Tawang is a town located in Arunachal Pradesh, close to the border with Bhutan and Tibet. Tawang has a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the 17th century when it was founded by the Monpa people. It is home to the famous Tawang Monastery, one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Asia.
Transportation
How to get there
- By Air: The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati) in Assam, about 500 km away from Tawang. From Guwahati, you can take a taxi or a bus to Tezpur, which is closer to Tawang.
- By Train: The nearest major railway station is Tezpur. Trains from various cities, including Guwahati, connect to Tezpur. From Tezpur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Tawang.
- By Road: The most common way to reach Tawang is by road. From Guwahati, you can take a taxi or a bus to Tezpur, and then continue your journey to Tawang via the Bomdila route. The drive offers stunning views but can be challenging due to winding roads and altitude changes.
Ways to get around the city
From Bomdila, shared taxis and buses frequently operate to Tawang, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Tawang is from March to June. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the town is bustling with tourists from all over India and the world. Visitors can expect to experience a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with several cultural events and festivals taking place during this time.
Or you can visit Tawang from December to February if you want to engage in other winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, the weather is cold and there is occasional snowfall, but the town is relatively less crowded compared to the peak season.
Tawang Monastery
Located amidst the picturesque surroundings, the Tawang Monastery also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse is one of the gems in Arunachal Pradesh. Perched at the height of 3,000 metres above sea level, it has been recognised as the second largest monastery in the world, the first one being Lhasa. The monastery is believed to be 400 years old and has control over 17 gompas in the region.
Sela Pass
One of the most breathtaking places in the Himalayan vista, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, and it is as heavenly as it gets. The Sela Pass and Himalayas combine to enchant one and all by their mystic beauty. One of the most stunning gifts of nature to the North-East, Sela Pass is a lifeline for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as it is the only way that connects Tawang district of the state to the rest of the country.
Madhuri Lake
Nestled amidst the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh boasts numerous stunning lakes, but none are as captivating as Madhuri Lake, also known as Sangetsar Lake or Sangestar Tso. Situated on the route from Tawang to Bum La Pass in Tawang district, near the Indo-China border, this remote lake sits at an altitude of over 3,708 meters (12,165 ft) above sea level.
Nuranang Falls
Nestled deep within the forests of Tawang, Nuranang Falls offers a serene and unspoiled experience, hidden away from the bustling tourist trails. Cascading from a height of approximately 100 meters, this magnificent waterfall, also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls, is a pristine white veil of water.
Tawang War Memorial
The Tawang War Memorial, a stupa dedicated to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-China war, stands as a solemn tribute amidst the serene landscapes of Tawang. Overlooking the scenic Tawang-Chu valley., the 40 feet structure incorporates Buddhist architectural elements, including prayer wheels, colorful serpents, and flags, donated by the local community.
Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
Also known as Eagle's Nest Wildlife sanctuary, this place lies between Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and Pakhui Tiger Reserve. It is a great place for bird watching as there is immense variety of bird species (over 450 species) spotted here. Some of them are Cormorans, Herons, Black Stork, Oriental White Ibis, Ducks, Hawks, Eagles, Kites, Vultures, Falcons, Pheasants, Quails, Tragopan, Cuckoos, Parrots, Pigeons, Woodpeckers, etc.
Suggested Itineraries
Win a Free Trip For Two in Vietnam
Subscribe and stand a chance to win two spots on a "Vietnam Golden Rice Fields Tour" in 10 Days