Places to Visit and Things to do in Tawang in March

1. Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery is a must-visit place for everyone when in Tawang in March; it has a rich history and is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world. Situated about 43 Km from Guwahati, it was established in the year 1680-81 by Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso, and presently, it houses more than 450 monks and is one of the prominent seats of learning and spirituality in Arunachal Pradesh.

March is still winter, with traces of snow surrounding the monastery compound, and the clear weather enables one to have the best sights of the surrounding mountains. The building holds a Dukhang – an assembly hall and an inner temple – and a library containing relics and religious books dating back to the medieval ages. The monastery’s tranquility and historical and cultural importance make this place an excellent place to visit.

Location:

Tawang Monastery is located in the heart of Tawang town.

Timings:

The monastery is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

2. Bum La Pass

Bum La Pass is a crucial location in Arunachal Pradesh on the Indo-China border and has historical and strategic significance, as its altitude is about 15,200 feet. During this period, you can find the snowy pass, which will impress you with its magnificent mountain view.

The road to Bum La Pass is thrilling, with many bends, hair pin turns, and steep gradients while beautiful snow-clad mountains and frozen lakes greet on either side. After reaching the pass, visitors can see the gates of the two countries, spend time talking with the representatives of the Indian Army, and understand the role of the given area.

Due to this feeling of loneliness, Bum La Pass is a rather incredible place to stop, beside the amazing views of the Tibetan plateau.

Location:

Bum La Pass is located approximately 37 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

Visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and permits are required, which can be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tawang.

3. Pankang Teng Tso Lake

Pankang Teng Tso, or Ptso Lake, is a calm and scenic high-altitude lake nestled amidst hills relatively close to the town of Tawang. This is the best time to see the change of seasons as the snow slowly melts, starting the first week of March, when the lake begins to thaw.

Surrounding mountains are well reflected in the lake’s clear, cold w, giving it a mirror-like sheen. The surrounding environment is deeply relaxed and has become a popular area for nature trails, photography, and just relaxation. It also has a large concentration of migratory birds, making it a befitting place for bird watching.

Location:

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

Timings:

The lake is accessible throughout the day, with early mornings and late afternoons offering the best lighting for photography.

4. Urgelling Monastery

A historic building adjacent to the monastery is Urgelling Monastery, the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso. It may be smaller than the Tawang Monastery, but it has cultural significance for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. In March, the monastery is in the middle of a blooming natural area, and the first sprouts of green grass appear under the melting snow.

Tourists can walk around the monastery without many ornaments and elements of an exotic oriental style, learn some history, and, if desired, pray in the monastery’s silence. It is also tied to spiritual importance, linked with the 6th Dalai Lama. Thus, it’s a place one must visit for a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture and religion.

Location:

Urgelling Monastery is located about 5 kilometers from Tawang town.

Timings:

The monastery is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

5. Sela Pass

Sela Pass, which lies at a height of 13700 feet, is one of the most scenic mountain passes of the Eastern Himalayas. The pass is an important connection between Tawang and other country regions; it offers great scenic beauty and a beautiful Sela Lake. When you arrive in March, the pass remains snow-clad, and the lake is half-frozen, offering great scenic beauty.

Every ride through Sela Pass provides travelers with the extraordinary sightseeing of white mountains, deep gorges, and the twisting road ahead. The locals also deem this pass sacred, making it more appealing. Waterfalls are one of the most astounding features seen in Sela Lake, especially when tourists and travelers plan to stop for the night or take a break between their journeys.

Location:

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

Timings:

The pass is accessible throughout the day, weather permitting. However, it’s best to visit during daylight hours.

6. Taktsang Gompa

Taktshang, or the Tiger Neat Monastery, is beautiful and thatched on the cliffside, with beautiful valleys and mountains that can be seen at a glance. It has the right to be a pilgrimage spot because it is said that Guru Padmasambhava, the great saint, carried out meditation in this region in the 8th century.

During March, the monastery is rather easily accessible, and it is still winter, but the snow and ice start melting, and the first flowers bloom.

It takes some time to reach the monastery, but the countryside is beautiful, with amazing views. Taktsang Gompa is the most famous monastery, famed for its peaceful environment and religious value, and therefore, for the adventurous souls and the devotees of Buddhism, it is a place worth visiting.

Location:

Taktsang Gompa is located about 45 kilometers from Tawang, near the Indo-China border.

Timings:

The monastery is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the trek is best undertaken in the morning.

Things to Do in Tawang in February

1. Trek to Gorichen Peak Base Camp

The highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh, named Gorichen Peak, has a height of 22,500 feet, and it is the eminent trekking end. Out of all the treks, the Gorichen Trektrek to the base camp of Gorichen Peak in March is considered ideal for those who love to trek on snow since it starts melting by March, revealing the tough terrain below. The trail will pass through the thickets, fording the rivers, and has sharp rocks and stones at some places, accompanied by breathtaking sights of mountains.

