Tawang :
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| Tawang Monastery |
Tawang is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 meters (10000ft) above sea level in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh,India.
Tawang also known for its Monastery which was founded by the Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681 in accordance with the wishes of 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, it belongs to the Gelugpa Sect and is the largest buddhist Monastery in India.
The Name Tawang (Tibetan:,Wylie:Rta-dbang) means Horse Chosen. It is said to be the biggest Tibetian Monastery in the world outside Lhasa, Tibet. It is a major holy site for Tibetian Buddhists as it was the Birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama.
How to Reach :
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| A view of Tawang Road |
The town is about a 16-hour drive from Guwahati. However, it is best to hire a Tata Sumo from Tezpur in Assam ( 4hr drive from Guwahati). From Tezpur through Balibari you go to Bhalukpong (border of Assam and Arunachal). At Bhalukpong Gate Where Indian and Non Indian Tourist have to show a Inner Line Permit and then after you have to proceed to Arunachal Pradesh . It can take 12-14 hours if you go at a stretch to Tawang. my advise to brake your journey at either Bomdila or better still the very mesmerizing little valley of Dirang.
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| Dirang Valley |
Place to visit in Tawang :
Tawang Monastery :
Monastery which was founded by the Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681 in accordance with the wishes of 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, it belongs to the Gelugpa Sect and is the largest buddhist Monastery in India.
Sela Pass :
The Sela Pass is the high-altitude mountain pass located in Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh state of India. It has an elevation of 4170 m (13,700 ft). connects the Buddhist city of Tawang Town to Tezpur and Guwahati and is the main road connecting Tawang with the rest of India. Tawang is situated at a distance of 78 km from Sela Pass, while Guwahati is at a distance of 340 km. The pass has hardly any vegetation and is usually snow-covered to some extent all through the year. During winter temperature in the pass can go down to −10 degrees.
This place is snowed in most of the year and offers excellent and heavenly views all year round. This part of the Eastern Himalayan range is pretty special for the Buddhists as it is believed that about 101 lakes exist in and around Sela Pass and each of these lakes has religious significance for the Buddhist community. Very close to the Pass, is the beautiful Sela Lake (sometimes called Paradise Lake because of its beauty), which could be fully or partially frozen in winter. Some small rivers also flow out of the lake and during grazing season, yaks grazing around the lake.
While Sela Pass does get heavy snow in winters, it is usually open throughout the year unless landslides or snow require the pass to be shut down temporarily. Sela Pass is the main route to access Tawang town, and given the proximity of Tawang District with Tibet.
Tawang War Memorial :
Tawang war memorial located at Nuranang, about 25 kms from Tawang. This war memorial, set in scenic terrain just below the Sela pass commemorates the bravery of the martyred Indian soldiers of the 1962 Indo-China war.
This war memorial stands in memory of rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, Mahavir Chakra Awardee (Posthumous) of the 4th Battalion of Garhwal Rifles Infantry Regiment. Jaswant showed his valor by fighting and holding the invading Chinese back for 72 hours all alone during the 1962 India-China war and remained at his post at an altitude of about 10,000 feet before succumbing to an enemy bullet during that bloody winter war. The post that he held to repulse the Chinese troops has been renamed Jaswant Garh in recognition of his valor and sacrifice.
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At daily Evening there was a Light and Sound show , depicting their heroic deeds.
Jaswant Ghar :
Jaswant Rawat has been elevated by locals to a Holy Baba, who keeps vigil over the area and protects the region. A shrine, memorial has been made at the place where he fought and the place is fondly called as Jaswant Garh. All Indian Army personnel passing by this route from General to a Jawan pay their respects here. Jaswant is treated as if he is alive, his boots shined, linen washed, towels changed. Soldiers who polish his shoes claim that they are often found covered with mud, a sign that he has been walking around at night. The Legend goes that convoys in blizzards have seen Jaswant directing the vehicles through the serpentine bends. He continues to receive his promotions on time even after his death.He even gets letters from people seeking his blessings and help in all types of problems.
Nuranang Water Fall, Tawang :
Nuranang Falls (also known as Bong Bong Falls), some 100 metres high, is located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in this part of the country, yet is unknown to many travelers. It lies some 2 kilometres away from the town of Jang on the road connecting Tawang and Bomdila, so it is also known as the Jang Falls. There is a small hydel plant located near the base that generates electricity for local use.
The Nuranang river originates from the Northern slopes of the Sela Pass. Just below the waterfall it falls into the Tawang river.
