Tawang is a breathtaking place close to the Indo-China Border and is known for its beauty, serenity and spirituality. Famous for the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery, this remote loacation also features snow capped mountains, glacial lakes and rich Buddhist culture which draws in tourists.
While the mesmerizing beauty of Tawand is rewarding, its a lugarion hard to reach. This guide provides all the information needed for anyone famiy planning, solo ride, spiritual quest, or any retreat in how to reach Tawang through road, air and local transport.
1. Where is Tawang Located?
- State: Arunachal Pradesh
- Approx Height: 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level
- Nearest Border: Bhutan to the West, China to the North
- Climate: Cold throughout the year, snowy during winter.
- Distance from Capitak: ~440km
Tawang is found in the westernmost region of Arunachal Pradesh. Because of this remote location, the no commercial airport or railway line is available. But there are safe means to reach the breathtaking Tawang.
2. Travel Authorizations Needed for Tawang
A. Inner Line Permit (ILP)
- Who Needs It? All Indian citizens (not residents of Arunachal Pradesh)
- Where to Get It?
- Online: https://arunachalilp.com
- Offline: Guwahati, Tezpur, Bhalukpong, Delhi and Kolkata
- Requirements: Photo ID and a passport-size picture.
- Fees: ₹100–₹200
B. Protected Area Permit (PAP)
- Who Needs It? Tawang is restricted for foreign nationals.
- Where to Get It: Via registered tour operators who are sanctioned by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
3. Reaching Tawang by Air
While Tawang does not have a commercial airport, it can be reached through helicopter or road travel resulting from flying to an adjacent airport.
A. Closest Airports to Tawang
1. Tezpur Airport (TEZ), Assam
- Distance to Tawang: ~330 km
- Travel Time by Road: 10–12 hours
- Airlines: Alliance Air (limited flights from Kolkata/Guwahati)
- Why Choose: Closest airport by road; but limited connectivity
2. Guwahati Airport (GAU)
- Distance to Tawang: ~500 km
- Travel Time by Road: 14–16 hours
- Airlines: IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet
- Why Choose: Best for flight options, daily connectivity
3. Salonibari Airport, Arunachal (for defense use)
- No commercial flights; only used for helicopter services occasionally
B. Tawang Helicopter Services
Pawan Hans Helicopter Service
- Route: Guwahati → Tawang (with stops in Tawang and Dirang)
- Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
- Cost: ₹6000–₹7000 per person
- Booking: Through APSTC or https://arunachalilp.com
- Important Note: Weather restrictions often limit helicopter services during inclement weather and winter months.4. By Road to Tawang
The journey is lengthy but increasingly more rewarding as the traveler is met with stunning perspectives, including waterfalls, towering mountain ranges, monasteries, and dense forests.
A. Main Road Route to Tawang
Route: Guwahati → Tezpur → Bhalukpong → Bomdila → Dirang → Tawang
| Section | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati to Tezpur | 180 km | 4–5 hrs |
| Tezpur to Bhalukpong | 60 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Bhalukpong to Bomdila | 130 km | 4–5 hrs |
| Bomdila to Dirang | 40 km | 2 hrs |
| Dirang to Tawang | 135 km | 6–7 hrs |
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B. Entry Gate: Bhalukpong Checkpost
- ILP is checked here
- Border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
- All private vehicles, tourists, taxis must register here
C. Total Driving Distance: ~500 km From Guwahati to Tawang
There is always the risk of encountering snow land slides along steep narrow remote roads. These roads are best suited for expert drivers or local taxi drivers.
D. Travel Options
1. Drive Self-Drive / Private Vehicle
- Vehicle Recommended Type: SUV (Bolero, Scorpio, Creta, or Thar)
- Car Condition: Good till Bhalukpong; mountain roads after that
- Permit Needed: ILP for you and vehicle papers
- Fuel: Available in Tezpur, Bomdila, and Dirang (not after Dirang)
- Advisory: Always Good to Carry spare fuel, tire kits.
