- Best time
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- How long
- 3–4 days
- Stay a night
- ₹1,200–7,000
- Food a day
- ₹400–1,400
- Nearest railhead
- 320 km away
- Nearest airport
- 320 km away
Plan Tawang in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Tawang
Over the 4,170 m Sela Pass to India’s largest monastery, high lakes and Bum La on the China border.
Things to do in Tawang
Tawang Monastery
Founded in the seventeenth century, this is India's largest Buddhist monastery and is situated in the valley of the Tawang Chu. It is three stories high, enclosed by a long compound wall, and includes many residential buildings along with a library of valuable old scriptures.
Tawang War Memorial
A touching memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the 1962 war. It features a striking stupa design and a moving evening show that honours the brave martyrs.
Tip: Carry warm clothes as evenings get quite cold here
Sela Pass & Lake
Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 4170 m. It connects Tawang to Dirang and features the sacred Sela Lake near its summit. The pass carries the National Highway and is usually snow-covered to some extent throughout the year.
Tip: Check road conditions beforehand as landslides or heavy snow can temporarily close the pass.
Madhuri (Sangetsar) Lake
Madhuri Lake, locally known as Sangetsar Lake, is a high-altitude water body in Tawang formed by a major earthquake. Surrounded by towering mountains and dead tree trunks sticking out of the water, it offers a scenic and peaceful landscape.
Bum La Pass
Bum La Pass is a border pass situated at four thousand six hundred metres in Tawang district, connecting Arunachal Pradesh with Tibet. It serves as a trading point and an agreed Border Personnel Meeting Point for the security forces of India and China.
Tip: Apply for the required special permit well in advance before your trip
Nuranang (Jang) Falls
Nuranang (Jang) Falls is a 100 m waterfall located near Jang in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Nuranang river originates from the northern slopes of the Sela Pass and joins the Tawang river shortly after the drop. A small hydel plant near the base generates electricity for local use.
Tip: Combine your visit with a trip along the Trans-Arunachal Highway between Tawang and Bomdila.
Urgelling Monastery
A Buddhist monastery in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, and the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso.
Where to stay in Tawang
Old Market
Budget hotels and homestays.
Nehru Market area
Mid-range hotels with views.
What to eat
Thukpa & momos
Monpa-style noodle soup.
Butter tea
Salty yak-butter tea.
Zan
Millet porridge.
Ready-made Tawang itineraries
Good to know
- Indian visitors need an Arunachal Inner Line Permit (online).
- Bum La and Sangetsar need an extra permit from the Tawang DC office.
- Break the drive from Guwahati at Dirang or Bomdila.
Going to Tawang? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
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