Tawang Monastery Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Arunachal Pradesh Trip
The Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is more than just a religious site; it is the heart of a culture, and the trip to get there is an adventure. This sacred site, the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, promises deep spiritual peace and stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas to the visitor. A visit here requires special attention to permits, weather, and travel routes. We have done a lot of study on travel in this area, and this guide contains all the information you need to make your trip to the “Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains” go smoothly, be rewarding, and be truly memorable.
Why Tawang is a significant place to visit
Tawang Monastery, or Galden Namgey Lhatse (“celestial paradise in a clear night”), was begun in 1680. It is a very important site for Tibetan Buddhism, and over 300 monks live there.It is a wonder to imagine the size of the monastery complex itself, with its ancient library full of valuable scriptures and the huge gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha. Nature has been wonderfully kind to Tawang in offering crystal-clear lakes, high-altitude passes, and dramatic waterfalls.
Why Tawang is an important place to visit
The Tawang Monastery, or Galden Namgey Lhatse (“celestial paradise in a clear night”), started being built in 1680. More than 300 monks live there, and it is a very important place for Tibetan Buddhism. It is a mandatory travel document for entering the state.
Application Procedure:
As a first step, an application to the ILP can be made online on the official website of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. A person can physically visit the Resident Commissioner’s Office in Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, or Tezpur and apply.
- What You Will Require: You will generally require a government ID proof, like a voter ID or Aadhar card, passport-sized photos, and a small fee.
- Timeframe: Please note that the ILP application should be submitted at least a month before your trip because sometimes processing takes as long as two weeks, which happens during peak seasons.
Note: Foreign visitors need to get a Protected Area Permit that is usually handled by the registered tour operators; therefore, international visitors must book their visit through an authorized agency.
Also Read: Ziro Valley Complete Travel Guide
Planning Your Route: How to Reach Tawang
Tawang is located remotely and not connected by a railway or a nearby airport. The road journey accounts for a big part of the adventure.
By Air and Road
- The nearest big airport is in Guwahati, Assam (GAU). It is equally connected with all major Indian cities. From Guwahati, this place, Tawang, is some 500 kilometers away and takes almost two days, as one stoppage for the night is a must.
- Another airport, which is closer but smaller, is at Tezpur in Assam—TEZ. From Tezpur, the road journey takes roughly 10-12 hours, but it requires more planning for the mountain driving.
The drive from Assam into Tawang is famously beautiful but also challenging. The route crosses the Sela Pass, one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world, at over 13,700 feet.
- Difficulties: The road is frequently twisting and, in winter months, from November to March, it often gets covered with snow or ice as well, so once in a while, the passage becomes impossible. It is advisable to travel by a strong vehicle like a shared taxi or hired SUV, such as a Scorpio or Innova, amongst locals with an experienced driver.
- Recommended Stopover: Breaking the journey is advisable and safer. Most travelers make an overnight stopover at Dirang or Bomdila, smaller towns offering simpler accommodation to acclimatize gradually to the height.
When to Visit-Weather Considerations
Timing is everything when it comes to traveling.
❖ Summer (March to June):
This is arguably the best time. The weather is pleasant; there is mild temperature during the daytime, and the skies are clear, offering the best views of the mountains. All major roads, including Sela Pass, are fully open.
❖ Monsoon (July to September):
This period should normally be avoided. Heavy rainfall in the region results in frequent landslides and road blockages. The conditions are unsafe for driving. Visibility is also tremendously poor.
❖ Winter:
As mentioned, the months from October to February were very cold, with the temperature mostly below the freezing point. Though the scenery around would be just stunning during the time of snow, heavy snowfall can shut down the Sela Pass for days together, thereby trapping travelers. If traveling during this time, expect delays, and prepare for freezing conditions.
Tips to Plan Your Stay and Activities
Spend at least three nights in Tawang to be able to make the most of it.
- Day 1: Arrive in Tawang from your stopover, which is Dirang/Bomdila, and spend the rest of the day at leisure to acclimatize to the high-altitude region.
- Day 2: Visit the main Tawang Monastery complex. Spend several hours walking through the buildings, visiting the museum, and viewing the evening prayers (known as the chham dance).
- Day 3: Explore the surroundings. Visit the Tawang War Memorial, which is dedicated to the soldiers of the 1962 Sino-Indian War, and the most beautiful Pankang Teng Tso Lake, commonly known as P.T. Tso Lake, which offers striking pictures.
Local Culture: The local Monpa people are very friendly. Be respectful when visiting homes or monasteries, dress modestly, and always ask for permission before photographing the monks or people.
Also Read: Mysteries of East Arunachal
Traveling to Tawang requires you to be aware of a few health and safety steps, given the high altitude.
❖ Altitude Sickness:
Due to the high altitude, most experience mild altitude sickness, such as headaches and nausea. Take the journey slowly, make a long enough stopover in Bomdila or Dirang, and always keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.On the first day, don’t do anything difficult. Tawang has minimal medical services. You should always carry a small personal first aid kit with you that has common medicines for stomach problems, heat, and pain.
❖ Road Safety:
Never drive at night. Always hire a local driver you can trust who knows the best ways to get through the mountains. The roads are tight and it’s easy to get into trouble.
When securing your permits, planning out your route, and respecting the beautiful local culture, you are ready for one of the most rewarding and visually stunning journeys India has to offer. This is truly one of a kind.
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