Bhutan-Arunachal road progressing apace

Only opened to tourists in 2007, Arunachal Pradesh, in northeast India, is one of the country's most fascinating places -- with dozens of intriguing cultures, rampaging rivers that promise some of the world's best whitewater rafting, and the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Llasa.

Now, with the central government pushing development to stave off China's claims on the territory (see here about the border dispute), the under-visited state is looking to leverage a new road connecting it with neighboring Bhutan to boost tourism.  Personally, I can't wait.

At a meeting with a five-member Poverty Reduction Committee of Bhutan'ss National Assembly this week, Arunachal Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said that construction of a road from Tawang (home to the monastery I mentioned) to Bhutan was progressing at a rapid pace, according to CNN/IBN.

Meanwhile, the chief minister said he also wants helicopter services to be introduced between Tawang and Bhutan to increase Arunachal's tourist arrivals, and the two sides agreed in principle on developing a tourist circuit connecting parts of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh with religious links.

Book me a spot.