One of the beautiful states in Northeast India is Arunachal Pradesh, which literally translates to "land of dawn-lit mountains." The lush green hills, dense forests, freshwater bodies, and rich culture attract tourists from all over the world. Two of the many popular places in this state are the capital city of Itanagar and the beautiful Tawang. 

Tawang, locally pronounced as ‘Dawang’ is a monastic settlement town in Arunachal Pradesh that is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 meters (10,000 ft.) to the east of Bhutan. It is a beautiful town and is not very populated. Arunachal Pradesh will flatter you with its unmatched natural beauty wrapped in the scent of spirituality. If you are curious about the lifestyle of monks, monasteries, and Buddhism, you must visit Tawang; there are many beautiful monasteries in Tawang, including the second biggest and oldest in Asia. One of the many reasons for the popularity of peaceful Tawang is that this is the birthplace of the Dalai Lama.

Tawang is also the cultural epicenter of Arunachal Pradesh, and the best time to visit the town is during the festival season. Before planning your trip to Arunachal Pradesh, have a look at the festival calendar of Arunachal Pradesh. 

GENERAL INFO

Best time to visit Tawang: Mar-Jun, Sep, Oct

How to reach: Salonibari Airport in Tezpur, Assam (nearest airport). Rangapara Railway Station Tezpur. There are many taxis and buses that go to Tawang from here.

Permit: An Inner Line Permit is required to enter Arunachal Pradesh

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Beautiful view of Tawang town in Arunachal Pradesh

6 POPULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN TAWANG IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

1. Sela Pass, Tawang

Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh is the lifeline of the state as it is the only way that connects Tawang to the rest of the country. This place will take your breath away with everything that it has to offer. Some of the most heavenly scenes in the world can be found here in Sela Pass. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful gifts nature has given to the Northeast part of India in Arunachal Pradesh. Sela Pass in Tawang is always covered with snow that provides some of the most breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan range. It is also home to one of the important and beautiful lakes of Arunachal Pradesh. Sela Lake is as beautiful as its surroundings in Sela Pass in Tawang. Be ready to witness the mountains gazing into the frozen Sela Lake and feast your eyes on the view. While you are in Arunachal Pradesh, do not miss visiting this beautiful place. You will need an inner line permit to get to this place. The Sela Pass lies on your way to Tawang so you might as well consider this place as a place to stop on your way to Tawang.

Sela Pass – 78 km away from Tawang

2. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

The Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the second-largest monastery in the world. This beautiful monastery in Tawang is located amidst the beautiful valleys and lush green hills with picturesque views. Tawang monastery is also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse and is said to be around 400 years old. Tawang monastery, the largest in India is built as a mansion with three stories and seventeen other monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh run under this monastery. The beautiful statue of Lord Buddha in Tawang Monastery is 8 m in height. Do not miss your chance to witness this beautiful old monastery in Tawang and offer your prayers. Tawang monastery has a library stocked with precious old scriptures and the monastery is covered in beautiful artworks, sketches, and paintings. It is one of the most popular attractions in Tawang and also a holy place that helps you merge in spirituality and also offers picturesque views of the mountain ranges nearby.

Explore activities in Arunachal Pradesh 

Tawang Monastery in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

3. Nuranang Falls, Tawang

Arunachal Pradesh has many waterfalls, and one of the least touched, least traveled, and least explored is the Nuranang Falls in Tawang. This waterfall is hidden inside a deep dense forest of Tawang and looks like a beautiful white sheet of water descending from above. This waterfall is about 100 m in height, and its source is the Sela Pass. Visiting Nuranang Falls in Tawang will allow you to have some fine and relaxed time by the waterfalls. The clean waterfall in Tawang is surrounded by hills covered in a thick sheet of green and looks like the picturesque postcards have come to life. On your trip to Tawang, Nuranang Falls can be treated as a great stopover place for relaxing and praising the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh.

Popular Tawang Tour Package

Nuranang Waterfall – 30 km from Tawang

4. Madhuri Lake, Tawang

Mother Nature has blessed Arunachal Pradesh with things and places that are no less than heaven. Arunachal Pradesh has many bewitching lakes and Madhuri Lake in Tawang is one such lake. Madhuri Lake in Tawang is also known as the Shungtser Lake. This lake is situated in one of the least explored places on earth. This lake is far from civilization, between the rocky mountains, and is one of the most untouched beauties of Arunachal Pradesh. This lake was locally known as Shungtser Lake, but people started referring to it as Madhuri Lake when the Bollywood movie ‘Koyla’ was filmed here. This Lake got its name after the name of the lead actress Madhuri Dixit after its appearance in the movie. Located at an altitude of 12,000 ft above sea level and just 30km away from Tawang, this lake can be reached easily and holds a special place in the hearts of locals. This lake is considered holy by monks in Tawang and they come here to offer their prayers. Do visit Madhuri Lake not very far from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and let its beauty rejuvenate your soul. 

Beautiful Shungtser Lake (Madhuri Lake), Tawang

5. Tawang War Memorial, Arunachal Pradesh

The Tawang war memorial is represented by a 40 ft structure in Tawang. It is dedicated to all the martyrs of the Sino-India war of 1962. The Sino-India war was the war between China and India Border Conflict in 1962. The war memorial in Tawang lies in the bosom of mesmerizing peaks of the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang war memorial is a popular place in Arunachal Pradesh and offers scenic views of the Tawang-Chu valleys.

Tawang War Memorial – One of the important places in Tawang

6. Gorichen Peak, Tawang

The famous Gorichen Peak in Arunachal Pradesh is the highest peak of the state. This spectacular peak is located between Tawang and the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. This peak is roughly 164 km away from Tawang and is situated at an altitude of 22,500 ft above sea level. The beautiful view of the peak may look like something out of the world to you. It is also known as Sa-Nga Phu by the locals that translates to "the kingdom of Deity," which totally makes sense as it looks like a part of heaven. Gorichen Peak is considered to be a sacred peak by the locals and the Monpa tribe believes that the peak protects them from all evils. It is a view you cannot afford to miss in Arunachal Pradesh.

Breathtaking view of Gorichen Peak in Arunachal Pradesh

These are just a few of the popular tourist attractions you might want to visit while you’re at Tawang. While you are in Tawang, you can also visit the beautiful Orchid Sanctuary. Arunachal Pradesh is as beautiful as you can think of. During your trip to Tawang, you can also indulge in the delicious and unique cuisine of these areas. Apart from religious importance, Tawang has places all tourists love to visit for its natural beauty and people with warm hearts. It is the perfect place to spend your holidays with your loved ones. The beautiful Tawang town in Arunachal Pradesh is a hidden paradise of India you must visit.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does it snow in Tawang?

Yes, it does. Tawang receives snowfall between December-February. 

How far is Tawang from Guwahati?

Tawang is nearly 500 km from Guwahati. It takes approx. 13 hours by road.

Where can I get an Inner Line Permit for Tawang?

You can get it from the district courts in Tezpur, Guwahati, or any other city in the state. If flying in, you can get it from the Arunachal Pradesh Tourist Counter at the Guwahati airport.

Additional read:

Into the wild: Arunachal Pradesh national park

Indulge in the delicious food of Arunachal Pradesh

10 incredible places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh

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