Tawang is a picturesque town located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled at an altitude of around 10,000 feet in the Indian Himalayas, Tawang is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and serene lakes. It is famous for the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India and a major center for Tibetan Buddhism. The town offers a blend of Tibetan culture and traditional Arunachali life, with its vibrant festivals, colorful prayer flags, and bustling markets. Tawang also holds historical significance due to its strategic location near the Indo-China border and was a key site during the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure, tranquility, and spiritual solace amidst breathtaking landscapes.
1. Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery, also known as Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse, is a spectacular Buddhist monastery located in the town of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the largest monasteries in India and the second largest in the world, after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Perched at an altitude of around 10,000 feet, the monastery is situated amidst breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys.
Built in the 17th century by Mera Lama, the monastery is an important center for Tibetan Buddhism and is dedicated to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) school. The monastery is not only an architectural marvel but also a center of spiritual learning, housing a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures, religious artifacts, and intricately painted murals depicting various Buddhist teachings.
Location : Tawang Monastery is located in the town of Tawang, in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of around 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in the Tawang District, near the Indo-China (India-China) border. The monastery is approximately 2 km from the main town of Tawang.
Entry Fee : Tawang Monastery does not have a formal entry fee for visit.
Timing : Tawang Monastery is generally open to visitors every day from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
2. Nuranang Falls
Nuranang Falls, also known as Jung Falls, is a stunning waterfall located near the town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Situated about 30 km from Tawang, this magnificent waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The falls are located on the Tawang-Chu river, surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks, making it a breathtaking natural wonder.
Location : Nuranang Falls (also known as Jung Falls) is located in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated approximately 30 kilometers (about 18.5 miles) from the town of Tawang, on the way to Jung village.
Entry Fee : Nuranang Falls does not have a formal entry fee.
Timing : The best time to visit is between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to ensure you have enough time to explore the area and enjoy the views.
3. Sela pass
Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the eastern Himalayas, in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet (4,170 meters), it is one of the most scenic and important mountain passes in the region. Sela Pass is a key route that connects Tawang to the rest of Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of India.
Location : Sela Pass is located in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, and lies at an altitude of approximately 13,700 feet (4,170 meters). It is situated along the Tawang-Chu River and forms an important route connecting Tawang with West Kameng District in Arunachal Pradesh.
Timing : Sela Pass does not have strict entry timings as it is a mountain pass and a key transit route.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for crossing Sela Pass, as it is a mountain pass and a key route for travelers.
4. Gorichen Peak
Gorichen Peak is the highest peak in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, standing at an impressive altitude of 6,588 meters (21,608 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Eastern Himalayas, near the Tawang-Chu River, and is considered one of the most challenging and beautiful peaks for mountaineering in the region.
Location : Gorichen Peak is located in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, in the eastern part of the Himalayan mountain range. It is situated approximately 164 kilometers (102 miles) northeast of Tawang, the nearest town.
Timing : Gorichen Peak itself does not have specific “visiting hours” as it is a mountain peak and not a tourist attraction with fixed entry times.
Entry Fee : There is no direct entry fee to visit Gorichen Peak itself, as it is a natural and remote mountain peak.
5. Dirang
Dirang is a picturesque town located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,900 feet (1,500 meters), Dirang is known for its stunning landscapes, mild climate, and cultural heritage. It lies between the state capital Itanagar and Tawang, making it a convenient stopover for travelers journeying to or from Tawang.
Location : Dirang is located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It lies at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level and is situated in the Eastern Himalayan Range.
Timing : Dirang is a town that doesn’t have specific entry timings since it’s a natural and cultural destination.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee for visiting Dirang itself, as it is a town and a natural destination.
6. Gyangong Ani Gompa
Gyangong Ani Gompa is a beautiful and serene Buddhist monastery located near Dirang in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of about 2,000 meters (6,561 feet), it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it an important religious and cultural site in the region.
Location : Gyangong Ani Gompa is located near the town of Dirang in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The specific location of Gyangong Ani Gompa is around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Dirang, making it easily accessible by road from the town.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit Gyangong Ani Gompa. It is a public Buddhist monastery, and visitors can explore the serene surroundings, witness the spiritual practices, and appreciate the architecture without any cost.
Timing : Gyangong Ani Gompa does not have strict entry timings as it is a religious site, but the general visiting hours are as follows:
- Open Daily: Visitors can generally visit the monastery between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
7.Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning and ecologically diverse sanctuary located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Spanning an area of approximately 217 square kilometers, it is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and is known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.
Location : Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, in the eastern part of the Himalayan Range. 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Bomdila, the nearest town in Arunachal Pradesh.
Timing : The Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary does not have strict timings like typical tourist attractions, as it is a natural reserve and wildlife sanctuary.
Entry Fee : There is no specific entry fee for visiting the Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary.
8. PT Tso Lake
PT Tso Lake (also known as Pangong Tso Lake) is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region due to its breathtaking beauty and serene surroundings. PT Tso Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and its unique location, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Location : PT Tso Lake is located in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It lies about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from Tawang town, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.
Timing : the best time to visit is during daylight hours between 6 AM to 6 PM, with the most favorable months being from March to June and September to November.
Entry Fee : There is no specific entry fee for visiting PT Tso Lake itself.
Famous Food in Tawang
1. Zan
Zan is a traditional and popular dish from Arunachal Pradesh, especially favored by the Monpa community in the Tawang and West Kameng districts. This hearty and nutritious food is made from rice flour or millet flour, which is boiled with water to form a thick, porridge-like consistency. Often enjoyed as a main meal, Zan is typically served with a variety of accompaniments such as locally grown vegetables, meat (often pork, chicken, or beef), and sometimes fried dough pieces known as Chura.
Ingredients : rice flour , milet flour , vegetables and meat
2. Pika Pila
Pika Pila is a traditional dish from Arunachal Pradesh, particularly popular among the indigenous tribes of the state. It is a savory, spicy, and aromatic stew made from fermented soybeans (called pika), which is a common ingredient in many dishes from the region. The term “pika” refers to the fermented soybean paste, while “pila” means a broth or stew in the local dialects.
Ingredients : vegetables , meat and spices
3. Gyapa Khazi
Gyapa Khazi is a traditional dish from Arunachal Pradesh, particularly associated with the Monpa community, which resides in the Tawang and West Kameng districts of the state. It is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish typically made with rice, meat (usually pork or chicken), and a blend of local spices and herbs.
Ingredients : rice and meat
4. Khura
Khura is a traditional dish from Arunachal Pradesh, particularly popular among the indigenous tribes of the region, including the Monpa community. It is a type of fried bread or flatbread, typically made with rice flour or wheat flour, and is a popular snack or accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients : rice flour and wheat flour
