Located in the far western reaches of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is captivating for its snow capped mountain peaks, Buddhist monasteries, and picturesque lakes which make one of India’s towns breathtaking at high altitudes. Still, the ethereal beauty of Tawang requires one to carefully plan their travels.
In this guide, I will provide travelers with the essential information such as all airports in proximity, helicopter services, available connecting routes from the airports to Tawang, and travel permits with tips on traveling. For all air travelers from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati wishing to intercity travel from nearby towns, this guide offers an ideal path to Tawang focusing on time, budget, and comfort.
1. Tawang Ki Airpot ?
Does Tawang have an airport? The short response is no, no Tawang still does not have a commercial airport open for traveling citizens.
GivenTawang’s elevation, irregular topography, and weather patterns, constructing a commercial airport would be nearly impossible.
Although there is military air traffic control in Tawang, civilian aircrafts are not permitted to land there.
Thus, travelers will need to reach the nearest operational commercial airports and then travel by road or helicopter to Tawang.
2. Closest Airports to Tawang
Here is the information on the closest airport for Tawang region:
A. Tezpur Airport (Salonibari Airport – Code: TEZ)
- Airport Head: Tezpur, Assam
- Distance from Tawang: ~330 km
- Travel Time by Road: 10-12 hours
- Travel Type: Domestic
- Airline Operator: Alliance Air
- Frequency: Limited – mostly from Guwahai and Kolkata.
Reasons for Preference of Tezpur Airport
- Closest Airport by road to Tawang
- Ideal if you’re planning to take a shared cab or hire a taxi.
- Lesser road travel time when compared to Guawahati.
Cons:
- Very limited flights (sometimes just 2-3 times a week).
- Ticket availability is uncertain.
- Frequent flights cancelations due to weather.
B. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordololi International Airport, Guwahati (Code: GAU)
- Airport Head: Guwahati, Asaam
- Distance from Tawang: ~500 km
- Travel time by Road: 14 – 16 hours
- Travel Type: Major domestic and international airport
- Airline Operated: All Major Airlines (IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, Air India)
- Connectivity: Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangladore, Kolkata and Chennai.
Why Choose Guwahati Airport:
- Best connectivity from major Indian cities.
- Multiple flights available throughout the day.
- Easier to arrange onward travel (bus/train/taxi).
- Helicopter service also starts from Guwahati. Cons:
- Long road journey to Tawang (must split into 2 days).
- An overnight rest at either Bomdila or Dirang may be necessary.
C. Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi (Code: HGI)
C. Donyi Polo Airport s situated around Itanagar in the state of Arunarchal Pradesh.
- The distance from Itanagar to Tawang is roughly 450 km.
- Estimated travel time : 13 – 15 hours.
- Airport has connections with IndiGo and Alliance Air.
- Access from Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati is seamless.
Why choose Hollongi airport?
- This is the newest airport and best one to use if you want to explore all of Arunachall before heading to Tawang.
- Frankly, it keeps passengers combining Tawang with Itanagar, Ziro or Bomdila.
Cons:
- No heli bus services operating directly from this location.
- This airport will not be useful if you need to minimize road trip due to time restraint.
D. Lilabari Airport (IXI)
- Located in North Lakhimpur, Assam.
- Distance from Lakhimpur to Taweang is also approximately 450 km.
- Travel time by road : approximately 14 to 15 hours.
- Carriers : Alliance Air.
- There are flights from Guwahati and Kolkata a few times every week.
Why Select Lilabari?
- Assume you are flying from Guwahati or Tezpur, and both flights are booked out.
- If you are traveling through North Arunachal (Ziro, Itanagar), this is helpful.
Cons:
- Overall: Notable Scarcity
- Traffic within this region should prepare for a bumpy and long drive.
Tawang Helicopter Services (Heli Bus)
For those unwilling to travel a long distance over land, the government provides heli bus services from Guwahati to Tawang.
- Business name: Pawan Hans Helicopters
- Flight path: Guwahtai → Tawang (Optional stopover in Dirang)
- Flight duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
- Current pricing: ₹6000 – ₹7000 per pax.
- Baggage Allowance: Roughly 10 – 15 require per pax.
Booking Method:
- Through Arunachal Pradesh State Transport (APSTC)
- Physical sales outlets in Guwahati and Itanagar.
- First come first serve basis – High demand, low supply.
Pros:
- Optimal pricing when considering travel time to Tawang.
- Helicopter sightseeing tour featuring stunning mountains and valleys.
- Ideal for senior citizens and people under time constraints.
Cons:
- Significant focus on weather conditions.
- Frequent cancellations caused by rain, fog, or snow.
- Need to be pre-booked.
Reaching Tawang from Nearby Airports
This covers the procedures needed to get to Tawang starting from the nearest airport.
