Nestled in the westernmost edge of Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is one of the most beautiful places in India and deeply enriches one’s spirituality. The journey to Tawang, which includes ancient monasteries, snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and quiet valleys, is stunning in itself. Even though flying and taking trains closer is an option, the true adventure starts on the road. This guide will highlight the most scenic drives towards Tawang, helping travelers navigate the unique mountain routes, including safe travel tips, must-visit landmarks, and everything else needed to make your trip unforgettable.
1. Why Drive to Tawang?
- Reasons Tawang is perfect for a road trip
The journey to Tawang offers breathtaking views and the experience of a masterfully crafted adventure. The following summarizes the reasons:
- Incredible Views: Forbidden like archaic peaks & alpine forests filled with valleys and rivers.
- Cultural Teahouses: Pass tribal settlements, village camps, and monasteries along the drive.
- Flexible Timetable: Think outside the box and revel in photography-detailed exploration on your own schedule.
- Less Touristy: Enjoy miles of privacy without the bustling crowds that come with flights and trains.
- Deep Culture Immersion: Removes you on every level from the muddled society, letting you blend in with the locals and nature.
2. Where is Tawang Situated?
- State: Arunachal Pradesh
- Region: Western Arunachal
- Altitude: ~10,000 ft (3,048 m) above sea level
- Nearest Big City: Guwahati (~500 km)
- Travel Time by Road: 14-16 hours from Guwahati (spread over 2 days)
Tawang is situated near the India-China borderline and can only be accessed through a network of steep roadways and mountain passes.
3. Most Breathtaking Ways to Reach Tawang
To get to Tawang, two principal mountainous routes are followed. The first one starts in Assam and merges with the other one at Bhalukpong, the point from where the truly captivating drive starts.
Route A: Guwahati – Tezpur – Bhalukpong – Bomdila – Dirang – Tawang
- Total Distance: ~500 km
- Requires Time: A minimum of 2 days
- Road Condition: Mostly good, some after Dirang are rough
- Best Travel Season: March to May, October to December
Key Highlights Along This Route:
| Stop | Altitude | Must See |
|---|---|---|
| Tezpur | 150 m | Brahmaputra Views and local cuisine |
| Bhalukpong | 213 m | ILP Checkpost and Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Tenga Valley | 1,400 m | Army Base and serene dollywoods |
| Bomdila | 2,400 m | Bomdila monastery and market |
| Dirang | 1,900 m | Hot springs, sangti valley, and sheep farms |
| Sela Pass | 4,170 m | Frozen lake, snow, prayer flags |
| Jaswantgarh | 3,800 m | War memorial of Jaswant Singh |
| Tawang | 3,048 m | Monastery, lakes and indo-china border sights |
Route B: North Lakhimpur – Banderdewa – Seppa – Bomdila – Tawang (Longer/Remote)
The less traveled and worse kept portion of the road. Designed for adventure seekers and those interested in long drives. Only advised for those coming from North Arunachal or Ziro.
The Crown Jewel: Sela Pass
Whatever path you pick, one stretch will remain a constant for the unforgettable experience that is the drive. Sela Pass
- Height: 13,700 ft (4,170 m)
- Between: Dirang and Tawang
- Months of significant snow: November to April
Top Highlights:
- Sela Lake (partially frozen most of the year)
- Prayer flags adorning the mountains’ bordering paths
- Picturesque skies with fresh air and endless sight
- Tip: Stay between thirty and sixty minutes at the location if weather permits. Carry hot water and energy bars (or other food), and a camera. 5. Recommended Driving Itinerary From Guwahati to Tawang
Day 1: Guwahati -> Bomdila (340 km / 10-12 hours)
- 5:00 AM: Start Early
- Breakfast: Mangaldoi or Tezpur
- Lunch: Bhalukpong or Tenga
- Reaching Bomdila by evening
- Stay: Monastery guesthouse or hotel
Day 2: Bomdila -> Tawang (160 km / 7-8 hours)
- 6:00 AM: Departure
- Attractions along the route: Dirang, Sela Pass, Jaswantgarh.
- Arriving in Tawang by late afternoon
- Rest check-in (altitude adjustment rest)
6. Recommended Vehicle Types
- SUVs: Scorpio, Creta, Bolero, Thar. Best for ground clearance and mountain grip
- 4WD Vehicles: Preferred During winter (Dec-Feb)
- Self-Drive Rentals: Available in Guwahati, check for Arunachal permissions (Zoomcar, Revv)
7. Fuel Stations & Essentials
| Location | Facilities |
|---|---|
| Guwahati | Multiple pumps |
| Tezpur | Refueling + repairs |
| Bomdila | Last full-service fuel station |
| Dirang | Small pump (not always operational) |
| Tawang | 1-2 fuel stations (limited supply) |
Tip: Carry an extra 10L jerrycan winter to Bomdila.
