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TAWANG

Tawang is a town and administrative headquarters of Tawang district in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang is situated in the western most part of Arunachal Pradesh bounded by Tibet to the north, Bhutan to the south-west and Sela Pass range separated from West Kament district in the east. Tawang is known for its rugged terrains and deep valleys with an altitude ranging between 3500 feet to 22500 feet above sea level. The name Tawang was given by his holiness Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso. The word Tawang is a derivation of two different words ‘TA’ meaning Horse and ‘Wang’ means Chosen, which combines to mean ‘Chosen by Horse’. The present site of Tawang Monastery was believed to be chosen by the horse of Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso while his search for a place to establish a monastery. Tawang is approximately spread on 2172 sq. km area and lies on NH 13 section of Trans Arunachal Highway. Tawang lies north of Tawang Chu river valley which is about 16 km south of Line of Actual Control with China. Tawang is mostly inhabited by Monpa community those are Buddhist by religion except Shyo village which is dominated by people of Tibetan origin. Tawang is considered as the most popular destination of Arunachal Pradesh. Festivals like ‘Losar’ and ‘Torgya’ are celebrated with great ease at Tawang. Tawang is surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges, lush greenery, serene lakes and tranquil atmosphere all over. Tawang played a crucial role during the 1962 Sino – Indian War. Tawang is rich in history, tradition, culture and customs that reflect the influence of Tibetan Buddhism and the local Monpa tribe. The two main rivers of Tawang are Tawang – Chu and Nyamjang – Chu. Owing to the rich and unique culture and beautiful surroundings, Tawang attracts wide number of tourists annually apart from arrival of pilgrims from Bhutan and other parts of India.

Activities and attractions in and around Tawang:
Tourism at Tawang is dominated by the presence of monasteries, religious sites, natural attractions, historical and cultural sites, adventure activities, war memorials, lakes, waterfall and other sites. Tawang offers tourists with numerous local activities and attractions to explore and witness.

Local Attractions:

