Things to Do in Tawang

One of the most visited tourist places in Tawang, Sela Pass boasts of stunning natural beauty. Reckoned for its geographical importance, Sela Pass is located at a height of 4170 metres in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The awe-inspiring landcapes will help you relax and unwind in the midst of marvellous surroundings. 

Blessed with a blanket of snow throughout the year, Sela Pass offers some of the most magnificent views of the Himalayan range. Along with being a popular tourist attraction, the place is also known for being a prominent religious site for Buddhists. The enchanting natural beauty of this rocky pass off your sights of some of the most glorious lakes like the frozen Sela Lake.

Location: Sela Pass, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Famous as the largest monastery in India, Tawang Monastery is one of the most incredible places to visit in Tawang. Also famous as Galden Namgyal Lhatse, Tawang Monastery is one of the most holy sites for the faith of Mahayana Buddhism. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism, Tawang Monastery is home to over 300 monks and holds 17 gompas in the region. 

Offering a serene view of the Himalayan valley, Tawang Monastery is renowned for its 16th century architecture. Some of the famous things to look forward to at Tawang Monastery are sketches and paintings of Bodhisattvas, silver silk casket dedicated to Goddess Shri Devi and many other works of art. The most favourable time to visit Tawang Monastery is during the Losar festival held in the beginning of new year.

 Location: Tawang Monastery, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Often famous as Madhuri Lake, Shonga-Tser Lake is known to be the place where the famous Bollywood song from the movie Koyala was shot. The lake is known for offering panoramic views of the landscape and has been quite a popular tourist spot with wonderful scenic beauty. 

The vista comprises of the serene hills and mountains that surround the lake and the place charms the tourists with its tranquil ambience. A photographer’s delight, Shonga Tser Lake is a remarkable place to enjoy a casual stroll and bask in the serene atmosphere. The awe-inspiring lake is a great crowd puller in Tawang and offers a respite from the noise and pollution of the cities.

 Location: Shonga Tser Lake, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Often reckoned as one of the most fascinating waterfalls in India, Nuranang Falls is one of the hidden gems of Tawang. Originating in Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls is a serene place where you can behold a stunning landscape. 

Located at a height of 6000 ft above sea level, Nuranang Falls takes you in the middle of untouched forests as you the enjoy the wonder of nature. Encompassed by pristine hills, verdant greenery and a thick cover of mist, Nuranang Falls is one of the must-visit tourist places in Tawang if you are a nature lover looking to relax and unwind.

Location: Nuranag Falls, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Situated at a distance of 25 kilometres from Tawang, Tawang War Memorial is a wonderful spot among places to visit in Tawang to cherish some patriotic fervour in Tawang. 

Commemorating the bravery of martyred Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War, Tawang War Memorial is an important place to visit when you are there. Built in the memory of 2140 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the war, Tawang War Memorial is a fitting place to show your love for the nation and relive those historical events.

Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Bring out the adventurer in you by visiting Gorichen Peak in Tawang. One of the most amazing places to visit in Tawang for thrill seekers and nature sweethearts, Gorichen Peak boasts of being the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh. Drawing in a number of trekkers, Gorichen Peak is known for offering some splendid views of the mountains. 

The unparalleled beauty of this peak makes a breathtaking landscape. Also reckoned as Sa-Nga-Phu meaning Kingdom of Deity, Gorichen Peak is believed to be a sacred peal guarding the people against evils. The most favourable time to visit Gorichen Peak is during the month of April, May, September and October.

Location: Gorichen Peak, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Encompassed by blue lapis flowers, Peng Teng Tso Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Tawang. The place boasts of picturesque natural beauty and makes a surreal landscape with the flowers and snow. The calm waters of this serene lake offer a splendid view of the Himalayas that adorn the background. 

Maintained by the Indian army, this lake is located 17 km away from the main town and attracts a number of tourists. Replete with a charming landscape comprising of snow-clad Himalayas, a breathtaking trail of rhododendrons and tranquil waters, Peng Teng Tso Lake is a beautiful tourist attraction that must not be missed when you are in Tawang.

