Tawang

Top Things to Do in Tawang

Here are some things you can do to experience the best of Tawang:

Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of Tawang Monastery: Tawang boasts the largest monastery in India, and second-largest in the world, the Tawang Monastery. This magnificent structure houses priceless Buddhist artifacts, ancient scriptures, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• Visit Sela Pass:  Sela Pass, perched at an elevation of over 13,000 feet, is a scenic mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.  Adventure enthusiasts can go for a bike ride or jeep safari to experience the thrill of the high mountains.
• Visit Bumla Pass: Bumla Pass is one of the highest and most breathtaking mountain passes in India, located at an altitude of around 15,200 feet (4,600 meters). It sits right on the Indo-China border and is historically significant — it was one of the routes used during the 1962 Indo-China War.
  
• Explore the beauty of Nuranang Falls:  Take a refreshing dip or capture the scenic beauty of Nuranang Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
• Pay homage at the Tawang War Memorial: The Tawang War Memorial commemorates the Indian soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1962 war.
• Witness the serenity of Madhuri Lake:  Named after the Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit who shot a movie here, Madhuri Lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride or simply soak in the natural beauty.
• Go on a trekking adventure:  Arunachal Pradesh is a trekker's paradise, and Tawang offers a variety of trekking options for all levels of experience. Some popular treks include the Gorichen Peak Trek, the  Bum La Pass Trek, and the  Mandirala – Sangti Valley Trek.
• Explore the local villages: Get a glimpse into the local way of life by visiting villages like Lungar and Mukting. Interact with the warm and hospitable people of Tawang and learn about their unique culture and traditions.
• Shop for souvenirs:  Local markets in Tawang offer a variety of souvenirs, including traditional handicrafts, handloom carpets, and yak wool shawls.

Best time to visit Tawang?

The best time to visit Tawang is from March to May and from September to November. During monsoons, the road is bad due to landslides and during winter months, because of snow roads can get blocked.

Where to stay in Tawang?

We recommend to stay in a homestay in Tawang as you get to experience the culture of Monpa tribe, experience their culture and their really good food & hospitality. JC Homestay and Mila Homestay are some really nice local homestays in Tawang which we recommend.  If you wish to explore more homestay options, you can read our blog about the best homestays in Tawang. 

If you are looking for a luxury resort in Tawang, then Timilo Bouique Resort in one of the best resorts in Tawang. 

Mobile Connectivity in Tawang:

Airtel & Bsnl networks have the best connectivity in Tawang.

Road Connectivity to Tawang:

Thanks to the Sela Tunnel, Nechiphu Tunnel, upgraded NH‑13, and ongoing infrastructure projects, Tawang now enjoys near-365-day accessibility. While weather can still cause temporary disruptions, it’s far more reliable than before.

Some FAQs about Travelling To Tawang:

1️⃣ Is Tawang safe to visit?
Yes, Tawang is generally very safe for tourists. The local Monpa community is warm and hospitable, and petty crime is rare. However, keep in mind that Tawang is a sensitive border area near the Indo-China border, so it’s important to carry your Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh. You will also need a special permit to visit Bumla Pass which can be easily arranged by your travel agent. Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so always check road updates, travel with a local driver, and avoid driving at night during winter or heavy rain.

2️⃣ Do I need a permit for Tawang?
Yes, all Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh, including Tawang. You can apply online via the Arunachal Pradesh tourism portal or get it from designated offices in Guwahati, Tezpur, or Delhi. If you plan to visit restricted areas like Bumla Pass, you’ll need an additional permit issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang and the Indian Army’s local check post.

👉 Tip: Book with a local tour operator (like OurGuest) — we can help arrange your permits easily.

3️⃣ Can I visit Bumla Pass without permission?
No, you cannot visit Bumla Pass without a special permit. Bumla Pass is a high-altitude border pass on the India-China border and is heavily controlled by the Indian Army. To visit, you must first get permission from the DC’s Office in Tawang, then get it stamped at the Brigade Office near Tawang, and finally show it at the army checkpoint on the way. Foreign tourists are usually not allowed to visit Bumla Pass due to security restrictions.

4️⃣ How many days are enough for Tawang?
A minimum of 5–7 days is ideal for Tawang. Due to its remote location and high-altitude terrain, the journey itself takes time. Most travelers take 2 days to reach Tawang from Guwahati (with a night halt at Bomdila or Dirang). Spend at least 3 full days exploring Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Bumla Pass, Nuranang Falls, Madhuri Lake, and nearby villages. If you want to add treks or cultural experiences, 7–8 days is perfect.

5️⃣ What is the best way to reach Tawang?
The best way to reach Tawang is to fly into Guwahati or Tezpur in Assam and then drive to Tawang by road. The journey is long (about 500 km from Guwahati) but incredibly scenic, crossing Sela Pass and beautiful Himalayan valleys. Private cabs, shared taxis, and buses are available from Tezpur or Bomdila. Helicopter services from Guwahati to Tawang are also available but depend on weather and limited seats.

For a customized Tawang Arunachal Pradesh Tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in

Tawang: History, Location & Significance

“TA” means Horse and “Wang” means Chosen. As legend goes the site of the present Monastery is believed to have chosen by a Horse owned by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso. Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso was on search for an appropriate place to establish a Monastery and was unable to locate any appropriate site. Finally he decided to sit on prayer for a guidance of a divine power. As he opened his eyes after prayer, he found his horse missing. So wearily he went out for searching his horse and found it on top of hill calm and quite. Believed it a good omen, Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso decided to initiate a work for building up of Monastery with the help of people living across the land of Monpa in the later part of 17th century according to the whises of 5th Dalai Lama.
At the instance of the Government of India, the first administrative centre at Tawang was set-up on 6th February 1951 by Major Bob Khating, a Naga officer of the Indian Frontier Administrative Service (IAS) and then Assistant Political officer at Charduar.
In 1984, on 6th October, this Tawang Sub-Division came into a full-fledged district carved out from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.