15 Offbeat Things To Do In Tawang Arunachal Pradesh

The tranquil town of Tawang is located in Arunachal Pradesh, nestled between stunning hills and a thick forest. It is located 448 km to the north-west of Itanagar at a height of around 3,048 metres. Tawang is the home of the Monpa people.

Best time to visit Tawang

Visit Tawang from March to August to take advantage of the town’s beautiful temperate weather. The early winter season from October to December is the best time to enjoy the snowfall and be able to go sightseeing if you want to see it. Summertime and the beginning of the monsoon season are the finest times to visit Tawang. The weather is still pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.

Reaching Tawang

You should keep at least a day or two in mind for reaching and the same time for returning while planning the trip.

By Air

The fastest means of arriving at Tawang is by taking a flight. The Salonibari Airport is the nearest airport to Tawang. It is located in the neighbouring state of Assam, 390km from Tawang. There are many flights from most big cities to Tezpur. On reaching there, you have to book a cab to Tawang. Depending on the weather, it might take six to seven hours. For foreign tourists, they can book a flight to either Kolkata or Guwahati Airport. From both the airports, you will have to take either a bus or a cab.

By Road

The longest, yet most beautiful way to reach Tawang is by Road. You can start your journey from Guwahati or Tezpur. You can book any car from these cities or even call for a taxi. One can see amazing views and beautiful landscapes.

By Train

You can take a train from Delhi to Rangapara, but the frequency of trains is meagre. Rangapara in Assam is the nearest railway station to Tawang, about 383 km. From here also you will have to complete an 11 hour journey by cab.

offbeat things in Tawang

Taktsang Gompa

literally translated as “Tiger’s Den,” is set on top of a mound and next to a cliff at an peak of around 12,500 to 13,000 feet. The wind blowing and your heartbeat are the only sounds you will hear since it is so quiet, beautiful, and calm. It became one of Tawang’s most prominent holy sites in the eighth century when Guru Padmasambhava paid a visit. You need to bring warm clothing with you because it is located at a high altitude.

The monastery is still crowded with believers despite being eloped in a dense pine forest and high mountains. Tawang is about 40 km from Taktsang Gompa; it takes two hours to get there. Drive on Bumla pass if you are going in your own car. Turn toward the Sangetsar Lake at the Y crossroad. Taktsang Gompa is a 15-minute hike away from Sangetsar Lake. You may plan a trip to this famous Tawang destination anytime of the year, but you should avoid going there in the winter.

Chagzam Bridge

Tangton Gyalpo, also known as Lama Chag-Zam Wangpo (1385–1464), was an architecture of iron chain bridges as well as a philosopher. He constructed the bridge across the Tawang-chu River between 1420 and 1430 to create a route via Kitpi and Mukto. You will by all odds want to soak in the breathtaking sights first when you reach the bridge! Then you will have to descend the narrow staircase to reach the iron bridge. At either end of this bridge, you may see stupas! You will discover car rental is significantly more expensive than standard prices. Chaksam Bridge does not have any specific hours because it is not really a tourist spot. Even though it is open 24/7, I’d suggest scheduling your visit for when there is still enough daylight. In addition, crossing the bridge and visiting are both totally free.

Nuranang Falls

often referred to as Jung/Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls, descends from a height of 100 metres. It starts from northern slopes of the Sela Pass, flows, and falls into the Tawang River. It is near the road that connects Tawang and Bomdila, around 2 km from Jang. Perhaps for this reason, it is known as the Jang waterfalls. Nura, a native Monpa girl who was later kidnapped by Chinese forces, is honoured by the namesake of the Nuranang River and the Nuranang Falls. It serves as a source of power for the community. It is next to a small hydroelectric plant that produces energy. Buses are easily usable from anywhere in the city. It is Open all days from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Shonga-tser

a stunning lake close to Tawang, is among the top tourist attractions in the area. In honour of the well-known Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who visited the area to film a song for the film Koyla, the lake is also known as Madhuri Lake. This lake, which was once a grassland, is reported to have formed in 1971 as a result of an earthquake. It is encircled by beautiful, snow-capped mountains. Tawang is located 42 km from Shonga-tser, and getting there requires using a taxi. One can go at anytime of the year, however, summer months are very suitable for planning a trip.