  • Tawang Monastery: Tawang Monastry is a magnificent monastery of Mahayana Buddhism and is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. Nestled at an altitude of 10000 feet, Tawang Monastery was founded by Merek Lama Lodre Gyamtso in 1860 – 1861 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in accordance with the wishes of the 05th Dalai Lama (also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse). Tawang Monastery is a three story high monastery enclosed by 282 meter (925 feet) long compound walls and 65 residential buildings. At the entrance of Tawang Monastery tourists are greeted by a colourful gateway known as ‘Kakaling’.
  • Tawang War Memorial: Tawang War Memorial is a Buddhist Shrine built to commemorate the Indian martyrs who sacrificed their lives during 1962 Indo – China War. Tawang War Memorial is a 40 feet high multi-hued memorial Tawang War Memorial has two sections, one belongs to the martyrs and the other is an auditorium where light and sound show is shown about that time.
  • Jaswant Garh War Memorial: Jaswant Garh War Memorial located at a distance of 25 km from Tawang in Nuranang district. Jaswant Garh War Memorial was to honour late. Jaswant Singh Rawat who was rifleman of Indian Army of 04 Garhwal rifles in Uttarakhand. He was honoured by a memorial at the spot where fought bravely against the Chinese Army. Jaswant Garh War Memorial temple like structure dotted with camouflage pattern all over. Here tourists can live in the past wandering around the memorial. There is a bronze sculpture of Jaswant Singh Rawat in the memorial and here one can get information on the history of Indo – China war.
  • Gorsam Chorten: Gorsam Chorten is a Buddhist Stupa near Zemithnag Village located at 75 km from Tawang. Gorsam Chorten is said to have been built by Lama Sangye Pradhar. Gorsam Chorten is built in Tibetan architectural style and is about 28 meter high. Goram Chorten is a pilgrimage place for the Buddhists. The annual Kora festival is a major event of the local Monpa community and other Buddhist devotees. The route from Tawang to Gorsam Choten is known for scenic beauty and waterfalls. Gorsam Stupa has ancient collections of Tibetan texts and artefacts.
  • Tibetan Settlement Market: Tibetan Settlement Market (also known as Vihara market) in Tawang town is a vibrant area with small shops and local make shift stalls those sells local and traditional items including Buddhist religious items. Located within the township of Tawang, this Tibetan market is also known for its eateries along with wooden utensils, souvenirs, Thangkas, wall hangings and others.
  • Taktsang Gompa: Taktsang Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Tawang district located at 45 km from Tawang Township on the ridge of a hillock. It is believed to have been built by Guru Padmasambhav in 08th century CE. Taktsang Monastery is a drive of 05 km away from Madhuri Lake.
  • Urgelling Monastery: Urgelling Monastery (also known as Urgelling Gompa) is another significant Buddhist monastery located at 03 km from Tawang town. Urgelling Monastery was established in 1487 by Lama Urgen Sangpo and is also the birth place of Tsangyang Gyatso (the 06th Dalai Lama) in 1683.
  • Gyangong Ani Gompa: Gyangong Ani Gompa (also known as Jangchub Choeling) is a nunnery located at 10 km northwest of Tawang Monastery. Gyangong Ani Gompa is popular for its scenic beauty and can be reached by a 20 minute drive from Tawang Monastery.
  • Tawang Craft Centre: Tawang Craft Centre is a local attraction in Tawang which is popular for its wide collection of handicraft items of the region. Tawang Craft Centre is a government run establishment located at 2.2 km from Tawang town.
  • Chakzam Bridge: Chakzam Bridge is a popular tourist spot in Tawang located at 25 km from Tawang Monastry. The word Chakzam is derived from Monpa dialect and is a combination of two words ‘Chak means Iron and Zam means bridge’. It was constructed in late 14th century by Drupthop Thangston Gyalpo. This suspension bridge is built over Tawang River and offers stunning view of the surrounding landscapes. This is an engineering marvel and has both cultural and historical significance.
  • Buddha Park: Tawang Buddha Park is a popular tourist destination in Tawang located at 2.9 km from Tawang town. Tawang Buddha Park features a golden statue of Lord Buddha with a towering height of 40 meter (130 feet), apart from that it also houses a temple, meditation hall and prayer wheels. This spot is a significant site both for spiritual practices and tourism.
  • Dorjee Khandu Memorial Museum: Dorjee Khandu Memorial is museum built in the honour of Late Dorjee Khandu (the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh) as a tribute by his family. This museum is located at 5.7 km from Tawang and also has a stupa called Jangchup Chorten. The surrounding place is very serene and picturesque.
  • Chung Ani Gompa: Chung Ani Gompa (also known as Brahma-Dung-Chung Ani Gompa) is a Buddhist nunnery in Twang located at 15 km on the way to Bumla Pass from Tawang town. It is considered as one of the oldest Ani Gompas of Tawang region and is known for its scenic beauty and picturesque ambience. One can easily reach Chung Ani Gompa from Tawang Monastery by motor-able road.
  • Singsur Ani Gompa: Singsur Ani Gompa is a Buddhist nunnery located at 28 km west of Tawang on the way to Geshila. This Ani Gompa was constructed in 1960 by Rev. Gonpatse Rimpoche with simple hut like buildings with a meditation hall.
  • Zemithang: Zemithang (also known as gorgeous vistas) is a small Monpa village on the bank of River Nyamjang Chu and is located at 69.2 km from Tawang via Bum La Road. Zemithang offers tourists the ultimate flavour of offbeat experiences along with gorgeous vistas. Zemithang is a tobacco free village.

Lakes:

  • Sela Lake: Sela Lake also known as Paradise Lake is a high altitude glacial lake located near Sela Pass on the route at an elevation of (4170 meter) 13700 feet on the route to Tawang. Sela Lake is located at 78 km away from Tawang and is easily accessible by road. Sela Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is considered sacred by the Buddhists. During winter Sela Lake gets covered with snow. There is an army café near Sela Lake where visitors can enjoy hot tea.
  • Madhuri Lake: Madhuri Lake also known as Sangetsar Tso or Shonga – Tser Lake or Pankang Teng Tso Lake is also a high altitude lake nestled at 3708 meter (12165 feet) at a distance of 35 km north of Tawang on the way to Bum La Pass from Tawang. Tourists need to get permission from Indian Army to visit Madhuri Lake.
  • Nagula Lake: Nagula Lake is a stunning high altitude lake in Tawang perched at an elevation of 13500 feet and located at a distance of 19.4 km away from Tawang town. Nagula Lake is a delight for nature lovers guarded by high rise mountain ranges with alluring reflections of the mountains on the lake. Nagula Lake is a pear shaped lake shrouded in mist and is a delight for landscape photographers.
  • Banggachhang Lake: Banggachhang Lake (also known as Banga Jang Lake) is a remote lake near Tawang which is considered sacred by the locals and pilgrims. Banggachhang Lake is located approximately 100 km from Tawang. It can be reached by walking from Sela Pass and is often confused with Pangateng Tso Lake.