2. Shared Sumo / Jeep Services
- Operating From: Guwahati (Paltan Bazar), Tezpur, Bomdila and Dirang
- Timings: Daily from 5:00 AM–6:30 AM
- Fare: ₹800–₹1200 (based on distance)
3. Hired Taxi
- Fare: Guwahati to Tawang: ₹10,000-15,000 one way.
- Features:
- Usually high-ground clearance vehicles/4WDs.
- Suitable for groups and families.
For long journeys, it’s ideal to split them into 2-3 days:
- Day 1: Guwahati to Bomdila (Stay overnight)
- Day 2: Bomdila to Tawang via Dirang (Sela Pass route)
- Optional Day 3: Extra night in Dirang to adjust for altitude
5. Sela Pass: The Gateway to Tawang
- Elevation: 13,700 ft
- Geography: Sitting between Dirang and Tawang, snow covered from November to April and can be blocked during heavy snowfall.
- Travel Advisory: Store warm clothing and essential medicines. Thermals are advised. Sela Pass has the potential to trigger Altitude sickness.6. Best Time to Visit Tawang by Road
| Month | Weather | Road Status |
|---|---|---|
| March–May | Pleasant, spring | Best time to travel |
| June–September | Monsoon, slippery roads | Not Recommended |
| October–November | Clear, cool | Ideal for scenic travel |
| December–February | Snowfall | Roads may be risky or blocked |
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Recommended to avoid road travel during heavy monsoon and snow months unless accompanied by a local driver or army clearance.
7. Tawang’s Local Public Transport
You will require local transport once you reach Tawang in order to visit places such as the monasteries, the lakes, and the army memorials.
Choices Provided:
a. Shared Sumos and Vans
- Utilized for local site seeing.
- Located at the Tawang main taxi stand.
- Frequented Routes:
- Tawang → Madhuri Lake → Bum La Pass
- Tawang → Zemithang
- Charges: ₹500–₹1,000 (depending on distance)
b. Hire Private Taxi
- Best for family or comfortable travel.
- ₹3,500–₹5,000 Daily (Innova/Scorpio)
- Make reservations through your hotel or taxi union.
c. Limited Motorbikes for Rent
- Scooters or motorbikes provided for rent by some hotels or agents.
- ₹800–₹1,200 Daily.
- Not advised during snow season.
8. Advice for a more secure and hassle-free journey
- Start Early: Recommended hours for driving.
- Book Transportation and Hotels in Advance, especially during peak season (October-December).
- Carry altitude sickness medicine, headache, and nausea medicine.
- Download maps before hand. Network is weak after Bomdila.
- Group travel increases safety and improves taxi fare.
- Stay Informed on Weather Conditions: Locals, hotel, or army post.
9. Example 6-Day Itinerary to get and explore Tawang
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Guwahati; overnight stay |
| Day 2 | Guwahati to Bomdila (Drive/Sumo) |
| Day 3 | Bomdila to Tawang (Sela Pass Route) |
| Day 4 | Sightseeing Tawang: Monastery, War Memorial |
| Day 5 | Full day to BumLa pass and Madhuri Lake |
| Day 6 | Dirang and back to Guwahati. |
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Summary: All travel options to reach Tawang.
Breakdown: Starting Point
Through Air
- Flight + Road: Tezpur or Guwahati to Tawang.
- Taxi or sumo from Tezpur- comfortable but long.
- Helicopter: Guwahati to Tawang via Pawan Hans.
- Fastest but highly weather dependent.
Road only:
- self drive or shared taxi from Guwahati or Tezpur.
- Adventurous yet scenic.
Reflection on Is the Journey to Tawang Worth All The Efforts?
Absolutely; Tawang is best experienced and not just visited.
For those travelers who wish to explore the mountains, tranquil monasteries, and rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, both road and air routes are available.
Provides a lifetime journey and embraces every traveler with splendid memories.
Though rugged tea roads alongside unpredictable mountain weather make traveling brutally challenging, the jaw dropping rewards from exploring India’s untouched regions is one that very few places can offer.
Zogyy travel tip
“Fight altitude sickness on your road trip to Tawang with chocolate bars and dry fruits. Energizing while combating the altitude!”
