Tawang is famous for many things, such as its natural landscapes, local crafts, and being home to the Tawang Monastery.
When we think of spellbinding natural beauty in India, it’s impossible not to mention Arunachal Pradesh, and one of the main gems of the state that travellers must explore is the town of Tawang. Situated at a height of about 10,000 feet above sea level, Tawang shares its international borders with Bhutan and Tibet (China). The town receives several devotees of Buddhism as it is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama and also because it plays host to the sacred Tawang Monastery. The delicious cuisine of the region, the attractive markets, and the rich cultural and historical significance of the place are some of the many reasons for tourists to book our Tawang tour packages. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, culinary landscape, tourist attractions, and shopping scene of the town so we can paint you a picture of why you need to book a trip to Tawang immediately.
When we think of spellbinding natural beauty in India, it’s impossible not to mention Arunachal Pradesh, and one of the main gems of the state that travellers must explore is the town of Tawang. Situated at a height of about 10,000 feet above sea level, Tawang shares its international borders with Bhutan and Tibet (China). The town receives several devotees of Buddhism as it is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama and also because it plays host to the sacred Tawang Monastery. The delicious cuisine of the region, the attractive markets, and the rich cultural and historical significance of the place are some of the many reasons for tourists to book our Tawang tour packages. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, culinary landscape, tourist attractions, and shopping scene of the town so we can paint you a picture of why you need to book a trip to Tawang immediately.
During the initial days, Tawang was a subdivision of the West Kameng district. It became a separate district in 1984, with the town of Tawang serving as its headquarters. The town is considered one of the most sacred representatives of Buddhism. This is because it’s the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, and also because of the presence of the holy Tawang Monastery. It’s this monastery from which Tawang is said to have gotten its name. While ‘ta’ means ‘horse’, ‘wang’ means ‘horse’, and hence the name of the town translates to ‘chosen by a horse’.
According to legend, the name was chosen by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso’s horse while he was attempting to look for an ideal spot to build a monastery. After searching for a while and being unable to locate an appropriate spot, he decided to turn to the divine power to seek guidance. When he opened his eyes after finishing his prayer, he realised that his horse was missing. As he went looking for his horse, he found the animal sitting atop a hill called Tana Mandekhang, which was once the location of King Kala Wangpo’s palace. Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso considered this to be a good omen, and decided to build the Tawang Monastery at this location.
| Category | Details |
| Town | Tawang |
| Currency | The Indian Rupee (INR) |
| High season | March to June |
| State Flower of Arunachal Pradesh | Foxtail orchid |
| Standard Voltage | 230 volts |
| State Animal of Arunachal Pradesh | Mithun or gayal |
| Languages | Official: English ; unofficial: East Bodish, Tshangla |
| Famous Tourist Attractions | Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls, Tawang War Memorial, Bum La Pass, Madhuri Lake, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, Urgelling Gompa |
| Things To Do | Trekking, skiing, camping |
| Famous Food | Momos, thukpa, lukter, chura sabji, koat pitha, pika pila, khura, puta |
| Best Getaways From Tawang | Ziro Valley, Bomdila, Itanagar, Dirang |
| Souvenirs To Buy | Thangkas, tea, jewellery, carpets, shawls, handicrafts |
Tawang is brimming with places that hold strong historical and religious value. Start off your journey with our Tawang tour packages by visiting the Tawang Monastery, which is the largest monastery in India and the second largest monastery in the world. Pay your respects at the Urgelling Gompa, which is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Tashi. Head over to the Tawang War Memorial, which was established to honour the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Also, pay a visit to the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, which was erected to honour the bravery of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat.
Getting to taste the cuisine of Tawang is undoubtedly one of the major reasons to book our Tawang tour packages. The culinary traditions of the Monpa tribe primarily dominate the cuisine of the region. You will find the presence of many exciting elements in the food of Tawang, including chillies, fermented cheese, and plenty of meat, such as chicken, mutton, pork, and yak. From comfort food like momos and thukpa, to unique items such as chura sabji, koat pitha, and pika pila, there is much to explore for foodies in Tawang.