Waterfalls:

  • Nuranang Falls: Nuranang Falls (also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls) is a stunning waterfall located at 40 km away from Tawang. Nuranang Falls is known for its height of 100 meters and lush greenery all over. Tourists can easily access Nuranang Falls detour to for travelling to and from Tawang. Nuranang Falls is fed by Nuranang River that originated from Sela Pass. There is a hydel power project at the base of the waterfall. Tourists need to involve a short walk to reach at the base of the waterfall.
  • Chumi Gyatse Waterfall: Chumi Gyatse is a waterfall located at 88 km from Tawang. It is a popular destination known for its cultural and religious significance. It is set at an elevation of 11500 feet.

Hot Springs:

  • Tsachu Hot Spring: Tsachu Hot Spring (also known as Thingbu Hot Spring) in Tawang is a natural hot spring located at 30 km from Tawang. Tsachu Hot Spring is known for its scenic location and therapeutic water. This scenic location is popular in the cold climate of Tawang.
  • Mago Hot Spring: Mago Hot Spring is a natural hot springs with medicinal properties in Mago Village located at 85 km from Tawang. Mago Hot Spring has therapeutic benefits due to their mineral content.

Passes & Peaks:

  • Sela Pass: Sela Pass is a high altitude mountain pass set at an altitude of 13700 feet and is the gateway to Tawang. Sela Pass is known for its stunning scenery and strategic importance. Sela Pass connects Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati and is a vital route for Indian Army. Located at 72.8 km from Tawang and surrounded by snow-capped mountain and lush greenery, Sela Pass has strong army presence. A recently constructed tunnel below the pass provides year round connectivity to Tawang despite road closures due to snowfall. There is also an army café at Sela Pass.
  • Geshila Peak: Geshila Peak (also known as Geshela Peak) is a prominent mountain near Tawang which is considered as the guardian deity of the Monpa tribe. Geshila Peak is located at 25 km from Tawang and offers panoramic view of Tawang and surrounding valleys. The route to Geshila Peak is a scenic hike from Tawang through en-route forests and adventurous landscapes. Due to its spiritual, natural and cultural significance, Geshila Peak is a must visit place from Tawang.
  • Bumla Pass: Bumla Pass is a high altitude pass located at 37 km north of Tawang and is set at 4572 meter (15200 feet) in altitude. Bumla Pass serves border crossing point between India and Tibet. Bumla Pass has a strong historical significance and tourists need to obtain a special permit to visit Bumla Pass from Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tawang and stamped at the Indian Army cantonment.
  • Gorichen Peak: Gorichen Peak (also known as Sa – Nga – Ohu) is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh and is situated in Tawang. Gorichen Peak is set at 6488 meter (21286 feet) in altitude. Gorichen Peak is located at 164 km from Tawang and is considered sacred among the Monpa Tribes. Gorichen Peak is a challenging trek for experienced mountaineers.
  • Tsong – Tsong – La Peak: Tsong – Tsong – La Peak is a mountain peak in the Tawang located about 90 km from Tawang town. It is set at an altitude of 14,000 feet and is situated in the Bongkher area and is one of the notable peaks and passes in the Tawang.

Fairs & Festivals:

  • Torgya: Torgya festival (also known as Tse – Chu festival) is a three – day Monpa Buddhist festival held annually at Tawang Monastery in January. Torgya festival is a vibrant celebration focused on warding off evil spirits and promoting prosperity for the community.
  • Choe – Kor: Choe – Kor (also known as Choikor) is a traditional harvesting festival celebrated by the Monpa tribe in Tawang. Choe – Kor is celebrated in the seventh or eighth lunar month. In this festival a religious procession where Holy Scriptures and idols of Buddha are carried around the village and agricultural fields to bless the crops to ensure a good harvest.
  • Gaden Ngam Choe: Gaden Ngamchoe (also known as Lama Tsongkhapa Day) is a Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated in Tawang on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar which is typically falling in December. This festival is an important part of the cultural and religious life in Tawang.
  • Lhabab Duechen: Lhabab Duchen is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Tawang to commemorate Buddha’s descent from the Trayastrimsa heaven to earth. This festival falls on the 22nd day of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar.
  • Dukpa Tse – She: Dukpa Tse – She (also known as Drukpa Tshe – Zi) is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Tawang to commemorate the day Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon on the Four Noble Truths in Sarnath. Dukpa Tse – She is observed on the 04th day of the 06th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
  • Saga Dawa: Saga Dawa is a Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated in Tawang during the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar which usually falls in May or June. The festival also involves rituals like Nyung-ne, where people fast on alternate days to cleanse themselves of sins.
  • Gorsam Kora: Gorsam Kora festival in Tawang is a three day celebration held annually at the Gorsam Chorten stupa in Zemithang valley, during the last day of the first month of the lunar calendar. It celebrates the shared Himalayan Buddhist cultural heritage and the strong bond between India and Bhutan.
  • Losar: Losar (also known as the Monpa New Year) is a vibrant celebration marking the start of the lunar New Year for the Monpa people. It typically falls in late February or early March, aligning with the Tibetan lunar calendar. The vibrant atmosphere and cultural displays of Losar draw tourists and visitors to experience the unique customs of Tawang. Losar in Tawang is a grand celebration that beautifully blends religious rituals, cultural performances, and community gatherings, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Monpa people.

