Resting on the crown of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is one of the most dream like hotspot in India. It’s famous among travelers looking for peace, etheric elements, nature, spirituality, and snow. One of the most appealing features of Tawang is Tawang Monastery which attracts many tourists which is also the largest monastery in India, in addition to that there are other fabulous valleys, high lakes, and famed Sela Pass. But most travel enthusiasts have one common question: ‘Can I access Tawang with a train?”.
The quick answer to this is: Tawang does not have a railway station terminal, yet, you have the option of availing a train midway until the nearest station and then continuing your journey with road transportation. In this guide you will learn quite a lot about everything concerning trains towards Tawang, the nearest ongoing stations, route planning, and alternatives ensuring your swift and economical traveling.
1. Does Tawang Have a Railway Station?
Tawang doesn’t have a railway station currently right now.
Tawang is situated at a mountainous region at the Sino-Indian border.
The construction of the new railway line is challenging due to several factors such as the area, environmental climate, and strategic complications.
India has proposed a new survey plan for a proposed railway from Bhalukpong going to Tawang. Until then, in the state of Assam the nearest active working ones are your finest choices.
2. Closest Railway Lines to Tawang
Below are the nearest working railway stations that can get you within a few hours drive to Tawang:
A. Tezpur Railway Station (Station Code: TZTB)
- Coordinates: Tezpur, Assam
- Distance from Tawang: 320 km approximately
- Time Taken By Road: 10 to 12 hours
- Current Status of Trains: Only some local trains are operating.
- Reason To Pick: Best option if you’re starting from nearby towns.
- Important: Tezpur station hasn’t easy access to the other important stations of India.
B. Rangapara North Junction (Station Code: RPAN)
- Location: Near Tezpur, Assam
- Distance to Tawang: ~330 km
- Road Travel Time: 10–12 hours
- Connectivity: Better than Tezpur
- Trains From: Guwahati, Kamakhya, Dekargaon
Major Trains:
| Train Name | Route |
|---|---|
| Dekargaon – Guwahati Passenger | Local route |
| Kamakhya – Dekargaon Intercity Express | Good for regional travel |
C. Guwahati Railway Station (Station Code: GHY)
- Location: Guwahati, Assam
- Distance to Tawang: ~500 km
- Road Travel Time: 14–16 hours
- Why Choose: Best option if you’re coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or South India.
- Facilities: Waiting rooms, food courts, cabs, buses nearby.
Major Trains to Guwahati:
| Train Name | Route |
|---|---|
| Rajdhani Express | Delhi → Guwahati |
| North East Express | Delhi → Guwahati |
| Saraighat Express | Kolkata → Guwahati |
| Kamrup Express | Howrah → Guwahati |
| Vivek Express | Kanyakumari → Dibrugarh (via Guwahati) |
D. Naharlagun Railway Station (Station Code: NHLN)
- Location: Near Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
- Distance to Tawang: ~450 km
- Road Travel Time: 14–15 hours
- Trains From: Delhi, Guwahati
- Why Choose: Useful if combining Tawang with Itanagar or Ziro.
Key Train:
- Arunachal AC SF Express – Delhi to Naharlagun (weekly)
- Donyi Polo Express – Guwahati to Naharlagun (daily)
3. Recommended Train Route to Tawang from Major Cities
In this section, we’ll discuss how you can plan your journey based on your boarding station.
A. Delhi
- Train: Board on Rajdhani Express / North East Express towards Guwahati.
- Travel Time: Approximately 34 – 38 hours.
- Next Step: Continue by road to Tawang (500 km; plan for 2 days to complete the journey).
B. Kolkata
- Train: Saraighat Express or Kamrup Express to Guwahati.
- Time: Approximately 18 – 20 hours.
- Next Step: Tawang via Guwahati, Tezpur, Bomdila, and Dirang.
C. Mumbai
- Train: Mumbai LTT – Guwahati Express / Karmabhoomi Express.
- Time: Approximately 40 – 44 hours.
- Route: Mumbai → Guwahati → Tawang road trip.
D. South India/Bangalore/Chennai
- Train: Any long-distance train heading towards Guwahati (Vivek Express, Dibrugarh Express).
- Next Step: Taxi or shared Sumo from Guwahati to Tawang.
