Bhalukpong Tourism And Travel Guide

Bhalukpong is a beautiful place and nature’s paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Renowned for its ancient ruins, a historic fort from the 10th century that’s located at the foothills and more such wondrous tourist attractions, you won’t be disappointed visiting this scenic town and its neighboring areas. Located 213m above the sea level by the banks of River Kameng, Bhalukpong is encompassed with thick forests along the edges that make for the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary and also serves as a passing route for neighboring regions like Bomdila and Tawang. Tourism in Bhalukpong is enhanced by a diverse range of tribe, their cultures, and religious beliefs. Here’s a travel guide to help you find your way in and around Bhalukpong.

By Air:

Bhalukpong doesn’t have a direct airport and the nearest airport is at Salonibari, Tezpur which is about 52kms from town. On arrival at Tezpur, you can take a cab and make the onward journey. Alternatively, you can fly into the Guwahati International Airport from any major city in the country and then travel to Bhalukpong by train or bus.

By Train:

The closest train station to Bhalukpong is at Rangapara, Tezpur and then in Guwahati which is about 6 hours to Bhalukpong. There are plenty of trains operating both from Tezpur and Guwahati to town and you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bhalukpong.

By Road:

Bhalukpong is located remotely amidst the Himalayan Range and is accessible by road to other towns in Arunachal and Assam both. From Tezpur, you can reach Bhalukpong by bus or in a jeep. Traveling through the curvy roads by the glorious Brahmaputra, passing through the woodlands of Kaziranga, will give you a glimpse of the wilderness and leave you with a memory to cherish.

Getting Around:

Jeeps and taxis are available in plenty to get around in Bhalukpong. From Tezpur, you can take a cab or a bus, and mostly all public transportation vehicles pass through Bhalukpong to go to Bomdila.

One of the best times to visit Bhalukpong is between October through April. In summer, it's best to carry lightweight cotton and warm woolens for winter wear. For visiting neighboring areas like Bomdila or Tawang, which are at a high altitude, its best to pack heavy woolens for winter and warm clothes for summer travel. Monsoon is rather heavy, while winter season’s pleasantly comfortable and ideal for engaging in outdoor activities.

Summer (March-June):

March-June are the summer months with an average temperature of 47°C on the maximum and 26°C at the least during this period. For people who cannot the harsh sun or warm and balmy weather, it is best to avoid Bhalukpong then. Although, you can trek up or visit neighboring areas like Bomdila or Tawang which are at a higher altitude and would be comparatively cooler, even in summer.

Monsoon (July-August):

Like most other towns and cities in Assam, monsoon in Bhalukpong too is heavy and waterlogged streets make traveling rather inconvenient. With an average rainfall of 2284mm every year, even the town’s carpeted with greenery all over and the sights around would nothing short of spectacular and captivating, engaging in outdoor activities like sightseeing, adventure sports or just leisurely strolling around may be uncomfortable.

Winter (September-February):

Bhalukpong is gorgeously inviting during winters. The period of September through February is also the busiest and the best time of the year to visit here when the weather’s cold and beautifully alive. You can enjoy varied activities like going around the town, fishing, angling or experience rafting expeditions, take wildlife safaris on jeeps or go hiking.

Bhalukpong is enriched with different tribes and their varied cultures or beliefs. Some of the best places of interest in town include the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bhalukpong Fort, and more. While Bhalukpong is influenced by a range of adventure activities and a variety of tourist places to visit, it also has a considerable volume of tourists interested in its cultural heritage.

Cultural Heritage:

Bhalukpong is a lovely place to enjoy a melee of cultural activities, especially during March, when the town comes alive with the Nyethidow Festival. During this time the entire valley is brimming with colors, vibrancy and excitement, magnified by carpets of bright orchids all over the hilly trails, gorges, hanging all over the valley and the river basins.

Outdoor Adventures:

Trekking is immensely popular with tourists in Bhalukpong as is river rafting. With a variety of other outdoor events, it is the hotspot for adventurists and others looking to enjoy calm and tranquility. The route between Bhalukpong and Guwahati is a stretch of 240km and is ideal for engaging in weekend activities as well.

Leisurely Sights & Water Cascades:

Just a few hours from Bhalukpong is Dirang with its majestic mountains, quaint villages and gorgeous rivers. With clean mountain air, it’s a picturesque village town perfect for enjoying natural trails, visiting spiritual shrines, picnic spots, river banks and more! There are the LumLum Waterfalls which is another renowned tourist attraction in the region on the Bhalukpong & Tawang Route, where visitors can enjoy the scenery as well bathe.

Bhalukpong has an assortment of options for eating out that include varied cuisines like Mughlai, Continental, Chinese, etc. You will find numerous options for local cuisine which is typically Tibetan and include delicacies like Moms, Thukpa, Zan, Khura and Gyapa Khazi. Such dishes are enriched with vegetables, steamed pork or meat, fermented cheese, shrimps and fish with a lovely blend of local spices. Don’t miss out on trying some brown bread at the Itanagar Bakeries as well as visiting Arun Subansiri Hotel for a nice multi-cuisine fare.

You will enjoy shopping at Bhalukpong as a distinct experience where you will find the treasures of an ancient tribe in the perfect blend of their rich cultural heritage. From an assortment of silver ornaments to ethnic haversacks decorated with Jana floral motif, these fares are premium offerings of the native tribes in the region, which make exceptionally appealing and perfect for souvenir shopping. For exploring the markets in Bhalukpong, its best to visit the Hruso or Aka tribes where you will find items of value, beautiful silver chain filets adorned with jade gemstones which are used by the locals on the forehead as headpieces.