Top Places To Visit In Bomdila: Your Guide To Arunachal Pradesh Scenic Beauty

Scenic view of Bomdila with young monks in traditional robes - places to visit in Bomdila.

Bomdila is located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated in the northeastern part of the country. Places to visit in Bomdila offer a quiet getaway to the snow-capped mountains, green valleys, and serene monasteries. Bomdila Monastery’s intricate carvings and vibrant murals are the epitomes of faith and devotion. Besides being a nature-lovers paradise, this place unfolds glimpses of its varicoloured tribal culture in the local markets brimming with handicraft items, diverse local textiles, and other artefacts.

Top 12 Places To Visit In Bomdila

Bomdila is a vibrant city surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are the top 12 places to visit in Bomdila:

1. Bomdila Monastery

Bomdila Monastery with its colourful prayer flags, intricate architecture - places to visit in Bomdila.

Photo: Arijit1604 / Wikimedia Commons

The Bomdila Monastery, located in the Himalayan peaks of Itanagar, is one of the best places to visit in Bomdila. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery was built by the twelfth incarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche in 1965. The central prayer hall of the monastery is a consecrated place for monks and devotees to offer their prayers, and is embellished with murals and thangkas showing vivid depictions of several gods and goddesses. One of the top Bomdila tourist places, the monastery also runs a school for young monks where their knowledge regarding Buddhism, the Tibetan language, and culture is instilled.

Timings: 4:30  AM – 1  PM and 3  PM – 9 PM
Major Attractions: Three-Gompa Complex, panoramic Himalayan views, and pictorial murals & Tibetan art

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Itanagar Amidst The Lap Of Nature

2. Apple Orchards

Apple orchards with rows of apple trees laden with ripe fruits and a scenic backdrop.

Photo: Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bomdila is known for its apple orchards, one of its most unique tourist attractions to visit! The apple orchards have combined their agricultural heritage with Himalayan beauty to provide a unique experience for the visiting tourist. This involves rows of apple trees grown for easy tilling and harvesting on a terraced field. There are several varieties of apples cultivated here, such as the Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Kashmiri Apples—all of them known for their crunchiness and sweetness. Apple farming uses traditional methods in combination with some modern techniques, such as mulching, natural composting, and pest management.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Photography, nature viewing, and picnics

3. Bomdila Viewpoint

Panoramic mountain view with towering peaks, lush valleys, and a clear blue sky.

Photo: Mayur More / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Bomdila Viewpoint is one of the scenic tourist places in Bomdila. It offers a perfect view of the Western Himalayas from an altitude of 2,500 metres. It houses many plants found in the Himalayas, including rhododendrons, oak trees, and alpine shrubs. Wildlife enthusiasts can also occasionally spot local wildlife like the Himalayan griffon vulture and red panda. This viewpoint is also a paradise for photography. The area has a cultural and spiritual significance with the local Monpa community, making this place a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and all those in search of a peaceful retreat in the Himalayas.

Timings: 5:30 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Sweeping Himalayan panoramas, photography, and trekking

Suggested Read: Must-See Waterfalls In Arunachal Pradesh For Your Next Getaway

4. Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary

Crimson-browed finch perched on a branch, vibrant red brown and intricate plumage.

Photo: Dibyendu Ash / Wikimedia Commons

One of the best things to do in Arunachal Pradesh is to explore the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary. The Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 1,070 square kilometres in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bomdila, which has the most heterogeneous ecosystems in the Indian subcontinent. It lies between an altitude of 1,000 to 3,000 metres above sea level. It comprises compact subtropical forests, temperate woodlands, and alpine meadows. More than 450 species of birds inhabit the sanctuary, which includes the endangered Eagle Nest. Rich in birdwatching, wildlife safaris, and hiking trails and committed to habitat preservation, anti-poaching drives, and wildlife research.

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Birdwatching, stunning biodiversity, and camping

5. Tipi Orchid Reserve

Tipi Orchid Reserve with a variety of colourful orchids, surrounded by lush greenery.

Photo: Kareni / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The Tipi Orchid Reserve is a stunning tourist attraction in Bomdila. This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and study of around 260 species of orchids, including the Bamboo Orchid, Dendrobium nobile, and Lady’s Slipper Orchid. The reserve covers 16.6 square kilometres and is situated at an elevation of 1,200 metres. It supports research on orchid species and serves as an educational centre, providing information about orchid conservation to visitors and local communities. Visitors can enjoy the orchid garden, nature trails, and photography opportunities.

Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Major Attractions: Biodiversity, botanical walks, and natural beauty

Suggested Read: Arunachal Pradesh National Parks

6. Craft Centre & Ethnographic Museum

Craft Centre & Ethnographic Museum showcasing traditional artefacts, cultural exhibits.

Photo: Subhadeep Dishant / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Craft Centre and Ethnographic Museum is one of the best places to visit in Bomdila. It is a cultural attraction that showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts. The Craft Centre showcases handicrafts like textiles, wood carvings, and beadwork and hosts workshops for visitors to learn about traditional techniques. The Ethnographic Museum preserves and showcases the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities, displaying artefacts, customs, traditions, and historical photographs. Both institutions work closely with local communities to ensure the preservation and celebration of the region’s cultural heritage.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Live handicraft demonstrations, ethnographic displays, and souvenir shopping

7. RR Hill

RR Hill View scenic panorama of rolling hills, lush greenery - places to visit in Bomdila.