According to a popular myth, Nuranang river and Nuranang falls are named after a local Monpa girl named Nura who had helped a soldier, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, Maha Vir Chakra (posthumous) in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and was later captured by the Chinese forces. The actual circumstances of Jaswant's heroism are more prosaic and no woman finds a place there. It is possible that the name Nuranang was bestowed well before 1962.
Sela Peak, Tawang :
One of the highest mountain peaks in Tawang mountainous area,
Bumla Pass Tawang :
The Bum La Pass is located about 37 km away from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, at the Indo-China border above 15,200 ft above sea level.
The road to Bum La is also a historical route, the People's Liberation Army of China invaded India during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Here in Bum La Pass one of the fiercest battle took place in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
In 2006, Bumla pass was re-opened to traders for the first time in 44 years. Traders from both sides of the pass were permitted to enter each other’s territories, in addition to postal workers from each country.
It is often covered with heavy snow throughout the year. It is one of the most off-beat passes in the world and is also referred to as the pass from where Dalai Lama entered India escaping from Tibet.
This is a really beautiful place. This location is off the beaten track for those who love roaming in the wilderness. It is a fantastic place for a picnic of a lifetime if you move out of Tawang by around 7am and carry in everything yourself.
Visit by civilian tourist of India is permissible with permission from the Indian Army. The track is very treacherous, only SUVs advisable, and that too only on clear weather day with no snowfall or rainfall.
Madhuri Lake,Tawang :
The original name of this lake is Sangetsar Lake. However, since this site was filmed in famous Hindi Bollywood movie Koyla, it came to be renamed after the beautiful Indian Actress, Madhuri Dixit. This was the place that had been chosen for shooting the famous and melodious song “ Tanhai Tanhai Tanhai, dono ko paas le aayi”. This lake is learnt to have been formed as an outcome of a major earthquack in year 1950. Its original name i.e. Sangetsar has been derived from “Jang Nga Tseir”. While “Jang Nga” stands for valley, “Tseir” implies “the grazing ground”. Prior to the earthquake, this piece of land used to be employed as the grazing ground for the cattle. The evidence of it can be seen in the protruding trunks of the dead trees from the middle of the lake. The lake has been under supervision of Army men, who have also arranged for a cafeteria nearby. Tourists can relish on the delicious Momos, Maggis topped with a cup of tasty coffee or tea. Tourists can also take to trekking around the lake while enjoying the gentle lashes of the pleasant breeze around.
Pangang Teng Tso Lake, Tawang :
Pangang Teng Tso Lake is Located 17 km away from the town area, the lake is also known as Ptso Lake. The calm water, silently moving clouds, earth with its wetness, chirping of birds and warmth is all that one gets while visiting Pankang Teng Tso Lake. The lake is well maintained by the Indian Army and offers a soothing and tranquil atmosphere to its visitors. The lake remains frozen in winter and is ideal to visit only in summers. The path towards the lake is laden by bright rhododendron flowers that add to the exquisiteness of the place. One can also find colourful birds while on the lake and engage in some wonderful nature photography.
With the backdrop of snow-clad Himalayas and gushing waters of the rivers, Tawang is a tourist paradise and a perfect blend for adventure and religious tourism. So pack your bags and get ready to take a trip to the picturesque Pankang Teng Tso Lake immersed in natural beauty and grandeur and come back with bags full of memories.
With the backdrop of snow-clad Himalayas and gushing waters of the rivers, Tawang is a tourist paradise and a perfect blend for adventure and religious tourism. So pack your bags and get ready to take a trip to the picturesque Pankang Teng Tso Lake immersed in natural beauty and grandeur and come back with bags full of memories.
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| Tawang Circuit House |
Tawang has a good range of accommodations in the form of private hotels, Govt. guest houses and Lodges, Home Stays etc. Most of the private hotels and Guest Houses are located in and around the Tawang Township. For the guest desirous of staying either in Lumla or Jang, the appropriate option would be to stay in the Govt. Circuit House or Lodge for which the respective ADC Offices may be contacted for prior booking/ reservation. For accommodation in the Govt. Circuit House or Tourist Lodge the District Tourism Officer may be contacted.
