Tawang is a town located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level and is known for its natural beauty, Buddhist monasteries, and historical significance.

 

 

The Tawang Monastery, also known as the Galden Namgyal Lhatse, is one of the most significant landmarks in the town. It is a 400-year-old monastery that belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism and is the largest monastery in India. The monastery is also famous for its annual Torgya Festival, which is celebrated in the month of January or February.

Apart from the monastery, Tawang is also home to several natural attractions like the Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Waterfall, and the Bumla Pass. The Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located at an altitude of 13,700 feet above sea level, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Madhuri Lake, also known as the Shungatser Lake, is a serene and picturesque lake that was named after the Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a song sequence for a movie here.

Tawang has a rich history and is also known for its role in the Indo-China war of 1962. The town was the site of a fierce battle between the Indian and Chinese armies, and the war memorial in Tawang is a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers during the conflict.

 

 

What Makes it a Must Visit Destination

Tawang is a must-visit destination for several reasons, including:

1.    Natural Beauty: Tawang is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, glistening lakes, and lush green forests. The town's high altitude and unique location in the eastern Himalayas make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

2.    Buddhist Monasteries: Tawang is home to several ancient Buddhist monasteries that have been preserved over the centuries. The Tawang Monastery, in particular, is an architectural marvel and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.

3.    Cultural Significance: Tawang is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities. The town has a rich history and is home to several indigenous communities that have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries.

4.    Historical Significance: Tawang played a crucial role in the Indo-China War of 1962, and the town's war memorial is a reminder of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the conflict.

5.    Adventure Activities: Tawang offers a range of adventure activities, including trekking, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The town's stunning landscapes and rugged terrain make it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts.

 

 

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Tawang:

1.    Tawang is the largest district in Arunachal Pradesh, covering an area of 2,172 square miles.

2.    The Tawang Monastery, also known as the Galden Namgyal Lhatse, is the largest monastery in India and the second-largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

3.    The town is located at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest inhabited places in India.

4.    The Sela Pass, which connects Tawang with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the highest motorable passes in the world, with an altitude of 13,700 feet.

5.    The Madhuri Lake, located near Tawang, is named after Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a song sequence for the movie Koyla here.

6.    Tawang is known for its unique cuisine, which includes local delicacies like momos, thukpa, and bamboo shoot pickle.

7.    The town has a rich history and played a crucial role in the Indo-China War of 1962, with the Chinese army invading the town and capturing it for a brief period.

8.    The Tawang Festival, celebrated annually in October, is a major cultural event that showcases the town's traditional dance, music, and handicrafts.

9.    Tawang is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard, red panda, and musk deer.

10.   The town is also known for its hand-woven carpets and handicrafts, which are made using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

 

 

Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists

Tawang offers a range of activities that tourists can enjoy during their visit. Here are some popular activities enjoyed by tourists in Tawang:

1.    Visiting Buddhist Monasteries: Tawang is home to several ancient Buddhist monasteries, including the Tawang Monastery, which is the largest monastery in India. Visitors can explore these monasteries, learn about Buddhist culture and traditions, and witness the monks chanting prayers and performing rituals.

2.    Trekking and Hiking: Tawang's rugged terrain and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for trekking and hiking. The town offers several trekking routes, ranging from easy to challenging, that take visitors through lush green forests, sparkling lakes, and snow-capped mountains.

3.    Wildlife Watching: Tawang is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard, red panda, and musk deer. Visitors can go on wildlife watching tours to see these animals in their natural habitat.

4.    Cultural Tours: Tawang is a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Visitors can go on cultural tours to learn about the indigenous communities that have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries.

5.    Adventure Sports: Tawang offers a range of adventure sports, including river rafting, rock climbing, and camping. Visitors can participate in these activities and enjoy the thrill of adventure in the town's stunning landscapes.

6.    Shopping: Tawang is known for its hand-woven carpets and handicrafts, which are made using traditional techniques. Visitors can shop for these unique items and take home a piece of Tawang's rich cultural heritage.

 

 

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places

Tawang offers a range of attractions and must-visit places that are popular among tourists. Here are some of the top attractions and must-visit places in Tawang:

1.    Tawang Monastery: The Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The monastery, also known as the Galden Namgyal Lhatse, is an architectural marvel and features stunning murals, thangkas, and statues.

2.    Sela Pass: The Sela Pass, located at an altitude of 13,700 feet, is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The pass offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and is a popular spot for photography.

3.    Madhuri Lake: The Madhuri Lake, located near Tawang, is a serene lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is named after Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a song sequence for the movie Koyla here.

4.    Nuranang Falls: The Nuranang Falls, also known as the Bong Bong Falls, is a picturesque waterfall located on the way to Tawang. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a refreshing break from the town's hustle and bustle.

5.    War Memorial: The War Memorial in Tawang is a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Indo-China War of 1962. The memorial features a stupa and a giant statue of Lord Buddha.

6.    Gorsam Chorten: The Gorsam Chorten is a 14th-century stupa located on a hilltop near Zemithang. The stupa features intricate carvings and is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

7.    Tawang Market: The Tawang Market is a bustling marketplace where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional textiles. The market is a great place to experience Tawang's vibrant culture and interact with the locals.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tawang depends on your preferences and interests. Here's a breakdown of the weather, events, and festivals in Tawang throughout the year:

1.    Summer (April to June): The summer season in Tawang is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 21°C. This is a great time to explore the town's natural beauty, go trekking, and participate in adventure sports. The Tawang Summer Festival is held in May every year and is a popular event among tourists.

2.    Monsoon: The monsoon season in Tawang is characterized by heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks. This is not an ideal time to visit the town, as many tourist activities are restricted due to the weather.

3.    Autumn: The autumn season in Tawang is a great time to visit the town, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 14°C. The town's natural beauty is at its peak during this time, and visitors can enjoy trekking, hiking, and wildlife watching. The Tawang Festival is held in October every year and is a major cultural event in the town.

4.    Winter: The winter season in Tawang is cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C. This is a great time to experience the town's snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, and traditional festivals like Losar, which is celebrated in February.

 

 

How to Reach

Tawang is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India and is well connected to the major cities in the region by road and air. Here's how you can reach Tawang:

1.    By Air: The nearest airport to Tawang is the Tezpur Airport in Assam, located about 317 km away. From Tezpur, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Tawang.

2.    By Road: Tawang is well connected to the major cities in Northeast India by road. You can hire a taxi or take a shared cab from Guwahati, Tezpur, or Bomdila to reach Tawang. The road journey to Tawang is scenic, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

3.    By Bus: State-run buses and private buses also operate between Tawang and the major cities in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. However, the bus journey can be long and tiring, and it is recommended to hire a taxi or take a shared cab for a more comfortable journey.

4.    By Train: The nearest railway station to Tawang is the Guwahati Railway Station in Assam, located about 525 km away. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Tawang.