Hoongla Inn
Where the Himalayas Whisper, and Time Stands Still
High in the eastern Himalayas, where the mountains whisper stories of old and prayer flags flutter in the crisp air, lies Hoongla—a 700-year-old village in Arunachal Pradesh. Hoongla is a living storybook of the Monpa people, many of whom have never ventured beyond their ancestral valleys. Surrounded by sweeping pine forests, terraced fields, and Himalayan peaks, this is a place where time slows down and life flows in quiet rhythm with nature.
The Story of Hoongla Inn
Born from a vision to preserve the soul of this ancient village, Hoongla Inn is more than just a homestay—it is a bridge between two worlds. A place where rustic tradition meets thoughtful hospitality, and where travelers can step into a living culture. The Inn was created to welcome explorers with open arms, to share the warmth of Monpa traditions, and to foster a deep sense of community and sustainability. Here, every stay supports local livelihoods, every meal tells a story, and every path leads to discovery.
Local Projects & Community Roots
Our journey goes beyond offering stays. We work with local villagers, artisans, and monks to preserve the culture, environment, and spirit of Hoongla. From organizing the region’s first bird sound recording survey and hosting international kayaking championships, to supporting traditional crafts and conservation efforts—Hoongla Inn stands as a proud guardian of this land’s future.
A Place Rooted in Simplicity and Spirit
Hoongla Inn is a charming homestay built in harmony with its surroundings. Set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and nestled above the murmuring Tawangchu River, the property blends Monpa architecture with thoughtful design. Five carefully crafted rooms offer a cozy retreat steeped in local warmth and natural light.
Living in the Landscape
The Inn opens onto forested trails, farmlands, and quiet village lanes. You can wander past ancient prayer wheels, join elders for evening stories by the fire, or simply sit on the veranda watching clouds dance on distant ridges. Days unfold in unhurried rhythms, giving you the rare gift of time and space to reconnect—with nature, with people, with yourself.
The Stay
Rooms with a View, and a Soul
Each of our five rooms is thoughtfully designed—wood-paneled, adorned with Monpa art, and filled with natural light. The large windows open to sweeping mountain views and the tranquil river valley below. Earthy tones and handcrafted touches make the space warm, while modern comforts ensure a restful stay.
Dining the Monpa Way
At Hoongla Inn, every meal is a celebration of local flavours and slow living. Prepared with ingredients sourced from nearby fields and forests, our food reflects the rhythm of the land and the warmth of Monpa hospitality. Expect hearty stews simmered with hand-ground spices, wild greens picked fresh from the hillsides, and cups of locally brewed tea to soothe your senses. Our menu weaves together traditional Monpa recipes with familiar Indian and select global dishes—ensuring comfort, connection, and a taste of the region in every bite.
Experiences
Wildlife & Birding
- Red Panda Sightings
Explore one of the world’s highest Red Panda density zones. The untouched temperate forests surrounding Hoongla are a haven for this elusive and endangered species. - Wildlife Trails
From musk deer to Himalayan serow and elusive big cats, the varied altitude around Hoongla supports rare high-altitude wildlife. - Birdwatching Paradise
With over 400 species, Hoongla is a birder’s dream—woodpeckers, monals, laughing thrushes, and migratory rarities can all be spotted across forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows.
Culture & Spirituality
- Village Walks & Farm Life
Visit traditional Monpa homes, learn age-old farming techniques, and share a cup of butter tea with locals. - Monastery Visits
Explore hidden monasteries like Chungtok and Pangchen, or take in the grandeur of Tawang Monastery. - Festivals & Rituals
Join in village festivals, traditional dances, and Buddhist prayer ceremonies steeped in centuries of practice.
Nature & Adventure
- Zemithang Excursion
A remote day trip to the Indo-Tibetan border, stopping at Kenzimane (where the Dalai Lama first entered India) and Gorsam Chorten. - Cycling the Himalayan Trails
Use in-house bicycles to explore border villages, forest routes, and scenic mountain roads. - Hiking & Waterfalls
Trek to alpine lakes, hidden monasteries, or waterfalls near Bomja village for a day in the wild. - Tawangchu River Picnic
Enjoy a peaceful riverside lunch surrounded by wild forests and glacial streams.
Accessibility & Sample Itinerary
Getting to Hoongla Inn is an adventure in itself—one that takes you through some of the most scenic and culturally rich stretches of the Eastern Himalayas. Though remote, the journey is well worth the effort, with every bend in the road revealing alpine beauty, hidden villages, and ancient monasteries.
Getting There
The closest airports are Guwahati (approx. 480 km / 14–15 hours by road) and Tezpur (approx. 350 km / 11–12 hours), both in Assam. From either airport, guests typically travel to Dirang for an overnight halt before continuing to Hoongla and then onward to Tawang. This route allows you to gradually acclimatise to the higher altitudes and enjoy the scenic journey at an easy pace.
Suggested Route:
- Guwahati to Dirang: ~330 km / 9–10 hours
- Dirang to Hoongla (Lumla): ~140 km / 6–7 hours
- Hoongla to Tawang: ~45 km / 2 hours
- Return via Shergaon (Bomdila route) is another scenic option through pine forests and tribal villages.
This itinerary gives you the rare opportunity to experience both the peaceful, less-explored beauty of Lumla and the historic, cultural highlights of Tawang—including its iconic monastery, war memorial, and glacial lakes.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Bonfire Stories
Arrive in Hoongla from Dirang. Receive a traditional welcome at the inn. Settle in and spend a quiet evening around the bonfire, listening to local legends and stories from the hills.
Day 2 – Zemithang & Gorsam Chorten
Drive to the remote village of Zemithang, close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Visit Kenzimane, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama entered India in 1959. Enjoy a picnic lunch, followed by a visit to Gorsam Chorten, one of the largest stupas in Arunachal.
Day 3 – Village Life & Culture
Visit Lumla Bazaar and nearby hamlets. Interact with the Monpa community, observe local crafts and agricultural practices, and walk through terraced fields. Return for a relaxed evening.
Day 4 – Indo-Bhutan Border & Forest Trails
Take a scenic drive to Baileng, near the Indo-Bhutan border. Visit Gyalwa Jamba Monastery, then relax with a riverside picnic on the banks of the Tawangchu River. Explore waterfalls and forest trails in Bomja village.
Day 5 – Travel to Tawang
After breakfast, continue your journey to Tawang (~2 hours), with the option to stop at hidden viewpoints and monasteries along the way.
Optional Add-ons:
- Sunrise birdwatching or nature walks
- Cycling routes to nearby villages or viewpoints
- Meditation and monastery experiences
- Extra nights at Hoongla to unwind or work remotely amidst nature
We’re happy to customise the journey based on your pace and interests. Whether you’re drawn to culture, nature, or simply solitude—this route offers the best of all worlds.
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