When you book Travel Guru’ Tawang tour packages, not only can you explore Tawang, but you can also experience the beauty of the quick getaways from the town. This includes Ziro Valley, which is one of the most fairy tale-like valleys to ever exist, populated with alluring flora and fauna and paddy rice fields. There is the town of Bomdila and the little village known as Dirang. One cannot miss visiting Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, with its many historically and culturally rich tourist places.
Be it mountains, monasteries, or waterfalls, the natural beauty of Tawang truly knows no bounds. Lay your eyes on the crystal-clear waters of Nuranang Falls, which has been the shooting location of movies like Koyla. Get enchanted by the beauty of the high mountain pass known as Bum La Pass and breathe in the spirituality of Madhuri Lake.
Let’s take a look at what each season in Tawang is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Tawang tour packages:
During the summer season, the temperature range in Tawang oscillates between 10 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. The clear skies and comfortable weather usually make the summer months the peak tourist season. This is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor adventures, such as hiking and trekking. With the valleys covered in flowers, the summertime offers clear views of the Himalayan peaks, thereby making it the ideal season to explore the natural beauty of Tawang. Losar, which usually takes place in the latter part of February or early March, is a festival you could experience in Tawang at this time.
The temperature range during the monsoon season in Tawang usually fluctuates between 8 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. The town receives average to heavy rainfall during this time, and the monsoon showers amplify the beauty of the lush green hills. However, there is the risk of landslides and road closures, so plan your trip accordingly. If you visit the town during this time with our Tawang tour packages, you can plan indoor activities, such as visiting the monasteries, museums, and cultural centres. The behdienkhlam festival takes place at this time.
During the winter months, the temperature range you can expect in Tawang is between -8 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius. Since temperatures can go below freezing, some tourists prefer to avoid visiting the town at this time. However, if you wish to witness a winter wonderland, then you can head to Tawang during the winter season. Make sure to participate in activities like skiing and snowmobiling with Travel Guru’ Tawang tour packages. The torgya festival takes place in Tawang during this period.
Tawang has numerous enthralling tourist attractions to visit and exciting outdoor adventures for you to participate in. Here are some of the places to explore and activities to partake in with our Tawang tour packages:
The Tawang Monastery is the second-largest monastery in the world and the largest Buddhist monastery in India. In order to honour the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the 17th century. Perched at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, the monastery is over 400 years old. It’s a significant religious and cultural spot for Buddhists as the Tawang Monastery forms a part of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Standing three stories tall, the monastery is engulfed by a long compound wall whose height is 925 feet. The monastery is also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, which translates to ‘the divine paradise of complete victory’ in the Tibetan language.
The Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that’s perched at an altitude of more than 13,700 feet. Located between the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, it stays open throughout the year unless landslides occur. There are approximately 101 lakes located around the Sela Pass. One of the most famous lakes from that lot is Sela Lake, which is also known as Paradise Lake. The best time to visit Sela Pass is between November and February.
There is an interesting and heart-wrenching story associated with how the location came to be called Sela Pass. According to legend, the story links back to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, who was fighting near the pass against the Chinese soldiers during 1962’s Sino-Indian War. During this period, there was a local Monpa woman named Sela, who deeply cared for the soldier. She would travel along with her sister to bring him food and ammunition. The woman’s father, however, was very much against this union, which caused him to betray the lovers. Once the Chinese army killed Jaswant Singh Rawat, Sela committed suicide after witnessing his dead body, and eventually the location was named after her.
The Nuranang Falls are located 2 km northeast of the Jang town in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district. Also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls, the waterfall cascades from a height of about 100 metres. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Nuranang Falls is one of the best activities to indulge in with our Tawang tour packages. The Jang Hydal Plant is located at the base of the Nuranang Falls, producing electricity by harnessing the force of the waterfall. The Nuranang Falls became even more popular when it was featured in movies like Koyla and Hiya Diya Niya, thereby bringing the spotlight on the region’s astounding beauty to a bigger audience.