Photo: Walter Coppola / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

RR Hill, otherwise locally known as Rangrang Hill, is one of the finest viewpoints in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. It comprises a panoramic view of the Himalayas. At 2,500 metres above mean sea level, it lies only 15-20 minutes drive from the town centre. One has to get up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset, where the sky is painted with shades of orange, pink, and purple in the sky. RR Hill is a perfect place to visit in Bomdila for photography, picnicking, and relaxation.

Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Historical War Memorial, breathtaking landscapes, and hiking

Suggested Read: Trekking In Arunachal Pradesh

8. Buddhist Gompa

Gompa featuring traditional architecture, vibrant prayer flags - places to visit in Bomdila.

Photo: Shalender Kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Buddhist Gompa, one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in June, is a major tourist attraction site in Bomdila. This monastery is located on top of a hill that offers wide views of the surrounding Himalayas and the town from the top. It is easily accessible by road and features ornate and colourful decorations. It hosts several religious festivals, such as Losar and Tse-Chu. Visitors can witness or participate in religious practices being carried out beautifully. Guided tours let visitors understand the significance of religious artefacts, symbols, and practices.

Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM and 8 AM – 6 PM
Major Attractions: Upper Gompa, massive prayer wheel, prayer flags, and cultural activities

9. Sessa Orchid Sanctuary

Orchid flower with delicate petals and vibrant colours, showcasing its natural beauty.

Photo: Man Dy / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Sessa Orchid Sanctuary is a wonderful tourist attraction in Bomdila. It is spread over 100 square kilometres with more than 200 species of orchids, medicinal plants, ferns, bamboo, and flowering plants. It nurtures various forms of wildlife and offers tourists the chance to view orchids, go on nature walks, and watch birds. It is a place for conservation, and activities like habitat protection, poaching control, and research are done here. The sanctuary also acts as a window relating to the Monpa community and its relationship with the environment, propagating sustainable tourism and conversation.

Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Orchid diversity and trekking routes

Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Arunachal Pradesh For Every Wildlife Enthusiast

10. Nafra Wildlife Sanctuary

Cheetah lying on brown grass, resting in a relaxed pose - places to visit in Bomdila.

Photo: Petr Ganaj / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Nafra Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the top places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in May, is a tourist place in Bomdila, which is highly diversified in flora and fauna and spreads over 1,785 square kilometres. The sanctuary shelters many endangered species, such as the Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Muntjac Deer, Sambar Deer, reptiles, and amphibians. Visiting tourists can engage in many fun activities within the sanctuary, like spotting local wildlife, bird-watching, and strolling the nature trails. The permits for visits can be obtained from the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department or local tour operators. This sanctuary also prevents poaching and, at the same time, maintains the ecological balance properly.

Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Rich biodiversity & wildlife and trekking & forest trails

11. Bomdi La Pass

A glimpse of the serene Bomdi La Pass, one of the stunning places to visit in Bomdila.

Photo: Sohan Rayguru / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Tucked away in the eastern Himalayas, Bomdi La Pass is a mountain route located at an elevation of 8,500 feet above sea level. One of the mesmerising places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh, Bomdi La Pass is a haven for nature lovers. The pass offers spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas, often draped in mist, with snow-laden peaks. It connects the picturesque town of Bomdila with the enchanting Dirang Valley and further leads to Tawang. Whether you’re chasing landscapes, Buddhist serenity, or sheer road trip bliss, this pass will offer you the best of all the worlds.

Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Panoramic Himalayan views, prayer flags & monastic influence

Suggested Read: Top Valleys In Arunachal Pradesh

12. Thub-Chog Gatsel Ling

A glimpse of the iconic Thub-Chog Gatsel Ling surrounded by greenery and peaks.

Photo: Saubhagya gandharv / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Thub-Chog Gatsel Ling Monastery, a place where peace, culture, and Himalayan beauty blend seamlessly, is one of the astonishing places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh in May. Built in 1965, Thub-Chog Gatsel Ling Monastery was inspired by the Tibetan Gelugpa tradition. It was established under the guidance of the 12th reincarnation of the Tsona Gontse Rinpoche and later inaugurated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, culture enthusiast, or simply a traveller chasing peace, Thub-Chog Gatsel Ling Monastery offers a memorable and soulful experience.

Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Panoramic views of Bomdila Valley, Buddhist prayer wheels and flags, and monastic life and rituals

The many places to visit in Bomdila offer a blend of nature and culture. The surrounding region offers diverse experiences like wildlife safaris, spiritual retreats, and valleys. Discover the unique charm of Arunachal Pradesh, including Bomdila’s mesmerising beauty and the apple orchards’ ethereal serenity. Choose your destination and embark on an unforgettable journey. With TripXL’s support, travelling becomes effortless and enriching; each becomes a memorable and enriching experience.

Cover Photo: TassoRija / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

3-4 days are sufficient to cover the major attractions.
While photography is generally allowed, it's advisable to respect local customs and avoid sensitive areas.
Enjoy authentic Arunachal cuisine and treat your taste buds with local flavours, with rice, meat, and local vegetables.
The average temperature ranges from -5°C to 25°C, depending on the season.
While there aren't hot springs in Bomdila, you can visit them in nearby areas like Tawang.
Head to the Craft Centre & Ethnographic Museum to see traditional Monpa handicrafts, woven carpets, masks, and to understand the local tribal culture.
You can shop for handwoven carpets, bamboo products, woollen shawls, traditional Monpa masks, and Buddhist thangka paintings in the Bomdila town market.
Yes, Bomdila offers scenic trekking trails through forested paths, high-altitude viewpoints, and nearby sanctuaries.

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