Tawang isn’t just a town — it’s a dreamscape floating above the clouds. From ancient monasteries to high-altitude lakes, every curve in the road hides a postcard-perfect view. But with so many sights, sounds, and spiritual experiences, where do you begin?
Here’s a curated bucket list of the top 10 things to do in Tawang — a guide for first-time travelers who want to taste the essence of this Himalayan wonderland.
1. 🏯 Explore the Grandeur of Tawang Monastery
Your journey begins here. The largest monastery in India, Tawang Monastery is a spiritual and architectural masterpiece.
- Admire the 28-foot golden Buddha statue
- Visit the ancient library of scriptures
- Join morning chants for a soul-stirring experience
📸 Pro Tip: Catch the sunrise from the courtyard — the golden rays over prayer flags are magical.
2. ❄️ Touch the Sky at Sela Pass
At 13,700 feet, Sela Pass is a breathtaking high-altitude gateway to Tawang. This snow-covered marvel is open year-round (barring heavy snowfall) and offers:
- Panoramic views of frozen peaks
- Stunning reflection of clouds on Sela Lake
- A chill in the air that awakens your senses
Don’t forget to stop for butter tea at a local army canteen nearby.
3. 💧 Visit the Pristine Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar)
Located around 35 km from Tawang, Madhuri Lake (named after actress Madhuri Dixit who filmed here for Koyla) is surreal.
- Dead tree trunks rise from the still waters
- Surrounded by pine forests and rocky slopes
- Prayer flags flutter in the silence
Ideal for: meditative walks, photography, and sipping instant noodles by the army-run cafe
4. 🎭 Witness the Torgya Festival (If You're Lucky!)
If you're in Tawang during January, you're in for a treat.
- Colorful Cham dances
- Monks in ornate masks and robes
- Rituals to drive away evil and bless the land
This is Tawang’s cultural soul on full display. Arrive early to get a seat at the monastery courtyard.
5. 🪔 Light a Lamp at Urgelling Monastery – Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama
A quiet, humble monastery hidden in a grove, Urgelling is spiritually significant — it’s the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
- Light a butter lamp for peace
- Reflect in silence where history was born
- Rarely crowded, offering solitude and serenity
6. 🇮🇳 Pay Tribute at Jaswant Garh War Memorial
More than just a viewpoint, Jaswant Garh honors Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, who singlehandedly held off Chinese forces during the 1962 war.
- Museum with war artifacts
- Stories of heroism and sacrifice
- Run by the Indian Army, well maintained
It’s both humbling and inspiring.
7. 🛍️ Shop for Monpa Handicrafts and Woolens
Support local artisans by browsing through shops in Tawang town and the Craft Centre.
- Handwoven carpets
- Wool shawls and coats
- Buddhist relics and incense
🛍️ Look out for the iconic Thangka paintings — they make for meaningful souvenirs.
8. ⛩️ Discover the Giant Buddha Statue
A short ride from town, the Buddha Statue in Tawang stands tall against the sky, overlooking the valley.
- 100 feet of serenity in golden hue
- Panoramic views of surrounding hills
- Often surrounded by clouds and prayer flags
Best visited at dusk when the setting sun gives it a divine glow.
9. 🧗 Try Adventure Activities (Moderately)
If you're up for a little thrill, Tawang and its surroundings offer:
- Moderate hikes (like to Gorichen Base Camp)
- Yak rides near Sela Pass
- Light snow treks (Nov–Mar)
Not overly touristy — just enough for the curious adventurer.
10. 🍲 Feast on Monpa Cuisine
Tawang’s food is simple, hearty, and soulful.
- Zan (Monpa porridge)
- Thenthuk (hand-pulled noodle soup)
- Butter tea and yak milk cheese
Try local joints like Dragon Restaurant or any tiny kitchen with Tibetan prayer flags — that’s where the real flavors live.
🚗 Bonus: Take the Scenic Drive to Bumla Pass (With a Permit)
Bordering China, Bumla Pass is a remote and surreal frontier.
- Requires a special permit from the DC office in Tawang
- Roads can be rough, but the views are pure Himalayan wonder
- High chance of snow and army interaction
⚠️ Important: Carry valid ID and warm clothes. Acclimatize before going.
💡 Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Altitude: Tawang is high — rest on Day 1 and drink plenty of water.
- Permit: ILP (Inner Line Permit) is mandatory for Indian citizens. You can apply online.
- Network: Mobile signal is limited; BSNL works best
- Weather: Always carry a jacket — even summers can be chilly
- Book any of our tours to Tawang to ensure that you have the very best experience.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Tawang is not a checklist destination — it’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with wonder.
This list gives you the best of everything — spiritual immersion, nature’s embrace, historic pride, and local flavor. Start here, and let the mountains lead the rest of the way.
Tags:
Things to do in Tawang, Tawang Bucket List, Tawang Attractions, Arunachal Travel, Northeast India Travel