Tawang Backpacking

Overview

About Tawang Backpacking Trip

Tawang is a quiet town hidden in the lovely hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Going on a backpacking trip here lets you see nature's raw and wild beauty. A backpacking trip to Tawang is an adventure through the charm of the Eastern Himalayas, with new sights at every step.

The journey starts on winding mountain roads with stunning views of snowy peaks, waterfalls, and untouched valleys. The fresh air smells like pine trees and wildflowers, inviting you to breathe deep and connect with the wilderness.

As you hike, you'll find ancient Buddhist monasteries with colorful prayer flags waving in the wind. They remind you of the region's rich cultural roots. The grand Tawang Monastery, built in the 1600s, stands for the lasting spirituality here. It offers a calm escape from the modern world's chaos.

But Tawang's beauty goes beyond its man-made wonders. Nature's canvas is just as captivating. Crystal-clear alpine lakes like Sela and Shungatser mirror the snowy peaks and blue skies, creating a spellbinding reflection. The lush meadows burst with vibrant wildflowers, inviting you to pause and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

If you love to hike, Tawang has a lot of great paths for you. You can choose easy day hikes or harder multi-day treks like the Gorichen Peak trail. This route rewards hikers with amazing views of the Himalayas. Another option is the Bum La Pass trek through forests and small villages. This gives you a look at traditional life.

At night, you can camp under a sky full of bright stars with no city lights. Listening to the campfire crackling and animals in nature creates a peaceful mood. Lying under the starry night sky is an experience you'll never forget. The quiet beauty of nature soothes your soul.

Tawang's warmth comes not just from nature but also its friendly people. The native tribes have colorful traditions and customs to explore. This cultural richness adds to your appreciation of the region's diversity.

Backpacking in Tawang awakens your senses. It restores your spirit and gives you deep respect for nature's grandeur. Time seems to stand still in this sanctuary of beauty and wonder. The stunning scenery wraps you in unmatched peace.

Best Places to Visit in Tawang Backpacking Trip

• Tawang Monastery- Tawang Monastery, also called Galden Namgyal Lhatse, is the biggest monastery in India. It is also the second-largest monastery in the whole world. The monastery sits on top of a hill. From there, you can see beautiful views of the Tawang River Valley. The monastery has old books written by hand. It also has pretty paintings called thangkas from Tibet. The buildings are built in a stunning style. The peaceful feeling and spiritual importance make Tawang Monastery a must-see place for anyone visiting Tawang.
• Sela Pass- Sela Pass is a high mountain pass at 13,700 feet. It links the town of Tawang to the rest of India. From the pass, you can see beautiful views of snowy mountains and the peaceful Sela Lake. The lake is often covered in snow, making it a breathtaking sight. Visiting Sela Pass is a highlight for many travelers. It offers stunning photo opportunities against the gorgeous backdrop. The journey to reach the pass can be challenging, but it's very rewarding for adventure lovers.
• Madurai Lake (Sangetsar Lake)- Madhuri Lake, also called Sangetsar Lake, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green pine trees. The lake became famous after a song from the Bollywood movie "Koyla" featuring Madhuri Dixit was filmed there. Its clean beauty and peaceful setting make it a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and photographers to visit. The calm environment creates an ideal spot to relax and reflect.
• Tawang War Memorial- The Tawang War Memorial honors the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The memorial stands 40 feet tall and is shaped like a Buddhist stupa. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, blending historical significance with natural scenery. Visiting this meaningful site reminds us of the great sacrifices made by Indian troops during that conflict. The memorial offers a thought-provoking stop among Tawang's attractions.
• Nuranang Waterfall- Nuranang Waterfall, also known as Jung Falls, is located around 40 km from Tawang. This breathtaking waterfall cascades down from a great height, creating a spectacular sight. The area surrounding the falls is rich with natural beauty, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Visiting Nuranang Waterfall offers a refreshing break to enjoy the serene environment.
• Bumla Pass- Bumla Pass sits high up at 15,200 feet, making it one of the most remote spots near Tawang. Bordering China, this place gives great views of the mountains around. A special permit is needed to visit, adding to the thrill of reaching this high-up location. It's a unique trip for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist trails.
• Taktsang Gompa- Taktsang Gompa, also called Tiger's Den, is a pretty monastery perched on a hilltop. It offers great views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful setting for visitors. The calm feel and spiritual importance make it a nice spot for reflection and relaxation. It's a must-visit for those seeking tranquility in nature.
• PT Tso Lake (Pankang Teng Tso Lake)- PT Tso Lake, or Pankang Teng Tso Lake, is a lovely high-altitude lake surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The lake looks magical in winter when it freezes over. It's perfect for picnics and soaking in the serene natural beauty around. The tranquil setting makes it ideal for relaxation and contemplation.
• Urgelling Monastery- Urgelling Monastery is a peaceful place with great meaning. It was the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. Though not as well-known as some other sites, it holds deep significance in the religious history of this region. The monastery offers a calm and quiet space. It is perfect for people who want to explore beyond the most popular tourist spots. For visitors interested in Tibetan Buddhism, Urgelling Monastery is a serene and enriching stop.
• Kaziranga National Park- Kaziranga National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in Assam, not far from Tawang. It is famous for its population of endangered one-horned rhinos. But the park is also home to tigers, elephants, and many kinds of birds. Visitors can go on jeep safaris and elephant rides to see the park's rich diversity of wildlife up close. The lush, green landscapes and thriving animal life make Kaziranga a must-visit for people who love nature and wildlife.

