Tawang – Land of Monasteries, Mountains, and Magic

Tawang: The Crown Jewel of Western Arunachal Pradesh

Perched at an altitude of 11,500 feet, Tawang is one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most captivating destinations. The district sits in the far western corner of the state, bordered by Bhutan to the west and southwest and China (Tibet) to the north. Remote, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful, Tawang offers a mesmerising combination of Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist heritage, and cultural depth.

Despite its challenging accessibility, travellers are richly rewarded with snow-capped peaks, tranquil lakes, fluttering prayer flags, and ancient monasteries that seem to float amidst clouds. Above all, it is home to the legendary Tawang Monastery—the second largest in Asia and among the most revered in the Buddhist world.

General Orientation

Tawang’s charm lies in its perfect blend of natural grandeur and living culture. The town is predominantly inhabited by the Monpa tribe, known for their friendly nature, traditional attire, and deep-rooted Buddhist faith.
Influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, the region’s culture shines through in its festivals, dances, architecture, and monasteries, making every visit feel spiritually enriching.

Best Time to Visit Tawang

The ideal season to visit Tawang is from March to October.

• March–June (Spring to Early Summer): Pleasant weather, blooming rhododendrons, and green valleys make this the most scenic period.

• September–October (Autumn): Crystal-clear skies and panoramic views of the snow peaks—perfect for photography and outdoor exploration.

• November–February (Winter): Harsh but magical, as heavy snowfall covers the town in white. Travel may be difficult due to icy roads and sub-zero temperatures.

• July–August (Monsoon): Not advisable, as heavy rains and landslides often cause road closures.

How to Reach Tawang

Reaching Tawang is part of the adventure—it’s a long but unforgettable journey through the heart of the Eastern Himalayas.

By Air

The nearest airport is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, around 317 km away. However, for better flight connections, most travellers prefer Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (approximately 511 km from Tawang).
NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. can arrange seamless airport pickups, permits, and overnight halts en route.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Tezpur, though Guwahati Railway Station offers better connectivity to major Indian cities.

By Road

From Guwahati, reaching Tawang typically involves two overnight halts due to the terrain and altitude gain:

• Day 1: Guwahati → Bhalukpong (245 km / ~5 hrs)

• Day 2: Bhalukpong → Bomdila (92 km / ~3.5 hrs) or Dirang (135 km / ~4.5 hrs)

• Day 3: Bomdila → Tawang (177 km / ~6 hrs) or Dirang → Tawang (135 km / ~5 hrs)

The journey passes through lush valleys, misty pine forests, and high-altitude passes like the iconic Sela Pass.
Helicopter services from Guwahati to Tawang operate irregularly—check with NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. for updated schedules.

Travellers often combine Tawang tours with a visit to Kaziranga National Park or Pakke Tiger Reserve, both located conveniently along the route.

Weather of Tawang

• Summer (March–June): Cool and pleasant, temperatures between 10°C–20°C.

• Monsoon (July–September): Moderate to heavy rainfall; landslides may occur.

• Autumn (October–November): Crisp air, clear skies, and magnificent mountain views.

• Winter (December–February): Cold with heavy snowfall; temperatures often drop below –5°C

People and Culture of Tawang

The Monpa tribe, followers of Mahayana Buddhism, form the cultural heartbeat of Tawang. Their homes, clothing, and customs reflect deep spiritual harmony with nature.

Key festivals include:

• Losar – The Tibetan New Year, marked by prayer ceremonies, masked dances, and feasts.

• Torgya Festival – Celebrated at Tawang Monastery to ward off evil spirits.

• Choskar – A local agricultural festival involving processions and blessings for good harvests.

Visitors are warmly welcomed with butter tea, barley beer, and a smile that truly embodies Himalayan hospitality.

Top Attractions in and Around Tawang

1. Tawang Monastery (Galden Namgey Lhatse)

Founded in the 17th century, this magnificent monastery overlooks the Tawang Valley like a guardian of peace. Home to over 400 monks, it features a 28-foot golden Buddha statue, exquisite murals, and a treasure-filled museum.
The monastery’s golden rooftops glisten under the Himalayan sun, offering a picture-perfect sight from miles away.

2. Sela Pass

At 13,700 feet, Sela Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The turquoise Sela Lake, surrounded by snow even in summer, makes it a photographer’s delight. The air is thin but pure, and the views—absolutely mesmerising.

3. Jaswant Garh War Memorial

About 14 km before Sela Pass, this memorial commemorates Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, a hero of the 1962 Indo-China War.
The serene site includes bunkers, shrines, and a small tea stall maintained by the Indian Army, offering both warmth and inspiration.

4. Nuranang (Jang) Waterfall

Located near Jang village, the Nuranang Waterfall plunges dramatically from a height of 100 meters, creating a thunderous mist. The site, surrounded by pine forests, also houses a small hydroelectric plant and has featured in Bollywood films such as Koyla.

5. Sangetsar (Madhuri) Lake

Formed by a 1973 landslide, Sangetsar Lake, better known as Madhuri Lake, lies north of Tawang.
With its hauntingly beautiful landscape of submerged tree trunks and reflections of snow-clad peaks, it is among the most surreal sights in Arunachal Pradesh.

Essential Travel Information

• Inner Line Permit (ILP): Mandatory for Indian nationals to enter Arunachal Pradesh.

• Protected Area Permit (PAP): Required for foreign tourists.
  NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. assists travellers with both ILP and PAP processing.

Due to its proximity to international borders, visitors are advised to carry valid identification and adhere to all local regulations.

Visit Tawang with NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd.

Since 2002, NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. has been curating journeys across Northeast India for both Indian and international guests. With over two decades of expertise, we offer tailor-made tours that blend comfort, authenticity, and cultural immersion.

From permits and transport to guides and accommodation, we ensure every detail is managed so you can simply enjoy the journey.

Contact Us: +91 9733300696 / +91 973300059593
NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. – The Soul of Eastern Himalaya