Spiritual

TawangTravel guide

Arunachal's Monastery Crowned in Himalayan Majesty

Tawang, Arunachal PradeshUpdated 12 October 2026

Home to India's largest Buddhist monastery, Tawang combines profound spiritual energy with breathtaking high-altitude landscapes near the Bhutan border.

The 400-year-old Tawang Monastery houses ancient scriptures and a towering Buddha statue. Visit the serene Sela Pass at 13,700ft, often snow-capped. Explore the War Memorial honoring 1962 soldiers. The local Monpa culture offers unique festivals and cuisine like thukpa and momos.

Top things to do in Tawang

1
Tawang Monastery
One of India's largest Buddhist monasteries, founded in the 17th century; visit for morning prayers.
2
Sela Pass and lake
A high pass at about 4,170 m on the drive in, snowbound for much of the year.
3
Tawang War Memorial
Memorial to the 1962 war, with a small museum and an evening light-and-sound show.
4
Jaswantgarh
Memorial to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat on the road down from Sela Pass.
5
Sangetsar (Madhuri) Lake
A striking high-altitude lake about 40 km away; access is controlled, so arrange permission in Tawang.
6
Bum La Pass
The India–China border pass at about 4,600 m; needs a special permit arranged in Tawang a day ahead.

Before you go

Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit for Arunachal Pradesh; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit.
The drive from Tezpur or Guwahati takes one to two days; many break it at Dirang or Bomdila.
It's high and cold: carry warm layers even in summer, and expect snow from December to February.
Bum La and Sangetsar need separate permits arranged in Tawang town.

Where to stay

Tawang town: Hotels and homestays near the market and the monastery.
Dirang: A riverside valley town for an overnight break on the way.
Bomdila: Another stop on the route, with monasteries and mountain views.

What to eat in Tawang

Gyapa Khu (Stir-fried Noodles)
Veg or non-veg
Thick wheat noodles tossed with local cheese, leafy greens, and yak meat or tofu.
Common in home-style eateries; ask for yak cheese: dresi
Thukpa (Noodle Soup)
Veg or non-veg
Hearty broth with hand-pulled noodles, vegetables, and optional chicken or yak meat.
Served hot in monasteries and roadside dhabas; best with extra chilli on side
Momos (Steamed Dumplings)
Non-veg
Soft dough pockets filled with minced yak meat, cabbage, and local herbs.
Found at street stalls; dip in fiery chilli sauce called ema datshi
Khapse (Deep-fried Pastry)
Veg
Crispy, twisted dough snacks flavoured with sugar or sesame, often festive.
Made in homes during Losar; sold in bundles at morning markets
Chhurpi (Hard Cheese)
Veg
Chewy, smoky cheese made from yak milk, eaten as a snack or added to soups.
Sold in blocks at village shops; soften by sucking or adding to thukpa
Butter Tea (Po Cha)
Veg
Salty tea brewed with yak butter and salt, churned to a creamy froth.
Served in monasteries and homes; sip slowly to warm up in cold weather

Written by AI. If you have allergies or eat strictly veg, check with the cook.

Health & safety in Tawang

Emergency (police, fire, medical)112 Ambulance (most states)108

Nearest general hospitals

District Hospital, TawangUnder 1 km awayDirections ↗
Sakteng BHU IIAbout 21 km awayDirections ↗
Melongkhar BHU IIAbout 24 km awayDirections ↗

All hospitals near Tawang on Google Maps ↗

Hospitals from OpenStreetMap contributors; distances are straight-line. Save your stay's address offline, and in an emergency call 112 first.

Published by Team Spotplans. Written with AI from public travel sources, not submitted by a creator. Check opening times and prices before you go. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.