TAWANG

The area of the district is approximately 2085 sq. km. bordered by Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the South-West and Sela ranges separate West Kameng district in the East. Elevations range between 6,000 to 22,000 feet (6,700 m), and inhabitants are found at lower altitude, where they enjoy a cool temperate climate.

Tawang is both historically and naturally endowed. It is located at a distance of 183 Kms from Bomdila and is situated at an altitude of 3500 metres above sea level. The natural beauty and solitude of Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, Tawang chu River and Tawang valley are very mesmerizing. The inhabitants of the districts are all of Monpa tribes except Shyo village which is dominated by people of Tibetian origin.

How to reach:

By Air:
The nearest Domestic Airport is Salonibari Airport, Tezpur, roughly six hour drive from Tawang. It is well connected to Kolkata and Guwahati through Air India flight. The nearest International Airport from Tawang is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, roughly 480 Kms from Tawang. It is connected with the major cities like Delhi, Imphal, Kolkata, Agartala, Aizawl, Dibrugarh, Lilabari, Silchar, Dimapur, Jorhat and Mumbai.

By Road:

The tourists can take a night halt at Dirang (Approx. 430 Kms from Guwahati as well as from Sivsagar.) which is approximately a Nine hour drive. It has a few good hotels for stay.  Midway the tourists can have refreshment / short break at either Tezpur or Bhalukpong.  

The next day journey to Tawang (Approx. 144 Kms) is around 4 to 5 hours long.  The visitors may take a short break / refreshment at either the Baisakhi Brigade ( one and a half hours away) or Jang  ( 3 and a half hours away). 

ItiItinerary :

Day 1 :

• Begin your sightseeing with Tawang’s Landmark, the 400 year old Tawang Monastery : That is a short 5-10 minutes drive from the town centre.   At the monastery, visit the enormous Central Hall (Dukhang) and pay obsicience to the magnificent statue of the Buddha and light a butter lamp at the altar.  Thereafter, visit the Monastery’s Museum and Photo Gallery.  Thereafter proceed to the Tawang Emporium, which is a short 10 minutes drive from the Tawang Monastery.  Here you can purchase local handicrafts and traditional items.

• Thereafter, head to the Urgelling Monastery : The birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama,which is a short 15 minutes drive from the Emporium.

• Conclude the visits of the first half of the day with a short drive to the Jamyang Choekhorling Monastery : Marvel at the beautiful Stupa and the stunning view of the nearby Seru village.

• Head back to Tawang to have lunch : At any of the local Hotels or Restaurants like Gyaki Khang Zhang, Hotel Tashi Gatsel, Dragon Restaurant etc.  Alternatively, if you want to try local traditional food, visit the quaint Tawang Home Stay, at Lebrang village near the Tawang Stadium which is a short 10 minutes drive from the Tawang town centre (Contact the District Tourism Officer, for prior arrangements).

• After lunch and a light rest, travel down to the beautiful Khinmey Monastery : 20 minutes’ drive and witness the magnificence of the statue of Guru Padmasambhava and the beautiful murals and wall paintings located inside the main hall.

• Thereafter travel down to Kushanang : The maternal house of the 6th Dalai Lama, located amongst the beautiful Baighar village,  in Kitpi,  which is 20minutes drive from Khinmey.If there is time (before Sunset), visit the nearby Chaksam Iron Bridge built by Lama ChksamWangpo which is said to be older than the Tawang Monastery. You will definitely experience the adrenalin rush while crossing the bridge.

• Thereafter head back to Tawang town :  Have a stopover at the beautiful Tawang War Memorial, built in the memory of the Indian Soldiers martyred in the 1962 Indo-China War. Before leaving the memorial, check up with the Army personnel regarding the Light and Sound Show which can be witnessed after sunset at the small Amphitheatre located beside the War Memorial.  Thereafter call it a day and have dinner at the place of stay.

Day 2:

• After an early breakfast, drive upto the beautiful P T Tso Lake : 30 minutes’ drive from the town centre that is located amongst snow-capped mountains, rhododendron bushes and lush fir forests.

• Thereafter, drive upto the Bumla Pass : 1 hour and 15 minutes drive and marvel at the stunning view of the Tibetan Plateau.  Take time to also learn about the Border Personnel meets held by the Indian Army and the Chinese Army Authorities, at the “maitristhal” located at the pass.

• Thereafter drive down to the unique and beautiful Sangetsar Lake : 1½ hour’s drive and have a stroll along the lake and see the beautiful log Hut constructed inside the lake.Have a sumptuous lunch at the Army Cafe located at the lake or one can go with pack lunch.

• After having lunch, drive upto the T-Gonpa : 15 minutes drive where the great Master,Guru Padmasambhava had spent some time to meditate.  As per legend, he was welcomed at the site by a tiger.

• Thereafter, drive back to Tawang : And on the way back, have a brief stopover at the Bramadungchung Ani Gonpa (1½ hour’s drive from the lake)and interact with the Nuns and learn about their daily routine.

• After returning back to Tawang explore the local markets : You can have a night out at the ’Orange bar’ or the lounge cum nightclub of Hotel Gakyi Khang Zhang.

5 DAY Itinerary Plan:

Day 1 : Sivasagar to Dirang (450 km - 12 hrs)

Day 2 : Dirang to Tawang (144 km - 5 hrs)

• Thupsung Monastery, Dirang

•  Sela Pass & Lake

Day 3 :Tawang  Site Seeing

• PT Tso Lake

• Sangester Lake(Madhuri Lake)

• Bumla pass  (*Especial pass required)

Day 4 : 

• Tawang Monastery 

• Tawang War MeMemorial 

Heading back to Dirang. In between you can take a break at-

• Nuranang Falls,Jung

• Jaswant Garh War Memorial 

After reaching Dirang you should visit at Sangti Valley (10 km from Dirang). 

Day 5 : Dirang to Sivasagar