A quaint and a picture-perfect escape in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh and bestowed with the beauty of nature, Tawang is perched amidst the Himalayas at an altitude of about 10,000 feet which earned it the tag of “new Ladakh” for the adventure enthusiasts. Owing much of its popularity to the snow-capped mountains, valleys, lakes, and dense forests, Tawang is also famous for its serenity and spellbinding views that can be best experienced by indulging in these things to do in Tawang that you just cannot miss on your next trip!
10 Best Things To Do In Tawang
With the kind of history that Tawang has, we can be that this mountain town has many secrets waiting to be explored by you. If you are wondering what to do in Tawang, then we have got you covered! Here are 10 blissful yet adventurous things to do in Tawang for a holiday full of adventure, culture, and energy.
- Taktsang Gompa – Meditate Here
- Gorichen Peak – Go Hiking
- Sela Pass – Traverse Through This Beauty
- Tibetan Settlement Market – Shop Till You Drop
- Nuranang Waterfalls – Witness Nature’s Magic
- Shonga-Tser Lake – Spend A Day
- The Dragon Restaurant – Satiate Your Taste Buds
- Madhuri Lake – Take A Stroll Around
- Jaswant Garh – Salute The Brave Martyrs
- Bumla Pass – Great Place For Sightseeing
1. Taktsang Gompa – Meditate Here
One of the best things to do in Tawang which is the land of Dalai Lama is to meditate in the famous monastery of Taktsang Gompa. Located atop a hillock at an altitude of about 12,500 to 13,000 feet and surrounded by dense coniferous forest and lofty mountains, this monastery helps you find your inner peace. Taktsang Gompa is one of the most famous places to visit in Tawang. With its tranquil surroundings, the only sound you hear is of your beating heart and the blowing wind. The overall atmosphere of this place is so calm and soothing that wouldn’t want to leave this place at all.
Tip: Avoid visiting during winter as road might get blocked due to snowfall
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2. Gorichen Peak – Go Hiking
One of the popular activities in Tawang that is preferred by tourists is hiking at Gorichen Peak. Perched at an altitude of 22,500 feet, Gorichen Peak is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh and third highest in the Northeast. This trekking track is blessed with an ideal atmosphere and a landscape to challenge the adventurer in you. Known to be a tough trekking destination, the peak offers beautiful 360-degree views of the surroundings. On this trek, you are surely going to love the magnificent beauty of this splendid peak. Do add this trekking expedition on your list of things to do in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh!
Tip: Plan a visit to Nurunang Falls since it is only 25 kms from here
Suggested Read: 23 Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh: Explore This Unexplored And Underrated Gem
3. Sela Pass – Traverse Through This Beauty
If you are in this town of Arunachal Pradesh, you do not have to wonder about what to do in Tawang? Situated at an elevation of 13,700 ft., the Sela Pass is the only road that connects Tawang with other parts of India. This pass is counted amongst the high-altitude motorable passes in the world. Legend has it that there are about 101 lakes in and around this pass, which are revered by the Buddhist community. However, amongst all these lakes, the beautiful Sela Lake deserves a special mention for being one of the popular tourist attractions in the area. So if you are on a Tawang road trip, you will get to relish the beauty of this awe-inspiring pass.
Tip: Carry high altitude clothing regardless of the season you visit
Suggested Read: 32 Best Tourist Places Near Guwahati For A Pleasant Vacation Away From Crowd!
4. Tibetan Settlement Market – Shop Till You Drop
Shopping at the Tibetan Settlement Market is one of the fun things to do in Tawang. Tibetan settlement market or Vihara market is a local area that consists of small shops and roadside shacks. This place is also famous for its local eateries and shops, which sell traditional items, and Chinese crockery items are also sold here in abundance. You can also find Buddhist religious items such as flags, prayer wheels, statues of Lord Buddha, wall hangings etc. and bring home gifts and memories for a lifetime.
Tip: Don’t forget to try local eateries here
5. Nuranang Waterfalls – Witness Nature’s Magic
Located around just 40 km from Tawang town, visiting Nuranang waterfalls at an elevation of around 6000 feet is considered to be one of the popular things to do in Tawang. Being one of the most stunning waterfalls in Arunachal Pradesh, Nuranang Waterfalls is a milky white waterfall that feels just like a dream.
Tip: Best visited as a stopover on your way to Bomdila from Tawang
Suggested Read: 60 Best Hill Stations In India For A Soothing Mountain Escape
6. Shonga-Tser Lake – Spend A Day
Located around 17 km away from the main town of Tawang in an open valley is the famous Shonga-Tser Lake wherein spending few hours makes for one of the peaceful yet adventurous things to do in Tawang. This picturesque lake is surrounded by blue lapis flowers in summers, and a blanket of snow in the winters. Formed during an earthquake, the calm waters of the lake, colorful birds on the banks, the snow-covered Himalayas in the backdrop, and the tranquil setting are truly a once-in-a-life experience.
