What to Wear in Bomdila

Temperature by season

At about 2,400 metres, Bomdila never gets hot. Summer days are mild and nights cool. From November to February, days can be sunny but nights drop close to or below freezing, and snow falls in some years. The monsoon, June to September, brings frequent rain and damp cold.

What to pack

• Base layers: thermals for winter nights, especially if your hotel has limited heating.
• Mid layers: a fleece or wool jumper.
• Outer layer: a warm jacket for October to March; a waterproof jacket for the monsoon.
• Hat and gloves: for early mornings at the viewpoint and for the onward drive over Sela.
• Shoes: comfortable, closed shoes with grip for steep town lanes. Slip-ons help at the monastery.

At the monastery

Cover your shoulders and knees. Take off your shoes and hat before entering prayer halls. Socks are useful, as the floors are cold.

For Eaglenest

Neutral greens and browns suit birding. Bring rain gear, warm layers for cold nights at camp, and waterproof boots. Leech socks help in wet months.

Monpa dress and woollens

Monpa men and women wear warm woollen robes and jackets, and the black yak-hair cap with tails is common among older people. Women often wear a red or maroon dress with a striped apron. Bomdila's craft centre and market sell woollen shawls, caps and jackets, as well as knotted carpets with Buddhist designs. Look closely: real handwoven wool feels denser and warmer than acrylic copies.

Heading on to Tawang?

Pack for colder again. Sela Pass tops 4,000 metres and can have snow well into spring. See Bomdila photo spots for where you will be walking.