Gorichen Peak

The highest mountain in Arunachal Pradesh is Gorichen Peak, which rises to a height of 6858 metres. The mountain is located in the Tawang District. Experienced climbers can ascend Gorichen Peak or Sa-Nga Phu, although amateurs can go around the mountain’s border. The Monpa tribe that lives there thinks that the peak shields them from all harm. The majority of visitors see Gorichen Peak while on the route from Bomdila to Tawang. There are taxis usable from Tawang to the vicinity of Gorichen Peak. The greatest time to travel here is during the warm months of April, May, and June and the month of September following the monsoon season.

Chumi Gyatse

The connection between the two neighbours who also happen to be rivals has come to be symbolised by the Chumi Gyatse. The region surrounding the falls, which is greatly respected by Tibetan Buddhists or Monpas on both sides of the border, has been targeted for growth as a tourism destination by the Arunachal governance and the Army during the past year. One of the largest tribes, the Monpa, has a dispersed population in Tawang and West Kameng. To reach the detached Tsechu settlement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where the Chumi Gyatse plunges from a height of 11,000 feet above sea level, the state has constructed base.

Nagula Lake

The lovely Nagula Lake, is another high altitude lake that should be included on your list of Tawang’s top attractions. Visit this lovely lake for its wonderful setting and breathtaking panoramic views. In order to travel farther, which is near to the Indo-China border, you must have the appropriate licences. The summer months are ideal for visiting Nagula because of the beautiful weather and the abundance of unique bird species that can be seen there. The season immediately following the monsoon is especially fantastic since the lake will be at its full capacity and the surrounding mountains and valleys will appear lush from the new growth.

Gyangong Ani Gompa

Visits to the nunnery Gyangong Ani Gompa are among Tawang’s charming unusual action. Merag Lama, the creator of the primary Tawang Monastery, founded this monastery for his sister. It has a beautiful temple worth seeing and is home to more than 50 nuns. Gyangong Ani may be reached in two ways: either by cable car from Tawang Monastery, or by taking a short trek that begins to the north of Tawang Gompa. It is free to enter and open from seven AM to PM. It is located roughly two km from Tawang.

Tawang Festival-

You may attend The Tawang Festival, one of Arunachal Pradesh’s finest events. This festival, which is one of the newest additions to the calendar of events and is organised by Arunachal’s tourist board, is the greatest one for combining cultural immersion with a tonne of entertaining activities and regional events. You may participate in the native sports at this festival, watch traditional dance performances by some of the tribes, and sample a variety of delicious local dishes from several tribes, including the local booze. This three-day festival is the ideal way to discover Tawang’s outstanding features and learn about the distinctive history and culture of the region.

Tibetan Settlement Market-

The Monastery Market is the common name for it. One may enter a surprising huge market filled with kiosks selling sculptures, incense, shawls, paintings, and Tibetan artefacts, including jewellery and semi-precious stones, through a plain gate below the ISBT Shahdara Link Flyover on the Ring Road. The stores that offer leather goods like shoes are also quite popular.

A nice spot to try authentic Tibetan home cooking is just here. Tibetan specialties, including thukpa, are served at restaurants like Zomsa and Shakura. This market also sells mouthwatering-chow mein and momos. On Mondays, this market is closed.

Get an Homestay experience

Here’s a compiled selection of the best hotels within your price range for your convenience. You may find a comfortable place to stay here, and do not worry—homestays in Tawang guarantee your safety and ensure that you have an enjoyable stay. Read more about homestays here

Stay Inn Tawang

The greatest comforts are provided to you by Stay Inn Tawang. It is the only guest house that is close to several tourist attractions. It offers clean rooms for guests to stay in with family and friends. You may store your cars securely in a big parking lot. The staff is helpful and tries to respond to guests’ demand right away. Every room is spotless, which provides for a relaxing visit. They provide good services and grin broadly when welcoming tourists. it is located in the General Parade Ground, Tawang,790104, where there is a statue of the Buddha. The cost is 2660 rupees per night.

