Quick answer: The best time for an Arunachal Pradesh motorcycle trip is April to June or October to November, and the July to September monsoon is best avoided. Indian riders need an e-ILP from arunachalilp.com, and foreign riders need a Protected Area Permit. The classic route runs from Guwahati to Tawang over Sela Pass (13,700 ft), and it takes about eight nights.
Key takeaways
- Ride in April to June or October to November. Landslides make the monsoon risky.
- Apply for your permit online before you leave. Bum La needs a separate permit.
- Plan the Guwahati to Tawang run over two days, because it is about 480 km.
- Carry rain and cold-weather gear. Sela Pass is cold even outside winter.
When is the best time to ride in Arunachal Pradesh?
The best riding window for Sela Pass is April to June, when the snow has cleared, or October after the monsoon. ILTR rode this route in May. Most guides advise avoiding the monsoon: July to September brings heavy rain, roadblocks and landslides.
| Period | What to expect | Good for riding? |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Cold, with heavy snow and ice that can close Sela Pass | Only for experienced riders |
| March to June | Roads generally open, April to June is the sweet spot | Yes |
| July to September | Heavy rain, landslides, closures | No |
| October to November | Clear skies, last chance before heavy snow | Yes |
In winter, heavy snow and ice can close Sela Pass, so check its status before you cross it.
What permits do you need?
Indian riders. Anyone who is not a native of Arunachal Pradesh needs an Inner Line Permit to enter any part of the state. The e-ILP is issued online at arunachalilp.com. A tourist e-ILP is valid for stays of up to 14 days, and the fee is small and depends on how long you stay. Apply before you travel, because permits are checked at the entry gates.
Foreign riders. Foreign nationals cannot use the e-ILP. They need a Protected Area Permit, processed through authorised agencies. On ILTR tours we arrange this for you. See our guide to riding a motorcycle in India as a foreigner.
Bum La Pass. This border pass needs a separate permit on top of the e-ILP. It requires clearance from the DC Office in Tawang and the Indian Army. Entry is timed to the morning, so start early from Tawang.
Gongkhar La. This is a restricted area, and its permit is arranged in advance. On our custom tours, ILTR covers it. Foreign riders are not allowed in this area, so this route is for Indian riders.
What does the ILTR route look like?
This is the route ILTR rode in May, over 8 nights and 9 days:
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Guwahati | Kamakhya Temple |
| 2 | Guwahati to Rupa Valley | Bhairabkunda, where Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan meet |
| 3 | Rupa Valley to Tawang | Sela Pass (13,700 ft), Sela Lake, Jaswantgarh War Memorial |
| 4 | Tawang to Gongkhar La Lake and back | About 15,500 ft, with an offroad stretch |
| 5 | Tawang to Bum La Pass and back | India-China border |
| 6 | Tawang to Dirang | Jaswantgarh again on the way |
| 7 | Dirang to Kaziranga | Bomdila and Tenga Valley, then the Assam plains |
| 8 | Kaziranga safari, ride to Guwahati | Rhinos, tigers and elephants |
| 9 | Departure |
Guwahati to Tawang is about 480 km, so it is a long ride whichever way you split it. If you have fewer days, drop the Kaziranga leg and the second night in Dirang.
What are Sela Pass and Gongkhar La like?
Sela Pass is the high point of the first big ride day. At over 13,700 ft, summit temperatures run well below those in the valley, and wind adds a real chill, so pack thermal layers, wind-blocking gloves and a shell jacket in any season. Gongkhar La, on day 4, climbs higher still, to about 15,500 ft, and the road has an offroad stretch that tests both rider and bike.
How do you reach Bum La Pass?
Reports say tourists usually reach Bum La by registered local cab, and some operators list a cab rather than a bike for the Bum La leg. On our May ride, we rode our rental motorcycles all the way to the pass, with the permits arranged in advance. Rules can change, so confirm the current vehicle rule with your operator before you go.
Ride planning tips from ILTR
- Reach before sunset. This is our rule for every day’s ride.
- Fuel together. Everyone fuels up at the same stops, coordinated in real time.
- Carry support. Our tours include a 4×4 backup vehicle, a mechanic with a tool kit, and a first aid and oxygen kit.
- Pack for rain and cold. ILTR riders carry rain gear, and the high passes are cold even in May.
- Don’t ride at night. Mountain roads and wet weather are a poor mix after dark.
ILTR has guided riders from Germany, the USA, France, Vietnam, Nepal and the UAE across Spiti, Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Arunachal Pradesh motorcycle trip FAQ
Do I need a permit for Tawang?
Yes. Indian riders need the e-ILP from arunachalilp.com. Foreign riders need a Protected Area Permit. Bum La needs a further permit.
How many days do I need for a Tawang motorcycle trip?
Our Guwahati to Guwahati itinerary takes 8 nights and 9 days, including Kaziranga.
Can I ride a motorcycle to Bum La Pass?
Reports say tourists usually go by local cab. On our May ride we rode rental motorcycles to the pass with permits arranged in advance. Confirm the current rule with your operator.
Can foreign riders do the Gongkhar La ride?
No. Foreigners are not allowed in this area.
Is Sela Pass open in winter?
Heavy snow and ice can close it in winter, so check its status before you cross.
When should I avoid riding in Arunachal Pradesh?
During the July to September monsoon, when landslides cause closures.
Ride Arunachal Pradesh with ILTR
India Loves To Ride is a New Delhi-based motorcycle community that designs and leads its own tours. If you would like a planned Arunachal Pradesh ride, write to us at join@indialovestoride.in. Trips are customizable, so prices on our trip pages are shown as approximate cost.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Permit rules and road status change, so check before you travel. Sources: Arunachal Pradesh Police, Inner Line Permit; MyGov, Tourist e-ILP; Tawang District, tourism and permits; Tawang travel guide 2026; Sela Pass climb guide; Best time to visit Tawang; Sela Pass guide; Bum La Pass visitor tips; Tawang bike tour, operator inclusions.