HOTELS OF TAWANG
HIGH END HOTELS
| Sl.No. | Name of Hotels | Full Address | Contact Nos. | Website and E-mail |
| 1. | Hotel Dekyi Pelbar | Old Market,Tawang | 03794-223867 | |
| 2 | Hotel Tashi Ga-tsel | Near Parade Ground Tawang | 03794-224652/9436010602 | www.hoteltashigatsel.com |
| 3. | Hotel Zax Star | Near Tawang Emporium Craft Center Colony Tawang | 03794-224652 / 09862220859/ 09402262482 | www.hotelzaxstar.in / reservationszaxstar @gmail.com |
| 4. | Hotel Gakyi Khang Zhang | Near DC Office,Air Colony Tawang | 03794-224647/48/49 | www.gkztawang.com |
| 5. | Hotel Mon Paradise | Nehru Market,Tawang | 03794-222443 |
MID RANGE HOTELS
| Sl.No. | Name of Hotels | Full Address | Contact Nos. | Website and E-mail |
| 1. | Hotel Tawang Lodge | Officer ColonyOpposite SBI Bank, Tawang | 03794-222030 | www.tawanglodge.com / tawanglodge@yahoo.in |
| 2. | Hotel Tawang Inn | Nehru Market,Tawang | 03794-2221729402066004 | |
| 3 | Hotel Mon Kyemojong | Old Market Tawang, Near Tourist Lodge,Tawang | 03794-224311/9436222293 | hotel.monkyimojon@gmail.com |
| 4 | Hotel Ugyenling | Old Market,Tawang, Near Gas Agency | 9402860038/9402293650 | Ugyenlinghoteltawang@gmail.com |
| 5 | Hotel Monyul Lodge | Old Bazar , Near Taxi Stand, Tawang | 03794-222196/9436225264 | |
| 6 | Hotel NEFA | Nehru Market, Tawang | 03794-222419/8413932999 | |
| 7 | Hotel White House | Nehru Market,Tawang | ||
| 8 | Hotel Tawang Regency | Old Market Tawang | 03794-224743 | Letseetour&travels.com. |
| 9 | Hotel Dawa | Old Market, Tawang | 03794223310 | |
| 10 | Hotel Mount View | Nehru Market, Tawang | 03794-224304/9402492375 | |
| 11 | Hotel Buddha | Old Market Tawang | 9436872954/03794-222954 | |
| 12 | Hotel Tawang View | Nehru Market, Tawang | 03794-222433 | |
| 13 | Hotel Taktsang | Temilo, Tawang | 07085900801 | |
| 14 | Hotel Siddhartha | Nehru Market, Tawang | 03794-222515/9436635998 | |
| 15 | Hotel Samdrupling | Old Market, Tawang | 03794-224213 | |
| 16 | Hotel Dolma Chhinkar | Old Market, Tawang | 03794-223271/9436051011/ 94362523191 | Infordolmahotels.com / www.dolmahotels.com |
| 17 | Hotel Happy Valley | AIR Colony | 03794-223832 | |
| 18 | Hotel Mon-Valley | Nehru market, Tawang | 03794-222119 | |
| 19 | Red Coral | Old market, Tawang | ||
| 20 | Bumla Inn | Near Parade Ground, Tawang | 08729902020 |
BUDGET HOTELS
| Sl.No. | Name of Hotels | Full Address | Contact Nos. | Website and E-mail |
| 1 | Hotel Shambala | Nehru Market Tawang | 03794-222348 | |
| 2 | Hotel Gorichen | Old Market, Tawang | 03794-224151 | |
| 3 | Hotel Tawang | Old Market, Near D.C. Resident, Tawang | 03794-224640 | |
| 4 | Hotel Pungteng | Nehru Martket,Tawang | 03794-223173 | |
| 5 | Hotel Dungphoo | Old Market,Tawang | 03794-223765 | |
| 6 | Hotel Maa | Old Market,Tawang | 03794-222295 | |
| 7 | Hotel Dolma | Old Market Tawang | 03794-223271/94362523191 | Infordolmahotels.com / www.dolmahotels.com |
| 8 | Hotel Massang | Old Market Tawang | 03794-222162 | |
| 9 | Cloud Stay | Old Market, Tawang | 03794-224548 | |
| 10 | North Hill | Near Gas Agency,Tawang | 03794-222162 |
LIST OF GUEST HOUSE
| Sl.No. | Name of Guest House | Full Address | Contact Nos. | Website and E-mail |
| 01. | Dolma Khangsar Guest House | Gompa AIR Road Tawang | 03794-223271 /94362523191 | Infordolmahotels.com / www.dolmahotels.com |
| 02. | Lebrang Guest House | Lebrang Village | 9402605029 | Yeshipemp@gmail.com |
| 03. | Tenzin Paying Guest House | Damgyen Village | 9436630456 | |
| 04. | Thunderbolt Guest House | Near Parade Ground, Tawang | 03794-224242/9402622264 |
LIST OF HOME STAYS
| Sl.No. | Name of Home Stay | Full Address | Contact Nos. | Website and E-mail |
| 01. | Tawang Home Stay | Lebrang, Tawang | 03794-290205/9402477544 | dto.tawang@gmail.com |
| 02. | Tara Home Stay | Old Market, Tawang | 03794-222483 | www.tribaldiscovery.com |
| 03. | Lemberdung Home Stay | Lemberdung | 9436051009 | |
| 04. | Homestay for comfort | Down Town Road | 03794-224788 | |
