Places to Visit and Things to do in Tawang in April

1. Tawang Monastery

The Tawang Monastery, commonly known as the ‘Golden Namgyal Lhatse,’ is one of India’s largest and most magnificent Buddhist monasteries. It was established in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso and is the largest Monastery in India and the second-largest Monastery in the world. During April, the Monastery is engulfed with the colored flowers of Rhododendrons and other flowers found in the Himalayas.

Over 300 monks live here, and it is a place of learning for the religious and a place of prayer and retreat. When you walk from the hall to the interior of the Monastery and its art that is carved, painted, or engraved from the walls, floors, or ceilings, such as the murals and statues, it becomes easier to experience the historical past and feel the presence of Tibetan Buddhism. It also has beautiful scenes in terms of paintings or murals of Tawang Valley, and it is a must-visit for religious and nature lovers alike.

Location:

Tawang Monastery is centrally located in Tawang town.

Timings:

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

2. Sela Pass

Sela Pass, situated on the eastern spits of the Himalayas at an altitude of 13,700 Ft, is considered one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the world. This pass links Tawang with the rest of India, but this is more than just a geographical feature; the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh worships it as a religious pass. April is when the past starts to melt away, the snowy coat part of the mountain turns green, and flowers of different kinds start to bloom.

The pass also contains the beautiful Sela Lake, a small lake surrounded by snow-clad mountains and as still as a mirror. Every time you are at the pass, the winds are so chilly that you can see the effect on your face the moment you stop and look around; the mountains that contain snow and ice at the top and bottom are the most magnificent feeling one could ever have. The route to Sela Pass is as beautiful as the place because twisting roads give one a clear view of the mountains and valleys.

Location:

Sela Pass is about 78 kilometers from Tawang on the road to Tezpur.

Timings:

Accessible throughout the day, but morning visits are recommended for clearer views.

3. Tawang War Memorial

The Tawang War Memorial can hardly be described as a monument; it is much more than that. This is a symbol of courage for those Indian soldiers who fought in the Sino-Indian War of 1962. The memorial structure is 40 feet tall and designed as a stupa, an emblem of the hills’ serenity. It is a white structure in the middle of the land, and in April, the flowers are planted around the memorial, making the surroundings rather dull and empty.

Gone are the days when one gets an impressive show when around; only names of the soldiers who died in action were written on the plaques. There is also a small museum in the memorial where people can learn more about the war. The exhibits include items that soldiers used during the war. The spectacular of the evening is a light and sound show that tells the story of the war and honors the soldiers who died in the warfare.

Location:

The Tawang War Memorial is located near the town center.

Timings:

The memorial is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the light and sound show starting at 5:30 PM.

4. Nuranang Waterfall

Nuranang Waterfall, also called Jang Falls, is located in Tawang, and tourists need help finding this waterfall. Measuring about 100 meters in height, the waterfall is beautiful, especially in April, when the mountains melt and feed the waterfalls. The noise of the water splashing on the stones of the shallow bottom is loud but, at the same time, produces a somehow calm and peaceful sound that resonates with the trees of the woods around it.

The vicinity of the sceneries, especially that of the waterfall, has humongous vegetation cover, and this is the right place if you fancy beauty and food. When standing close to the base of the falls, you can feel the droplets of water on your face because it is colder being near the water and the falls than it is out in the warm air of this spring season.

There is so much more to the waterfall than just the vision because it was believed that the Monpa tribe performs totems and rituals at the site to call the spirits of the mountains.

Location:

Nuranang Waterfall is located about 40 kilometers from Tawang, near Jang.

Timings:

Accessible all day, with the best time to visit being in the morning or late afternoon.

5. Gorichen Peak

The highest point of Arunachal Pradesh is Gorichen Peak, which has an altitude of 22,500 feet and is known to be one of the toughest treks in the Eastern Himalayas. The climbing of the peak is reserved for mountaineering experts only. However, the trip to the base of the peak is fairly popular among tourists who visit Tawang in April. The trek goes across the forest tracks and steep slopes of alpine meadows and rocks, and breathtaking sights of mountains and valleys are seen.

During the journey, you will be crossing Monpa villages, where you will get a look at rural life and interact with the locals. The base camp is a beautiful place to stay, where you can view Gorichen Peak and other mountains.

Whenever you wake up in the morning and find yourself on a beautiful cloudy morning sitting around a small fire at night with the caves of the Himalayas around, you will surely have the sentiments of the mountains within you.

Location:

The trek starts from Jang, located about 40 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

The trek takes 2-3 days, with early morning starts recommended.

6. Shonga-Tser Lake (Madhuri Lake)

Shonga-Tser Lake, also known as the Madhuri Lake due to the famous song filmed by Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, is a name that has attracted a lot of tourists due to the reaction it evokes. It was created by an earthquake in 1971, and the lake sits in an alpine region with mountains covered by snow and forests all around. During April, the lake’s water starts to melt, and the lake turns crystal clear blue, which reflects the peaks and the blue sky in the background.

Flags and prayers are all over the area near the lake, thus enhancing the religious outlook. It is commonly used for barbeques, nature walks, and photography because of the different angles one can take to capture the lake. Due to its still water body and beautiful scenery, the lake is one of the most appropriate places for meditation and introspection.

Location:

Shonga-Tser Lake is located about 30 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

Open to visitors throughout the day, with mornings being particularly serene.