The Dolma Khangsar

It is a well-liked lodging option in Tawang. It features good rooms. You must perfectly reserve a room at this homestay if you are travelling for vacation. You must make a reserve for this before all 20 of the available rooms are taken. The adjustment may provide you with a calm environment and are close to the tourist attractions. Excellent amenities are available for a sensible cost. Cona, Tawang, 790104 is where it is set. The cost each night is between Rs.2500 and Rs.2800.

Plan Trips to Hot Springs

Few people are aware of the many gorgeous thermal baths or hot springs that can be found in isolated Arunachal villages that are surrounded by breathtaking valleys and mountains. Because of their high sulphur content, these hot springs are well renowned for their therapeutic benefits.

Thingbu Hot Spring – Thingbu is one of the more outlying settlements in Arunachal Pradesh, and it can be reached by car from Tawang in around four hours.

Hot Springs in Mago- Mago is a remote village that is also home to many hot springs that are tucked away in the mountains. You are welcome to stay the night in the village and explore some of them by the nearby river.

Coffee Time at Dharma Buddha Cafe

Between Tawang Monastery and the market sits the charming and cosy café. After touring the Monastery, I advise you to take a leisurely stroll back to the city to take in the pleasant atmosphere. The cafe may be found not too far back, on your left-hand side. Coffee aroma and wooden structures, Can you hold back?

Yak Farms, Nuns and Log woods

Yaks are the main attraction of Tawang, and charming yak farms can be seen all around the region’s undulating hills and lush meadows. Tawang Monastery offers a sight of yak pastures on the lush Himalayan terrain. Meeting a couple of nuns from the forest is a bonus of the hike down. Their grit, tenacity, and hard effort are a rarity in their ordinary lives. Their fine thinking and calm lifestyle is something to be missed in the fast cities.

Embrace and Enjoy Local Cuisine

It goes without saying that tasting the local food and enjoying the variety of flavours is an essential part of getting to know a place’s culture. No, don’t waste your time ordering an English breakfast. Must-try foods: Savor the delectable momos, thupka, and thenthuk, among others. Many things are manufactured from yak milk, so if you want a truly exotic feel, try anything made with yak cheese. A restaurant with excellent cuisine, a reasonable price, and sufficient of it is the Dragon.

Even though Tawang may sound like a small town, the tourist attractions, views, places and experience in this place are some of the most breathtaking ones you will have in a lifetime. One must, at least once in their life, visit this beautifully calm and mesmerizing place.

FAQs

How many days are sufficient for Tawang?

A minimum of five days are required to plan a trip for Tawang. It can of course exceed the duration for a better experience.

What is special in Tawang?

Is Tawang worth visiting?

Tawang is famous because of its monasteries, tribal culture, exciting sports, friendly locals, and tranquil surroundings. Tawang is a fantastic place for family vacations in India, adventure, or to get away from your busy life.

Which month is best for Tawang?

The best months to visit Tawang are from March to October.

What is Tawang famous for?

Tawang’s 400-year-old monastery is well-known. One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, this monastery serves as a major destination for pilgrims who practise Buddhism.

Is Tawang part of China?

Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state, contains the town of Tawang. The town once served as the administrative centre for the Tawang Tract, which is currently made up of the West Kameng and Tawang districts. The former’s headquarters are still in Tawang.

What is the best time to visit Tawang?

Summertime and the beginning of the monsoon season are the finest times to visit Tawang. The weather is still pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.

Are tourists allowed in Tawang?

With Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the south-west, and the Sela range in West Kameng in the east, Tawang is bordered. ILPs (Inner Line Permits) are required for all travellers to enter Arunachal Pradesh.