Places to Visit and Things to Do in Tawang in January

1. Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, the largest being the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Tawang Monastery is one of Tawang’s holiest monasteries, fou, and in the 17th century by Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso. January also promises to be very favorable for visiting this monastery because its territory is often an opulent snowy veil.

This place accommodates a splendid statue of lord Buddha, which stands 28 feet high and has an aura of tranquility. Another feature is spectacular views of the valley of the Tawang River and cliffs in the area topped by snow-capped peaks. It is often possible to see the monks at work, reciting the mantra, praying, and teaching, and therefore, see the monastic life.

Location:

Situated at an elevation of about 10,000 feet, Tawang Monastery is located in the heart of Tawang town, making it easily accessible by road.

Timings:

The monastery is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the beauty of the surroundings.

2. Sela Pass

Sela Pass is situated at 13,700 feet and is categorized as one of the world’s highest motorable passes. It is the entry point into Tawang and one of the most amazing that one can visit in January. The pass is in a mountainous area, and the roads up to it are covered with snow most of the year, thus making it look very beautiful in winter. The pass is also host to the Sela Lake, also referred to as the Paradise Lake, and towards January, while it holds water, most of the time, the entire scenery looks frozen.

There is a diverse history attributed to the area; residents believe the pass was named after a warrior’s lover, Sela, who was said to have defended the pass during a war. The road to Sela Pass is a trip in itself as it is winding, and one can glimpse snow-covered peaks and the calm and composed natural beauty.

Location:

Sela Pass is located about 78 kilometers from Tawang town, on the way from Tezpur in Assam to Tawang.

Timings:

The pass is accessible throughout the day, but it’s advisable to start early in the morning to avoid any weather-related delays. Travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures and possible snow blockages.

3. Tawang War Memorial

Tawang War Memorial is a standing tribute to the Indian Army, which suffered during the 1962 Sino- Indian War. This one is an artificially made structure in the shape of a stupa, which is 40 feet tall and is surrounded by beautiful scenes, such as snow-covered mountains in January.

Designed in honor of the 2,420 Indians who perished in the war, this memorial holds the names of the martyrs on granite boards. It is touching to visit the memorial in January when white snow gives the place a solemn but quiet atmosphere.

The memorial also has a museum containing relics, photographs, and other paraphernalia and weapons used in the war. Exploring the museum gives the tourists a peek into the history of the military in the region.

Location:

The Tawang War Memorial is located near the Tawang town center, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Timings:

The memorial is open to the public from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the best time to visit is during the day when the sun is out, providing clear views of the surroundings.

4. Gorichen Peak

Standing at 22500ft, Gorichen Peak is the tallest in Arunachal Pradesh and figures prominently in the skyline of Tawang. As for the lovers of active tourism and mountaineering, January is perfect for observing the peak, but climbing is rather severe during this time because of winter conditions.

The top of the peak is held holy by the Monpa tribe, who believe it shields them from all the evils. Even though climbing the peak in January remains almost out of the question for most people, the sight of the peak from nearby villages and roads is marvelous. The snow-covered peak of a mountain directly contrasts with the cloudless winter sky and thus makes a remarkable motif for photography and for representing the environment.

Location:

Gorichen Peak is located about 164 kilometers from Tawang, near the border between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet. The best views can be seen from the Tawang-Bomdila road.

Timings:

Accessible at all times, though it’s best to view the peak during daylight hours for safety reasons.

5. Nuranang Waterfall

Sometimes referred to as the Jang Falls, the Nuranang Waterfall is among the most beautiful waterfalls in Arunachal Pradesh. The waterfall is about 100 meters high and is especially spectacular in January when the surroundings have snow. The view obtained by the falling water over the rocky, snowy background of trees is splendid in the winter.

The main attraction of the area is the waterfall, which has been named after a Monpa tribal girl, Nura, who reportedly built a hut on top of the falls and helped an Indian soldier during the Indo-China War of 1962.

Tourists can touch the water droplets on their checks as they get closer to the waterfall’s base, giving a real feeling of the experience. A visit to the hydroelectric plant adjacent to the falls that has been generated to supply its power is also recommended.

Location:

Nuranang Waterfall is located about 40 kilometers from Tawang, near the small town of Jang. It is easily accessible by road.

Timings:

The waterfall can be visited at any time of the day, though early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for photography.

6. Sangestar Tso Lake

Also known as Madhuri Lake after the famous Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, Sangestar Tso Lake is a high-altitude lake with stunning beauty, particularly in January, when the lake freezes partially. It is centered with a beautiful lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine trees.

The lake is a by-product of an earthquake, and tree trunks are still visible in its center, giving it a different look. The lake looks very attractive in January, and the mountains in the background only add to the aura. Therefore, visiting the place is a must during a tour of Tawang.

Even the way to the lake can be considered a tourist trap as the routes are covered with snow, and the view of the valleys is stunning.

Location:

Sangestar Tso Lake is located about 30 kilometers from Tawang, on the way to Bum La Pass.

Timings:

The lake is accessible throughout the day, but it is recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.