Suggested Read: 15 Best Things To Do In Arunachal Pradesh For A Unique Vacation
7. The Dragon Restaurant – Satiate Your Taste Buds
If you are planning for a Tawang tour in December, do not forget to taste the local delicacies available at the one and only Dragon Restaurant in the Old Market. Enjoy the earthy regional taste and their most famous local dish is Churpi, which is fermented cheese broth prepared with fungi and vegetables. Other must-try dishes that includes the Tibetan momos, chili chicken, and salty Tibetan yak-butter tea. All the food items served here are a perfect blend of the traditional North-Eastern food and the spicy influence of Monpas. So, if you like experimenting with local cuisines, do visit this restaurant as it’s one of the top things to do in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Tip: Try the local dish Churpi
8. Madhuri Lake – Take A Stroll Around
One of the famous Tawang local sightseeing places is that of Madhuri Lake. This beautiful lake is surrounded by lush valleys and snow-capped mountains. A leisure stroll with your loved ones is the best way to explore the picturesque surroundings of the lake that is managed by the Indian Army. You can find a cafeteria near the lake where visitors can relish Maggi or momos with a cup of tea or coffee. The best time to visit Madhuri Lake is between April and October as, during the rest of the year, the area is frozen.
Tip: Relish maggi sitting near the lake
Suggested Read: 11 Pleasant Homestays In Tawang That Makes The Vacation To The East More Special!
9. Jaswant Garh – Salute The Brave Martyrs
Still wondering what to do in Tawang? Visit Jaswant Garh, a famous tourist attraction in Arunachal Pradesh. Located 25 kms from Tawang, Jaswant Garh War Memorial is a must visit place. This memorial has been created to honor the late Jaswant Singh Rawat. The highlighting feature is the temple like structure with camouflage pattern is seen all over the memorial. It is a wonderful place for a day out where you can simply visit the attraction, salute the brave martyrs and enjoy quick snacks.
Tip: The best time to visit is during March to September
10. Bumla Pass – Great Place For Sightseeing
Image Credit – Tabish from Wikipedia
Located about 37km from Tawang at the Indo – China border, the Bumla Pass is among the prominent places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Being an Indian, visiting this strategic border is a proud feeling. It is a great place for sightseeing and clicking pictures of the snow covered mountains. Remember to visit the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District and then Indian army cantonment of Tawang to take permission to visit the pass. If you are planning to visit for sightseeing, plan your trip on a clear day when there is no scope of rainfall.
Tip: You need permit to visit Bumla Pass
Further Read: Snowfall In India: 20 Best Snow Places In India For The Bewitching Sceneries
Excited much? Include these fun and adventurous things to do in Tawang on your next trip to Arunachal Pradesh. All you need to do now is to get packed, plan your vacation in Tawang with Travel Triangle for an incredible experience! Know of more things to do? Write to us below.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Tawang
What is the best time to visit Tawang?
The best time for planning a tip to Tawang is during the summer months from March till June. The temperature remains fvourable during this time and you can enjoy sightseeing.
Do we need pass for Tawang?
Yes, to visit Tawang, Indian tourists need to apply for Inner Line Permit (ILP) ong the official website. For this, they need to upload their ID proof, photo and other important details.
Can I visit Tawang during the current Covid situation?
Yes, Tawang is one of the safest places to visit during Covid. Make sure to abide by all the mandatory safety guidelines issued by Government. Keep wearing a mask whenever going out or surrounded by people, and maintain social distancing at all times. Also, sanitize your hands at certain intervals.
What is Tawang famous for?
Tawang is famous for housing the largest Buddhist monastery in India. It is a 400-year-old monastery that stands out in the snow-covered land because of its bright yellow roof. There are also various other places like Sela Pass, Shonga Tser Lake, Nuranang Falls, and Tawang War Memorial that make it one of the best places to visit in India.
What is the climate in Tawang from January to March?
Tawang experiences the winter season from the month of January to March and therefore the climate is cold. The temperature during the day time hovers around 8 degree Celsius and in night, it drops down to -10 degree Celsius.
Is it safe to visit Tawang?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to visit Tawang. However, it is not recommended to visit the place during December winters because of roadblocks caused by landslides and heavy snowfall.
When is Sela Pass closed?
Sela Pass is open to travel all days of the week from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, one should heed caution during winters because of the high altitude and heavy snowfall.
Is Tawang a part of China?
No, Tawang falls under the jurisdiction of Arunachal Pradesh and is not a part of China.
How to reach Tawang from Tezpur?
The most preferable way to reach Tawang from Tezpur is by train which takes 6 hours. However, one can also take the drive down the Balipara- Bhalukpong road to reach Tawang from Tezpur which takes around the same time.
How to reach Tawang by air?
The nearest international airport from Tawang is in Guwahati which is 480 km away and the nearest domestic airport is in Tezpur from where Tawang is 6 hours away.
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