India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Tawang, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, is a land of monasteries, scenic lakes, high-altitude passes, and war memorials. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, adventure lover, or history buff, Tawang has something for everyone.
Here are the must-visit places in Tawang
1. Tawang Monastery – The Largest in India
Location: 2 km from Tawang Town
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ India’s largest & world’s second-largest monastery (built in 1680).
✔ Houses over 450 monks and an 8-meter golden Buddha statue.
✔ Offers stunning views of Tawang Valley.
Must-See:
2. Sela Pass – The Frozen Wonderland
Location: 78 km from Tawang (on the way from Bomdila)
Best Time to Visit: October – April
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A high-altitude pass at 13,700 ft, covered in snow for most of the year.
✔ Offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas & frozen lakes.
✔ The Sela Lake (Paradise Lake) nearby is a must-visit.
Pro Tip: Carry warm clothes, as temperatures can drop below freezing!
3. Tawang War Memorial – Tribute to the 1962 Indo-China War Heroes
Location: Near Tawang Town
Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A beautiful stupa-shaped war memorial, dedicated to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-China War.
✔ Features names of 2,420 soldiers inscribed on stone.
✔ Offers a light & sound show on India’s war history (in the evening).
4. Madhuri Lake (Sangestar Tso) – A Bollywood Famous Spot
Location: 35 km from Tawang
Best Time to Visit: March – June, September – November
Entry Fee: Free (Special permit required from the Indian Army)
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A mesmerizing high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
✔ Famous for the movie Koyla (1997) starring Madhuri Dixit.
✔ Ideal for photography & picnics.
Pro Tip: Permits are needed from the DC office or Indian Army to visit.
5. Nuranang Falls (Jung Falls) – A Hidden Paradise
Location: 40 km from Tawang (near Jung Village)
Best Time to Visit: April – October
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A 100-meter-high waterfall, one of the most stunning in Northeast India.
✔ Offers breathtaking photography & peaceful nature walks.
✔ Best viewed after the monsoon when water levels are high.
Pro Tip: Visit early morning for the best views & fewer crowds.
6. Bum La Pass – The India-China Border
Location: 37 km from Tawang (Requires Army permit)
Best Time to Visit: October – April
Entry Fee: Free (Special Army permit required)
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A historic border pass at 15,200 ft, connecting India & Tibet (China).
✔ A strategic location from the 1962 Indo-China War.
✔ Experience Army bunkers & stunning Himalayan views.
Permit Info:
7. Urgelling Monastery – Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama
Location: 5 km from Tawang Town
Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ The birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso.
✔ A small, peaceful monastery surrounded by prayer flags.
✔ Perfect for meditation & spiritual seekers.
8. Taktsang Gompa – The Tiger’s Nest Monastery of Tawang
Location: 50 km from Tawang
Best Time to Visit: March – May, September – November
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A stunning hilltop monastery with breathtaking valley views.
✔ Known as Tawang’s "Tiger's Nest" (similar to Bhutan’s famous monastery).
✔ Perfect for short treks & spiritual reflection.
Pro Tip: The trek to the monastery is scenic but steep – wear comfortable shoes!
9. Jaswant Garh War Memorial – Honoring a War Hero
Location: 25 km from Tawang
Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ Dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh, who fought alone for 72 hours against the Chinese Army in 1962.
✔ Features a temple-like structure & a preserved bunker.
✔ A place of patriotism & respect for war heroes.
10. Pankang Teng Tso Lake – A Hidden Gem
Location: 17 km from Tawang
Best Time to Visit: March – May, September – November
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A serene blue lake, surrounded by rhododendron forests.
✔ Ideal for picnics & peaceful walks.
✔ Lesser known, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers.
11. Shonga-Tser Lake – Perfect for Snow Lovers
Location: 35 km from Tawang
Best Time to Visit: October – April (for snow views)
Entry Fee: Free
✅ Why Visit?
✔ A stunning high-altitude lake, formed after an earthquake.
✔ Surrounded by snow-clad mountains & pine forests.
✔ Ideal for winter photography & frozen lake views.
Best Time to Visit Tawang
✔ March – May: Best for trekking, sightseeing, & monastery visits.
✔ September – November: Clear views & pleasant weather.
✔ December – February: Heavy snowfall; best for winter lovers.
❌ Avoid June – August (Monsoon): Landslides & roadblocks are common.
Tawang is one of India’s most breathtaking destinations, offering a perfect mix of spirituality, adventure, and history. Whether you’re exploring monasteries, trekking to frozen lakes, or experiencing snowfall at Sela Pass, Tawang is a dream destination for travelers.