Tawang, sitting at 10,000 feet in the Eastern Himalayas, is one of India's most spectacular destinations. Home to the largest monastery in India and breathtaking mountain landscapes, Tawang is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Arunachal Pradesh. As locals running Rivero Resort in Dirang, we've made this journey countless times. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Visit Tawang?
Tawang isn't just another hill station. It's a land of Buddhist monasteries, pristine mountain lakes, dramatic passes, and war memorials that tell stories of incredible bravery. The town sits in a valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering views that will stay with you forever.
Quick Facts About Tawang
- Altitude: 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)
- Distance from Dirang: 140 km (5-6 hours drive)
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Famous For: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Paradise Lake
- Permits Required: Inner Line Permit (ILP)
- Weather: Cold year-round, snow in winter
The Journey from Dirang to Tawang
The 140 km journey from Dirang to Tawang is one of India's most scenic drives. The route takes you through Sela Pass (13,700 feet), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Here's what to expect:
Route Overview: Dirang to Tawang
Dirang → Sela Pass → Jaswant Garh → Tawang
Total Distance: 140 km
Driving Time: 5-6 hours (with stops)
Road Condition: Good paved roads, can be challenging in winter
Sela Pass (13,700 feet)
The highlight of the journey is crossing Sela Pass, the gateway to Tawang. At 13,700 feet, Sela offers views that defy description. On clear days, you can see the paradise lake (Sela Lake) surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Sela Pass Tips
- Carry warm clothes—it's freezing even in summer
- Take it slow to avoid altitude sickness
- Stop at Sela Lake for photos (5-10 minutes)
- Check weather conditions before traveling in winter
- Pass may be closed during heavy snowfall (Dec-Feb)
- Avoid alcohol before and during high-altitude travel
Jaswant Garh War Memorial
About 20 km before Tawang, stop at the Jaswant Garh War Memorial. This memorial honors Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, who single-handedly held off Chinese forces during the 1962 Indo-China War. The Indian Army maintains this memorial with pride, and locals believe his spirit still guards the pass.
Stop Duration: 20-30 minutes
Entry: Free
Highlights: War bunker, memorial stone, stunning valley views
Must-Visit Places in Tawang
1. Tawang Monastery
The crown jewel of Tawang, this 400-year-old monastery is the largest in India and second-largest in the world after Lhasa's Potala Palace. Home to over 300 monks, it's a living center of Buddhist learning and culture.
Built: 1680-1681 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso
Altitude: 10,000 feet
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6-7 AM) for prayers
Entry Fee: Free
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
What to See at Tawang Monastery
- Main Prayer Hall: Houses an 8-meter-high gilded Buddha statue
- Library: Contains rare Buddhist manuscripts and texts
- Museum: Displays thangkas, ancient scriptures, and artifacts
- Monastery School: Where young monks study Buddhist philosophy
- Viewpoint: Panoramic views of Tawang town and valley
Monastery Visiting Tips
- Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes before entering prayer halls
- Photography is allowed but ask permission for monks
- Walk clockwise around prayer wheels
- Speak softly and maintain respectful silence
- Attend morning prayers (6-7 AM) for authentic experience
- Don't miss the sunset view from monastery grounds
2. Sela Lake (Paradise Lake)
Located at Sela Pass, this high-altitude lake remains frozen for most of the year. Surrounded by peaks and prayer flags, it's a photographer's dream.
Location: On Dirang-Tawang highway at Sela Pass
Altitude: 13,700 feet
Best Time: April-October (frozen in winter)
Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
3. Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake)
Named after Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit (who filmed here), this emerald-green lake is one of Tawang's hidden gems. The 35 km journey from Tawang town is an adventure itself.
Distance from Tawang: 35 km
Altitude: 11,800 feet
Best Time: May-October
Road Condition: Rough, requires sturdy vehicle
Time Needed: Half day (including travel)
4. Bumla Pass
The Indo-China border at 15,200 feet—one of the world's highest border crossings. Requires special permits and is often closed due to weather or security.
Distance from Tawang: 37 km
Altitude: 15,200 feet
Permit Required: Yes (arrange through local tour operators)
Best Time: June-September
Note: Often closed; check availability before planning
5. Nuranang Waterfall (Jang Falls)
A spectacular 100-meter waterfall located between Sela Pass and Tawang. The roar of water and misty spray create an unforgettable experience.
Location: 40 km from Tawang, on the way to Dirang
Height: 100 meters
Best Time: Post-monsoon (September-November)
Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
6. Tawang War Memorial
A beautiful memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War. The memorial's stupa houses a museum with war artifacts and stories.
Location: Near town center
Entry: Free
Best Time: Evening (4-6 PM)
Time Needed: 1 hour
7. Gorichen Peak
Arunachal's highest peak (22,500 feet) is visible from Tawang on clear days. While climbing requires serious mountaineering skills, viewing this majestic peak is reward enough.
8. Taktsang Gompa
A smaller but equally beautiful monastery perched on a cliff, offering spectacular views of Tawang valley. Less crowded than the main monastery.
