Hey ManuDani!
Welcome to the forum! You've picked an absolutely gorgeous destination – Arunachal is something special.
So here's the deal with traveling solo as a couple there. Technically, yes, you need that registered agency backing your PAP (which you've already sorted), but the actual ground reality has become much more relaxed than the official paperwork suggests.
Since you're traveling as two people, that already ticks the "group" box. The whole mandatory escort thing? It's pretty much faded away for the standard tourist routes you're planning – Tawang, Itanagar, Ziro are all well-trodden paths now. Plenty of foreign couples do exactly what you're describing: hopping on shared taxis, staying overnight wherever suits them, moving at their own pace.
The crucial bit though – ring up that agency who arranged your PAP and get explicit confirmation about what's actually written on your permit. Sometimes there are specific conditions mentioned that vary agency to agency. Just ask them straight: "Can we book our own cabs and accommodations, or must everything go through you?"
Practical tips for the road:
- Keep those PAP copies everywhere (bag, wallet, phone photos). You'll show them at checkpoints and every hotel reception
- Stick to whatever places are listed on your permit – don't improvise destinations
- Hotels will register your details with local authorities, totally routine, just hand over the documents when they ask
The Tawang route especially sees loads of independent travelers now, so you shouldn't face issues moving around freely. Just get that final thumbs-up from your agency and you're golden.
Safe travels! Arunachal's monasteries and mountain roads are going to blow your mind.