Things to Do in Tawang in January

1. Snow Trekking

Tawang is one of India’s best places for snow trekking in winter. The trails are covered with snow, and this certainly makes the trekking experience thrilling and rewarding at the same time. The most frequent trek is to Gorichen Base Camp, which gives trekkers a view of nearby great peaks. The other possibility is the Bum La Trek, where visitors traverse through snow-clad tracks to BUM LA Pass and have a panoramic display of Himalayan heights.

Trekking in January is another unusual time to trek because the possibility of snow and chilly weather is very high. Still, the advantage of trekking and doing it all in such a pristine environment is tremendous. The quiet beauty of the snow-clad hills, the uncovered snow beneath the feet, and the snow-clad mountains in front, coupled with the sounds of boots going ‘thud, thud,’ enhances the religious journey of trekking in Tawang.

Location:

Various trekking routes are available around Tawang, including Gorichen Base Camp, Bum La Pass, and others.

Timings:

It’s best to start early in the morning to make the most of daylight hours and avoid any sudden weather changes.

2. Attend the Torgya Festival

The Torgya Festival is held annually for three days in January and is conducted at the Tawang Monastery. The festival is an important cultural activity conducted by the Monpa tribe to ward off evil spirits and for brisk business in the forthcoming years. The most spectacular event of the festival is a cham dance, where the monks, characterized in colorful costumes and masks, dance along with certain rhythmic music and move around the Dharma chakra.

While it may be set in winter, the colors of the costumes are bright, creating a spectacle of sight. The event also encompasses rituals such as invocations, sacrifices, and prayers, whereby visitors have a chance to experience the culture of the people in their authentic sense. The Torgya festival of Tawang is celebrated in January, and visiting Tawang during this time provides one with a taste of the culture and spirituality of the region.

Location:

The Torgya Festival is held at the Tawang Monastery.

Timings:

The festival usually takes place in the last week of January. The ceremonies start early in the morning and continue throughout the day.

3. Ice Skating on Pankang Teng Tso Lake

Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also called Ptso Lake, is a daughter of tranquillity and is a short drive from Tawang. In January, the lake is most vulnerable and often freezes, giving the nature of an ice-skating ring. The large ice pond with snow hills is perfect for ice skating, hence the lake’s name.

When cross-striding across the icy lake, one can view the general scenery, which is blue and white. What one gets at this place is not only the sporting accommodation for the ice skating sport but also the natural environment that marks the beauty of winter.

The attraction of the smooth water in the middle of the park and the ability to ice skate makes it a great spot for tourists.

Location:

Pankang Teng Tso Lake is located about 17 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

The lake is accessible during the day, and ice skating can be done as long as the ice is stable and safe.

4. Visit the Handicraft Center

The Handicraft Center in Tawang is a place that will interest lovers of local arts and crafts. It operates to cherish and propagate the conventional arts of the Monpa community. In January, it is a cozy retreat with artisans producing fine works of art, including carpets, shawls, wooden masks, and hand-woven fabrics.

The region’s cultures are portrayed in the design patterns and the colors of the handicraft items. Tourists may also buy these handicrafts, for instance, for use as souvenirs or gifts. The center is a good place to understand the techniques of weaving and carving that, in this culture, have existed for generations.

Location:

The Handicraft Center is located in the heart of Tawang town.

Timings:

The center is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

5. Photography Tour

Tawang in January is a photographer’s delight, apart from the snow-capped mountains, clear and calm lakes, and the culturally rich town. Tawang is a beautiful region and visiting this place on a photography tour will present you with countless perfect shots.

This picture-perfect landscape includes the Sela Pass, Sangestar Tso Lake, and Torgya Festival, to name a few tombs, as well as Tawang Monastery.

Photographers can also take candid shots of the Monpa people and how they go about their activities, the traditional clothing they wear, and other activities accomplished during the winters in the mountains. The weather and snowy environment is ideal for photographing since the light allows for enhanced picture quality.

Location:

Photography opportunities are available throughout Tawang and its surroundings.

Timings:

Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting conditions for photography.

6. Indulge in Local Cuisine

An important ritual tourists should not miss while in Tawang, especially in winter, is to sample the local delicacies. As for the food taste and quality, Tawang has a good mix of traditional Tibetan and Monpa food. If one is looking forward to feeling warm, having a tasty meal and filling is perfect during the cold weather we find in January.

Some of the delights that tourists can taste include Thukpa (noodle soup), Momos (steamed or fried dumplings), and Zan (this is a tasty dish prepared with millet or barley flour by the Monpa people). The local restaurants and eateries also prepare butter, which is best consumed in cold weather.

Eating local food while wearing warm clothes in January makes everyone’s winter experience in Tawang much nicer. The food is recommended for all tourists.

Location:

Local restaurants and eateries in Tawang town offer a variety of traditional dishes.

Timings:

Meals can be enjoyed throughout the day, but evenings are particularly cozy for dining out.

Tawang in January is the kind of destination where you can explore the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous activities hand in hand. The pure winter look of the place, the celebrated festivals, and the true Nepali h, hospitality make it the best place to be during the winter season.

From visiting the oldest monastery of Tawang to the snowy treks or moving around in a warm cup of Butter Tea in front of a fire, Tawang is one fascinating destination. Tawang in January is not about going somewhere, but it is about reaching somewhere, and that somewhere is the soul of nature and culture.