How do I plan a trip to Tawang?
If you’re considering a visit to the exquisite hill station Tawang but don’t know how? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your Tawang tour, highlighting everything you need to know about this fascinating destination in Arunachal Pradesh. Located in the western region of Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level it is a captivating destination that offers breathtaking vistas and rich cultural experiences.
Whether you’re interested in Tawang sightseeing, adventure activities, or local cuisine in Tawang, this guide will ensure you make the most of your trip. From exploring the iconic Tawang Monastery to trekking in the surrounding Himalayan ranges, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting hill station. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to Tawang!
What to see in Tawang
Tawang is blessed with historical richness and natural beauty, making it a stunning hill destination. The town is dotted with many tourism places, offering visitors a plethora of attractions to explore and experience during their stay. The first place that comes to mind when I think of tourist attractions in Tawang is the misty hills surrounded by a blanket of snow during winter. Another special about Tawang is the majestic lakes and waterfalls hidden in every corner. The town is dotted with many Buddhist monasteries including the largest monastery in India, Tawang Monastery which houses around 500 Buddhist monks.
Apart from these, Tawang also boosted many tourist places like Tawang War Memorial and Jaswant Garh Memorial – built in respect of the very brave and inspiring soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat , Urgelling Gompa – birth place of 6th Dalai Lama, Buddha park etc. Find details of best tourist places in Tawang.
When planning your Tawang tour, don’t forget to include iconic attractions like the Indo-China border at Bumla Pass, the stunning Madhuri Lake (also known as Sungester Lake), picturesque Penga Teng Tso Lake, and the serene Nagula Lake. These mesmerizing destinations can all be visited in a day tour from Tawang, enriching your journey with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
You can also include Chumi Gyatse Falls(worshiped as a holy waterfall by locals) and captivating villages Lumla and Zemithang in your itinerary. All these places not only provide a peaceful getaway for nature enthusiasts but also hold historical significance and reflect strong Buddhist influence.
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What other attractions can I visit during the tour from Guwahati to Tawang?
During the road trip from Guwahati to Tawang, there are several other attractions you can visit, making the journey even more memorable. We highly recommend a road trip because it allows you to explore beautiful hilly towns like Bomdila, Dirang, and Rupa. If you’re a nature enthusiast or birding enthusiast, you can also make stops at Nameri, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Tipi Orchadium and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary along the way. Additionally, if you’re seeking offbeat and unexplored destinations, consider a detour to Shergaon and Sangti Valley. Both places offer night stay options, allowing you to immerse yourself in their serene ambience. This comprehensive Tawang tour plan from Guwahati ensures you make the most of your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Top attractions in Dirang:
Dirang offers a stunning setting with the Kameng River flowing gracefully against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Along the way, you’ll discover numerous beautifully adorned monasteries, each with its unique charm. Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Dirang Hot Spring for a relaxing soak and explore the serene Sangti Valley for an offbeat experience.
Top attractions in Bomdila:
Bomdila, another breathtaking hill station, sits atop a lofty hill, offering panoramic views of its surroundings. One of its notable attractions is the Bomdila Monastery, which adds to the spiritual ambience of the area with its serene atmosphere and intricate architecture. Bomdila is also renowned for being a prime destination for purchasing local artifacts, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Why road trip to Tawang is very popular
The road trip to Tawang is highly popular because it allows you to explore stunning destinations like Bomdila, Dirang, Shergaon, and Rupa along the way. The road journey boasts breathtaking scenery, including majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and serene lakes, making the journey through the heart of the Himalayas truly mesmerizing. Missing out on these attractions would mean an incomplete Tawang experience.
How many days are enough to visit Tawang
we generally suggest at least 6 days to visit Tawang from Guwahati.
It all depends upon you if you like to stay in a scenic and calm environment in a peaceful and homely environment you can take 1 additional day to visit Shergaon.
