Tawang, a small town in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, serves as the administrative headquarters of Tawang district. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3048 meters, near the border with China, it holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. It is renowned for its ancient Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India and the second largest globally. It is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, making it a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists. The town’s breathtaking natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance attract tourists from around the world.
If you’re considering a visit to Tawang, it’s essential to gather vital information on how to reach the town, the best time to plan your trip, and essential travel tips. We aim to provide all the necessary details to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable journey to Tawang. We’ll cover various modes of transportation to reach Tawang from major cities like Delhi and Guwahati, the optimal time to visit according to weather conditions and events, the distance and travel duration from Delhi and Guwahati to Tawang using different transportation options, and some additional travel tips to enhance your overall experience.
How to Reach Tawang
Tawang is not directly connected by air or train services. You have to take a combination of flights, trains, and buses or taxis to reach Tawang from Delhi or Guwahati.
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By Air: The nearest airport to Tawang is Tezpur Airport in Assam, approximately 320 km away. Regular flights from Kolkata and Guwahati serve Tezpur Airport, allowing travelers to access Tawang via a 10-12 hours road journey through Bomdila and Sela Pass. Guwahati Airport, about 480 km from Tawang, offers more flight options, and travelers can embark on a 14-16 hours road journey via Nameri National Park and Bomdila.
By Train: While there are no direct trains to Tawang, Rangapara North Railway Station in Assam, around 300 km away, serves as the nearest railway station. Travelers can reach Rangapara North from Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata, and other cities. From Rangapara North, a 10-12 hours road journey through Tezpur and Bomdila leads to Tawang. Another option is to reach Guwahati Railway Station, about 470 km from Tawang, followed by a 14-16 hours road journey via Nameri National Park and Bomdila.
By Road: Tawang is well-connected with Delhi and Guwahati through National Highway 13 (NH-13), also known as Trans-Arunachal Highway. The road trip from Delhi covers approximately 2300 km and takes about 45-50 hours. From Guwahati, the road journey spans around 480 km and takes about 14-16 hours.
Best Time to Visit Tawang
Tawang’s weather remains cold and temperate throughout the year, making it suitable for different types of travelers.
Summer (April to June): During summer, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C. Clear skies and stunning views make it the peak season for tourists to enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, camping, rafting, and biking. Travelers can immerse in the festivities of festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa (Buddha’s birth anniversary), and Choekhor (monastery festival).
Monsoon (July to September): Monsoon is considered the off-season for tourists due to heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides. The temperature ranges from 8°C to 18°C, and the region experiences lush greenery. While sightseeing and adventure activities might be limited during this time, travelers can still enjoy indoor attractions such as museums, libraries, and local markets.
Winter (October to March): Winter brings colder temperatures, with the mercury ranging from 5°C to 15°C. This season witnesses occasional snowfall, transforming it into a picturesque winter wonderland. It is an ideal time to engage in snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding for snow enthusiasts. Travelers can partake in cultural celebrations during festivals like Torgya (monastery festival) and Losar (Tibetan New Year).
Distance from Delhi and Guwahati
The distance from Delhi and Guwahati to Tawang varies based on the chosen mode of transportation:
By Air: Flight duration from Delhi to Tezpur Airport is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, while from Guwahati to Tezpur Airport, it’s about 45 minutes. Subsequently, the road journey takes 10-12 hours from Tezpur Airport and 14-16 hours from Guwahati Airport to reach Tawang.
By Train: The train journey duration from Delhi to Rangapara North Railway Station is about 36 hours, and from Guwahati to Rangapara North Railway Station, it’s about 6 hours. Following that, a 10-12 hours road journey from Rangapara North and a 14-16 hours road journey from Guwahati Railway Station lead to Tawang.
By Road: Driving from Delhi to Tawang covers around 2300 km and takes around 45-50 hours. The road trip from Guwahati to Tawang spans about 480 km and takes around 14-16 hours.
Additional Travel Tips
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP) is essential for both Indian and foreign travelers to visit Tawang due to its proximity to the Indo-China border. Obtaining the permits beforehand is crucial to avoid any travel inconveniences.
- Pre-booking accommodations and transportation is advisable, as Tawang’s popularity among tourists can lead to limited availability during peak seasons.
- Carrying the necessary documents, including the original ILP or PAP and identity proof (passport for foreign tourists), is mandatory during the entire journey.
Must-Visit Tourist Attractions and Activities
It has a lot of tourist attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy and experience. You can visit some of the historical, cultural, religious, natural, and adventurous places and indulge in some of the fun, exciting, and thrilling activities. Some of the must-visit tourist attractions and activities are:
Tawang Monastery: The largest Buddhist monastery in India and the second largest in the world, famous for its rich history, culture, and stunning architecture.
Sela Pass: One of the highest motorable passes in India, offering breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Nuranang Falls: A mesmerizing waterfall cascading from a height of 100 meters into a serene pool below.
Madhuri Lake: A scenic lake formed after an earthquake in 1950, named after the Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit.
Tawang War Memorial: A towering stupa of 40 feet that pays tribute to the Indian brave hearts who laid down their lives in the 1962 conflict with China.
Bum La Pass: One of the four official border crossings between India and China, historically significant as the route taken by the Dalai Lama during his escape to India from Tibet in 1959.
Tawang Festival: An annual three-day event celebrating the culture, tradition, and tourism of the Tawang district.
While these are some of the must-visit attractions, it has much more to offer, including Urgelling Monastery, Taktsang Gompa, Gorichen Peak, P.T. Tso Lake, and more.
Tawang is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience, where ancient traditions harmonize with modern wonders. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Tawang’s enchantment, where they can find spirituality, adventure, culture, and serenity.
Tawang is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether looking for history, culture, religion, nature, or adventure, you will find it in Tawang. It is a place where you can witness the harmony of ancient and modern, tradition and innovation, spirituality and fun.
FAQs about Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Q1: What is Tawang famous for?
Tawang is famous for its stunning natural beauty, ancient monasteries, and spiritual significance, including the iconic Tawang Monastery.
Q2: Is there snowfall in Tawang?
Yes, Tawang experiences snowfall during the winter months (December to February), creating a magical winter wonderland.
Q3: Is Tawang worth visiting?
Absolutely! Tawang’s untouched beauty and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Q4: How expensive is Tawang?
Tawang is relatively affordable, offering various accommodation and dining options to suit different budgets.
Q5: How many days are sufficient for Tawang?
A minimum of 3 to 4 days is recommended to explore Tawang’s attractions and immerse in its serene ambiance.
Q6: Do we need a permit to visit Tawang?
Yes, both Indian and foreign travelers require permits (ILPs for Indians, PAPs for foreigners) to visit Tawang due to its proximity to the Indo-China border.
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