Best Things To Do In Tawang: Up In The Mountains
With mesmerizing sceneries and beautiful locations, Tawang is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by lakes, valleys, and mountains the city shares its border with Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the south-west and Sela range in the East. The city derived its name from the ancient and one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries of India and is home to the Monpa tribe. The natural beauty, peace and tranquillity attract hordes of domestic and foreign tourist to Tawang. Tawang Monastery, Tawang War Memorial, Bumla Pass, Nuranang Falls, and Sela Pass are jewels of the city.
The mesmerizing valleys, misty rivers, and evergreen waterfalls will just export you to a different planet. Tawang has lots to offer but don’t miss these 10 places in Tawang.
1. Tawang Monastery
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Located on a hill-top and the second largest monastery after Lhasa, the Tawang Monastery is one of the major attractions of Tawang. Famous as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse, the 1642-1643 monastery houses a temple and a gilded statue of Lord Buddha. The beautiful murals on the walls depict the teachings of Lord Buddha. The large campus, colorful structures, and the museum with over 1,000 years of Buddhism history manuscripts are worth visiting.
The 3 tier prayer hall with the Still Buddha statue and kids praying makes one spellbound. You can spend a whole day at the monastery enjoying the peace and serenity of this place. The view of Tawang town, as well as the valley from the monastery, is overwhelming. The monastery is also the main venue for the Torgva festival, which is organized in the eleventh Monpa month.
Tawang Monastery
Address: Cona, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 790104Website: Tawang Monastery
2. Tawang War Memorial
Nestled among beautiful peaks overlooking the Twang-Chu Valley, the 40-foot (12-meter) high multi-hued memorial commemorates the sacrifice of 2,140 soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1962 Indo-Sino war. It gives information about the conditions under which Indian soldiers fought the war with China.
The memorial has two halls; one displays the arms and ammunition used during the war (both Indian and Chinese). There is a special memorial of Subedar Joginder Singh, the PVC who led the platoon of NEFA sector, near Bum La Pass. The second hall has a sound and light show depicting tales from the battleground and a glimpse into Arunachal Pradesh in the evening at 5.30 pm. The memorial and the audiovisual show is a must-watch in Tawang.
Tawang War Memorial
Address: Located at Nuranang, about 25 kms (15.53 miles) from TawangOpening Hours: 7am - 7pm, dailyWebsite: Tawang War Memorial
3. Bumla Pass
The path to the pass encompassing mind blowing landscapes and calm beautiful lakes is as spectacular as the pass itself. Tawang visit is incomplete without a visit to snow clad Bum La Pass at a height of 15200 feet on the Indo-China border. You can see Chinese border, Macmillan line and breathtaking beauty of the region. Once you reach the end point, Indian Army personnel takes care of you and the warmth they generate takes a lot out of the biting chill in that altitude.
Bumla Pass
Address: 37 km (22.99 miles) away from Tawang in Arunachal PradeshWebsite: Bumla Pass
4. Madhuri Lake
It’s a one of a kind lake, created after an earthquake. The numerous dead tree trunks which once were alive (before the earthquake) emerging from the blue water of the lake creates a beautiful appearance before visitors. Originally named Sangetsar Lake and later re-named as Madhuri Lake after the shooting of the Bollywood movie ‘Koyla,’ which features actress Madhuri Dixit’s, this place is simply amazing where all forms of matter converge to craft the beauty. You can enjoy the view of the lake, the mountains covered with cloud, and running water in the same place.
There is a lovely walking trail along the river and the ringing of bells which are tied along with prayer flags add to the tranquillity of the place. It is a beautiful location to enjoy the natural beauty with your family. The lake is also a delight for bird watchers as the golden duck is visible in this region.
Madhuri Lake
Address: 45 km (27.96 miles) away from Tawang
5. Jaswant Garh
The Garh is a tribute to Jashwant Singh Rawat of Gharwal Rifles, who was martyred during the Indo-China war in 1962. Rawat fought bravely with the Chinese army, single handily killing 200 Chinese, and stopped them from crossing the borders for hours. Later he was arrested and hanged in an adjacent tree. This place is well managed by the Indian Army who guide you through the memorial and apprises about the happenings during the 1962 war. You can visit the museum, old and new bunkers and also have a good view of the valley down below from this site.
Jaswant Garh
Address: 21 km (13.04 miles) from Sela Pass, towards TawangOpening Hours: 8.30am - 7pm, daily
6. Sela Pass
This high-altitude mountain pass is the only link between Tawang and the rest of the world. This pass is snow covered in the winter season. On a clear day, the sight is breathtaking with snow-capped peaks all around you. The fog covered road is quite scenic and on the way there is another lake called Paradise Lake. Sela Lake on the top adds to the beauty of Sela Pass. Clouds and fog cover the snow clad mountains and Sela Lake most of the time. From the top, you get a view of Tawang Valley and Chhu River below the pass. The army there offers hot tea to all visitors.
Sela Pass
Address: 78 km (48.46 miles) from TawangWebsite: Sela Pass
7. Nuranang Falls
The view of milky water falling from the height of approximately 100 meters (328 feet) is quite magnificent and refreshing. The flow of the waterfall into the river is an amazing view. The play of light on the falling water results in a rainbow, which is quite specular and the serenity of the place further adds to its charm. It is a nice location to spend some time with family and friends.
Nuranang Falls
Address: Around 25 km (15.53 miles) from Tawang
8. Taktsang Gompa
Believed to have been sanctified by the visit of Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th-century AD, who brought Buddhism to Tibet, Taktsang Gompa is one of the holiest Buddhist shrines of Arunachal Pradesh. Traces of his stay can still be seen in the form of footsteps and hoof prints on the rocky floor of the adjacent cave where he meditated. Located on the ridge of a hill, the thick coniferous forest and lofty mountains surrounding the monastery render magic to the air. The serene atmosphere is likely to overwhelm you.
Taktsang Gompa
Address: 45 km (27.96 miles) from Tawang Township
9. Pangateng Tso Lake
This is one of the most beautiful and among the largest of the 108 lakes around the Tawang Valley. With its pristine blue waters and beautiful mountains all around, the lake looks wonderful on sunny days. There is a stark difference in the view between two different periods of the day; the colors look blue till early afternoon. There is a nice paved path next to the lake and it is a great place for photo shoots.
Pangateng Tso Lake
Address: 18 km (11.18 miles) from Tawang
10. Gorichen Peak
Considered to be one of the sacred peaks protecting Monpa tribe from all the evils, Gorichen is the highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh, at a height of 22,500 feet (6,858 m). Bordering China, the peak is famous for trekking and mountaineering through the entire region. The snow-capped Gorichen Peak amidst other brown mountain peaks offers magnificent views whether you scale the heights or not; you are sure to enjoy the matchless beauty of the majestic peak when you visit here.
Gorichen Peak
Address: 164 km (101.90 miles) from Tawang
Mesmerizing beauty
The beauty of Tawang is beyond expression. The serenity of monasteries, mesmerizing valleys, misty rivers, and gushing waterfalls will be a feast for the senses. If you want to experience eternal peace and happiness, there is no better place than Tawang.
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