Tawang is a mystical land in complete isolation, blessed with harmony, filled with happiness, Buddhist prayers echoing through the narrow valley & right at the top a monastery at every corner of this pristine land. Tawang is the name given, but for many it is Shangri-La. The birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama. Tawang is a mountain town located at 10,000 ft along the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang greets you with spectacular mountain views and presents you the Tibetan way of life. Explore top 15 top places to visit in Tawang that make this land distinctive.
Top 15 places to see in Tawang
1. Tawang Monastery- A 400-year-old architectural marvel
The first thing on the mind of anyone coming to Tawang is India’s largest monastery. Its a big monastery housing more than 2000 residence of all ages. It is also known as “Galden Namgyel Lhatse” which was established by 5th Dalai Lama Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso. The monastery has a large courtyard and main prayer hall having a 28 ft high golden statue of Lord Buddha. It was beautifully decorated and the wall of the hall is adorned with colourful murals.
Tawang monastery is a history buffs dream come true with a museum showcasing old artifacts, rare manuscripts and articles depicting how Buddhists lived. The monastery has a wonderful scent of spirituality; it is a place of worship for Buddhists all around the world. Birdseye view of entire Tawang town is visible from here. This is one of the most important attraction in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh.
Age old library and the monastery museum are two places which you don’t want to miss here. Take photographs of young lamas and watch their activities is an incomparable experience.
Northeast India Tour Packages
2. Tawang War Memorial
Made to honor all those fought with valour in the Sino-Indian War, a huge Stupa like structure overlooks the Tawang-chu valley is Tawang War Memorial. The Sino-Indian war of 1962, was a fight for territory as the Chinese looked to take over Ladakh and parts of the eastern Himalayas. Their intentions were destroyed by the brave Indian soldiers who devoted their lives to protect this sacred land.
You may like Essential Guide on Planning a Tawang Trip
3. Jaswant Garh War Memorial
Jaswant Garh War Memorial is the memorial of brave Indian hero Jaswant Singh Rawat. Who single handily took on the Chinese army and stood his ground for 3 days fighting till his last breath. Jaswant Garh now has the post which he guarded named after him. It is very near to Tawang Town. Don’t forget to stop here on your way to Tawang and pay homage to our brave hero.
India Army offers free Chai and samosa here at a reasonable rate. You can also buy a woolen jacket or other clothes at a very cheap rate in the army canteen.
4. Sela pass and Sela lake
One of the most sought-after destinations in Arunachal is Sela Pass. Surrounded by hills from both sides it is the piece of land connecting Tawang to the rest of the world. Sela Pass is the entry point of the Tawang and one of the top places to visit in the map of Tawang.
When you’re done admiring the mountains, turn around and take a look at the Sela lake. Sela pass offers mountainous views like no other.
You may be interested in Top 10 offbeat places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
5. Bumla pass- Looking down to China
For a little surge of adrenaline head out to Bumla Pass. Located at 5000 meters above the sea level, get to see the route used by the Dalai Lama to get into India & take refuge.
Bumla is a border meeting point for Local army commanders from both sides to sort out local issues. Gaze into China and see some of their Army Camps & Roads. The border guards are always happy to guide you through a bit of history of the pass.
Be prepared though, the road to Bumla is among the most treacherous roads in India. While making your way to Bumla check out Guru Nanakdevji’s Gurudwara, where he stayed while returning from Tibet.
6. Madhuri lake
Surrounded by mountains in all corners, a trip to Tawang wouldn’t be complete without going to the Madhuri lake. Maintained by India, army it is really a heaven on earth. Listening to the melodies created by wind chimes along with gentle bridge make this place an unforgettable destination in Tawang. Madhuri lake is truly a spectacle to behold. The lake is a perfect place to spend the evening just gazing at the splendid beauty.
Enjoy warm hospitality and delicious food in the canteen run by the Indian army.
13. Jung waterfalls
Jung waterfall(Nuranang falls) one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northeast India
It is a spectacular waterfall dropping from a height of 100 meters, located around 40 km before reaching Tawang town. It is another worth visit tourist place in your Tawang tour which is covered with high volume water through the year. One can reach the bottom of the falls by walking down around 100 stairs. You can fell the sprinkle of water and enjoy the sense of serenity of this place from its base.
It is also known as Nuranang Falls as the story of a girl named Nuranang who suicide here during 1962 Indo China war was associated with it.
7. Taktsang Gompa
Top attractions in Tawang would not complete if I did not mention various Gompas and monasteries located in Tawang.
