Tawang, an isolated town in Arunachal Pradesh that highlights India’s northeastern state, is positioned above 3500 metres high in the high altitude Himalayan mountain ranges. In the heart of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is a picture-perfect hideaway, earning it the nickname “new Ladakh” among adventure seekers. There are a number of activities to do in Tawang that you should not miss on your next vacation to this Himalayan mountain range. Tawang is famed for its snow-capped mountains, valleys, lakes, and deep forests, as well as its peacefulness and captivating vistas. When it comes to visiting, a lot of people vary with their answers. So, the best time to visit Tawang is a debated upon. Also, there are a lot of things to do in Tawang that you can associate yourself with while you visit this beautiful himalayan town.
This lovely hill station features charming, tranquil, and breathtaking passes. The best time to visit this peaceful location depends on what you want to see and do during your trip. Considering different seasons offer different things to explore, it is fair to think that any time is a great time to visit Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
When To Visit Tawang
Weather In Tawang
Summer (March to June)
Summer is one of Tawang’s touristy seasons. It is the best time to visit Tawang since the weather is pleasant and you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Summer also has the benefit of readily managing outdoor activities such as trekking, walking to lakes, or even a hike. With temperatures ranging from 6°C to 21°C, it is ideal to become acquainted with the environment.
It is also a wonderful time to come by car or bike during March and early April when spring flowers blossom.
Moatsu is Tawang’s summer festival when the town decks out and a joyous spirit fills the air. It is celebrated to commemorate the conclusion of the agricultural planting season. This beautiful festival of the Aos tribe is celebrated for 3 days in May.
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Monsoon (July to September)
Tawang receives considerable rainfall during the monsoon season, converting the environment into magnificent green hills. Rainfall can cause drastic temperature drops in these areas at times. Though rain causes regular landslides and road closures, the breathtaking scenery of rushing streams, waterfalls, and rivers more than compensates.
Tawang’s Behdeinkhlam festival is vivid and colourful. The festival’s meaning is “driving out evil with wooden sticks”. People dance in the streets and on the roads to encourage love and harmony amongst one another.
Winter (October to February)
Tawang’s winters are harsh. Even the natives find it difficult and therefore make survival plans. In January, the temperature drops to -5 degrees Celsius, making it Tawang’s coldest month. However, winter is the best time to visit Tawang for snow. It is not an ideal season to come for everyone, but if you enjoy the snow, you should travel to Tawang. Because there are fewer people during this season, the rates are lower. You may also visit a few glacial lakes at a cheaper budget if you want to go on an expedition.
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Hornbill Celebration, held in December, is a cultural festival in which locals enjoy dancing, different cuisines, and entertainment, amongst other things. It is a wonderful celebration, and all the tribes in the state, as well as the visitors, participate in it.
Best Time To Visit Tawang For Adventure
Summer is the best time to go on an adventure in Tawang. When winter has ended and the snows have melted, the hike to all the lakes and treks to all the little viewpoints make the vacation worthwhile.
The adventures become pleasant during the monsoon when the hills are adorned with greenery. However, a few lakes are blocked due to rising water levels. So September to October is one of the ideal months to visit Tawang for hiking to green-carpeted mountains.
Best Time To Visit Tawang For Snowfall
Tawang’s winters are harsh, however, if you want to see snowfall and attempt skiing, travel in winter. Travellers say it is the best time to visit Tawang for snow. Because of the severity of the temperature drop, the finest time to observe snow is mid or late winter. There are several road closures and landslides, thus it is imperative to be prepared for such situations.
Where To Stay In Tawang?
There are several budget-friendly options to live in Tawang hotels or homestays, with the majority of them being rather lovely.
Homestays in Tawang
- JC Homestay
- Dondrub Homestay
- Bliss Homestay
- Mony Lodge
- Jambay Villa Homestay
- Dolma Khangsar Home Stay
- Hospitality inn Tawang
- Stay Inn Tawang
Hotels in Tawang
- Hotel Shmbala
- Bumla Inn
- Tawang Hotel Gorichen
- Hotel Pungteng
- Bumla Inn
- Red Coral
- Hotel Solma Chhinkar
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Things To Do In Tawang
Sela Pass
The Sela Pass is the sole road connecting Tawang to the rest of India. The pass is one of the world’s high altitude motorable passes, with 101 lakes in and around it. It is one of the area’s most renowned tourist attractions where people enjoy the splendour of this awe-inspiring valley.
Tawang Monastery
In addition to being a prominent place for Buddhists for religious and spiritual journeys, it is also one of the main Tawang attractions. It is the site of Arunachal’s most colourful event, the Tawang Festival.
Also, when you visit the monastery, do visit the well-preserved museum with ancient inscriptions and artefacts that reveals more about the history of the Buddhist monastery and the religion.