8. Permits Required for the Drive
Inner Line Permit (ILP) – Necessary for Indian Gunahdar,
- Apply Online: https://arunachalilp.com
- Documents Needed: ID and its photocopy
- Verification Location: Bhalukpong Gate Make sure to print 2-3 copies as these are indispensable around check posts and hotels.
9. Driving Tips For The Tawang Route
- Get out and start early every day: Weather in the mountains changes quickly and there is limited daylight.
- Do not drive after the sun sets: There are some risks such as fog, sharp bends, wildlife, and so on.
- Stay hydrated as it is hard with head at high altitude: It may cause headaches and dizziness.
- Use low gears for downhill driving: Don’t brake too much or the tyres may get hot.
- Carry maps which are not online: You will lose network from Dirang.
- Listen to the admonitions of local people and army: “Don’t proceed” means hesitate
10. Travel During Winter (Period: December to February)
| Factors | Details |
|---|---|
| Road Condition | Snowy and slippery |
| Vehicle Required | Requires a 4×4, snow chains recommended |
| Sela Pass Status | Usually subject to temporary closure |
| Tawang Temperature | About -5°C |
| Visibility Drops | Suspended fog can reduce it sharply |
Advisory:
- Indeed not in bad conditions
- Boys and Girls Reserve Order’s recent announcement about the Tawang Travelers details
- Supplemental aides like phone and extra fuel/snacks should be prepped
11. Most Optimal for the Beautiful View Drive Towards Tawang
| Season | Benefits |
|---|---|
| April to May | Lovely weather with budded flowers |
| October to November | The other side experience, freshly crowned monsoon sable look, dew kissed glow |
| November tip year December to February | For sure giving snow lovers an aveneue (needs caution) |
12. Recommended Staying Places Along the Journey
| Location | Recommended Stops |
|---|---|
| Bomdila | Hotel Tsepal Yangjom, Elysium Guesthouse |
| Dirang | Norphel Retreat, Dirang Boutique Cottages |
| Tawang | Dolma Khangsar, Hotel Gakyi Khang Zhang |
For those seeking a spiritual journey, monastic stays offered in Bomdila and Tawang.
12. Food and Tea Breaks
I warm, simple, and hearty foods—ideal for cold weather.
- Tezpur: Assamese thali, puri-sabji
- Bhalukpong: Maggi, momos, tea
- Bomdila: Thukpa, chowmein, rice with dal
- Dirang: Yak meat curry and butter tea
- Tawang: Tibetan dishes, noodles, momos, and hot soup
- Tip: Bring along dry foods, chocolate bars, ORS packets, and a thermos of tea or coffee.
Photography and Scenic Points to Stop
As always, take your time. There are numerous photogenic places along the road.
Suggested 6 Day Scenic Road Map Route for Self Drive Adventure
Day: Self Drive School Trip Proposal
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Guwahati to Bomdila (via Tezpur and Bhalukpong) |
| Day 2 | Bomdila to Tawang (via Dirang and Sela Pass) |
| Day 3 | Explore Tawang Monastery, War Memorial |
| Day 4 | Bum La Pass + Madhuri Lake trip |
| Day 5 | Back to either Dirang or Bomdila |
| Day 6 | Return to Guwahati |
Brief Impressions from Travel Costs Self Driving or Hiring a Taxi
Duration: 6 Days (Self Drive or Hire a Taxi)
With a self drive and self operated travel planner, cost allocation can be set as follows:
- Fuel (round trip)
- Approx Cost: ₹6,000–₹8,000
- Hotel per night
- Approx Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,000
- Meals
- Approx Cost of ₹300 daily for self
- Permits
- ₹100 to ₹200
- Optional Guide
- ₹500/day
Self Drive or Shared Taxi With Driver
Comparison Table:
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Self Drive | movement and experience easily accessible with learning step sequence while driving in the mountains | Skiining skills for mountain driving, course approachable by taxi. |
| Hired Taxi | Local driver brings added value such as increased safety | Expensive: ₹4,000–₹6,000/day |
Note: If you’re unfamiliar with mountain driving, enlist an experienced driver for convenience and operative efficiency.
Driving to Tawang Summary:
Driving towards Tawang undeniably makes for awe-inspiring sights and adventure in one experience. It is multifaceted and mercurial. As you immerse within the new settings while crossing Assam, you will get to pass snowy mountains along with Buddhist revels.
You will pass rivers while trekking through jungles, feeling a rush from the unpredictability of it all. With every turn, one can visibly find themselves undergoing a transformation and feeling their perception shift day to day.
From traveling solo, with friends or family and keeping these memories close to heart while snowed under during future breaks — makes the adventurous haul not ‘just a journey’, but rather, transformation.
Zogyy Road Trip Tip
“Climbing Sela Pass is best to start very early in the day. The snow is kissed by the sun and the view is spectacular during that time. Also, the traffic is lighter and the skies clear.”
