Things to do in Tawang

Go Hiking at the Gorichen Peak

One of the best adventurous things to do in Tawang is hiking at an altitude of 22,500 feet to Gorichen Peak. It is the highest noteworthy crest in Arunachal Pradesh and the third most popular within the Northeast.

Hiking at the Gorichen Peak is a rewarding experience as the peak offers stunning views of the Himalayan range and breathtaking panoramas around. Moreover, the hiking trail is blessed with scenic and unexplored landscapes, including mountain passes, dense forests, and glacial lakes.

While the Gorichen Peak hike is a rewarding experience for those looking for an offbeat adventure, it is also a challenging trek that takes around 7-8 days to complete.

Location: 164 km from Tawang

Ideal Time: Between April and October

Drive Through the Breathtaking Sela Pass

A scenic drive to Sela Pass offers panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, stunning landscapes, and frozen lakes. In fact, the road journey to Sela Pass is an experience in itself with picturesque landscapes and winding roads that keep you awe-struck.

Being situated at a great height of 13,700 feet, Sela Pass is covered with snow throughout the year, adding to its already existing charm. The high-altitude pass is an ideal place for snow lovers. Gaze at the fog and the Sela Lake covered with it.

Did you know:There are about 101 lakes in and around Sela Pass and among all these lakes the most pristine lake is Sela Lake? Make sure that you stop by Sela Lake, also known as Paradise Lake. It is a popular place to visit in Tawang and is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil surroundings.

Location: 78 km from Tawang on NH 13

Ideal Time: Between November and May

Go Skiing on the Pankang Teng Tso Lake

Tawang is a newly discovered skiing destination in India. Situated at a soaring height of around 10,000 feet above sea level, Tawang provides an ideal spot for skiing.

Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also known as Ptso Lake is the best skiing spot in Tawang. During the winter season, the lake completely freezes and its surroundings get covered in thick layers of snow, providing the perfect high-altitude slopes for skiing.

Must-know information: Amateurs can easily find ski agencies and instructors in the vicinity to get training to enjoy the sport.

Location: 17 km from Tawang

Ideal Time: December to February

Celebrate Losar Festival in Tawang

Losar festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in Tawang. It represents the Tibetan New Year and marks the onset of spring. Losar festival in Tawang is widely celebrated by the Monpa community who are predominantly Buddhist. It is the time when family and friends come together, offer prayers, prepare traditional delicacies, and participate in cultural performances.

The vibrant and grand festival gives a peek into Tawang’s rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from different states to participate in the celebrations. During the Losar festival, you will find monks performing special rituals in monasteries and seeking blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the community.

Ideal Time: February or March, depending on the lunar calendar

Meditate at the Taktsang Gompa

If you want to experience peace of mind, one of the best things to do in Tawang is to meditate at the Taktsang Gompa. Although small in size, the monastery is extremely beautiful and provides the perfect setting to let you meditate peacefully.

The scenic surroundings comprising dense coniferous woodland and lofty mountains, calm space and perfect weather add to the tranquillity of this place.

Location: 50 km from Tawang, near Sangetsar Lake

Ideal Time: April to October

Witness the Beauty of Nuranang Falls

Nuranang Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Arunachal Pradesh. It originates from the North of Sela Pass and falls from a great height of 100 meters into a plunge pool. The beauty of the waterfall surrounded by dense green vegetation makes it a must-visit place in Tawang.

Also called Bong Bong Falls, this enchanting waterfall is a milky white waterfall, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. Taking a plunge into the pristine waters of Nuranang Falls is amongst the top things to do in Tawang.

Location: 40 km from Tawang and 2 km away from Jang town on the road connecting Tawang and Bomdi-la

Ideal Time: April to October

Attend the Torgya Festival

Participate in another popular festival of Tawang, the Torgya Festival. It is a three-day festival celebrated by the Monpa community. It is essentially a Buddhist festival that features several religious ceremonies, colourful rituals, and masked dances at Tawang Monastery. People come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil and seek blessings for the upcoming year.

The vibrant festival highlights Tawang’s rich cultural heritage. It presents a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Monpa culture, savour local delicacies and enjoy traditional dance and music, making it one of the enjoyable things to do in Tawang.