Guwahati Airport (500 km)
Option 1: Taxi or Shared Sumo
- Fare: ₹10,000–₹15,000 (private taxi); ₹1,200 per seat (shared Sumo)
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 days with an overnight stop at Bomdila or Dirang
- Route: Guwahati → Tezpur → Bhalukpong (checkpost for ILP) → Bomdila → Dirang → Tawang
Option 2: APSTS Bus (Limited)
- It seems that buses connecting guwahati and tezpur are available.
- It is better to book a cab or use a shared ride.
From Tezpur Airport (330 km)
- Best Option: Hire a private taxi or shared Sumo
- Fare: ￥7,000-￥10,000 , shared priced at ￥800-￥1,000.
- Availability: From Tezpur town taxi stand
- Note: ILP must be shown at Bhalukpong gate
From Hollongi Airport (450 km)
- Travel to Banderdewa and meet the main road towards Bomdila
- Availability of taxis is very low, preorder is recommended
- This route joins the same Tawang Highway after Bhalukpong.
5. Inner Line Permit (ILP)
All Indian Travelers Mandatory
It is a requirement for travelers to any part of Arunachal Pradesh by air or land to possess an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Where to Apply:
- Online: https://arunachalilp.com
- Offline: Guwahati, Tezpur, Bhalukpong checkpost
Documents Required:
These are the essential documents One needs to furnish for identity verification:
- Government Issued ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport)
- Passport size photograph
- Cost: ₹100–₹200
- Processing Time: Instant to (1) one day
- Carry Copies: Minimum 2 physical copies and one digital copy saved on mobile device Passport-sized photograph along with Government-issued ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport).
Travel Recommendations: Air travel to Tawang
- Holidays and vacations tend to fill up quickly, so purchasing tickets sooner rather than later is advised.
- Landing early is imperative, as road trips leading to Bomdila or Dirang consume a full day.
- Wearing summer clothing is never advisable, as temperatures can flucturateweight, permanent drop at literally any time of day; due to sudden drops during warm months.
- For travelers embarking at higher altitudes, travel at higher altitudes may face sudden altitude changes; recommend ORS, water, and other necessary meds.
- If planning on traveling via helicopter, it’s best to_call the day before to confirm flight status due to regular cancellations and delays.
Tabular data Road distance from airports to Tawang
| Sr.No. | Airport | Distance to Tawang | Time by road | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guwahati (GAU) | ~500 km | 14–16 hrs | Best connectivity, but long drive |
| 2 | Tezpur(TEZ) | ~330 km | 10–12 hrs | Closest by road |
| 3 | Hollongi(HGI) | ~450 km | 13–15 hrs | Best for Arunachal circuit |
| 4 | Lilabari (IXI) | ~450 km | 14–15 hrs | Limited use |
| 5 | Helicopter (Guwahati) | Air route | 1.5–2 hrs | Fastest but weather dependent |
Best Time to Travel to Tawang by Air + Road Combo
| Month | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March–May | Excellent | Pleasant weather along with spring blooms |
| June-September | Not ideal | Monsoon, landslides, helicopter cancellations |
| October-November | Very good | Post-monsoon clarity with clear skies |
| December-February | Risky | Heavy snowfall alongside road blockages, chopper cancellations commonplace |
Avoid peak monsoon (July-August) peak monsoon without reason to travel.
9. Sample Travel Itinerary Including Flights
Option 1: Flight + Road Trip (6-Day Itinerary)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly to Guwahati and stay overnight. |
| Day 2 | Drive to Bomdila (approx. 300 km) and stay overnight. |
| Day 3 | Drive to Tawang (approx. 160 km). |
| Day 4 | Sightseeing in Tawang: Monastery, War Memorial, and other points of interest. |
| Day 5 | Bum La Pass & Madhuri Lake. |
| Day 6 | Head back to Guwahati (or overnight in Dirang). |
Option 2: Suggested 3-Day Itinerary Using the Helicopter Route
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Guwahati to Tawang with a stop in Guwahati for the first flight and the second leg by helicopter. |
| Day 2 | Tawang local sightseeing. |
| Day 3 | Return to Guwahati by road or helicopter lift. |
10. Evaluating Optimal Method of Reaching Tawang
Though Tawang does not have direct flights, it is often recommended to begin the journey by air, especially for those not wishing to endure long drives starting from metro hubs.
- For the most enduring travelers- Book air tickets to Guwahati and begin the struggle with a drive via Bomdila and Dirang.
- For those interested in saving money, or in a hurry: A combination of flying and a helicopter ride.
- For those interested in scenic beauty coupled with spirituality: A full circuit that includes Dirang, Sela Pass, and Tawang for an immersive experience.
Travel hint from Zogyy
“Book the first leg of your trip to Guwahati, then stop in Bomdila or Dirang on the way to break the journey. Given that the roads are steep, and climbing, and the altitude is significantly high, taking slow progression is advisable so that the body and enjoy to scenery of arunachal pradesh.”