The Tawang War Memorial was built in honour of the 2,420 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The stupa stands at a height of 40 feet and is embellished with the names of the soldiers and their regiments, along with messages that pay tribute to their sacrifice. Also known as Namgyal Chorten, it overlooks the Tawang Chu valley. There is one room on each side of the memorial. While one of the rooms contains maps, photographs, and artefacts, the other room organises a light and sound show that narrates the journey of the martyred soldiers. The stupa is surrounded by numerous flags, such as the Air Force Flag, the Army Flag, and the National Flag. This also includes the flags of the 27 regiments that fought valiantly during the 1962 Indo-China War. The Dalai Lama is said to have visited the Tawang War Memorial in 1997.
Bum La Pass is a high mountain pass situated about 37 km from Tawang. Perched at a height of 4,572 metres, the pass is located along the Indo-China border. It serves as a vital point between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China are held at this location. These meetings are conducted with the aim of maintaining peace between the two nations and discussing border-related issues.
Madhuri Lake is located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, and you can see it when you’re enroute from Tawang to Bum La Pass. The lake was originally known as Sangestar Lake, and it came to be known as Madhuri Lake after the Bollywood actress, Madhuri Dixit, shot for the movie Koyla in the region. This high-altitude lake is perched at a height of more than 3,708 metres above sea level. The lake holds immense spiritual significance for Tibetan and Indian Buddhists alike, which is why the spot sees numerous devotees every year who visit to offer their prayers.
The Jaswant Garh War Memorial is situated about 25 km away from Tawang. Nestled at a height of 10,000 feet, the memorial was built in honour of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of the 4th Battalion Garhwal Rifles. It was made to pay tribute to his unwavering courage and bravery against the Chinese forces during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. He is known to have single-handedly fought against the enemies for 72 long hours before sacrificing his life for the country. The soldier was awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India’s second-highest military award, posthumously. The memorial features a temple-like design coupled with a camouflage pattern.
The Urgelling Gompa is situated about 3 km from the Tawang Township. It’s said to be the birthplace of Tsangyang Tashi, the 6th Dalai Lama. Founded in 1487 AD, the monastery was established by Ugyen Zangpo, who was the youngest brother of Terton Pema Lingpa, the revered Bhutanese saint. The main prayer hall of the Urgelling Gompa is known to have hand-painted portraits of all the Dalai Lamas. The monastery is also said to have the holy imprints of the 6th Dalai Lama himself.
Ziro Valley is one of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh. Filled with charming hamlets, bamboo huts, paddy rice fields, and rich flora and fauna, it’s one of the prettiest valleys you will ever lay eyes on. Located at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, there are numerous tourist attractions to visit in Ziro Valley with our Tawang tour packages, such as the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Tarin Fish Farm, Meghna Cave Temple, and Hapoli. The valley is also popular for hosting one of the most exciting outdoor musical festivals called the Ziro Music Festival. With the mesmerising landscapes of Ziro serving as its background, this music festival is a mixture of music, culture, and art.
Bomdila is a town situated in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district. It serves as the headquarters of that particular district. Bomdila’s average elevation is 2,217 metres, and there are several tribes that inhabit the town, such as the Miji (Sajalong), Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), and Bugun tribes. One of the most famous tourist attractions to explore in Bomdila with our Tawang tour packages is the Bomdila Monastery. Established in 1965, it was built by the 12th reincarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. Make sure to also visit the Craft Centre and Ethnographic Museum if you hope to learn further about the lifestyle and culture of the people of Bomdila.
Itanagar is the largest town of Arunachal Pradesh and also its capital. Brimming with sublime lush greenery and striking views of mountains, Itanagar is situated 350 metres above sea level. There are a variety of spots to explore in Itanagar with Travel Guru’ Tawang tour packages, such as Ita Fort, Ganga Lake, State Museum, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gompa Buddhist Temple. If you’re fond of architecture and history, you must visit the Ita Fort, which was built during the 14th or 15th century. The name of the fort literally translates to ‘fort of bricks’ as ‘ita’ means ‘brick’ in Assamese. Nestled in the lap of nature and enveloped in greenery is another beloved tourist attraction called the Ganga Lake. Also known as Gyakar Sinyi, the lake is a popular picnic spot and offers boating facilities to visitors.