| 05. | Dolkar Homestay | Lebrang | 9862076099 | |
| 06. | Tashi Home Stay | Lebrang | 9774608088 | |
| 07. | TL Home Stay | Shyo Village | 7085327463 | |
| 08. | Sangey Home Stay | Shyo Village | 03794-222712 | |
| 09. | Namgey Home Stay | Shyo Village | 8258846210 | |
| 10. | Ana Sonam Tsomu Home Stay | Mandrelling Village | 9436091899 | |
| 11. | Tashi Yangzom Home Stay | Urgyelling Village | 8414987117 | |
| 12. | Nawang Chotta Home Stay | Lumpo Village,Zemithang | 9436875068 | |
| 13. | Panden Home Stay | Muchut Village,Zemithang | 9402661290 | |
| 14. | Chumey Yangzom Home Stay | Kyalateng Village,Zemithang | 9402859651 | |
| 15. | Tashi Phuntso Home Stay | Muchut Village,Zemithang | 9402661290 |
LIST OF GOVERNMENT ACCOMODATION
| Sl.No. | Name of Govt. Accommodation | Full Address | Contact Nos. | Website and E-mail |
| 01. | Circuit House, Tawang | Circuit house, Tawang | 03794-224580 | |
| 02. | Tourist Lodge, Tawang | Tourist Lodge | 03794-222359 | www.tawangtourism.com |
| 03. | Forest Rest House, Tawang | Near Circuit House, Tawang | Mobile:9436220844(RFO Hqs.) | |
| 04. | Circuit House, Jang | Jang, Hqs. | 03794-255588(ADC Office) | |
| 05. | Circuit House, Lumla | LumlaHqs. | 03794-264213(ADC Office) | |
| 06. | Forest Rest House, Jang | Jang Hqs. | Mobile:9436220844(RFO Hqs.) | |
| 07. | Inspection Bungalow, Zemithang | Zemithang | 03794-280326(CO ZMG.) | |
| 08. | Tourist Lodge, Zemithang | Zemithang | 03794-280326(CO ZMG.) |
PLACES TO EAT IN TAWANG
Tawang Township has number of good restaurants in the market. Further, some Home Stays have also started preparing traditional food for the tourists on demand / prior booking. The popular places to eat in town are listed below;
- The Dragon – Old market, Tawang Ph. 03794-224475This quaint restaurant serves mouth watering Chinese, Indian and Tibetan food.
- Gakhyi Top-stang -Hotel Gyakhi Khang Zang, near DC Office Tawang Ph. 03794-224647The restaurant serves a good array of Indian and Chinese dishes. The hotel also has a bar & Lounge for its guest.
- Orange Bar & Restaurant – Old Market, Tawang Ph. 9485240762The bar-cum- restaurant is quite popular amongst the locals and the tourist for its good spread of food and drinks.
- Snow Hill Restaurant – Old Market, Tawang Ph. 9402001267The restaurant serves good quality of Local and Chinese food.
- Mon- Valley Restaurant – Nehru Market, Tawang Ph. 8131968915The restaurant serves good quality of Local and Chinese food.
- Greenwood Restaurant – Old Market, TawangThe restaurant serves quality Local, Chinese and Indian dishes.
- Woodland Restaurant – Nehru Market, Tawang.The restaurant serves good quality of Local and Chinese food.
- Local food at Tawang Home Stay at Lebrang Village – Lebrang village near Tawang StadiumLocal food can be prepared on demand at the Homestay after prior arrangements with the proprietor (Smti Tsering Dekey, Ph. 9402477544)
As the food is generally prepared fresh, expect the service to take some time.
Tawang Festival was introduced in 2012 as a tourism festival after celebration of Buddha Mahotsova since 2004. Apart from showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state, the festival also promote adventure tourism, all together the festival is all about showcasing the vast tourism potential of the region. It’s the festival, were you will not only witness the rich culture of Monpas but also of all other tribes of the state Arunachal Pradesh.
- TORGYA (Month Of January)-
The Torgya Festival is a three day festival signifying the destruction of evil spirits and harmful forces. It seeks to promote prosperity and happiness amongst the people.
- TAWANG Losar Festival (Month of Feb to Mer)
- Gorsam Chorten Kora(Month of Mar)
Best Time To Visit :
The Best Time to visit Tawang is the season of Summer season and the Monsoon season.
The Temperature remains comfortable and is best for sightseeing.
The best Time to visit are March to June and September to October.
