Tawang Valley- An Unexplored Paradise

The unexplored and unmatched beauty of Tawang Valley gives you a feel of a world lost in time. Serpentine roads carved in lofty mountains and running through sky-high passes take you to the incredible Tawang Valley located in the remote cranny of Arunachal Pradesh. As you cross the precarious Se La Pass, the road descends to a valley and the entire route is sprinkled with white & gold stupas and colorful prayer flags.
The beautiful town center of Tawang is embellished with prayer wheels and vivid murals. This birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama exudes the peaceful spirit of Buddhism.

Major Attractions of Tawang

Tawang Gompa

This magnificent palace-converted -monastery is the world’s second largest Buddhist monastery. Set high on a ridge-top and fringed with tall pine trees, the yellow roof of Tawang Gompa shines like a crystal in the bright sunlight. Established in the 16th century, the monastery showcases vivid Thangakas, 18ft Buddha statue and an elaborate library with its own wooden blocks for printing manuscripts. Home to over 400 monks, Tawang is the epitome of peace in the Himalayas.

Urgelling Gompa

This modest and colorful Gompa is believed to be the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. Built around 1487 AD and surrounded by a canopy of greens, Urgelling Gompa is shrouded in mystique. The main hall of the Gompa displays hand-painted portraits of all Dalai Lamas, and forehead & feet imprints of the sixth Dalai Lama.

Gyangong Ani Gompa

Established in the 17th century, this Ani Gompa or nunnery is perched on a hillock to the north of Tawang Gompa and is connected to it by a cable car. Found by Merag Lama, the founder of Tawang Gompa, this nunnery is now home to around 50 Buddhist nuns.

Giant Buddha Statue

Just half a kilometer uphill from the Tawang Market, this 75 ft high colorful statue of Buddha is an amazing sight. The place is also a perfect view point to catch stunning sunsets.

Tawang War Memorial

Built according to Buddhist traditions, this beautiful memorial commemorates the bravery and supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1962 Indo-China War.  

Other Attractions of Tawang

• Khinmey Gompa
• Nuranang Falls /Jung Falls
• Pankang Teng Tso Lake
• Madhuri Lake
• Bum La Pass- Indo-China border point

Fairs & Festivals of Tawang

• Tawang Festival- A Tourism Festival
• Losar- Tibetan New Year
• Saga Dawa- Celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and nirvana
• Torgya- A monastic festival
• Tseb-Chu- Monastery festival at Khinmey Gompa

Shopping in Tawang

A whole lot of Tibetan paraphernalia including prayer wheels and Thangkas, locally woven shawls & carpets, exquisite porcelain tea sets, vivid masks, and wood carved items may be bought in the local market or at the government sponsored Craft Center.

Food in Tawang

The food here is mainly non- vegetarian including yak mutton, pork, chicken and fish. Khura, (buckwheat pancake), Chamin (chilies & yak cheese chutney), Gyapa-khazi (rice dish), Thukpa (noodle soup), and momos (dumplings) are some of the gastronomic delights of Tawang. Don’t miss “Sueja” (butter tea), the favorite beverage of Tawang.

Best Time to Visit Tawang

The breathtaking valley is best visited in summers from March to May.

How to Reach Tawang Valley

By Air- Salonibari Airport, Tezpur, around 387kms from Tawang, is the closest airport.
By Rail- Rangapara Railway Station,Tezpur,  around 383 kms from Tawang, is the closest railhead connecting Tawang to the other cities in the north-east.
By Road- Tawang is well-connected to the major cities in the north-east with a network of well developed roads & highways.
Book our Tawang Tour Package and revel in the awe-inspiring beauty of this remote land. Deep rooted history, colorful Monpa traditions and the ever-smiling monks of Tawang are sure to cast a magical spell on you.