Dirang is a quaint little village located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The natural hot water springs of Dirang are renowned for their medicinal properties. The locals believe that they help in treating rheumatic ailments and skin diseases. Tourists can also explore the apple orchards and kiwi farms in Dirang with our Tawang tour packages. The other must-see places in the town are the National Research Centre on Yak, Sangti Valley, and Kalachakra Gompa.
The shopping scene in Tawang reflects the cultural diversity of the town, which is something you will get to witness with Travel Guru’ Tawang tour packages. Listed below are some of the souvenirs to grab from Tawang and the places to shop from:
Thangkas are Tibetan Buddhist paintings that are a common sight in various homes and monasteries in Tawang. These paintings usually contain designs of religious scenes and deities. They are often created using gold and natural pigments, and stand as symbols of the cultural richness and spiritual ambience of the state.
Whether you’re looking to cover yourself up with something warm during the cold days in Tawang or are searching for a cosy gift for your loved ones, we have a great suggestion for you. Check out the handwoven shawls that Tawang is known for. Made using silk or wool, these are created by skilled artisans and feature intricate designs.
Are you a tea lover? Then you must explore the different kinds of tea available in Tawang. Sold in the form of tea bags, tea leaves, and even organic tea, the aroma and flavour of the teas found in the town are truly alluring. Some of the various types of tea you can buy from Tawang are black tea, green tea, white tea, and butter tea.
Handwoven carpets are some of the best things to buy from Tawang. The town sells beautiful handmade Tibetan carpets in the most vibrant colours, designed with intricate floral motifs and geometric patterns. Different colours of woollen yarn are used by skilled artisans to weave carpets containing designs of flowers, birds, dragons, and snow lions.
Jewellery lovers are sure to be enticed by the unique and exquisite pieces of jewellery sold in Tawang. Silver, traditional motifs, and gemstones are commonly seen in the jewellery of the town. You will find rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings containing religious motifs and other symbols that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
The cultural richness of the region is well-reflected in the handicrafts found in Tawang. These include intricately woven baskets, wooden utensils made by local artisans, and elegantly decorated home décor pieces.
The Monpa tribe is the main ethnic group residing in the town of Tawang, which is why Monpa cuisine dominates the culinary landscape of the region. One of the staple foods of Tawang is millet. The people of the town are also known to have buckwheat, wheat, rice, barley, and various kinds of pulses. The vegetables used in the dishes of the region depend on the seasonal and local availability. Some of the common vegetables you will see in Tawang’s food include spinach, cabbage, potatoes, chillies, and dried local mushrooms. Since Monpas enjoy spicy food, you will notice the presence of chillies in many of the local dishes. Fermented cheese is also widely used in many of Tawang’s traditional food items. Non-vegetarian food is consumed in plenty by the people of Tawang, including chicken, mutton, fish, pork, beef, and yak. Let us tell you about the many delectable dishes you can try out in the region with Travel Guru’ Tawang tour packages:
While you can have momos in various parts of India, you absolutely must try out the momos in Tawang or Arunachal Pradesh. Your trip to Tawang with our Tawang tour packages will be incomplete if you don’t taste these scrumptious dumplings amidst the mountains and valleys of this beautiful town. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian momos can be found in Tawang. The filling for the non-vegetarian ones usually contains mutton, chicken, or beef. The vegetarian ones are mostly stuffed with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. The spicy chutneys served alongside the momos amplify their overall taste.
Thukpa is widely consumed in the Himalayan areas of India and is particularly popular in the northeastern regions of the country. Almost every state has its own unique version of thukpa based on the local produce. Therefore, this wholesome noodle soup can have various kinds of meats and vegetables depending on where you’re having it from. When you have it in Tawang, some of the ingredients you will find in this filling and hearty dish are noodles, stock, meat, and vegetables.
