This is the boring checklist that matters. The scenery will look after itself. Fuel, cash, signal and a puncture kit are what decide whether the trip goes smoothly.
Fuel
The last big, reliable fuel stop before the high mountains is Tezpur or Bhalukpong. After that you have pumps in Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang town.
Top up completely at Dirang. It's your basecamp before the Sela climb. A Royal Enfield Scram 440 or Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 will easily make it from Dirang to Tawang on a full tank. On the TVS NTorq 150, top up in Dirang and carry a 2-litre fuel bottle made for petrol, just in case.
Mountain pumps run dry when landslides block the fuel tankers for days. So never pass a working pump in Arunachal with half a tank. Top off.
Cash
UPI works fine in Guwahati, Tezpur, Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang. On the road itself it doesn't. At the Maggi stalls near Sela, or in Jang, the network drops and UPI fails. ATMs are in the main towns, but they often run out of cash in peak season.
Carry ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 in hard cash, in small notes (100s and 500s), from Guwahati or Tezpur.
Network
BSNL is the strongest in Arunachal, especially near the borders. Jio and Airtel work decently in Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang town, but you'll get zero signal for hours on the stretches in between, like the climb up to Sela.
Download offline Google Maps for the whole of Assam and Arunachal before you leave Guwahati. Don't count on ringing us for directions.
If something breaks
You'll find basic puncture repair in Bhalukpong, Bomdila, Dirang and Jang. Tezpur is the last place with major brand service centres.
We give you a basic tool kit. Carry your own puncture kit or spare tubes, and a portable tyre inflator as well. If you get a flat on Sela, nobody is coming to save you quickly, so you fix it yourself and ride to the next town. Ask us at pickup which suits the bike you're taking.
If it's something serious, like the engine, call us as soon as you get a signal. We have local mechanics and pickup trucks we can call on, and we'll arrange one, but it takes time. Plan your days with that in mind.
Keep in mind, if the breakdown is due to riding abuse, like a burnt clutch from riding the half-clutch uphill, riding on a flat tyre or off-road damage, you cover the towing and repair costs.
What to pack
Bring:
- A thermal base layer, a fleece, and a heavy windproof, waterproof outer shell.
- Waterproof riding gloves. This isn't optional. If your hands get wet and numb at Sela, you can't brake.
- Bungee cords. We provide basic ones at pickup, but bring extra if you have heavy bags.
Leave behind:
- Cotton hoodies and denim jackets. Once they get wet they stay wet for three days, and in the cold they're useless.
- Casual clothes you won't wear. Don't overpack.
When to ride
In winter the sun sets by about 4:30 PM, and it gets pitch black fast.
- Start by 6:30 AM. Be at your hotel by 4:00 PM.
- Riding mountain twisties in the dark, with trucks coming at you with their headlights on, is how people crash.
- Watch for black ice on the shaded corners between Dirang and Sela, and for mud and slush on the descent towards Jang.
Altitude and Tawang town
Stay one night in Bomdila or Dirang to acclimatise. Don't try to go from Tezpur to Tawang in one day. You'll be asking for altitude sickness.
Tawang town has a petrol pump and mechanics, but it's a bottleneck. Get your fuel sorted the evening you arrive, not the morning you leave.
Before you go
- Check the weather and the road on the day. See best time to visit Tawang and Tawang in snow.
- Take the Sela Tunnel on a scooter, and read Can you ride a scooter to Tawang?
- Sort out your Inner Line Permit early: our permit guide.
- Not sure which bike? Scram 440 or Himalayan 450, or see the adventure bikes.
- Route, stops and plan: the Guwahati to Tawang guide.
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Where is the last petrol pump before Tawang? There are pumps in Bomdila, Dirang and Tawang town. Fill the tank completely at Dirang.
How much cash should I carry? ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 in small notes. UPI fails on the road, and ATMs run dry in peak season.
Which SIM works in Arunachal? BSNL is the strongest, especially near the borders. Jio and Airtel work in the main towns, with long gaps in between. Download offline maps first.
What if I get a flat on Sela Pass? Fix it yourself and ride to the next town. Carry a puncture kit or spare tubes, and a portable inflator.
What if the bike breaks down? Call us as soon as you have a signal. We'll arrange a local mechanic or a pickup truck, but it takes time. If the breakdown is due to riding abuse (a burnt clutch, riding on a flat tyre, off-road damage), you cover the towing and repair costs.
When should I start riding? By 6:30 AM, and be off the road by 4:00 PM. It gets dark early.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
