Ever heard about Tawang, a mystical beauty and a secret well-kept in the laps of Arunachal Pradesh? Well, let's unveil this long kept secret - Tawang is a stunning Himalayan town located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district. Bhutan borders it on the west and south, while the Tibetan region of China borders it on the north. Around 3050 meters, or 10,000 feet, above sea level, the area is home to numerous breathtaking landscapes, breathtaking vistas of hills and valleys, and a huge number of exquisite lakes. Tawang is the final refuge of the Tibetan Buddhist monk community and although having many attractions and natural characteristics, it is not well-known.
Guwahati and Tezpur are located 555 and 320 kilometers, respectively, from Tawang. Its climate is mild and pleasant. In contrast to the summer, Tawang experiences significantly less rainfall in the winter. An itinerary-driven road trip from the plains of Guwahati to Tawang is a mountain lover's paradise. Therefore, if you've been adamant upon visiting very less traveled places, Tawang awaits you. This is your place and every corner of it is sincerely waiting to be discovered by you. Now let's find out the best of the places to visit in Tawang.
Wonders of Tawang: Must-See Places in Arunachal Pradesh
- Tawang War Memorial
- Tawang Monastery
- Urgelling Monastery
- Sela Pass
- Bumla Border
- Jaswant Garh
- Nuranang Waterfall
- Gyangong Ani Gompa
- Pankang Teng Tso Lake
Tawang War Memorial:
The war memorial was constructed in memory of the troops who lost their lives during the 1962 Indo-China War, which was fought in this region. At the monument is a beautiful stupa. The names of all 2420 Indian troops who fought in the war are listed, which is its finest feature. A number of artifacts from the 1962 conflict are also on show. Your pride in our military members will surely grow after seeing this site.
From the memorial's grounds, one can observe snow-capped mountains and rocky hills in all directions, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere. Numerous flags, including those of the 27 more regiments that participated in the conflict, the Army, Air Force, and National flags,fly high around the stupa.
Tawang Monastery:
The Tawang Monastery, also called the Galden Namgey Lhatse, is the main attraction and one of the most picturesque locations in Tawang. It's also the biggest monastery in India. Situated on a hilltop with an unparalleled view of the whole Tawang district, the monastery is honored as both the center of Buddhist history and culture and a magnificent piece of art. The monastery was established in 1680 by a monk by the name of Mera Lama in order to spread Buddhism. At the moment, the monastery is home to about 400 monks.
Urgelling Monastery:
This monastery was destroyed during the Mongol invasions and the battle between the Tibetans and the Bhutanese. Only a little part of the monastery building still stands today. There aren't many people in this quiet, remote area. The locals honor and celebrate a sacred tree that the Holy Dalai Lama VI placed. The texts and statues made of gold and silver were moved from this monastery to Tawang monastery during the Mongol invasion. In 1699, Desi Sangye Gyamtso gave Chong-gye Gonpo Rabten the responsibility of renovating and enlarging the monastery.
Sela Pass:
Sela Pass is a stop on the route to Tawang. This is one of the highest motorable passes in India. After a difficult ride, you can pull over at the pass for a break and enjoy the incredible scenery that surrounds you. The sight of the colorful fluttering Buddhist prayer flags and the snow-capped peaks will make your tour unforgettable. Step up a bit to see the breathtaking Sela Lake. Among India's most important passes is the Sela Pass. Along with the rest of India, it connects Tawang and Tezpur.
Bumla Border:
Beyond Tawang, the surroundings reveal a majestic landscape with a multitude of different scenes that act as nature's candy for the eyes. While in Madhuri Lake, you may visit the Bumla Border. Only citizens of India are allowed to cross the border. It is the Indo-China border, which is situated at an elevation of 16,000 feet and is around 37 kilometers from Tawang.
Although the roads are not in good shape, the stunning scenery makes up for it. In Arunachal Pradesh, this location is a must-see. Seeing soldiers patrol the border in such tight circumstances immediately instills a sense of patriotism.
Jaswant Garh:
Jaswant Garh is a tiny town around 25 kilometers from the city on the route to Tawang. There's also a war memorial in the stunning backdrop, dedicated to the brave Indian army soldiers who lost their lives in the 1962 Sino-Indian fight. The 4th Garhwal Rifles Infantry Regiment's Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat is honored by the memorial. Jaswant Singh was an exceptionally brave soldier who battled and repelled the Chinese army's invasion on his own for a full 72 hours throughout the conflict. He never left his station until falling victim to an enemy bullet at 10,000 feet. He was presented with the Mahavir Chakra in recognition of his courage and persistence.
Nuranang Waterfall:
Nuranang Waterfall, often referred to as Jang Falls, is a gorgeous sight in Arunachal Pradesh that is situated close to Tawang. Flowing from a height of around 100 meters, it's a top Tawang destination for both nature enthusiasts and photographers. This unexplored treasure, which offers beautiful sights and a calm ambiance, is still fairly untouched. Other than being a natural wonder, Tawang's Nuranang Waterfall offers a haven of calm for anybody wishing to take in the glory of the Northeast.
Gyangong Ani Gompa:
One of the nicest locations to visit in Tawang is Gyangong Ani Gompa, a unique and calm nunnery tucked away in the lovely mountains of Tawang. This sanctuary, inhabited by nuns of the Buddhist faith, provides an insight into the tranquil and committed way of life of its people. Gyangong Ani Gompa, which is surrounded by beautiful flora and provides breathtaking views of the valley, is a symbol of Tawang's rich religious and cultural heritage as well as being a place for meditation.
Thingbu Hot Springs:
Travelers in the area are fortunate to have a unique experience in the village of Thingbu. Spending your winters at the stunning and amazing hot springs of the Mago Chu river is perfect. Although it takes a while to get to these hot springs from Tawang (around three and a half hours), the benefits of relaxation make the trek worthwhile.
Pankang Teng Tso Lake:
Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also known as Ptso Lake, is among India's most unique locations. It has been gifted with a great deal of beautiful plants, clean air, and deep peace. Pankang Teng Tso Lake, surrounded by gorgeous rhododendron blooms, is a great place to go bird watching. Make time to visit this gorgeous lake throughout the summer. Pankang Teng Tso Lake freezes in the winter and serves as a ski area for both residents and visitors.
Conclusion
Tawang is a magnificent location that offers an original mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Every location you visit in this area, from the spectacular Tawang Monastery to the quiet Sela Pass, has something new to offer. Tawang is a unique experience because of the energetic local culture, gorgeous scenery, and sacred locations. Tawang has plenty to offer everyone, whether or not they are adventure seekers, history buffs, or environment lovers. Don't pass up the opportunity to take in the majesty of the Giant Buddha Statue or to lose yourself in the peace of Pankang Teng Tso Lake. Discovering these must-see locations will show you that Tawang is more than simply a place to go; it's an adventure into the very core of Arunachal Pradesh's allure and magnificence. So get ready to make unforgettable recollections in this wonderful part of India.
