Tawang, high in the western Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, is home to India's largest monastery and some of the most dramatic high-altitude scenery in the country.
Top Attractions
- Tawang Monastery: Built in 1680-81, this is the largest monastery in India and the second-largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa — a major center of Tibetan Buddhist learning housing thousands of scriptures and a large golden Buddha statue.
- Sela Pass: A high mountain pass at over 13,700 feet on the route to Tawang, often snow-covered and dotted with a sacred lake.
- Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake): A striking lake formed by an earthquake-triggered landslide, with dead trees still visible submerged beneath the water.
- Bumla Pass: A high-altitude pass near the India-China border, accessible with special permits, marking a historic trade route.
Best Time to Visit
March to October, when mountain roads are clearer of snow; winters bring heavy snowfall and road closures.
How to Reach
Tawang is reached by road from Guwahati or Tezpur in Assam, a long but scenic mountain journey; the nearest airport with regular flights is in Guwahati.
