Tawang - The hidden Paradise

It is situated at the height of 3500 meters from the sea level on the mountainous range of the Northern Himalayas. Visitors need require special Inner Line Permit which is issued by the concerned government body and can be obtained from offices based in Kolkata, Guwahati, Tezpur, and New Delhi.

Tawang is located approximately 555 km from Guwahati, 320 km from Tezpur and around 444 km from Itanagar.

Air: Nearby Airports are Salonibari Airport in Tezpur and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati

Train: The nearest railway station is at Naharlagun, which is connected to major cities

Bus: By road from capital Itanagar and is connected with buses run by APSRTC and private services

Most popular: Sumos are the most popular means for transportation and I would suggest you should try sumos ride as they are easily available from the airport. The sumos starts from around 4 am in the morning and are filled with the brim as no place to move around. If you can book personal cab then it is best as you can stop and enjoy as per your convenience and wish.

This is the best and most important part of the trip. Beautiful drive as you see clouds covering the hills, followed by hill tops which were devoid of any clouds. Passing through Sela Pass and frozen lake is mesmerizing. Take a halt where ever you like as it is beautiful from start to end. Drop yourself for lunch at a local place to enjoy local momos and food. Actually, I don’t have exact words to describe the view and feel while driving towards Tawang town.

While driving towards Tawang, you will pass through Sela Pass which is like 78 KM away from Tawang town. It is one of the high altitude mountain pass located on the border of between the Tawang and West Kameng Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. It has an altitude of 4170 m and connects the Tibetan Buddhist town of Tawang to Dirang and Guwahati. Post Sela pass there is a lake which is amazing to place to stop and spend a few mins to feel inner peace. You may see lakes while driving and some may be frozen and some may be running.

It will be evening by the time you reach Tawang. In the town, you will find decent hotels as well as low budget hotels where you can spend your chilling night.

Alert:  Tawang receives snowfall every year during December–January. The temperature may touch -4degree during the night so be careful of it and carry necessary warm clothes and accessories.

You can either spend a day or two in the town depending on your schedule, timing and priorities. I am putting down a few places and activities that you should not miss when you travel to Tawang. As you’re in the eastern part of the country and sunrise is early so wake up early around 5am so that you don’t miss morning breeze. First thing that you would like to do is to go visit Tawang Monastery. It was founded by the Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso in accordance to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso. Tawang Monastery is said to be the biggest Buddhist monastery in the world outside of Lhasa, Tibet. It is located on the top of the mountain at about 10,000feet with a view of Tawang river valley. You will see snowcapped mountains and coniferous forest from there.

Meditation at Taktsang Gompa

Taktsang Gompa, The famous monastery located at an altitude of about 12500-13000 feet  and surrounded by dense coniferous forest and lofty mountains, this monastery helps you find your inner peace.

Nuranang Waterfalls

The waterfall is not so far from Tawang Town as it is only 40KM away. It is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Arunachal Pradesh. Nuranang Waterfalls is a milky white waterfall that feels just like a dream come true.

Lakes in Tawang Town

Shonga Tser Lake is around 17km away from the town, you can spend few hours being there

Another famous Tawang local sightseeing places is that of Madhuri Lake, it is managed by Indian Army. You can find a cafeteria near the lake where visitors can relish Maggi or momos with a cup of tea or coffee. During the Dec month you will find it as frozen

Some of the other lakes on the way include Banga Jang Lake and Pangang Teng Lake

One can also go for Hiking

Hiking at Gorichen Peak at an altitude of 22,500 feet. On this trek, you are surely going to love the magnificent beauty of this splendid peak as the peak offers beautiful 360-degree views of the surroundings

Don’t miss to Drop at the Tibetan Settlement Market that consists of small shops and roadside shacks. You will find local food, flags, prayer wheels, statues of Lord Buddha, wall hangings etc. and bring home gifts and memories for a lifetime.

Lastly do visit Dragon Restaurant for local dishes with that earthy regional taste. Their most famous local dish is called Churpi and it's recommended for people who don't mind experimenting with local cuisine.

Things to carry: It is a super cold place, carry medicines which are required, warm clothes, socks, shoes, camera, stuffs that are necessary.

PS: Enjoy your trip to find yourself being at peace, travel safe guys, do yoga before doing so to keep your breathing normal at peak and avoid smoking before going.