Bailey Trail Trek, Dirang: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Bailey Trail Trek

In 1913 F. M. Bailey and H. T. Morshead returned from Tibet over Tulung La and walked south through Mago and over Poshing La to Thembang, a route now known as the Bailey Trail. The same ground was used by Chinese troops coming down from Tulung La in 1962.

Useful facts

Bailey Trail Trek facts at a glance

Location

West Kameng to Tawang district, from near Thembang to Mago and Jang

Altitude

Highest pass Tse La, about 4,700 to 4,980 m (15,400 to 16,340 ft)

Experience type

Multi-day pass trek

Known for

Bailey's 1913 route, high passes and Gorichen views

Time or schedule

6 to 7 trekking days; late April to June and September to October

Why it matters

Why Bailey Trail Trek is worth your time

Bailey and Morshead's 1913 journey mapped much of this frontier, and their survey fed into the boundary drawn the following year. Walking the trail gives a sense of how remote the Monpa highlands still are, and why the old route between Mago and Thembang mattered both to herders and to armies.

It is also one of the few organised multi-day high-pass treks in western Arunachal. The route passes Brokpa yak pastures and seasonal huts, and much of it is far from any road, so carrying out all litter and respecting herders' camps matters.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Poshing La and Pangi La

   Two passes crossed on one long day, with views towards the Gorichen and Kangto peaks in clear weather.

2. 02

   Tse La

   The highest point of the trek, followed by a descent to an alpine lake near Lurthim.

3. 03

   Mago

   A remote herders' settlement of yak shelters before the walk down the Tawang Chu valley.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

The trek as run today starts on the Dirang side. Groups drive from Dirang through Thembang towards Pangma and walk to a first camp at Lagam, at about 2,700 m (8,860 ft). The route then climbs through forest to Thungri, at about 3,200 m (10,500 ft), and on past old 1962-era bunkers to Changla, at about 3,760 m (12,340 ft).

The hard days follow. A long climb crosses Poshing La and Pangi La to high camps at Nyang or Potok, at about 4,500 to 4,640 m (14,800 to 15,200 ft). The next day crosses Tse La, the highest point, given by operators as between about 4,700 m and 4,980 m (15,400 to 16,340 ft), and drops to Lurthim near an alpine lake. From there the trail descends through forest to the yak herders' huts at Mago, at about 3,600 m (11,800 ft).

The last walking day follows the Tawang Chu valley, crossing suspension bridges to the Thingbu (Thimbu) hydel project, where vehicles take the group through Jang to Tawang in about two hours. Most operators sell it as a ten-day trip from Guwahati, with roughly 70 km on foot. Some sell the same route as the 'Gorichen trek', because Poshing La and Tse La look across to the Gorichen and Kangto peaks.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Starts near Thembang (26 km from Dirang), West Kameng; ends near Jang, Tawang district

Time needed

About 10 days from Guwahati, including 6 to 7 days on foot

Best time

Late April to June, and September to October

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

This is a long, remote, high-altitude trek with steep climbs to passes above 4,000 m, cold camps and no road access for most of its length. Older travellers, and anyone with heart, lung, knee or balance problems, should not attempt it; one operator asks trekkers over 60 for a doctor's fitness certificate. Parents can stay in Dirang, see Thembang's old fortified village and drive to Tawang to meet the group at the end.

Tickets and access

Indian visitors need an Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit, and operators say the route may differ for foreigners. Forest permits and camping fees are arranged through the trek operator. Go with an experienced local operator and guide, and confirm current permits and fees locally.

Plan it with

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