The journey to the island is also a chance to get a glimpse of and come face to face with the wildlife and vegetation of the area, as well as an opportunity to meet the original inhabitants of the country en route. The feeling that you get when you make it to the base camp, as well as the beauty of seeing the peak, makes this a marvelous trek.

Location:

The trek begins from Jang, a small town located about 40 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

The trek typically takes 2-3 days, with early morning starts recommended for the best experience.

2. Explore the Tawang Handicrafts Center

The Tawang Handicrafts Center is also an excellent place to learn about the arts and crafts of the Monpa tribe. March is an extension of the activity phase, and it is visibly active as artisans eagerly work to create products for the tourist season.

One can watch the artisanship of the local people and possibly buy some local items like hand-woven carpets, Monpa caps, and wooden works. The center also provides shopping for various specially designed tourist items such as thangkas, baskets, and shawls, among others.

Therefore, going through the Tawang Handicrafts is the best way to try to understand and respect the traditions of the region, as well as to encourage local talent.

Location:

The Tawang Handicrafts Center is located in Tawang town.

Timings:

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

3. Attend the Choskar Festival

The Choskar Festival, which takes place in the month of March, is one of the most significant religious fairs in Tawang. It is an agro-cultural festival that is observed with immense passion as it shows the starting signal of the farming period of the year.

There is also a tradition at the village where women take religious books to compound around the festival’s nook with dance and music. The festival is a colorful representation of the local culture, apart from actually carrying out the activities in traditional clothing.

For anyone who plans to visit Tawang in March, there are lavish programs organized as a part of the celebration, which gives the tourists a feel of the Monpa community. The Choskar festival is a good way to experience the local culture and also the unity that the Tawang people have for one another.

Location:

The festival is celebrated in various villages around Tawang.

Timings:

The festival typically lasts for a few days, with the main events taking place in the mornings and afternoons.

4. Birdwatching at Sangti Valley

Sangti Valley, located near Tawang, is a bird watcher’s paradise, especially in March when the migratory birds arrive. It is also an ideal environment for numerous birds, and many of them can be seen in the Valley, such as the black-necked cranes, which people of the Valley have high regard for with regard to their religious beliefs. Bird-watching is yet another Attraction in the area due to the Valley’s favorable geographical features such as rivers, forests, and grassland.

There are things that one can do in the Valley throughout the day, such as viewing different species and attaining privacy in a peaceful environment. Watching tourist birds in Sangti Valley is a calm and enjoyable experience, giving a closer view of bird watching in the Valley of this region.

Location:

Sangti Valley is located about 15 kilometers from Dirang, which is around 150 kilometers from Tawang.

Timings:

Birdwatching is best done in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active.

5. Experience a Homestay with a Local Family

Living with a host family in Tawang gives tourists a glimpse of how the Monpa people live daily. The most favorable month to arrange a homestay is March, as the weather is mild, and the locals are getting ready for a new farming season.

The major activities you will involve yourself with during your stay include preparing meals and making other local-style dishes, looking after animals, and learning the way of life of the Maasai people.

The warm hospitality of the Monpa people and the beauty of the place make it an unforgettable one. Homestay is also very beneficial for supporting the local population and learning more about people’s lifestyles in this area.

Location:

Homestays are available in various villages around Tawang.

Timings:

Homestays are available year-round, with March offering a particularly pleasant experience.

6. Visit the Nuranang Waterfall

Nuranang Waterfall, also called Jang Falls, is among the most beautiful falls in Arunachal Pradesh. This waterfall is one of the must-visit attractions that is created by a drop of 100 meters; it is most beautiful in March when there is a melt-off from the snow. Its surroundings are green and leafy, making the water flowing down the rocks even more spectacular.

Some trails will lead a visitor to the base of the waterfall where by the water droplets falling from the waterfalls will bring about mist. It is also advisable to carry packed meals and snacks for youths who would also like to camp around the area.

Nuranang Waterfall View has other related activities, such as taking great photos, practicing the art of photo voice, enjoying nature, and having a comfortable picnic session at the site.

Location:

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

Timings:

The waterfall is accessible throughout the day, with the best time to visit being in the morning or late afternoon.

March in Tawang provides the feel of spring along with winter. Hence, the nature of the place during March looks beautiful and calm. There is equally adventure for trekkers who spend their time touring monasteries and evoking steep hills to consumers who revel in dancing on cultural troupes or immerse themselves in the warm, elated welcomes of locals.

The prospect of adventure and a serene atmosphere embedded within the framework of March’s geography, culture, and scenic intensity makes for a perfect travel destination known as Tawang.

If you are interested in nature or culture or an adventurer soul, the Tawang in March is sure to etch unforgettable memories of the charming Himalayan territory.