12 Northeast India Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

3. Bomdila — Monasteries, craft markets and Himalayan outlooks

Bomdila is a calm hill town that often serves as a staging point for travellers heading further into Arunachal, but it deserves time on its own for monastery visits and mountain viewpoints. The town’s monasteries offer peaceful prayer halls and simple architectural details, and nearby viewpoints deliver expansive Himalayan vistas at sunrise. Local craft markets sell woollen goods and artefacts made by hand, so it’s a good spot to buy practical souvenirs that support cottage industries. Roads approach Bomdila from Guwahati and Tezpur corridors; driving times depend on conditions, so allow buffer days for travel. Guesthouses are modest and family-run, and the altitude is gentle compared with higher passes, though mornings can be chilly. Bomdila’s pace is measured and welcoming—perfect for travellers who enjoy a slow stroll between tea shops and viewpoints, and for anyone who likes to spend a quiet afternoon learning about local monastic life. Carry cash and basic warm clothing for early mornings at the ridge viewpoints.