Tawang: A Hidden Gem in Arunachal’s Wonderland

Tawang: A Beautiful Hill Town You Must Visit
Tawang, a stunning hill town in Arunachal Pradesh, is a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and peace lovers. It is famous for its huge monasteries, snow-covered mountains, and breathtaking landscapes.
The Tawang Monastery, one of the biggest in India, is a must-visit for its beauty and spiritual vibes. You can also explore Sela Pass, enjoy the peaceful Madhuri Lake, and visit the India-China border. Whether you want to relax in nature or experience adventure, Tawang is a place you should not miss!
Table of Contents
- 1 History of Tawang: A Land of Monasteries and Warriors
- 2 Best Places to Visit in Tawang: A Complete Guide
- 2.1 1. Tawang Monastery – The Heart of Tawang
- 2.2 2. Sela Pass – A Snowy Wonderland
- 2.3 3. Madhuri Lake (Sangestar Tso) – A Bollywood Beauty
- 2.4 4. Jaswant Garh War Memorial – Tribute to a Brave Soldier
- 2.5 5. Nuranang Falls – A Hidden Gem
- 2.6 6. Bum La Pass – India-China Border Viewpoint
- 2.7 7. Tawang War Memorial – A Tribute to Soldiers
- 2.8 8. Pankang Teng Tso Lake – A Quiet Escape
- 2.9 9. Gorichen Peak – For Adventure Lovers
- 2.10 10. Taktsang Gompa – A Peaceful Monastery
- 3 Best Place to stay in Tawang
- 4 How to reach Tawang?
- 5 How many days to stay in Tawang?
- 6 Best time to visit Tawang
History of Tawang: A Land of Monasteries and Warriors
Tawang, a beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh, has a rich history connected to Buddhism, ancient tribes, and wars. It is believed that the name “Tawang” comes from the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India. The monastery was built in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, following the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama. Since then, Tawang has been an important center for Buddhist culture and teachings.
In ancient times, Tawang was part of Tibet and was influenced by Tibetan rulers and Buddhist traditions. Later, during British rule in India, the McMahon Line was drawn in 1914, which separated Tawang from Tibet. However, the region remained under Tibetan influence for many years.
During the 1962 Indo-China War, Tawang became a battleground when China invaded India. The Indian Army bravely fought, but Tawang was briefly occupied by China before they withdrew. Today, you can see memorials dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the war.
Now, Tawang is known for its spiritual significance, stunning landscapes, and strong military presence. It remains a place of peace, history, and adventure, attracting travelers from all over India.
Best Places to Visit in Tawang: A Complete Guide
Tawang, located in the beautiful Arunachal Pradesh, is a land of monasteries, mountains, and adventure. Surrounded by the Himalayas, it offers breathtaking views, peaceful monasteries, and exciting attractions. Whether you are a history lover, a nature enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, Tawang has something for everyone.
Here are the top places to visit in Tawang:
1. Tawang Monastery – The Heart of Tawang

Tawang Monastery is the biggest monastery in India and the second-largest in the world. Built in the 17th century, this monastery is a must-visit for anyone coming to Tawang. It is home to over 450 monks and has a beautiful golden Buddha statue inside.
Why Visit?
- Experience Buddhist culture, watch monks pray, and enjoy stunning views of the valley.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning or evening is best time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
2. Sela Pass – A Snowy Wonderland
Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass at 13,700 feet above sea level. It connects Tawang with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh. The pass is covered in snow for most of the year and offers some of the best views of the Himalayas.
Why Visit?
- Enjoy snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and breathtaking landscapes.
Best Time to Visit:
- October to April for snow, May to September for clear skies.
Travel Tip:
- The oxygen levels are lower here, so take breaks while traveling.
3. Madhuri Lake (Sangestar Tso) – A Bollywood Beauty

Madhuri Lake was named after Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, as a song from her movie “Koyla” was shot here. This lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine trees, is a perfect place for photography and relaxation.
Why Visit?
- The crystal-clear water and the magical scenery make it one of the most beautiful lakes in India.
Best Time to Visit:
- March to June (lake is frozen in winter).
Travel Tip:
- Carry some food and water, as there are no restaurants nearby.
4. Jaswant Garh War Memorial – Tribute to a Brave Soldier
This memorial is dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, who single-handedly fought against Chinese soldiers in the 1962 Indo-China War. Even after being shot, he continued fighting for 72 hours before he was martyred.
Why Visit?
- Learn about India’s military history and bravery.
Best Time to Visit:
- Any time of the year.
5. Nuranang Falls – A Hidden Gem

Also known as Bong Bong Falls, this spectacular waterfall is around 100 meters high. The sound of the gushing water, the green surroundings, and the fresh mist in the air make it a perfect place to relax and click pictures.
Why Visit?
- Enjoy the majestic waterfall and peaceful environment.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to September when the waterfall is at its fullest.
6. Bum La Pass – India-China Border Viewpoint