4. From the Railway Stations By Road to Tawang
This is the remaining distance to be covered after Finalizing the station of your choice: Route: Guwahati /Tezpur/Rangapara→Bhalukpong→Bomdila→Dirang→Tawang.
| Section | Distance | Time | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati to Tezpur | 180 km | 5 hrs | Bus/Taxi |
| Tezpur to Bhalukpong | 60 km | 1.5 hrs | Bus/Sumo |
| Bhalukpong to Bomdila | 130 km | 4-5 hrs | Taxi/Sumo |
| Bomdila to Tawang | 180 km | 6-7 hrs | Taxi/Sumo |
Tip: Split your trip by taking a night rest in either Bomdila or Dirang.
5. Local Transport Options After Train Travel
Upon reaching either Guwahati or Tezpur, the following transport options are available:
a. Shared Sumo Taxis
- Pick up points include Paltan Bazar, Guwahati or Tezpur Sumo Stand.
- First Departures: Early morning (5:00-7:00 AM)
- Fare: ₹800-₹1,200 per seat
- Reservations: Offline at the stand, through local travel agents, or with travel agents.
b. Private Taxis
- Guwahati to Tawang: ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 (one way)
- Best suited for groups or families.
- Booking: Through Hotel or Transport Union.
c. Government Buses (APSTS)
- Service is limited from Tezpur to Bomdila.
- Currently there are no direct buses to Tawang.
- Booking: APSTS counter at Tezpur Bus Stand.
6. Future Railway Plans to Tawang
For a military strategic railway line from Bhalukpong to Tawang, the Indian government has given approval and is conducting surveys, referred to as the Bhalukpong-Tawang Railway Project.
- Total Length: ~378 km
- Tunnels and Bridges: More than 80% of the line
- Expected Timeline: Completion expected post-2030
- Purpose: Strategic military defense as well as improving access for civilians.
Upon completion, it will be one of India’s most scenic and technologically advanced railway lines.
7. Recommended Period for Combined Train and Road Transport to Tawang
Consult the table below for the preferred seasonal periods and their corresponding weather conditions along with the best timing for train travel.
Seasons:
March to May: Calm and Tidbits of Culture
- Weather: Cool and scenic
- Road Conditions: Good
- Train Travel: Ideal
June to September: Monsoon and drought dances
- Weather: Monsoon, landslides
- Risk: Risky
- Train Travel: Potential delays
October to November: Early winter wonders
- Weather: Crisp air, clear skies
- Travel Conditions: Best
- Train Travel: Highly recommended
December to February: Chilling subsurface beauties
- Weather: Snow, sub-zero temperatures
- Road Conditions: Risky for transport
- Train Travel: Fine, but roads not safe
8. Location Permits – ILP for Train Passengers
You need to have an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for the visit throughout Arunachal Pradesh, even if you come through train.
How to Acquire It:
- Online: https://arunachalilp.com
- Offline: Tezpur, Bhalukpong entry point
- Needed: ID proof, photo
- Price: ₹100-200
- Validity period: 15 days, extendable
9. Sample Itinerary: By Train to Tawang
Option 1: Flight From Delhi To Tawang (6 Days)
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Rajdhani to Guwahati |
| Day 2 | Arrive in Guwahati; explore or rest |
| Day 3 | Guwahati to Bomdila (overnight) |
| Day 4 | From Bomdila to Tawang |
| Day 5 | Local sightseeing – Tawang Monastery, War Memorial |
| Day 6 | Begin your return journey |
Option 2: Kolkata to Tawang (5 Days)
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Saraighat Express to guwahati |
| Day 2 | Travel to dirang |
| Day 3 | Arrive in Tawang |
| Day 4 | Local sightseeing (Bum La Pass, Madhuri Lake) |
| Day 5 | Guwahati bound |
10. Summary Table: Train Travel to Tawang
| From City | Train Station | Travel Time (Train) | Road Distance to Tawang | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Guwahati | 34-38 hrs | 500 km | ✅Best |
| Kolkata | Guwahati / Rangapara | 18-20 hrs | 330-500 km | ✅Good |
| Mumbai | Guwahati | 40+hrs | 500km | ✅Yes |
| South India | Guwahati | 40-50hrs | 500km | ✅Best via Vivek express |
11. Final Thoughts: Is It Recommended to Use a Train as a Means to Get to Tawang?
Train travel could be considered quite advantageous to those looking for a cheap way to reach Tawang as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery along the route. Although there is no direct train, a mix of train and road travel is:
- Economically favorable
- Culturally rewarding
- Ideal for students and those traveling slowly
Just remember to plan, carry your ILP, and secure tickets well in advance—especially in winter.
Zogyy Train Travel Tip
“Enjoy the Northeast to the fullest? Make sure you sit by the window on the train to Guwahati and savor the scenic route. The charm of Tawang lies within the journey rather than only the arrival.”