On the other hand, if you want to stay in a camp on the bank of a guessing river surrounded by lush green meadows and firm, want to enjoy birding and trekking or exploring kiwi or orange orchard you can spend a whole day in Sangti valley.
If you are keen on history, Buddhism and the life of local Monopa and Sherdukpen tribes then you can also explore Zemithang and Lumla on your trip.
We customize every tour package according to your interests. We also have many readily available packages to choose from for your trip. Check one of the best packages that match your interest and write to us about your requirements to visit this beautiful settlement today!
If you can’t decide on the best package for you check our best-selling Tawang Arunachal Pradesh tour packages.
How to reach Tawang from Guwahati
Tawang is located approximately 435 km from Guwahati, the capital of Assam, and 450 km from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. Visiting Tawang from Guwahati is highly convenient due to Guwahati’s excellent connectivity with major cities of India and southeast Asia.
From Guwahati, travelers can avail Sumos and a few buses to Tawang, which typically depart early in the morning. However, the most convenient option is to hire a taxi from Guwahati to Tawang. This allows you to travel at your own pace, exploring numerous beautiful villages, waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes along the way.
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Best Tawang itinerary
Tawang itinerary for 5 nights 6 days
Here is a sample itinerary for 5 night 6 days Tawang tour from Guwahati
Day 1: Guwahati
Welcome to Guwahati! Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, begin your journey to Bomdila at around 8 am which takes approx. 7-8 hours. On reaching check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. You can also go for a walking tour of the local markets in the evening.
Day 2: Exploring Bomdila and drive to Tawang
After early breakfast visit Bomdila Monastery and then depart for Tawang. En route, visit Sela Pass and Sela Lake and Jaswant Garh Memorial. Upon arrival in Tawang, check into your hotel and explore the charming town. Overnight stay in Tawang.
Day 3: Tawang Sightseeing
Explore the sights of Tawang, including Tawang Monastery, Tawang War Memorial, Urgelling Gompa, Buddha statue etc. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the region. Overnight stay in Tawang.
Day 4: Tawang via Bumla Pass and Madhuri Lake
After a delicious breakfast, let’s embark on an exciting journey to the stunning Bumla Pass. Situated at a height of 15,200 ft. on the Indo-China border, it promises to be a breathtaking experience. Our next stop will be the gorgeous Madhuri Lake (also known as Sungester Lake), PT Tso lake and Nagula Lake. In the evening, you will reach Tawang and check in to your cosy hotel.
Day 5: Drive to Dirang
Early morning, after breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and drive to Dirang. On our way, we will stop at the majestic Nuranang Falls, also known as Jang Falls. After spending some time at the falls, we will resume our journey and reach Dirang. On reaching Dirang, we will visit the Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, also known as TDL Monastery, and the Dirang Hot Spring. In the evening, we will check into our hotel for an overnight stay in Dirang.
Day 6: Departure from Dirang
After breakfast, bid farewell to Dirang and begin your journey back to Guwahati. Drop-off at the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Tawang itinerary for 8 days
Here is a suggested 8-day itinerary for Tawang covering Nameri and Shergaon.
Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati
- Arrive at Guwahati airport/railway station.
- Transfer to Nameri National Park (Approx. 4-5 hours drive).
- Check-in at a resort/hotel near Nameri.
- Rest and leisure time.
Day 2: Explore Nameri National Park and drive to Dirang
- Morning jungle trekking in Nameri National Park.
- Transfer to Diranag
- Enroute visit Tipi Orchadium and Sesa.
- Visit Bomdila Monastery.
- Check-in at a resort/hotel in Diranag.
- Explore the picturesque TDL Buddhist monastery.
Day 3: Transfer to Tawang visit Sela pass
- Depart for Tawang (Approx. 6-7 hours drive).
- En route, visit Sela Pass and Jaswant Garh War Memorial.
- Arrive in Tawang and check-in at the hotel.
- Rest and leisure time.