Location: Tawang Monastery

Ideal Time: January

Shop at the Tibetan Settlement Market

Explore the Tibetan Settlement Market and shop your heart out at the local shops, roadside shacks, and vendors. Buy souvenirs like colourful handicrafts and traditional items to gift to your family and friends.

You can also find Buddhist religious items such as Buddha statues, prayer wheels, flags, wall hangings, etc. You can also explore beautiful traditional crafts such as Thangka paintings, weaving, and wood carving at the local handicraft centers.

Location: City center

Ideal Time: Mornings when the market is less crowded

Spend a Quiet Time at Shonga-Tser Lake

Shonga-Tser Lake, also known as Madhuri Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arunachal Pradesh. Surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, clouded sky, and lush valleys, Shonga-Tser Lake is an ideal spot to enjoy a relaxed time with your loved one.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside or indulge in an exciting trek to the Shonga-Tser Lake. You can even choose to sit here and enjoy splendid views of the picturesque surroundings while meditating in the tranquil environment. This place is an absolute delight for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: You can even enjoy hot Tea, Coffee, Maggi and Momos at the nearby cafeteria close to the lake.

Location: 42 km from Tawang

Ideal Time: All round the year

Explore India’s Biggest Monastery – Tawang Monastery

A trip to Tawang is incomplete without visiting the iconic Tawang Monastery. It is the biggest monastery in India and the second biggest in the world. Explore the beautiful 3 stories high monastery built at an altitude of over 3000 meters on top of the hill. The monastery offers breathtaking views of snow-laden mountains, dense forests, deep valleys and the beautiful Tawang River.

The monastery complex is watch-worthy with stunning architectural beauty. The library inside the monastery houses several ancient scriptures, particularly Kangyur and Tengyur. The monastery offers a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism and is worth visiting.

Location: City center

Stand at the India-China Border at Bumla Pass

Feel the thrill of standing at a soaring height of 15,200 feet at Bumla Pass on the India-China border. Bumla Pass sits atop a ruggedly formed Himalayan range that separates the Tibetan plateau from the Indian subcontinent. Witnessing India-China face-off in the high and chilly Himalayas is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

The drive to Bumla Pass becomes even more enthralling during the peak winter season when the temperature reaches subzero. Strolling around the area while soaking in splendid views of snow-covered mountains will surely give you goosebumps.

Travel advice:

You will need a special permit to visit Bumla Pass and if you are going by your private vehicle permit is also required for the same.

Check weather conditions before visiting Bumla Pass as it can be closed due to sudden snowfalls.

Pro Tip: Bumla Pass is quite cold, so protect yourself by wearing abundant woollen clothes.

Location: 37 km from Tawang

Immerse in the Local Culture at Tawang Handicrafts Centre

If you truly want to experience Arunachal Pradesh’s rich artistic heritage, a visit to the Tawang Handicrafts Centre will give you a taste of the craftsmanship and culture of this region. This place showcases a huge variety of traditional Monpa handicrafts, including hand-knitted shawls, wooden masks, woven carpets, bamboo products and exquisite thangka paintings.

You can explore the centre and see artisans at work, creating intricate designs and patterns reflecting the region’s local art forms and handlooms. Do not miss buying souvenirs from this centre.

Location: City center

Watch the Light and Sound Show at Tawang War Memorial

The Tawang War Memorial is a tribute to the Indian Army soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The historical site is a symbol of the heroic bravery of the Indian soldiers. You can pay homage at the War Memorial and watch a hearth-melting light and sound show organised by the Indian army.

The show takes you through the political history and culture of this place, echoes the tales of war heroes and also displays the everyday sacrifices that the Indian army undergoes while fighting for the country.

Timing: 6:30 pm in the summers and 5 pm in the winters

Location: 1 km from Tawang

Savor the Local Cuisine

Indulge in the culinary delights of Tawang with a wide variety of local delicacies. The Monpa cuisine is a delectable blend of Tibetan and Arunachali flavours, with dishes that are delicious and soul-stirring.

Tantalize your taste buds with some of the local dishes in Tawang such as Thukpa (noodle soup), Zan (nourishing barley flour soup), Momos (dumplings), Churpi (traditional hard cheese made from yak or cow milk), Gyapa Khazi (a rice dish with meat and vegetables), Thenthuk (hand-pulled noodles served with thicker broth), and Khura (traditional dessert made with roasted barley flour).