Tawang Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit and things to do, as well as cultural and historical attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, and much more.


Introduction to Tawang

Tawang is a picturesque town located in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The town is situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level and is known for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions. Tawang is home to the famous Tawang Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in the world and an important center of Buddhist learning.

List of Places to Visit in Tawang

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tawang Monastery: This ancient Buddhist monastery is the main attraction of Tawang, and is the second largest monastery in the world after the Potala Palace in Tibet. The monastery has a huge collection of ancient scriptures, and visitors can witness the daily life of the monks while exploring the complex.
  • Tawang War Memorial: The Tawang War Memorial is dedicated to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-China war. The memorial is situated at a distance of 6 km from the main town, and provides a panoramic view of the Tawang-Chu valley.
  • Urgelling Monastery: This historic Buddhist temple is just 5 km from the main town of Tawang. It is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, and houses many ancient scriptures and Buddhist artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Tawang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sela Pass: Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects Tawang with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh. This pass is situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains and valleys.
  • Bap Teng Kang Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall is located 82 km from Tawang, and is a popular spot for picnics and photography. Visitors can also take a dip in the cool waters of the waterfall.
  • P.T. Tso Lake: This clear blue lake is located at a height of 12,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a great spot for boating and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tawang

Tawang is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with many challenging trails that lead to picturesque spots. Some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in Tawang include:

  • Gorichen Base Camp Trek: This is a moderate trek that starts at Phomla and takes trekkers through dense forests and pastures to the base of Gorichen peak. The trek offers stunning views of the landscapes and snow-capped mountains.
  • Bum La Pass Trek: This is a challenging trek that starts from the town of Tawang and goes to Bum La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 15,200 feet above sea level. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Pankang Teng Tso Lake Biking Trail: This is a beautiful bike trail that starts at the main town of Tawang and takes bikers to the stunning Pankang Teng Tso Lake. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Best Things to Do in Tawang: Activities and Tours

  • Take a tour of the Tawang Monastery: The Tawang Monastery is a must-visit attraction in Tawang, and taking a guided tour of the complex is a great way to learn about the history and traditions of the monastery.
  • Attend the Tawang Festival: The Tawang Festival is a vibrant celebration of the local culture and traditions of Tawang. The festival is held every year in the month of October and features live music, dance, and food stalls.
  • Explore the Tawang War Memorial: The Tawang War Memorial is a tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the 1962 Indo-China war. Visitors can pay their respects at the memorial and learn about the history of the war.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tawang

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Tawang and visit to the Tawang Monastery
Day 2 Hike to the Gorichen Base Camp
Day 3 Visit the Urgelling Monastery and the Tawang War Memorial
Day 4 Explore the scenic Bap Teng Kang Waterfall
Day 5 Bike to the Pankang Teng Tso Lake
Day 6 Visit the beautiful P.T. Tso Lake
Day 7 Departure from Tawang

Food and Drink Scene of Tawang

Must-Try Dishes

  • Thukpa: This is a popular noodle soup that is a staple of the local cuisine. It is usually made with vegetables and meat, and is very filling.
  • Momos: These are steamed dumplings that are available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They are usually served with a spicy sauce.
  • Zan: This is a porridge made with barley and is a traditional breakfast dish in Tawang.

Local Beverages

  • Butter Tea: This is a tea made with butter, milk, and salt, and is a staple of the local cuisine. It is usually served hot and is very refreshing.
  • Chang: This is a traditional beer made with fermented millet or rice. It is a popular drink at festivals and celebrations.

Where to Stay in Tawang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Tawang View: This hotel is located near the Tawang Monastery and offers comfortable rooms and a great view of the surrounding mountains.
  • Tawang Holiday Resort: This resort is located in a peaceful area just outside the town of Tawang, and offers spacious rooms and modern amenities.
  • Zax Star Hotel: This hotel is located near the main market of Tawang and is a great option for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Tawang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hand-woven Carpets: Tawang is known for its fine woolen carpets that are hand-woven by the locals. They make great souvenirs and gifts.
  • Wooden Crafts: The locals of Tawang are skilled at carving beautiful wooden artifacts like bowls, spoons, and figurines.
  • Thangka Paintings: Thangka paintings are traditional Buddhist paintings that are painted on silk or canvas. They are available in many shops in Tawang.

Local Culture and Customs of Tawang

The people of Tawang follow a unique mix of Tibetan and Indian culture, with Buddhism being an important part of their way of life. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Tawang

The best time to visit Tawang is from March to June and from September to December, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tawang

Do:

  • Dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Take off your shoes before entering a monastery or a temple.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Be respectful towards the locals and their culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t photograph people without their permission.
  • Don’t throw garbage or litter in public places.
  • Don’t enter a monastery or a temple with shoes on.
  • Don’t disrespect the local culture and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tawang

Tawang is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, visitors are advised to take precautions and be aware of their surroundings.

Health in Tawang

Tawang is a remote area, and visitors are advised to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. It is important to stay hydrated and to take breaks while hiking or trekking.

Getting to Tawang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tawang is a remote town and is not easily accessible by air or road. The nearest airport is in Tezpur, which is 317 km away from Tawang. The town is connected to the rest of Arunachal Pradesh by a network of roads and buses.

Airports Near Tawang

  • Tezpur Airport: This is the nearest airport to Tawang, and is located 317 km away.

Bus Stations Near Tawang

  • Tawang Bus Station
  • Bomdila Bus Station
  • Tezpur Bus Station

Other Options

  • Shared Taxis: Shared taxis are available from Tezpur and other nearby towns to Tawang.

How to Get Around in Tawang

The best way to get around in Tawang is on foot or by hiring a local taxi.

Where to Go Next from Tawang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bomdila: This picturesque town is located 180 km from Tawang and is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage.
  • Dirang: This small town is situated 140 km from Tawang and is famous for its hot springs and scenic views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
  • Ziro: This beautiful valley is located 240 km from Tawang and is known for its vibrant tribal culture and scenic landscapes.

Conclusion

Tawang is a hidden gem in the northeastern part of India, and is a must-visit destination for those who love natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Plan your trip to Tawang with this comprehensive travel guide and explore the best that this beautiful town has to offer.

Tawang town and monastery Tawang town and monastery An icon of Sakyamuni Buddha in the Tawang Monastery An icon of Sakyamuni Buddha in the Tawang Monastery