Distance from town: 5 km
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Suggested Itineraries
2-Day Tawang Trip from Dirang
Day 1: Dirang to Tawang
- Early morning departure from Dirang (6-7 AM)
- Stop at Sela Pass and Sela Lake (30 minutes)
- Visit Jaswant Garh War Memorial (20 minutes)
- Stop at Nuranang Waterfall (30 minutes)
- Reach Tawang by 2-3 PM
- Check into hotel and rest
- Evening visit to Tawang War Memorial
- Explore local market
Day 2: Tawang Sightseeing and Return
- Early morning visit to Tawang Monastery (6-8 AM)
- Breakfast
- Visit Taktsang Gompa
- Lunch
- Depart for Dirang (2-3 PM)
- Reach Dirang by evening
3-Day Comprehensive Tawang Trip
Day 1: Dirang to Tawang (Same as above)
Day 2: Tawang Local Sightseeing
- Early morning monastery visit
- Breakfast
- Visit Taktsang Gompa
- Lunch
- Tawang War Memorial
- Evening at leisure, explore market
Day 3: Madhuri Lake and Return
- Early morning trip to Madhuri Lake (if weather permits)
- Return to Tawang for lunch
- Depart for Dirang
- Reach Dirang by evening
4-Day Extended Trip (Including Bumla)
Add Day 3 for Bumla Pass (if permits available and weather allows)
Practical Information
Permits
You need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Tawang. Indian citizens can get this online or at checkpoints. Foreign nationals need Protected Area Permit (PAP).
How to Get ILP:
- Online: arunachalilp.com (easiest method)
- Offline: DC offices in Guwahati, Jorhat, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur
- At Bhalukpong checkpost (entering Arunachal)
Cost: ₹100-200 per person
Validity: Usually 15-30 days
Processing: Instant online, 1-2 days offline
Best Time to Visit Tawang
- April-June: Pleasant weather, all attractions accessible, pre-monsoon clarity
- September-October: Best time—clear skies, perfect temperatures, post-monsoon green
- November: Cold but beautiful, fewer tourists
- December-February: Snow season—beautiful but Sela Pass may close
- July-August: Monsoon—avoid due to landslides
Where to Stay in Tawang
Budget (₹800-1,500): Basic guesthouses near market
Mid-Range (₹1,500-3,500): Comfortable hotels with heating
Luxury (₹4,000-8,000+): Premium hotels with valley views
Our Suggestion: Stay in Dirang at Rivero Resort and do Tawang as a 2-3 day trip. Dirang offers better accommodation value and comfort.
What to Pack
- Clothes: Heavy woolens (even in summer nights are cold)
- Medicines: Altitude sickness meds, personal medicines, pain relievers
- Documents: ID proof, ILP printout, vehicle documents
- Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, moisturizer
- Tech: Camera, power bank, torch
- Cash: ATMs limited; carry sufficient cash
Food in Tawang
Tawang offers mostly Monpa, Tibetan, and simple Indian food. Must-try items:
- Thukpa: Tibetan noodle soup—perfect for cold weather
- Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings
- Zan: Traditional Monpa porridge made from millet or maize
- Butter Tea: Salted Tibetan tea (acquired taste!)
- Gyapa Khazi: Pulao with vegetables and meat
Money Matters
- ATMs available but often run out of cash
- Carry enough cash from Dirang/Bomdila
- Some hotels accept cards/UPI but don't rely on it
- Budget ₹2,000-3,000 per day per person
Mobile Network
- BSNL works best in Tawang
- Jio and Airtel have limited coverage
- Internet can be slow
- Download offline maps before traveling
Important Safety Tips
Essential Safety Guidelines
- Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol
- Winter Travel: Check Sela Pass status before traveling
- Weather: Can change rapidly; carry warm clothes always
- Driving: Hire experienced drivers familiar with mountain roads
- Landslides: Common during monsoon—check road conditions
- Emergency: Limited medical facilities; carry basic first aid
- Fuel: Fill up in Dirang or Bomdila; limited pumps in Tawang
Why Stay in Dirang and Visit Tawang?
Many travelers base themselves in Dirang and do Tawang as a 2-3 day trip. Here's why this makes sense:
- Better Accommodation: Dirang has more comfortable, value-for-money hotels
- Lower Altitude: 1,500m vs 3,048m—easier to acclimatize
- Better Food Options: More variety and restaurants
- Pleasant Weather: Less extreme cold than Tawang
- Central Location: Easy access to both Tawang and Assam
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than Tawang
At Rivero Resort in Dirang, we help guests plan their Tawang trips, arrange vehicles, provide travel advice, and ensure you return to a comfortable stay. Our riverside location at 1,500m is perfect for acclimatization before heading to Tawang's 10,000 feet.
Local Insights from Rivero Resort
Our Honest Advice
- Start early from Dirang (6-7 AM) to have full day in Tawang
- Don't rush Sela Pass—it's as beautiful as Tawang itself
- 2 nights in Tawang is ideal—1 night feels rushed
- Skip Bumla if weather is bad—not worth the risk
- Madhuri Lake is beautiful but road is rough—decide based on vehicle
- Monastery is best visited twice—morning for prayers, evening for sunset
- Local markets close early—explore by 6 PM
- Book Tawang hotels in advance during peak season
Sample Budget
3-Day Tawang Trip from Dirang (Per Person)
- Vehicle: ₹8,000-12,000 (shared by group)
- Accommodation (2 nights): ₹3,000-6,000
- Food (3 days): ₹2,000-3,000
- Miscellaneous: ₹1,000-2,000
- Total: ₹14,000-23,000 (plus vehicle cost divided by group)
Final Thoughts
Tawang is not just a destination—it's an experience that stays with you. The journey through Sela Pass, the serenity of the monastery, the stories of courage at war memorials, and the sheer beauty of the landscape make it unforgettable.
Whether you're a spiritual seeker, adventure enthusiast, history buff, or simply someone who loves mountains, Tawang has something for you. Just remember to plan well, respect local culture, and take your time to soak in the beauty.
Safe travels, and may the prayer flags carry your wishes to the wind!
Planning your Tawang trip from Dirang? Contact Rivero Resort for local advice, vehicle arrangements, and comfortable accommodation.