Located at an altitude of 15,200 feet, Bum La Pass is a historic place where India and China had a war in 1962. It is also the place where Dalai Lama entered India from Tibet.
Why Visit?
- See the India-China border and experience extreme weather conditions.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to October (closed in heavy snowfall).
Travel Tip:
- You need special permission from the Indian Army to visit this place.
7. Tawang War Memorial – A Tribute to Soldiers
This huge war memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who died in the 1962 Indo-China War. It has the names of all the martyrs engraved on stones, along with a small museum displaying war artifacts and history.
Why Visit?
- A patriotic experience with a beautiful view of Tawang town.
Best Time to Visit:
- Any time of the year.
8. Pankang Teng Tso Lake – A Quiet Escape
Also known as PT Tso Lake, this lesser-known lake is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The lake changes colors with the seasons, and in winter, it completely freezes over.
Why Visit?
- Enjoy peace, fresh air, and stunning reflections of mountains in the water.
Best Time to Visit:
- May to October for a clear lake, November to March for a frozen view.
9. Gorichen Peak – For Adventure Lovers
At 21,300 feet, Gorichen Peak is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a famous trekking destination and a sacred place for the Monpa Tribe, who believe that the peak protects them.
Why Visit?
- If you love trekking, adventure, and breathtaking views, this place is for you.
Best Time to Visit:
- March to June for trekking.
10. Taktsang Gompa – A Peaceful Monastery
This beautiful Buddhist monastery is located on a cliff and surrounded by thick forests. It is an ideal place for meditation and spiritual peace.
Why Visit?
- Experience Buddhist culture, peaceful surroundings, and a beautiful landscape.
Best Time to Visit:
- Any time of the year.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an amazing trip to Tawang!
Best Place to stay in Tawang
There are different ways to stay in Tawang, depending on budget and preferences. Some of these options include:
Hotel Tawang Heights
- Location: Nezru Market
- Features: well-equipped rooms, breathtaking mountain views, in-house restaurant offering Indian and local meals
- AVG. Price: ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 per night
- Rating: 4.5/5
Donub Homestay
- Location: Old Market
- Features: Comfortable and cozy rooms, home meal served in a traditional way, friendly welcome from hosts
- AVG. Price: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per night
- Rating: 4.7/5
Hotel Zax Star
- Location: Lumla Road (near Tawang Monastery)
- Features: Comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, good position for sightseeing
- AVG. Price: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per night
- Rating: 4.3/5
Tawang Tourist Lodge
- Location: the capital
- Features: Budget friendly, basic but comfortable equipment, ideal for solo travelers and backpackers
- AVG. Price: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per night
- Rating: 4.0/5
The Oak Tawang
- Location: Civilian Hospital Road
- Features: Boutique Hotel, Stylish Interiors, Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, Luxury Equipment
- AVG. Price: ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 per night
- Rating: 4.6/5
Tip: Tickets can be seasonal and in demand, so a preliminary reservation is suitable. Whether you prefer a cottage within a budget or elite retreat, Tawang provides options for all.
How to reach Tawang?
Traveling to Tawang includes a combination of air, teaching and streets:
By Air: The nearest airport is TEZPUR Airport in Assam, about 317 kilometers from Tawang. But flights are not common. As an alternative, the international airport Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi in Guwahati is about 480 kilometers and has an accurate connection to different cities.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rangapa North near Tezpur. A higher choice with the highest connectivity is the Guwahati station.
By Road: From Tezpur or Guwahati you borrow a taxi or go rural buses to Tawang. The adventure, though lengthy and difficult due to mountain terrain, offers stunning perspectives.
How many days to stay in Tawang?
The five-day journey is good for exploring Tawang and its surroundings. This duration allows visitors to the website to acclimatize to a high altitude and fully enjoy monuments without a fight.
Best time to visit Tawang
Summer (April to June):
a slight climate between 10 ° C and 20 ° C, best for monuments and external interest.
Monsoon (July to September):
Louds of soil landslides throughout heavy rain, so travel can be dangerous. It is better to influence it.
Autumn (October to November):
The bright sun and mild climate is right for the tour and photo.
Winter (December to February):
Tawang turns into Iconss wonders and welcomes snow enthusiasts.
However, strong snowfall could also lead to roadblocks and therefore travelers must expect capacity delays.
FAQs
- Is a permit required to visit Tawang?
- Yes, Indian vacationers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), and overseas travelers require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Tawang. These may be received on-line or from specified government workplaces.
- What is the best time to visit Tawang?
- The best time to visit Tawang is from March to June and September to October whilst the climate is first-rate and appropriate for sightseeing.
- How many days are sufficient for a Tawang journey?
- A 4 to 5-day experience is sufficient to explore the principal points of interest in and around Tawang.
- Is Tawang secure for vacationers?
- Yes, Tawang is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s really useful to stay up to date on nearby weather conditions and tour advisories.
- What need to I P.C. For a experience to Tawang?
- Warm clothing is essential, regardless of the season, due to Tawang’s excessive altitude. Also, carry cushty footwear, vital medicinal drugs, and private essentials.
About local people
Monpa’s human beings live mainly in Tawang. The monpas, who are in hospitality, have a rich cultural history closely stimulated by Tibetan Buddhism. Their social gala, as well as Losar (Tibetan New Year), is very enthusiastically celebrated by colorful dances, watching and traditional food.
Wrapping up
Tawang is a perfect aggregate of herbal splendor, history and lifestyle. With the noble Tawang monastery to the picturesque Sela and Trekker’s Paradise La Pass, this city has something special in every corner. The warm hospitality of the human beings of Monpa, oral watering near food, and excellent scenery captures every person to visit it at least as soon as they have been lifetime.
Regardless of whether you are traveling in winter, so that you can like it in snow or summer time, so you can enjoy the warm climate, the beauty of Tawang is unprecedented. Travel for four to 5 days to experience your magic, feel uncomfortable energy and take joy. If you want peace, adventure and lifestyle on one way, be in Tawang!