How to reach:

By Air: There are no direct flights to Tawan. The nearest domestic airport is Salonibari Airport in Tezpur located at 317 km away from Tawang. From Tezpur tourists can either hire a taxi or a private vehicle to reach Tawang. Salonibari Airport is well connected by regular flights with most of the cities of India. Apart from that tourists can also avail flight services upto Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati which is located at 480 km away from Tawang. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is also well connected by regular flight service with major cities of Indian and also with many international airports. From Guwahati tourists can either hire a private vehicle to reach Tawang. Or one can also have a break journey upto Dirang or Bomdila and from there again travel further upto Tawang. Or one can also avail helicopter service which is operated by government of Arunachal Pradesh and it usually runs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

By Train: There is no direct train route to Tawang. The nearest rail head to Tawang is Tezpur Rangapara Railway Station located at 314 km away from Tawang. Tezpur Rangapara Railway Station is well connected by good railway networks with Kolkata and other railway stations of India. From Tezpur Rangapara Railway Station tourists will get buses, private taxis and other vehicles on hire to reach Tawang.

By Road: Tawang is well connected by good motor-able roads with Guwahati which is approximately 543 hours and this long road journey takes about 14 to 16 hours. One can complete this journey directly without any halt. Or one can also opt for a halt or break journey to complete this long route. From Guwahati on the way to Tawang tourists can opt for a halt at the places described below.
Guwahati to Tawang via Tepur: From Guwahati one can opt to halt at Tezpur located at 198 km and from Tezpur further upto Tawang which is 314 km.
Guwahati to Tawang via Bhalukpong: From Guwahati one can drive upto Bhalukpong which is 260 km away and from there one can further drive upto Tawang located at 260 km.
Guwahati to Tawang via Bomdila: From Guwahati tourists can drive upto Bomdila located at 256.5 km via Arnatulla Kalaktang Rd. and from there a further drive of 168.3 km via NH 13 is Tawang.
Guwahati to Tawang via Dirang: From Guwahati tourists can drive upto Dirang which is 430 km away and from there a further drive of approx. 144 km will reach at Tawang via NH 13.

Best time to visit Tawang:
The best time to visit Tawang is March to June and September to October. March to June is the peak season with comfortable climate and clear skies and is also ideal for outdoor activities. September to October also offers comfortable climate and pleasant surroundings. Many tourists also prefer to visit Tawang from December to February to enjoy heavy snowfall of the region, but tourists should keep a flexible itinerary.

HOTEL JHAKTSANG

Hotel Jhaktsang in Tawang is a newly established property that reflects a contemporary style offering tourists with spacious and cozy rooms. Hotel Jhaktsang is situated in the heart of Tawang town. At Hotel Jhaktsang tourists can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Tawang. Hotel Jhaktsang offers clear view of the surrounding mountains and picturesque Tawang town. Rooms of Hotel Jhaktsang are designed for comfort and elegance that blends professional service with a homely touch. On entering Hotel Jhaktsang tourists are greeted with warm hospitality. Hotel Jhaktsang has nice, cooperative and friendly staffs those are always ready to serve and help tourists with every possible way. Tourists are served with home cooked delicious meals at Hotel Jhaktsang which are hygienic and healthy. Located close to markets, local shops and other notable places, Hotel Jhaktsang offers true value for the price. Hotel Jhaktsang is ideal for couple, friends, family and senior citizens alike. On request Hotel Jhaktsang arranges for all permits along with vehicles for local tours.

Amenities available:
Spacious rooms
24/7 power backup
In house dinning facility
24/7 running hot and cold water
Free parking available
Attached washroom
Western type toilet and geyser
Arrangement of local tour
Coffee maker available
Room heater available
Smart LED TV
Wi-fi available

Tariffs:
Deluxe Rooms: 1400/- per night
Super Deluxe Rooms: 1700/- per night
Premium Deluxe Rooms: 2500/- per night

HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.