headed back up to the monestary, where we casually wandered around, admiring yet again the monestary and its incredible setting before walking slowly back to Tawang. There was not a cloud in the sky. In the afternoon we just wandered around Tawang, every corner revealing another spectacular view. Hopefully we should have a link to some photos up in about a week so you can see what I mean. In the evening, after an excellent meal at our favourite hotel so far, we sat around the fire in the kitchen and chatted, people coming and going continually.

Today after breakfast we set off for Bomdila. The weather was a repeat of the previous day and the views were simply breath taking. I won't elaborate, I'll let the photos do the rest. Coming back over Sela Pass proved even more difficult than our first passing. The first time our jeep got stuck in the snow myself, Rahul and a guy who works on the roads managed to extract it, but the second time more manpower was required. So from the truck that was following us a mini-army jumped down, and we pushed/lifted the car to safety. Not before we were half-frozen to death by swirling icy winds though.

We stopped again at Sela's little hut restaurant for very much appreciated noodles and tea, and an even more appreciated fire. Once we had defrosted, we set off again and within an hour we stopped again, and sunbathed for half an hour! It was roasting, still being high enough to feel the full strength of the sun. We reached Bomdila at around five and found accomodation that surpassed our previous find, this one being in the grounds of Bomdila monestary, a great setting with very clean rooms decorated in the monestary style, and a balcony view of Bomdila and the mountains beyond. We watched a little of the evening prayers before dinner, and I'm now writing by candle-light as Arunachal's electricity situation has struck again. However from our balcony I can see a sky with more stars than any other I have ever seen.
Tomorrow we will head on to Potasali Eco Camp in Assam, and bid a sad farewell to Arunachal Pradesh. For now!

- Dave