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Arunachal Pradesh · Northeast

Tawang

India’s largest Buddhist monastery, above 3,000 m near the Bhutan and Tibet borders, reached over the dramatic Sela Pass.

Best timeSep-Nov, Mar-Jun
Ideal stay5-6 days
GatewayGuwahati (GAU) · Tezpur (TEZ)
Month by month
  1. JAnuary
  2. FEbruary
  3. MArch (good)
  4. APril (good)
  5. MAy (good)
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly
  8. AUgust
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember

Tawang Monastery, founded in the 17th century, is the largest in India and the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama is nearby. Getting there is half the adventure: two days by road from Guwahati or Tezpur through Dirang and over Sela Pass at about 4,170 m. High lakes, war memorials and Monpa villages fill the days.

Highlights

  • Tawang Monastery (Galden Namgey Lhatse)
  • Sela Pass and Sela Lake
  • Madhuri (Sangetsar) Lake and Bumla Pass (permit needed)
  • Tawang War Memorial
  • Dirang and the hot springs on the way

What to eat

  • Thukpa and momos
  • Zan (millet porridge)
  • Butter tea

Where to stay

Hotels and homestays in Tawang town; break the journey in Dirang or Bomdila.

Getting there

Fly to Guwahati (GAU) or Tezpur (TEZ), then drive about 12-14 hours over two days. Helicopter services run from Guwahati when the weather allows.

Tips

  • Indians need an Inner Line Permit and foreigners a Protected Area Permit for Arunachal; see our permits page.
  • Bumla Pass needs an army permit arranged in Tawang the day before.
  • Snow can close Sela Pass in winter; allow spare days.

Best time to visit

Sep-Nov, Mar-Jun. See what else is good in September and our best time to visit India guide.

Temples and shrines near Tawang

All pilgrimages in India

Places to see in and around Tawang

8 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.

More places in Arunachal Pradesh

Food to try in and around Tawang

Arunachal Pradesh favourites to look out for.

  • Thukpa
  • Apong
  • Arunachal Pradesh Yak Churpi GI: speciality
  • Arunachal Orange GI: fruit

The full food passport, state by state.

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