How to Reach

How to Reach Tawang

Tawang is a breathtaking destination, but reaching it requires careful planning due to its remote location and high-altitude terrain. Travelers must pass through steep mountain roads, high-altitude passes, and military checkpoints. However, the journey is filled with stunning landscapes and unforgettable views.

Here’s a complete guide on how to reach Tawang by air, train, and road.

 By Air (Nearest Airports to Tawang)

Tawang does not have a direct airport, but travelers can fly to nearby airports and then continue by road.

1️ Tezpur Airport (Assam) – 330 km from Tawang

✔ Nearest airport but limited flight options (only from Kolkata).
✔ Flights operated by Alliance Air (subject to weather conditions).
✔ From Tezpur: 8-10 hour drive to Tawang via Bomdila & Sela Pass.

2️ Guwahati Airport (Assam) – 448 km from Tawang

✔ Best option for frequent flights.
✔ Well-connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai.
✔ From Guwahati:

• Flight to Tezpur, then drive to Tawang.
• Drive to Tawang (12-14 hours journey).

 Best Option: Fly to Guwahati, then travel by road to Tawang.

 By Train (Nearest Railway Stations to Tawang)

Tawang does not have a railway station. The nearest railway stations are:

1️ Rangapara Railway Station, Assam – 325 km from Tawang

✔ The nearest railway station, located in Tezpur district.
✔ Connected to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi.
✔ From Rangapara: Take a taxi or bus to Tawang (8-10 hours drive).

2️ Guwahati Railway Station, Assam – 450 km from Tawang

✔ A major railway hub with connections across India.
✔ Trains available from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore.
✔ From Guwahati: Take a bus or shared taxi to Tawang (12-14 hours journey).

 Best Option: Travel to Guwahati by train, then continue by road.

 By Road (Best Way to Reach Tawang)

The only way to reach Tawang directly is by road. The journey is long but extremely scenic, passing through forests, valleys, and high-altitude passes.

 Road Route to Tawang from Guwahati (Best Option)

 Route: Guwahati → Tezpur → Bhalukpong → Bomdila → Dirang → Tawang

 Total Distance: 448 km
 Travel Time: 12-14 hours (depending on weather and road conditions)

Key Stops Along the Route:

1. Tezpur – A historical city in Assam, known for scenic beauty.
2. Bhalukpong – Entry point to Arunachal Pradesh; ILP checkpost.
3. Bomdila – A beautiful hill station with monasteries and views.
4. Dirang – Famous for hot water springs, apple orchards, and Yak breeding farms.
5. Sela Pass – The highest motorable road (13,700 ft), covered with snow.

 Pro Tip: Break your journey at Bomdila or Dirang for an overnight stay to avoid altitude sickness.

 By Bus & Shared Taxis

✔ Arunachal Pradesh State Transport (APST) & ASTC buses run from Tezpur & Guwahati to Tawang.
✔ Shared taxis (Sumo & Bolero) are available from Tezpur, Guwahati, and Bomdila.
✔ Booking available at Tezpur ASTC Bus Stand & Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati.

 Recommended: Private taxis for a comfortable journey.

 Important Travel Permits (ILP & PAP)

Since Tawang is in Arunachal Pradesh, Indian citizens & foreign tourists need a special permit to enter.

1️ Inner Line Permit (ILP) – For Indian Citizens

✔ Mandatory for all Indian tourists.
✔ Apply online at: Arunachal Pradesh ILP Portal
✔ Offline: Available at Tezpur, Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi.
✔ Required at Bhalukpong Checkpost.

 Documents Needed:
✅ Valid Government ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
✅ Passport-size photo

2️ Protected Area Permit (PAP) – For Foreign Tourists

✔ Required for all foreign nationals visiting Arunachal Pradesh.
✔ Available from:

• Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi
• Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs)
• Arunachal Pradesh government offices
  ✔ Minimum of 2 people must travel together (solo foreign travelers not allowed).

 Documents Needed:
✅ Valid passport & visa
✅ Passport-size photo

 Best Way to Reach Tawang (Recommended Travel Plan)

1️ Fly to Guwahati Airport (Best connectivity)
2️ Take a private taxi/bus to Tawang (Break journey at Bomdila/Dirang)
3️ Enjoy the breathtaking road trip via Sela Pass!

 Best Time to Travel to Tawang

✔ March – May – Best for sightseeing & trekking.
✔ September – November – Ideal weather, clear views.
✔ December – February – Heavy snowfall, for snow lovers.
❌ Avoid Monsoon (June – August) – Heavy rains & landslides.

Travel Tips & Safety

✅ Acclimatize – Tawang is at 10,000 ft, so take a break in Dirang/Bomdila.
✅ Carry warm clothes – Even summer nights are cold.
✅ Book in advance – Hotels & transport get full in peak season.
✅ Check road conditions – Landslides can block roads, especially in monsoon.
✅ Carry cash – Limited ATMs in Tawang; network issues in remote areas.

Tawang is one of India’s most beautiful destinations, but getting there requires patience and adventure spirit. The scenic road journey via Sela Pass makes the trip truly memorable! Whether you choose to fly to Guwahati or Tezpur, or take a train, the road journey to Tawang is an unforgettable experience.