Lukter is one of the most unique traditional foods of Arunachal Pradesh. Particularly popular during the winter season, the dish consists of dry meat and chilli flakes. In order to make this dish, thinly sliced meat is roasted over charcoal. The meat is then slathered with a paste that is made using roasted and ground red chilli peppers. Lukter is usually eaten with rice. The usage of bhut jolokia or king chilli gives the dish a fiery and delicious taste.
While trying out the traditional dishes of Tawang, you absolutely can’t forget chura sabji. The dish is made using chilli flakes and fermented cheese. The cheese used to make chura sabji could come from cow or yak milk. The concoction also consists of vegetables and local herbs, and the dish is typically served with rice. The curry gets some extra spice because of the presence of king chillies.
If you have a sweet tooth, then you can try out the dessert named koat pitha in Tawang. Some of the ingredients that go into making this dish are bananas, rice flour, jaggery, water, and oil. A thick batter is created by mixing all the ingredients. The batter is used to create tiny balls that are deep-fried in mustard oil. Koat pithas resemble doughnuts, and the reason they differ from them is primarily because of the presence of mustard oil.
Founded by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, pika pila is the name of a type of pickle. It’s made using bamboo shoots, pork fat, and king chillies, and doesn’t have an overwhelmingly spicy flavour. The pickle is often served along with numerous main dishes, including rice, curries, and dried fish.
During your trip with our Tawang tour packages, chances are you will get to have khura at least once for breakfast. You can think of it as Arunachal Pradesh’s version of a pancake. It’s made using buckwheat flour and can be served along with a dollop of butter or a bit of honey. Khura has a slightly nutty taste and pairs extremely well with a cup of warm and delicious tea.
Puta can be described as the Monpa version of noodles found in Tawang. It is made using buckwheat flour, which gives it an earthy taste. These noodles can consist of meat or vegetables and are usually served alongside spicy sauces.
The state of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year for religious, agricultural, and socio-cultural purposes. There is the Losar Festival, which is celebrated by the Monpa tribe in late February or early March. This two-week event is the New Year’s festival of Arunachal Pradesh, during which prayers are said, incense is burned, and religious flags are raised to make the local deities happy. Some of the other festivals you could experience with our Tawang tour packages are saga dawa, gorsam kora, and torgya.
Arunachal Pradesh has a deep-rooted history of creating ornate art and craft. These are available in the form of souvenirs and handicrafts, which tourists can purchase during their trip. This includes wood carvings, woven goods, paintings, pottery, and jewellery. Owing to the significant Buddhist influence in Tawang, you will come across thangka paintings, which are Tibetan Buddhist paintings. The town is also known for its handwoven and high-quality carpets, made with detailed craftsmanship, vibrant hues, and intricate patterns. Local craftsmen make use of bamboo and cane to create a wide array of products, such as belts, baskets, containers, and hats.
Dance and music are integral parts of the lives of the tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh. These traditional dances are often performed during weddings, festivals, and other important celebrations. The Aji Lamu dance is performed by the Monpa tribe. It’s a narrative dance form that depicts the triumph of good over evil and is essentially an adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Some of the other folk dances that you could witness in the state during your trip with our Tawang tour packages are the Ponung dance, Popir dance, Khampti dance, and Yakjong dance.
Tawang is famous for many things, such as its natural landscapes, local crafts, and being home to the Tawang Monastery.
We recommend you set aside at least four days for a trip to Tawang.
January is usually the coldest month in Tawang.
You can drive down by road to Itanagar from Tawang.
It can take around five hours to travel from Tawang to Bomdila.
Yes, it does snow in Tawang during the winter months.
The main religion in Tawang is Buddhism.
Lord Buddha is worshipped by many in Tawang, particularly by the Gelugpa sect of Mahayana Buddhism at the Tawang Monastery.
Yes, foreigners can certainly visit Tawang, but they will require special permits, such as the Protected Area Permit (PAP), to enter the state.
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