Gorichen Peak
Gorichen Peak, with an elevation of 22,500 feet, is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh. With a touch of fantastic mood and scenery, the track pushes the adventurer in you. On this hike, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the beautiful splendour of the spectacular mountain.
Nuranang Waterfall
To many people, the pouring sound of the milky white waterfall is like a fantasy. Tawang’s Nuranang Waterfall, at a height of around 6,000 feet, is a must-see attraction.
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Taktsang Gompa
A visit to the magnificent Taktsang Gompa monastery is one of the top things to do in Tawang. Above the hill and surrounded by lush evergreen forest and tall mountains the only thing you can hear is the wind blowing.
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Tibetan Settlement Market
The old adage goes something like this: shopping at a local store puts you in touch with the people and culture of the area. Tawang’s Tibetan Settlement Market is a great place to do some shopping. Shops and restaurants in the market’s bustling area are known for their local cuisine and religious items such as prayer flags and prayer wheel displays.
Kameng River
Rafting the Kameng River in Tawang is a thrilling experience that is not to be missed. It is best done during the summer months. You don’t need any previous rafting expertise to participate in this thrilling activity.
Tawang War Memorial
The Tawang War Memorial was erected to commemorate the fallen troops of the Indo-China war of 1962. Magnificent mountain vistas and historical artefacts serve as a poignant reminder of the 2500 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the cause.
Madhuri Lake
Madhuri, one of Tawang’s most serene local attractions, is a very exquisite lake. It is ideal for a leisure stroll as it is surrounded by lush valleys and snow-capped mountains.
Shonga Tser Lake
Summertime brings Blue Lapis blooms to Tawang’s scenic lake, Shonga, and winter brings a blanket of snow. Taking a leisurely stroll is both a relaxing and exhilarating thing to do.
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FAQs
At what time of year is Tawang, most beautiful?
Planning a trip to Tawang is easiest between March and June when the weather is warmest. At this time of year, the weather is pleasant, making it a good time to go on a tour.
What if we don’t have a pass to go to Tawang?
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian visitors to visit Tawang. For this, they will have to provide a copy of their government-issued identification, as well as a recent picture.
Is it safe to go to Tawang amid the Covid crisis?
Yes, it is safe to visit Tawang during Covid. Be careful to follow all of the government-issued safety protocols. Maintain social separation by wearing a mask anytime you are in public or around others. Also, wash your hands at regular intervals to prevent any fatality.
What is Tawang’s most renowned claim to fame?
There is a big Buddhist monastery at Tawang, which is well-known across India. With its brilliant yellow roof, it sticks out in the snow-covered landscape of the 400-year-old monastery. Additionally, there are other additional locations to visit, such as the Sela Pass, the Shonga Tser Lake, and the Nuranang Falls, that make it one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.
What’s the weather in Tawang between January and March?
Tawang’s winter season lasts from January to March, and as a result, the city has a frigid environment. The temperature during the daytime hovers around 8 degrees Celsius and at the night, it drops down to -10 degrees Celsius.
Is it safe to visit Tawang?
Visiting Tawang is completely risk-free. However, it is not recommended to visit the place during December winters because of roadblocks caused by landslides and heavy snowfall.
When is Sela Pass closed?
Sela Pass is open to travel all days of the week from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, one should heed caution during winters because of the high altitude and heavy snowfall.
How to reach Tawang from Tezpur?
The most preferable way to reach Tawang from Tezpur is by train which takes 6 hours. However, one can also take the drive down the Balipara- Bhalukpong road to reach Tawang from Tezpur which takes around the same time.
How to reach Tawang by air?
The nearest international airport from Tawang is in Guwahati which is 480 km away and the nearest domestic airport is in Tezpur from where Tawang is 6 hours away.
Do you need a permit to visit Tawang?
You’d need an ILP or Inner Line Permit to enter Tawang.
How to get hold of the ILP?
You can apply it at E-ILP through the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism website. You can also get a hold of a permit at the Guwahati Airport from the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism office.
How much does it cost to get hold of an E-ILP?
It would cost around 150 INR to 200 INR. If you’re getting a direct permit at the Guwahati Airport, it will cost you around 500 INR. These prices might change so, please cross check beforehand.
How much time does it take to get the E-ILP?
The time it takes us is around 5-8 days but sometimes delays to 14 days.
How’s the network connectivity in Tawang?
You get good connectivity with BSNL, Airtel & Vodafone. But make sure you have postpaid connections. Prepaid connections do not work.
Is it good for solo travellers?
As a solo traveller, you can have the most out of it and can enjoy your whole time accordingly.
There is just one Tibetan Buddhist monastery left in the world, and it is located in Tawang. The traditional music of the Monpa people evokes a bygone era. An organised road excursion from Guwahati to Tawang is a treat for mountain enthusiasts. We hope this article gives you all the details you need before you set foot for your Tawang Adventure.
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