- Overnight stay in Tawang.
Day 4: Tawang Sightseeing
- Visit Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India.
- Explore Tawang War Memorial, paying homage to the soldiers.
- Visit Urgelling Monastery, birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
- Visit Buddha park, Ani Gompa, Dorjee Khandu Memorial etc.
- Overnight stay in Tawang.
Day 5: Trip to Madhuri lake and Bumla pass
- Excursion to Bum La Pass, near the Indo-China border.
- Visit Sangetsar Lake (Madhuri Lake) and P.T.Tso Lake.
- Evening explore local market
- Return to Tawang for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer to Shergaon
- Start early in the morning.
- Depart for Shergaon (Approx. 7-8 hours drive).
- Arrive in Shergaon and check-in at a homestay.
- Overnight stay in Shergaon.
Day 7: Shergaon Exploration
- Enjoy a village walk to explore the local culture and lifestyle.
- Visit apple orchard and trek to the nearest waterfall.
- Explore the picturesque village and interact with locals.
- Overnight stay in Shergaon.
Day 8: Departure from Guwahati
- Check-out from the hotel.
- Depart for Guwahati (Approx. 7-8 hours drive).
- Drop-off at Guwahati airport/railway station for onward journey.
This Tawang tour itinerary provides a balanced mix of nature, culture, and adventure, ensuring a memorable experience in Tawang, Nameri, and Shergaon. With our carefully crafted Tawang tour plan from Guwahati you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
FAQ on planning a Tawang tour
1. Which is the best month to visit Tawang?
The best time to witness snowfall in Tawang is from January to April. For optimal enjoyment of Tawang’s beauty, characterized by clear weather and well-maintained roads, the ideal times are from May to July and from last week of September to the first week of December.
2. Is there any permit required to visit Tawang?
Visitors need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian or a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreigners to enter Tawang. These permits can be obtained online or from designated authorities in Arunachal Pradesh, such as the Deputy Commissioner’s Office or online from arunachalilp.com . It’s essential to check the latest guidelines and regulations regarding permits before planning your trip to Tawang.
3. What is the temperature of Tawang?
Tawang experiences a cool temperate climate throughout the year due to its high altitude location. In the summer months, from May to September temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C, offering pleasant weather for exploration.
However, during the winter months, from end of December to April, temperatures drop significantly, often reaching below freezing point. The winter months bring heavy snowfall, transforming Tawang into a picturesque winter wonderland. Visitors should be prepared for chilly temperatures and snow-covered landscapes during this time. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to Tawang and to pack accordingly.
4. What to pack for a trip to Tawang?
Due to very low temperatures in winter remember to pack warm clothes such as layers, a windproof heavy jacket, winter caps, scarves, sweater etc. It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket too. Additionally, pack a shawl, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle. Carry chapstick, sunscreen, and sunglasses also for more comfort. It is necessary to carry a Jacket if you are visit in summer also due to sudden drop of temperature because of rainfall.
It is good to bring garbage bags to collect trash, and if needed, girls should bring sanitary pads/tampons. You may also want to consider carrying a small hair dryer. For daytime activities, pack jeans, track pants etc.
5. Is it okay to travel to Tawang with the kids?
Traveling to Tawang with kids can be a wonderful experience, filled with adventure and exploration. However, it’s essential to consider a few factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for the whole family. Tawang’s high altitude and mountainous terrain may pose challenges for young children, especially those prone to altitude sickness.
Additionally, the weather in Tawang can be quite unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating significantly, especially during the winter months. It’s essential to pack appropriate clothing to keep your little ones warm and comfortable throughout your trip.
Whether you’re seeking a thrilling adventure in the mountains or a serene retreat amidst nature, Nexplore Travel has perfect tour packages for you. Our experienced team will ensure that your journey to Tawang is filled with unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Check our Arunachal tour packages to explore our range of tour packages and start planning your dream trip to Tawang today!
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