Are you planning a trip to the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh? If so, you should know about Tawang. It is not an overstatement to say that it is a hidden gem in the state. It is a mesmerising travel destination. Tawan is popular for its vibrant cultural heritage, ancient monasteries and stunning landscapes. You can gain a lot of insights about this quaint town from this post.
Tawang – An Introduction
Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is perched at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. The town offers breathtaking views of the pristine lakes, lush valleys and snow-capped mountains. It is particularly popular for its historic Tawang Monastery. This monastery is the largest in India and the second largest in the world. You might be a spiritual seeker, adventure enthusiast or nature lover. This town can satiate you in all these cases by offering something special.
How to Reach Tawang?
You can choose any of the following modes to reach Tawang:
By Bus
If you prefer this mode of transportation, you can reach Tezpur first. The reason is that from Tezpur, regular bus services are available to take you to Tawang. You can find Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services buses at Tezpur to take you to the town. In this case, the journey will take around 12 to 14 hours. If you are from other towns in Arunachal Pradesh, you can check whether direct buses are available.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Tawang is Rangapara Railway Station in Tezpur. However, this railway station is located at a distance of 383 km from Tawang. From this railway station, you can travel by bus to reach the quaint town. For better connectivity, you can book your train tickets to Gawahati Railway Station. This Station is about 480 km away from Tawang. Again, you will have to travel by road to reach the town.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Tawang is Tezpur Airport, which is in Assam. It is located around 330 km away. From Tezpur, you will have to travel by road. But you cannot find frequent flights to Tezpur from other parts of India. So, the better option available is to fly to Guwahati Airport. From this airport, you will have to travel by bus or car to reach Tawang.
By Car
If you are driving or if you hire a cab, you can go to Guwahati or Tezpur. The road trip will take around 10-12 hours. You will pass through attractive landscapes with astounding rivers and high-altitude passes.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
I should say that Tawang is filled with exciting activities and breathtaking spots. Some of the must-visit places and experiences to include:
Tawang Monastery
Many people visit Tawang, mainly to explore this monastery built during the 17th century. Not just a spiritual wonder, this place is known for its architectural brilliance as well..
Sela Pass
This high-altitude mountain pass stands at an altitude of nearly 13700 feet above sea level. It is the key route that connects the town with the rest of the country. Passing through this pass itself is an experience. It is known for its scenic beauty and surrounding snow-capped mountains, attractive valleys and glacial lakes.
Madhurai Lake
This high-altitude lake is also called Shungatser Lake. Yes, you have guessed it right. The lake has been named after the Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit. The reason is that she acted in a song sequence for the movie Koyla in this lake. It is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Nuranang Falls
This waterfall gets its name from the Nuranang River. The other name of this river is Pachung River. It is an important water source for the local communities. It is popular for its pristine clear waters. You will be stunned by the water flowing from a height of about 100 metres. Most importantly, the rocky cliffs and lush green forests surrounding this waterfall make it an interesting place.
Tawang War Memorial
Yes, it is a historical site located in Tawang. This memorial stands to honour the sacrifice made by Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 Sino-Indian war. This war happened between India and China over border disputes.
Gorichen Peak
This is a majestic peak located in the Tawang District of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It holds the pride of being the highest peak in the State. Also, it is the 12th highest peak in India with an elevation of 6488 metres.
PT Tso Lake
Otherwise called Pankang Teng Tso Lake, this lake is located at an altitude of more than 4500 metres above sea level. The lush green forests and snow-capped mountains present in and around this lake will mesmerize you for sure.
Jaswant Garh
This historic site is named after Rifleman Jawant Singh Rawat. He was a soldier of the Indian Army who fought against the invading Chinese troops in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. This monument stands as proof of the sacrifice and bravery of Jawant Garh.
Kameng River
How about participating in River rafting in Tawang? The Kameng River is one of the key rivers flowing through the Arunachal Pradesh State. This river starts from the glacial lakes near the Chinese border at Tawang. It flows through the Kameng valley. On its way, it gets water from many tributaries .
Bum La Pass
This is the border pass between China and India. You should get a special permit to visit this spot.
Hot Water Springs
In many places in Tawang, you will find hot water springs. These springs produce naturally hot water and are known for their therapeutic properties.
Best Time & Season To Visit
Choosing the right time to visit Tawang is important to experience the town completely.
Peak Season
The best season here is between March and June. During this season, you can expect the weather to be pleasant. During this season, tourists visit in large numbers not only from India but also from abroad. When you visit during these months, you can experience a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The reason is that many festivals and cultural events take place during this season.
Moderate Season
The moderate season in Tawang is between December and February. The climate during this season will be cold. Also, you might experience occasional snowfalls as well. However, during this season, the town is less crowded compared to peak season.
Off-Season
When you visit between June and September, it is off-season. During this season, outdoor activities and camping opportunities will be limited. If you are looking for a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, you can choose this season for your visit. Also, this season is ideal for photographers.
Duration to See
To explore Tawang completely, you can consider a stay of 4-5 days. Here is an itinerary to help you:
Day 1: After reaching Tawan on the first day, check into your accommodation. After some time, you can visit the war memorial and monastery.
Day 2: You can dedicate this day to visit Nuranang Falls, Jaswant Garh and Sela Pass.
Day 3: You can visit Madhuri Lake and Bum La Pass on this day.
Day 4: Discover hot water spring and local market and any other hidden gems
Day 5: Departure from Tawan
Best Restaurants and Cafes in Tawang
- The Dragon
- Woodland Restaurant
- Taste of Tawang
- Blue Pine Restaurant
- Lungta Café
- Dolma Restaurant
- Orange Restaurant
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Dondrub Homestay
- Vivanta
- Bliss Homestay
- Norlha Homestay
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
Most attractions in Tawang are free to enter. However, to visit Arunachal, you will have to get the Inner Line Permit even if you are an Indian. You can get this permit online or from dedicated officers in Delhi, Guwahati or Tezpur in person.
Again, if you plan to visit Bum La Pass, you should get a special permit from the Indian Army. You can obtain this from the Tawang District Administration Office.
FAQ
1. Is Tawang Safe to Visit?
Yes, it is safe to visit Tawang. However, due to its high altitude, you should properly acclimatise yourself to avoid altitude sickness.
2. What Type of Cloths Should I Wear in Tawang?
It depends on the season you choose to visit. When you visit during the summer, you can carry light woolens. On the other hand, if you are travelling in winter season, carry heavy woolen clothes. Also, during winter, you should carry thermals and snow gear.
3. Should I Have A Special Permit To Visit Tawang?
Yes, all non-residents of Arunachal Pradesh should get Inner Line Permits to visit. Foreigners should carry a Protected Area Permit to visit Tawang.
4. Can I Find ATMs in Tawang?
Yes, however, there are limited numbers. So it is better to carry cash. The reason is that digital payments may not always be available.
5. Is Tawang Ideal for Honeymooners?
Yes, absolutely. The cozy weather, serene environment and scenic beauty make Tawang an ideal destination for honeymooners.
Check out my other posts on Arunachal Pradesh:
15 days of Being Curious – My Solo Backpacking Trip Arunachal Pradesh
10-Days To Explore The State Of Arunachal Pradesh – My Arunachal Pradesh Trip Itinerary
How to Plan a Trip To Arunachal Pradesh?
How to travel in Arunachal Pradesh by local transportation?
How to Get Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh?