thunder ridge cabins houses above which rises a steep ridge topped with a timeless gompa. Heading the other way, just nor

The town s best hotel is the Hotel Heritage (%2301839; Solicitor Rd; s/d from 478/588; a), which has well-maintained rooms, obliging staff and old-fashioned character. Nearby is the New Park (%2300725; Solicitor Rd; s/d from 687/880; a), which is a big new hotel with small but tidy rooms and hot showers.

houses above which rises a steep ridge topped with a timeless gompa. Heading the other way, just north of New Dirang, the valley thunder ridge cabins opens out and its floor becomes a patchwork of rice and crop fields through which gushes the icy blue river. A fun day could be spent walking along the footpaths between fields and little thunder ridge cabins hamlets.