Image Source: Abhishek Gaurav
About Bailey Trail Trek
The Bailey Trail Trek in Arunachal Pradesh is a unique adventure that blends stunning Himalayan scenery with deep historical significance. Named after British explorers F.M. Bailey and H.T. Morshead, who charted this route in the early 20th century.
The Bailey Trail, in the western reaches of Arunachal Pradesh, follows the legendary route charted by Lt. Col. F. M. Bailey and Capt. H. T. Morshead, British officers tasked with surveying the Arunachal–Tibet frontier during 1911–1912, when the region was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Their expedition took them along the treacherous banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, all the way to Chayul and Tsona Dzong in Tibet.
After completing their survey, Bailey and Morshead re-entered Indian territory via the windswept Tulung La Pass in present-day West Kameng district. From there, they descended to the remote Mago village, crossed the snow-bound Tse La Pass to reach Pota, and then traversed the rugged Poshing La before descending to the fortified Thembang village. This arduous mountain corridor came to be celebrated as the Bailey Trail.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1–2: Arrival in Dirang, final preparations, and a drive to Lagaam—the roadhead for the trek.
Day 3: Trek to Thungri, a grassy meadow 4 kilometres beyond Lagaam, dotted with old bunkers from the wartime era. Camp in a forest guard’s hut surrounded by panoramic mountain views.
Day 4: Continue to Changla Top at 3,760 metres. The route bursts with colours in spring—red, pink, white, and yellow rhododendrons painting the slopes. A small alpine lake near the pass adds to the charm.
Day 5: From Changla, ascend to Porshing La (4,200 metres) before descending to Pangi La (3,950 metres). The day ends with an unplanned camp in a bunker just short of Potok.
Day 6: Cross the wide valley of Potok, then climb to the trek’s highest point at Tche La, over 4,500 metres, with a pristine glacial lake nearby. The descent passes through landscapes marked by ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) camps before crossing Jere La to reach Maago, a remote Monpa settlement. Stay in a cosy guesthouse with basic facilities and water sourced from a roadside tap.
Day 7: Travel from Maago towards Tawang by pickup van, crossing Gonkar La at 15,568 feet, where a completely frozen lake shimmers under the sun. Arrival in Tawang reveals a bustling town, though cash from ATMs can be hard to come by.
Day 8: Depart Tawang for Guwahati by bus, crossing Sela Pass amid snowfall and passing through Dirang in the late afternoon.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
Monpa Villages: Experience the warm hospitality of the Monpa people, whose traditions, cuisine, and architecture reflect centuries of Tibetan Buddhist influence.
Wartime Relics: Scattered bunkers, mule tracks, and supply routes stand as silent witnesses to the Allied operations during World War II.
Alpine Ecology: The route is a biodiversity hotspot, with rhododendron forests, high-altitude meadows, and rare bird species.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, about 190 kilometres from Dirang.
By Train: Rangapara North railway station in Assam is the closest major railhead.
By Road: Dirang is connected by buses and shared taxis from Bomdila and Tezpur.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (April–June): Rhododendrons in full bloom.
Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and stable weather.
Winter: Possible but only for experienced trekkers due to heavy snow at high passes.