Tawang is a small town situated in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is at an elevation of approximately 3,048 meters to the east of Bhutan. The attractive town of Tawang, also pronounced as Dawang has many sceneries to make your trip an attractive one. However, what begins to define the area is its significance for Buddhist monks. The popular execution is that the name “Tawang” was given by his holiness the Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso. “TA” means Horse and “Wang” means Chosen.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TAWANG
Tawang is an ideal place during the summers and most of the monsoon season, but a frozen zone during the winter season. March to September are the best months to visit Tawang. The summers are pleasant and monsoons relatively cooler. In Winters however the temperature is about 1-3 degree Celsius, and you may have to let the snowfall plan your schedule for you.
HOW TO REACH TAWANG
By air: Nearest airport from Tawang is located in Tezpur (Salonibari Airport) at a distance of 387 km. The airport is directly connected to Kolkata and Guwahati. In October 2014, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh Government started helicopter facility to connect Tawang and Guwahati. The service is available twice a week.
By road: The Best way to reach Tawang through road is through bus services. Arunachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and other private agencies have introduced regular bus services, most of which connect Tawang to various towns and cities.
By train: Nearest railway station from Tawang is Rangapara Railway Station, at a distance of 383 km. It is well connected to major cities and towns of North-east India. About 88 stations are directly connected to Rangapara Railway Station.
Now Coming to top attractions, here are the must-see places in Tawang…
1. Sela Pass
The Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the border between the Tawang and West Kameng. The Sela Pass and Himalayas combine to be a spellbinding 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. Besides its geographical importance, Sela Pass is mesmerizing place always covered in snow providing some beautiful views of the eastern Himalayan range.
Opening time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, opens every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Experience seekers, photo fanatics, nature lovers
2. Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India. It is the second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It is situated in the valley of the Tawang River. Tawang Monastery is known in Tibetan as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, which translates to “celestial paradise in a clear night.” It was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681. This Buddhist monastery tour offers an eye-catching and picturesque view of the Tawang-Chu valley. The major attractions here lies in the appearance of the monastery.
Opening time: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: God lovers, experience seekers
3. Gorichen Peak
Gorichen Peak with the height of 6858 m is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh. The mountain is situated in the Tawang District and is about 164 km from the district headquarters. Gorichen Peak or Sa-Nga Phu offers climbing opportunities to seasoned climber. It is one of the best attractions of Tawang and is viewed as holy by the owning clan of Monpa who trust that the pinnacle shields them from every one of the disasters.
Opening time: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: photo fanatics, nature lovers, experience seekers
4. Jaswant Garh
Jaswant Garh is a famous tourist attraction in Arunachal Pradesh. It is widely visited all year round. This memorial is constructed in honor of late Jaswant Singh Rawat. He was an Indian rifleman of 4 Garhwal Rifles, Uttarakhand and for his bravery; Jaswant Rawat was honored by a memorial at the post where he fought the Chinese army. This must-visit place sits at an altitude and an interesting feature is that it has a temple-like structure is dotted with the concealed pattern all over the memorial.
Opening time: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Experience Seekers, Photo Fanatics, History Buffs
5. Nuranang Falls
Nuranang Falls is also known as Bong Bong Falls. It is some 100 meters high. It is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in this part of the country, yet is unknown to many travelers. The Nuranang river originates from the Northern slopes of the Sela Pass. Just below the waterfall is the Tawang river. It is located hardly 2 kilometers from Jang nearby the road that connects Tawang and Bomdila. And it is also known as Jang waterfalls.
Opening time: sunset to sunrise, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Nature Lovers, Wanderers, Fun Lovers
6. Madhuri Lake
The Madhuri lake is also called as Sangster Tso Lake. It is located near the Indo-China border above 15,200 ft above sea level. The lake was renamed after the shooting of Bollywood movie Koyla starring the beautiful actress Madhuri Dixit. The lake has been surrounded by admirable lush valleys and snow-capped mountains. A leisure walk is the best way to explore the beautiful surroundings of the lake. The lake is managed by the Indian Army.
Opening time: sunrise to sunset, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Nature Lovers, Wanderers
7. Nagula Lake
Nagula Lake is a high altitude lake near to Tawang, which is located at an elevation of about 4300 meters above sea level. This is a must visit a picturesque destination for the nature lovers. The beautiful reflection of the mountain peaks on the pristine water of the Nagula Lake and the scenic beauty of the surroundings are just mesmerizing. The lake is frozen almost all times apart from the summer months of April to May and during September and October.
Opening Time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Nature Lovers, Wanderers
8. Gorsam Chorten
Gorsam Chorten near the village of Zemithang is the largest Stupa of the area with a height of about 100 ft. The sky looming high stupa is about 92 Km away from Tawang. It was constructed by Lama Pradhar from Kharman village in Zemithang, in 13th Century A.D., Thousands of devotees visit during Gorzam Kora festival to observe the virtuous occasion during the last day of the first month of the lunar calendar. The spirituality of Buddhism seems to have enclosed this stupa as you will feel the vibe of holiness as soon as you step inside it.
Opening Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal For: God Lovers, Nature Lovers, Nirvana Seekers, Experience Seekers
9. Tawang War Memorial
The Tawang War Memorial was built in memory of soldiers of the Indian Army who gave up their life in the 1962 Indo-Sino War. This is a fitting memorial for the greatest offering anyone can offer. This stupa like structure was constructed by the Dalai Lama in 1997 and is called Namgyal Chorten by the locals. The walls surrounding the structure are walls of black granite. The sound and light showroom are usually closed, but the museum displays items used by the army during the war, such as gun, bullets, helmet, mugs, pots, etc.
Opening time: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Experience seekers, photo fanatics
10. Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area of India in the Himalayan foothills. It is surrounded by Sessa Orchid Sanctuary to the northeast and Pakhui Tiger Reserve to the east. Eagle nest is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries stationed at an altitude of 500 m and extending up to 3250 m. The sanctuary forms a major portion of Kameng Elephant Reserve with about 700 species of birds, including the prized Ward’s Trogon, Beautiful Nuthatch and Wedge-Billed Babbler, there is enough diversity to keep any enthusiast occupied.
Opening time: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, open every day of the week
Entry fee: Local Tourist Rs. 100, Foreign Tourist Rs. 500
Ideal for: animal lovers, photo fanatics, experience seekers