Location: Pankang Teng Tso Lake, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Built in the 14th century, Urgelling Gompa is believed to be the birthplace of his Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama. Located at a distance of 3 km from the town of Tawang, Urgelling Gompa is one of the most peaceful places that you will get to visit in Tawang. If you are seeking a respite from the troubles of life, Urgelling Gompa is the place to be where you should definitely spend some time. 

The small monastery is considered to be one of the most important places for followers of Buddhism and attracts a number of tourists. The tranquil ambience of this place will take you by surprise and help you enjoy a wonderful day in the serene surroundings.

Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

One of the must visit places in Tawang, Jaswant Garh is a popular attraction drawing in a number of tourists. The memorial is built in the memory of Jaswant Singh who continuously fought for 72 hours against the invaders from China in the Indo Sino War of 1962. 

The memorial pays tribute to this remarkable warrior who was posthumously honoured Mahavir Chakra for showing his valour in the war. The memorial houses many interesting exhibits like a portrait of Jaswant Singh, his army uniform, cap, watch, belt etc. It is one of the places which you should visit to ignite the fire of patriotism in yourself and learn more about the history of India.

Location: Jaswant Garh, Nuranag, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Considered to be the place of where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in 8th century, Taktsang Gompa is a popular monastery in Tawang. Taktsang Gompa is located at a distance of 50 km from Tawang and boasts of an exquisite landscape filled with thick conifers and lofty hills. 

The place is known for its mesmerising backdrop and is a pure delight for shutterbugs in Tawang. The idyllic surroundings of the place add to the spiritual retreat and offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of cities. The popular tourist spot promises to be an enthralling escape to cherish the natural beauty and take back home some captivating memories.

 Location: Taktang Gompa, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Explore one of the most off the beaten paths when you see Bumla Pass in Tawang. Famous as the pass which was used by Dalai Lama to enter India, this historical pass is a wonderful place to test your spirit of adventure among tourist places in Tawang. 

One can visit Bumla Pass after obtaining a special permit and get to roam in breathtaking wilderness here. Covered with snow throughout the year, Bumla Pass is a famous spot for picnics at an elevation of 5000 m above sea level. Bumla Pass is best visited from the month of May to October.

Location: Bum La Pass, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

One of the most famous monasteries among places to visit in Tawang, Samten Yongcha Monastery is an ancient monastery located on a hilltop. With a landscape that appears to be straight out from an artist’s book, Samten Yongcha Monastery is a delightful getaway to enjoy the beautiful mountains and lush green hills. 

The monastery is renowned for having a golden statue of Lord Buddha and many other interesting exhibits like carvings, sculptures, Buddhist artefacts etc. Samten Yongcha Monastery is a very important place for the locals and is a home to many monks who are struggling to perpetuate the culture and tradition of this place.

Location:  Samten Yongcha Monastery, Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh

Behold the highest peak in Tawang by visiting Geshila Peak with your loved ones. Offering the most tranquil ambience, Geshila Peak is known to be the guardian angel for the locals in Tawang. 

Visited by the people for worship and to seek blessing for themselves, Geshila Peak is a serene spot that you should not miss when you are in Tawang. The place will captivate you with its quiet and relaxing atmosphere and enjoy some fantastic time in solitude. Geshila Peak is also known to offer a thrilling view of the beautiful surroundings from the top.

Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

One of the most picturesque places to visit in Tawang, Nagula Lake is a high altitude lake that is a delight for nature lovers. With some alluring reflections of the mountain waters in its serene waters, Nagula Lale is a captivating tourist attraction in Tawang. 

The scenic landscape of the lake will leave you to spellbind and one can spot a number of Brahminy ducks around the lake. Although the lake is known for heavy military presence owing to its location near the border, the place attracts a number of tourists. The best time to visit the lake is during the summer months of April to May and during September and October.

Location: Nagula Lake, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh