7 Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Tawang

“Discover rare orchids, concentrate on the profusion of bird life or go after the red panda. Laugh along the gurgling brooks and cross their bigger cousins on swaying suspension bridges. Hike along the snowy Sela Pass, meditate at Tatseng Gompa, marvel at the Nuranang Falls, freeze your filmy moment at Madhuri Lake. Here at Tawang, you can Savour the solitude of space and return home a happier person.”

Tawang, the Kaleidoscope of North-East India is undoubtedly a ‘Slice of Heaven’ as described above. However there are certain things one must know in order to craft a hassle-free travel to this snowy paradise. Read along as we reveal the 7 must ingredients for the perfect travel recipe to Tawang.

1) Helicopter Woes are Real for Journey to Tawang

9 to 5 job holders are often crunched for time. Also a one-way road trip from Guwahati to Tawang in a good SUV would conveniently slash two days from your leave quota and Rs 18000/- from your travel budget.

The Helicopter Ride to Tawang is a double-edged sword! So convenient yet so uncertain. . .

The good news is that there is a helicopter service from Guwahati that takes you to Tawang in less than an hour and at a much less price. The bad news is the uncertainty that looms despite pre-booking the helicopter travel which depends on the weather condition.

2) Pack Light, Travel Right to Tawang

Pack Light, Travel Right, Enjoy with all your Might!

For the most parts, Tawang features a sub-zero temperature. Also the majestic lush green and snowy sceneries painted in every nook and corner makes it the perfect canvas for some exotic photography.

So essentially you need to carry your woolens, a few variations of clothing and travel/photography gears and still the total weight of your baggage cannot budge beyond 10 kilograms! Because 10 kg is what is allowed by the Helicopter Airlines for safety purpose.

3) ILP for Tawang is the Real Deal

Now, why do I need an ‘Inner Line Permit (ILP)’ to visit my own North Eastern sister state is beyond me. But this is what the rule says and there is no other workaround. So, here’s the deal.

Try to apply for an ILP online at least 21 days prior to your departure date at www.arunachalilp.com. There is provision for single application and group application (max 4 persons in a group) and the application fee per head is fixed at Rs 100/- in both the cases. Although, theoretically the process is said to be completed in three working days, but that is hardly the case. The prevailing Covid-19 situation compelled us to go the offline route, shell out an additional  Rs 400/- to the agent and we managed our ILP almost at the last minute. You definitely do not want that.

4) Better Late than Never

Road Tripping through the Ins and Arounds of Tawang!

Tawang has a mind of its own. As the saying goes, “You don’t decide to visit Tawang, Tawang chooses to invite you”. Taking the roadtrip to the two most exotic locations near Tawang, i.e. Sela Pass and Bumla Pass is highly weather dependent. So, it is a much better idea to keep your plan flexible with a cushion of one or two extra days lest such conditions arise. Trust me when I say this, “The pain of being unable to visit any one of these magical places is much greater than planning your trip with spare days.”

5) Timing is Everything

The Early Spring view of the Rainbow Falls (Nuranang Falls) near Tawang

The unblemished, un-adulterated, unexplored Tawang can give Switzerland a run for tourists. But is it a year round travel destination? Definitely Not!!!

When you make a plan to travel to Tawang, be sure to avoid the ‘Landslide Monsoon Months’ and the ‘Avalanche Winter Months’. March, April (Recommended), May, October (Recommended), November are the best months to enjoy the ‘Winter Wonderland’.

6) Exotic Scenery, Average Accommodation

Tawang greets you with a fabulous change in scenery at every serpentine bend of its curvy roads. From the angelic opulence of the fresh snow covered ranges to the magnanimity of the rock solid white and blue mountains surrounding it, Tawang transports its users to a different dimension of beauty and serenity.

The Angelic Opulence of the white snow and the magnanimity of the rock solid mountains! Can You Beat This. . .

What it lacks is a good infrastructure. If you are a fan of luxurious hotels and cozy cafes, you may be in for a shock. However, the rare gift of nature to Tawang in beauty and natural elegance more than compensates for the lack of it.

7) Heaven for Backpackers and Budget Travelers

Heaven for Backpackers, Solo Travellers and Couples. . .

There I said it. Travelling to Tawang is easy on the pockets. Blessed with heavenly sceneries, romantic spots throughout and with very limited options to splurge, a tour to Tawang must definitely be on the must visit lists for Backpackers, Couples and Solo Travellers. A trip to Tawang helps you find your Shangri-La – your very own earthly paradise.

Tripping across Tawang is about appreciating the thrumming rhythm of a slow life. The labyrinth of snow capped blue mountains, rainbow waterfalls and gorgeous lakes holds you tight with its unparalleled beauty and your senses marvel at the gift of nature displayed in every inch of the land.

Read about our wonderful experience in Sela Pass

Sela Pass – The Charming White Knight’s Dream!