Taktsang Gompa is located in a scenic place standing amidst high mountains it is another major attraction in Tawang. Taktsang Gompa is known as T Gompa is one of the oldest Gompa in India and it is associated to Guru Padmasambhava, the man who brought Buddhism to Tibet. A cave adjacent to the Gompa is where he meditated. This Monastery is perched a hill surrounded by dense forest. Located around 9 km from Madhuri lake do visit this place to admire its scene of the beautiful Gompa and offer your prayer.
Read more about monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh What No One Tells You About Buddhist Monasteries In Arunachal Pradesh
8. Regyaling Gompa
The backdrop of lush pine forests gives it a special feeling. This Gompa was constructed by the former Rigya Rinpoche. It is believed that re-incarnated Rigya Rinpoche, Rev. Tenzin Tsedhar is currently in south India completing his studies.
The Gonpa is truly one of a kind. The present Rimpoche living inside the Gompa is a reincarnation of himself, who died inside the Gonpa several years ago. Many historical Buddhist artefacts can be seen inside the walls of the Gonpa.
How about meeting the Rimpoche & getting his blessings? Yes. You can meet him inside the Gompa and find out more about his re-incarnation.
9. Brahma-dung-chung Ani Gompa
Perished in the top of a hill in between coniferous forest Brahma-dung-chung Ani Gompa is located. It is a nunnery which houses around 50 Anis(nun). Rope-way is also available from Tawang monastery to reach here which costs Rs 100 per person. You can observer daily chores of young nans and their lifestyle closely here. Another major worth visit place Ani Gompa is Gayagong Ani Gompa.
10. Pt Tso Lake and Nagula Lake
These are two breathtaking lakes in Tawang and one of the must-visit tourist places on the way to Bumla Pass. On your way to Madhuri lake or Bumla pass do stop over here and admire the natural beauty and scenic vista. These two lakes remains competently frozen during winter and looks heavenly.
11. Zemithang Village
Talking about remote villages in Tawang. Zemithang is the last frontier of Arunachal, Solitude is guaranteed for people who visit. This village is the remotest of the bunch. Located 93 kilometres from Tawang, this monpa settlement is tough to get to.
Gorsam Chorten is a must visit when you are travelling to the village. Located near to the village, it is the largest stupa in the area. The locals believe it to be at least 400 years’ old.
12. Tara Devi temple at Lumla
Enroute Zemithang via Lumla when you cross Lumla town the magnificent Tara Devi temple located atop a hillock will greet you. Located in a serene location one can take a glimpse of nearby hills and scenic villages from the top.
14. Handmade paper-making at the Mukto Village
Tired of walking around town all day, head out to the Mukto village and try your hand at making paper the old way. This village supplies paper to monasteries and many ancient manuscripts have been found from the village. This ranks among the best things to do in and around Tawang.
15. 600 years old iron bridge
Tawang also has a wired place which is one of the best places to visit in Tawang in the form of 600 years old iron bridge of Chak-Zam bridge covering approximately 100 meters across the Tawang River. Located around 25km from Tawang town, it is one of the oldest iron bridge in India. The legend of Lama Chag-Zam Wangpo (1385-1464) who was an architect, philosopher also associated with it.
Shoppers paradise Tawang
If you love shopping Tawang is the best place to buy various Tibetan decorative items and feng shui items. Decorative masks, prayer wheel, wind chimney, Buddha statue etc some precious items available in most of the shops in Tawang. You can also buy fashionable woollen clothes and jackets in Tawang,
Trekking in Tawang
What could be a better way to spend a few extra days in Tawang. Several Famous treks like the Baily trail start from Tawang, treks here are renowned for their stunning beauty you get to enjoy while on the trails. October is the best time to trek in Tawang.
How to reach Tawang
The best way to reach Tawang is to reach Guwahati by flight. A helicopter flight can land you in Tawang in no time but it is unreliable and mostly closed due to bad weather. You can hire a cab from Guwahati for the entire journey. Read more about how to reach Tawang.
Liked the post? Pin it for reading later.
Read more about top places to visit in Tawang at Wikitravel. Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
You can read more about Tawang in our Tawang Travel guide. If you wish to book a package tour for Tawang please drop us a mail at support@nexplore.org. We offer customized tour packages from Guwahati to Tawang.
Our expert local guides will be there at your disposal every time. Don’t worry about fixing an itinerary, we will fit all the best Places to visit in Tawang tour in your trip meter.