Things to do in Tawang Backpacking Trip

• Enjoy Scenic Drives- Embark on scenic drives that wind through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Tawang. Marvel at the towering peaks, lush valleys, and gushing rivers that unfold before your eyes. Stop at vantage points along the way to soak in the panoramic vistas and exchange friendly smiles with the warm local communities.
• Attend Local Festivals- If your visit aligns with the local festivities like Losar (Tibetan New Year) or the Torgya Festival, immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations. Witness the mesmerizing traditional dances, colorful rituals, and the infectious joy that fills the air during these cultural extravaganzas.
• Photography and Bird Watching- Tawang's diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife offer a breathtaking playground for photographers and bird enthusiasts. Capture the majestic mountain vistas, serene lakes mirroring the sky, and the rare avian species that call this region their home. With every click of the shutter, a new wonder unfolds.
• Experience Local Culture and Cuisine- Discover the vibrant Monpa culture and taste their flavorful Tibetan delicacies. Savor mouth-watering momos (dumplings) filled with savory goodness, slurp on the comforting thukpa (noodle soup), and sip the rich, creamy butter tea. Explore local markets and attend lively festivals to truly embrace the unique way of life in this region.
• Trek at Gorichen Peak- For those who like adventure, hiking to Gorichen Peak, the highest mountain in Arunachal Pradesh, is exciting. The hike has hard trails and amazing views of the Himalayas. It's a chance to see beautiful nature and test your strength.

What to Eat in Tawang Trip

Tawang has a variety of foods that are delicious and unique, showing its rich cultural heritage. When backpacking in Tawang, make sure to try out these local food specialities:

• Momos: Momos are a popular Tawang dish with influence from Tibetan and the Himalayas culinary arts. These dumplings can either be fried or steamed and they are filled with vegetables like chicken, pork or beef. In most cases, they come with chili hot sauce which is spicy plus clear soup so it’s like taking a complete meal.
• Thukpa: Thukpa is an ideal kind of traditional Tibetan soup that keeps you warm during cold weather in Tawang. This food comprises wheat noodles cooked in broth flavored with vegetables and meat (typically beef or chicken). It’s a very nourishing food that tastes good and hence gives warmth.
• Tingmo: Tingmo is a fluffy sort of steamed bread. Often accompanied by curries full of potent spices and stews as well as other gingerly prepared foods too; tingmo serves the purpose of mopping flavor off them all while at the same time taking away some heat from spiciness.
• Butter Tea: Butter tea which is popularly referred to as Po Cha locally in Tibet is made using tea leaves, yak butter and salt as its ingredients. Its taste could appear unusual when someone drinks for the first time but it is very warming and energizing particularly given the cold climatic conditions of Tawang. It should be tried for those who want to have an authentic experience within locals themselves.

How to Reach Tawang From India

In order to reach Tawang from other parts of India one would have to travel by air, train, and road since it is located in a remote area in Arunachal Pradesh. The most commonly taken route is flying into Guwahati; which also serves as the capital city for Assam– a state that has good connectivity with major cities such as Delhi, Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata) and Bangalore among others before proceeding further overland. A journey from Guwahati which covers an approximate distance of 320 miles can be undertaken through several stages by bus/car etc.

The first being a four hours drive worth 105 miles Upto Tezpur. It’s followed by another stop at either Bomdila or Dirang before finally reaching Tawang so as to break the monotony caused along this steep and challenging terrain characterized with hairpin bends but offering magnificent views across Himalayas & a dense rainforest canopy layer below them.

Alternatively one may opt for taking trains up Tezpur or Rangapara (the nearest railheads) and then hiring taxis onwards till they get close enough for convenience sake; having said that though throughout these trips one must always be ready for diverse weather patterns together with rough patches encountered all through thus making any visit quite exciting one too remember.

Best Time to Visit Tawang

• Spring (March to May)- Spring is the best time of year to go to Tawang since the weather is pleasant and pleasant with temperature between 5 degree (celcius) and 20 degree. The spring color rhododendrons and melting snow brings a feast to eyes. This is time for sight-seeing, tourism and outdoor activities. It is the best season for tourists since trekking, monasteries and natural beauty of Tawang can be well-enjoyed.
• Summer (June to August)- The monsoon offers moderate to heavy showers and temperatures are much easier to deal with. From 10 to 22 degrees Celsius. While they cut down on the adventurous possibilities if it's not your thing the summer is blissfully less crowded and calmer.
• Autumn (September to November)- If traveling during the monsoon is not an option, the next-best time to visit Tawang is in the fall. Starting in September, the rains stop, and the weather is cool and dry with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C. The magnificent mountain vistas and expansive valleys’ views are now free from the clouds and rain, and the crisp air makes sightseeing and trekking an exhilarating experience. Torgya and Losar festivals become a welcome addition to the cultural occurrences of one’s visit to Tawang in the fall.
• Winter (December to February)- Tawang receives a good amount of snowfall in winter; temperatures are typically below freezing point in winter (between -11°C to 10°C) and snowfall makes the monastery and the rest of the region a winter wonderland. Snow lovers and travelers who are interested in peace and quiet on a slightly offbeat destination can truly enjoy the place. However, one might need to wait for the road to open after heavy spells of snowfall. Do check the weather and travel advisories before you make a trip.

Things To Pack