Tawang – Monasteries, Mist & Mountains that Whisper

About Tawang

Tawang is the headquarters of Tawang district and lies close to the Indo-China border. It shares cultural and geographic similarities with neighboring Bhutan and Tibet. The town is home to the Monpa community, who are followers of Mahayana Buddhism and have preserved their traditions for centuries.

It’s not a bustling city — Tawang is calm, quiet, and wrapped in prayer flags and cold winds. There are no malls or nightclubs here. What you get instead is a deep connection to mountains, history, and spirituality.

History of Tawang

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Tawang has historical significance not only for Arunachal Pradesh but for Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed to be the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. The main monastery, Tawang Gompa, was built in the 17th century and has since been a key center of Buddhist learning and practice in the region.

In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama crossed into India through Tawang while escaping from Tibet during the Chinese invasion. His visit and the presence of the monastery continue to make Tawang spiritually important. Over the decades, the Indian Army has also played a key role in maintaining peace and infrastructure in the area due to its proximity to the border.

Top Places to Visit in Tawang

1. Tawang Monastery

   • This is the largest monastery in India and the second-largest in the world after Potala Palace. Built in 1681, it houses a 28-foot golden statue of Lord Buddha, ancient scriptures, and over 300 monks. The monastery also offers panoramic views of the valley.

2. Sela Pass

   • Located at 13,700 feet, this high-altitude mountain pass connects Tawang to the rest of Arunachal. The drive is scenic, with snow-covered peaks and the beautiful Sela Lake nearby. It remains frozen during winter months.

3. Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake)

   • A stunning high-altitude lake named after actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a song from the film Koyla here. Surrounded by dead tree trunks and mountains, the lake has a surreal, haunting beauty.

4. Tawang War Memorial

   • Dedicated to Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1962 Indo-China war. The structure is built in Tibetan style and includes names of martyrs and a light-and-sound show in the evening.

5. Urgelling Monastery

   • Believed to be the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, this small but significant monastery is just 5 km from Tawang town.

6. Gyangong Ani Gompa

   • Run entirely by Buddhist nuns, this peaceful nunnery is located on a hilltop, offering a different perspective on monastic life.

7. Nuranang Waterfalls (Jung Falls)

   • Located about 40 km from Tawang, this 100-meter waterfall is one of the most spectacular in Arunachal. It’s a great photo spot and picnic stop.

Things to Do in Tawang

• Explore Tawang Monastery early morning or during prayer sessions

• Visit a local Monpa village and learn about their customs

• Take a road trip to Bum La Pass (requires special permit)

• Attend Torgya Festival (January) or Losar (Tibetan New Year)

• Go for photography at sunrise from Gorichen Viewpoint

• Visit local handicraft centers for carpets and woolen items

• Try hot thukpa in a roadside café while snow falls outside

• Light a butter lamp and spend a quiet hour in a monastery

What to Eat in Tawang

Tawang's cuisine is influenced by Tibetan and Monpa food traditions. Expect a lot of noodles, soups, and warm, hearty dishes perfect for the chilly weather.

Must-Try Foods:

1. Thukpa – Noodle soup with vegetables or meat

2. Momos – Steamed dumplings with spicy chutney

3. Zan – A Monpa dish made with millet flour and meat broth

4. Gyapa Khazi – A type of Tibetan-style biryani with meat

5. Butter Tea – Salty tea made with yak butter and milk

6. Khura – A Monpa pancake often served with eggs or meat curry

7. Churpi – Hard yak cheese, often chewed like candy

There are many family-run eateries around the main town area. Ask for local food, and you might be invited into the kitchen.

Where to Stay in Tawang

Tawang offers a range of accommodations — from simple guesthouses to well-maintained hotels. Most places are run by locals and provide basic comfort with warm hospitality.

Budget Options:

• Hotel Mon Paradise

• Dolma Khangsar Guest House

• Tashi Gatsel Lodge

Mid-Range Options:

• Hotel Tawang Heights

• Hotel Zambala

• Yangzom Hotel

Luxury Options:

• There are no luxury 5-star hotels, but some new boutique stays are coming up with modern amenities and great views.

Tip: Always carry extra blankets or rent a room heater during winters. Some lodges may not have central heating.

Travel Tips

• Permits Required:

  • Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. It can be applied online.

  • Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) and should be in a group with a registered tour operator.

• Altitude:

  • Tawang is over 10,000 feet. Take 1–2 days to acclimatize, especially if driving from sea level. Headaches and dizziness are common if rushed.

• Best Time to Visit:

  • March to June: Clear skies, pleasant weather

  • September to November: Autumn colors and less crowd

  • December to February: Snowfall, but many roads may be blocked

• Getting Around:

  • Shared taxis and rented vehicles are common

  • Walking around town is easy, but uphill in parts

  • Hire a local driver if going to Bum La or Sela Pass

• Cash and Connectivity:

  • ATMs are available but often run out of cash

  • Internet is patchy; BSNL and Jio work better than others

• Pack Essentials:

  • Warm clothing, gloves, boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, ID proof, and printed permits

Hidden Gems

1. Brama Dungchung Ani Gompa – A small nunnery offering beautiful views and quiet reflection

2. Y Junction – Scenic tri-point on the way to Bum La Pass, great for photography

3. Local Carpet Weavers – Traditional Monpa carpets woven by hand in small homes

4. Old Market Area – Pick up unique souvenirs like yak wool shawls, wooden masks, and locally made incense

5. Penga Teng Tso Lake – Less visited than Madhuri Lake, but equally beautiful and serene

Useful Local Phrases (Monpa/Tibetan with Hindi/English)

• Tashi Delek – Hello / Good wishes

• Khamzang inna? – How are you?

• Danyavad / Thuk je che – Thank you

• Yatra shubh ho – Safe journey

• Yeh kitne ka hai? – How much is this?

• Thoda thanda hai – It’s a bit cold

People here are respectful and shy but very helpful. A smile goes a long way.

How to Reach Tawang

1. By Air:

   • Nearest airport is Tezpur Airport (317 km) or Guwahati Airport (450 km). Helicopter services (Pawan Hans) may run from Guwahati depending on weather.

2. By Road:

   • From Guwahati → Tezpur → Bhalukpong → Dirang → Tawang (takes 2–3 days by road). It’s a scenic but tough journey.

3. By Rail:

   • No railway station in Tawang. The nearest major station is Tezpur or Guwahati, then travel by road.

Tip: Hire a local travel agency or cab from Tezpur or Bomdila for a safer trip in the mountains.

Final Thoughts

Tawang may not be the easiest place to reach, but once you’re here, you’ll realize why it’s so special. The monasteries echo with chants, the air is crisp, and the people are grounded in centuries-old traditions. It’s not just a trip — it’s a shift in perspective.

If you're looking to explore a corner of India that’s deeply spiritual, untouched by mass tourism, and set against a backdrop of stunning mountain landscapes, Tawang is worth the extra effort.

Stay for a few days. Talk to the monks. Sip butter tea while watching prayer flags dance in the wind. Tawang is the kind of place that slows you down — and stays with you long after you leave.