Tawang
Tawang at a glance
Tawang holds you tight with its unparalleled beauty and your senses marvel at the gift of nature displayed in every inch of the land. Situated 10000 feet high above Mean Sea Level and surrounded by lakes, Tawang’s beauty reaches out to your eyes and moves towards your soul. The location of the land in itself is fascinating with Tibet to its northern side, Sela range of West Kameng to the east and Bhutan in the southwest direction. Breathtaking valleys, misty rivers and stunning waterfalls in this scenic district give you the ultimate experience.
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Air
The closest airport is at Bagdogra (about 120 km from Ravangla and a seven hour drive) and is connected by air with all the Metros in the country.
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Rail
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest rail head and is also about 120 kms from Ravangla. NJP is also connected with all the major cities of the country with most of trains heading for the north-eastern states making a stop at this junction.
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Road
Car services can be availed from Siliguri, Pelling & Gangtok to Ravangla. However, it is more convenient to travel in smaller vehicles which are available on seat sharing basis/hire, from near the Bus terminus, airport and railway station.
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Sela Pass
Sela Pass is amongst the most frequented tourist destination in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. It owns the credit of being the only high-altitude mountain pass in the world that is motorable. This is the only way to gain access to Tawang by road. The views from Sela Pass are spectacular. If you venture to this place in winter, you will have before you a stunning view of snow-clad Sela Pass. You will find Paradise Lake on your way to Sela Pass. The lake, for the most part would be frozen during winter. The sunrays kissing the mountaintop give you a different version of the mountain. Summer or winter, you are sure to love the experience. Sela Pass is rightly called the ‘Heaven on earth’.
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Tawang Monastery
The second largest monastery in Asia and the largest in India is the Tawang Monastery. It was established by Mera Lama Lodre Gyasto during the 17th century. It is situated amidst picturesque landscape. Followers of Buddhism attach high importance to Tawang Monastery, as it is a centre where young Buddhist monks learn about the essence of Buddhist culture. The amazing collection of manuscripts, books and other artifacts in the monastery increases its value multifold.
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Taktsang Gompa
Situated 45 kms away from Tawang Township, Taktsang Gompa is believed to have been honored by Guru Padmasambhava’s visit during the 8th century. Your eyes cannot feed enough on the spectacular views from here. The thick coniferous forest and lofty mountains surrounding the monastery, which is located on the ridge of a hill, render magic to the air. You are sure to be overwhelmed by the serene atmosphere that makes you feel one with nature.
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Gorichen Peak
Tawang not only makes you feel one with nature but it stimulates the challenger in you. Gorichen Peak is the right place for the adventurer in you. Not only is Gorichen Peak the highest in Arunachal Pradesh with 22500 feet height but it also poses a high challenge to trekkers. The gorgeous Gorichen Peak offers magnificent views. Whether you scale the heights or not, you are sure to enjoy the matchless beauty of the majestic peak.
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Shonga-tser Lake
Shonga-tser Lake is famously called Madhuri Lake. An earthquake in this region resulted in the formation of Shonga-tser Lake in 1971, which until then was grassland that served the cattle of the locals here. The lake with picturesque snow-capped mountains surrounding it and the valley offer spectacular views. You are encouraged to take a casual stroll along the pathways around Shonga-tser Lake. The lake is an absolute delight for the photographers.
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Nuranang Waterfalls
Tawang has to offer every form of nature at its best to your eyes. Nuranang Waterfalls is one such wonderful attraction that Tawang offers. This spectacular 100 meter-high waterfalls is located 40 kms away from Tawang and it is also called as Jang Falls since it is close to Jang, a town between Tawang and Bomdila. Originating from northern slopes of the famous Sela Pass, Nuranang River forms the waterfalls and then plunges into Tawang river. The Hydel power station nearby is open for visits.
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Pankang Teng Tso Lake
Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also called as Ptso Lake is situated 17 km from Tawang. The lake remains frozen during winter and area around the lake supports skiing. To enjoy the calm waters moving about slowly in an atmosphere where you could not miss even the smallest whispers of nature, you need to visit this place in summer. Radiant rhododendron flowers and birds in different hues could not be done justice even by the best of photographers.
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Bumla Pass
Bumla Pass is situated 37 kms away from Tawang. The Indo-China border that lies at 16000 ft altitude is the right place for you to assess your fitness level if you love adventure. As you go higher, you will be short of oxygen and your vehicle may not be your best companion to take you beyond a certain point. You might have come prepared for a trekking but may not be for the lack of oxygen and the chillness of the snow that penetrates deep inside. Since the road to Bumla may not be in the best of conditions throughout the year, the ideal time to visit the place to enjoy its limitless beauty would be from May to October. Bumla Pass was the passage used by Dalai Lama to escape from Tibet and to enter India.
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Bap Teng Kang Waterfalls
Bap Teng Kang Waterfall is situated 82 km away from Tawang. This 100 ft high waterfall is one of the most visited tourist spot in Tawang. Set amidst lush greenery, the waterfall offers spectacular sight to nature lovers. Popularly referred to as BTK waterfall, Bap Teng Kang’s serenity elevates your spirits. The crystal clear water encourages you to indulge in swimming.
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Jaswant Garh
Many natural wonders were so far mentioned as tourist destinations, as their compelling beauty is irresistible. Now, a ‘wonder man’ has to be visited, as his valor is compelling. The ‘wonder man’ does not exist now but his memories do. Jaswant Singh Rawat of the Indian army fought a lone battle against the invading Chinese troop during Indo-China war in 1962. He stood his position for 3 days at an altitude of 10000 ft without giving up until his last breath. Located 21 kms from Sela Pass towards the direction of Tawang, the post held by him to fight Chinese army is named as Jaswant Garh in honor of his memory
Holiday season is almost here, and most people are pondering the place to go to. India is a vast country, filled with diverse destinations, where tourists can go for a delightful vacation. If you are one of those, who still haven抰 zeroed in on where you are heading, then you should give tawang a good thought. The large number of attractions in tawang will keep you busy during your time here. Besides, there are aplenty other things that you can do to make this getaway worth it.
One aspect, which makes tawang stand out among other holidaying options, is the shopping scene. There are various street markets, offering some really exquisite and authentic handicrafts of the region. A visit to one of these is also a chance for you to interact with the people of tawang and get to know their lifestyle. If you are a foodie and like to try different cuisines, then it is a good time for you to satiate your hunger with local delicacies. From restaurants to roadside stalls, whatever may be your choice of eatery, you will find it here.
Going through a travel guide will help you know about the various marketplaces here. You can also do online research and learn about the many things you can buy as a souvenir. If you want to go on a guided tour, check out Yatra.com, which offers a host of tawang travel packages. Besides sightseeing, our itineraries also give you ample shopping opportunities, so you can indulge in your favorite hobby as much as you wish.
Like most north-eastern regions, momos and Thukpa are delicacies you will find aplenty in Tawang. Other than that, you can try out the traditiona Monpa cuisine which features a lot of chillies and is quite flavourful. Do try out the authentic dishes of Tawang like Zan, Khura and Gyapa Khazi. If you really want to taste these authentic delicacies, you must try them out at the local food joints rather than swanky restaurants. Also, you can book one of the hotels in Tawang that have an in-house restaurant so you can gorge on the authentic cuisine made by locals!