Things to Do in Tawang in April

1. Participate in the Torgya Festival

The Torgya Festival is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Tawang and is conducted in April. This three-day festival is held each year by the Tawang Monastery to drive away evils and symbols for prosperity, which constitutes the Dance of the Horseshoe, The Drum Dance, and the Pacification of Evil Spirits. The festival is colorful, and monks wear colorful costumes with masks during the Cham dance, which is specially reserved for gods and animals.

Originally, the bass drumming, the sound of horns typical of this culture, and the bright colors of costumes give the soul feeling closely connected with the culture. Tourists are free to join the traditions, engage the monks, and engage the customs of the Meigle region. Therefore, the Torgya Festival is a religious fete for the Monpa folks and a window through which one can directly get an insight into their antiquated culture and traditions.

Location:

The Torgya Festival is held at the Tawang Monastery.

Timings:

The festival typically takes place in the first week of April, with events starting in the morning and continuing throughout the day.

2. Explore the Local Markets

Tawang local markets are very active, especially during April, and the local culture is very much visible. The markets are visually intriguing, with the aromas of fresh fruits and nuts and the first look at traditional artisans’ work and specific cuisine. Walking through the corridors – it is easy to come across genuine handmade products like hand-woven carpets, Thangka paintings, the Monpa people’s woven hats, and traditional jewelry items.

The markets are also good places to get local delicacies, the familiar momos, thukpa, and butter tea, to mention but a few. They are mostly artisans, farmers, and business people from the local region. They are always willing to tell you the story behind their art and traditions, making shopping an interesting and informational experience.

On the one hand, if you want to buy some more or less authentic souvenirs, or on the other hand, if you’re merely interested in visiting the local markets, Tawang provides one of the most rewarding experiences.

Location:

The main markets are located in Tawang town.

Timings:

The markets are open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

3. Trek to the Gorichen Base Camp

For more adrenaline rush lovers, April is the best time to go or plan for a trek to Gorichen peak base camp. The trek is moderately difficult yet fulfilling as hikers traverse through thick woods, alpine meadows, rocky surfaces, and even cross glacial streams.

It is not just the process of getting to the place; as described below, one has to embrace nature and adventure in the eastern Himalayas. On the way, it is also possible to spend a night in a tent, meet Monpa people and their homes, and admire the area’s outstanding views of flora and fauna.

The trek ends at the base camp, where you can enjoy the view of Gorichen Peak and other mountain ranges. The feeling of achievement that follows and the beauty of the landscape make this climb a memorable journey.

Location:

The trek starts from Jang, about 40 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

The trek takes 2-3 days, with the best time to start being early morning.

4. Attend a Monpa Cultural Show

This cultural show should be noticed when visiting Tawang as it gives visitors a taste of what it entails to be a Monpa. These are performed during events such as shows by the local cultural troupes, which present the cultural music, dance, and narrative of the Monpa.

In this special type, the performances are lively and energetic as dancers dance in their appropriate costumes accompanied by musicians who use items such as the damru, flute, drum, and others. The songs and dances invariably contain the history and myths of the region together with the mundane daily routine the Monpa people face.

The shows are also a good platform through which one can learn about some cultures practiced by different generations. Overall, the Monpa cultural show is very appealing to any traveler interested in culture and wanting to be entertained. All these experiences enhance the overall vacation, making Tawang an interesting place.

Location:

Cultural shows are often held at community centers or cultural halls in Tawang town.

Timings:

Evening shows typically start at 6:00 PM and last for about 2 hours.

5. Visit the Hot Springs of Thingbu

The Thingbu Hot Springs, near the Thingbu village, are natural hot springs with numerous healing benefits. The hot springs are used to cure some diseases since the water is bitter and is said to cure joint pains and skin diseases, among others. During April, the nights are cold, so a hot water bath is refreshing and tolerant to the skin in the hot springs. The springs are located in one of the most serene places, with many trees and even mountains around, enhancing a serene environment.

However, the trip to the hot springs is a natural experience in its own right, where you switch over crossings to rivers and walk past Monpa settlements. It is just right for you to relax in the warm water after a tiring day out exploring Tawang; the hot springs make a perfect spot to do so while at the same time enjoying the natural scenery.

Location:

The hot springs are located near Thingbu village, about 50 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

Accessible throughout the day, with mornings and evenings being particularly pleasant.

6. Bird Watching at Sangti Valley

Sangti Valley, about a 3-4 hrs drive from Tawang, is also a favorite spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. There are hundreds of options for bird watching and seeing different species of birds, such as black-necked cranes, an endangered bird that arrives in the valley during winter and early spring. Bird watching is best done in April when budding flowers and fresh green leaves in the valley act as a shrine for birds.

One only needs binoculars, a camera, and a bird-watching guide to enjoy watching these fabulous birds. Home to rivers, forests, and meadows adds to the reason why both resident and migratory birds find the valley perfect to live in. If you are a bird watcher or nature lover, Sangti Valley is a fascinating yet relaxing place.

Location:

Sangti Valley is located about 85 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

Best visited during the early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active.

For the traveler, April in Tawang is a season of reinvention because the picturesque landscapes of this region, the dance festivals, and the opportunities for adventurous tourism are breathtaking. Nature lovers, especially those who are really into hiking, can explore the picturesque mountains of Tawang in April, filled with vibrant festivals or the beauty of the natural landscapes.

The combination of breathtaking views, historical and cultural significance, and thrilling tours make it a perfect spot for those looking for a vacation filled with rest and fun. Therefore, let’s pack our bags and prepare for an adventurous trip to see the beauty of Tawang in April.