Planning A Tawang Trip? Here's Everything You Need To Know For A Memorable Vacay

Tucked away in the hills of Arunachal, Tawang is a captivating place renowned for its calm lakes, historic monasteries and stunning scenery. Approximately 3,048 metres above sea level, Tawang offers a singular fusion of adventure, spirituality and scenic beauty. It offers the ideal fusion of culture and unspoiled Himalayan scenery, making it extremely significant to both adventurers and Buddhists. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you organise your trip to Tawang, whether your goal is to discover its distant, unspoiled beauty or to immerse yourself in its spiritual aura.

Places To Visit

Tawang Monastery

In the centre of this lovely town sits Tawang Monastery, the biggest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. It was founded in the 17th century and has more than 450 monks living there. A profound understanding of Buddhist culture can be gained from the monastery's magnificent architecture, three-story assembly hall, enormous Buddha statue, and extensive library of old texts.

Sela Pass

Sela Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass that links Tawang with the remainder of Arunachal Pradesh, at 4,170 meters above sea level. It provides stunning views of the neighbouring peaks and is mostly snow-covered throughout the year. The neighbouring Sela Lake is a well-liked tourist destination and similarly intriguing.

Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake)

Named after actress Madhuri Dixit who filmed a movie here, Madhuri Lake is renowned for its surreal beauty and is one of Tawang's most stunning lakes. The lake is a must-see, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and peppered with tree trunks that rise out of the water.

Tawang War Memorial

This 40-foot memorial honours the soldiers who died during the Sino-Indian War in 1962. For those who are interested in Indian history, it's a poignant trip. The memorial has a museum with wartime items, weapons, and records on exhibit.

Bumla Pass

Bumla Pass, a historically significant location at 4,633 meters on the Indo-China border, is the site of yearly border personnel meetings between the Chinese and Indian forces. The pass is a must-see for adventure seekers because of its pristine beauty and high elevation.

Things To Do

Explore Local Monasteries And Nunneries

Apart from the well-known Tawang Monastery, there are several smaller but no less attractive monasteries, such as Gyangong Ani Gompa, which is inhabited by Buddhist nuns, and Urgelling Monastery, which is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama.

Attend Festivals

Don't miss the Torgya Festival, which is celebrated with masked dances and customs to fend off evil spirits, if you're travelling in February or March. Another exciting cultural event is the Losar Festival, which celebrates the Tibetan New Year.

Trek In Pristine Himalayan Landscapes

Tawang has a number of trekking routes that wind through high mountain passes, alpine meadows, and lush woods. For those who want to see the area on foot, the Tawang-Chu Valley Trek and the Gorichen Base Camp Trek are well-liked choices.

Shop For Local Handicrafts

Tawang is renowned for its traditional Monpa clothing, thangkas (Buddhist artwork), and exquisitely made woollen carpets. Local markets and the Craft Centre are excellent locations to purchase genuine mementos.

Relish Local Cuisine

Savour regional specialities like zan, a millet porridge, momos, and thukpa (noodle soup). For a genuine experience of Monpa culture, don't forget to sample yak meat dishes and butter tea.

Where To Stay

From warm homestays and low-cost hotels to mid-range guesthouses and luxurious resorts, Tawang has a range of lodging choices to suit every budget. Homestays like Dondrub Homestay offer an opportunity to experience Monpa hospitality and real home-cooked meals in a more personal setting. While mid-range accommodations like Hotel Mon-Valley and Dolma Khangsar Guest House provide comfort without breaking the bank, budget tourists can choose locations like Buddha Hotel. Hotels like Tawang Inn and Zax Star Inn, which blend contemporary conveniences with a rustic charm, are excellent choices for those looking for luxury. They will make your stay convenient and unforgettable.

The Information

Best Time To Visit

March through October is the best time of year to visit Tawang. While the post-monsoon months of September and October are ideal for taking in the clear skies and verdant scenery, the warmer months of March through June provide nice weather for touring. With temperatures below freezing and significant snowfall obstructing access to some places, the winter months of November through February can be severe. Winter travel, however, can be enchanted if you enjoy snow.

How To Reach

Tawang is somewhat distant, thus getting there takes some preparation. The closest airport, located around 320 kilometres distant in Tezpur, Assam, has minimal flight connectivity. A better alternative with more frequent flights is the 480-kilometre-distance Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. From there, you have the option of taking a shared taxi or renting one to Tawang. With breathtaking scenery all along the way, the drive across Sela Pass is an adventure in and of itself.