Best time to visit : March to June
The hill town of Tawang is considered to be one of the most stunning locations in East India. Tawang is situated in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang tourism is ideal for individuals looking for adventure and for outdoor enthusiasts who are interested in trekking and hiking activities. The entire region remains covered with breath taking monasteries, mountains and about a hundred lakes. In spite of limited connectivity, this town of majestic glory has garnered a lot of attention as one of the major tourist places. The ambiance of peace and serenity is perfect for a romantic honeymoon. Tawang provides an opportunity to tourists to enjoy the unblemished beauty of nature.
Facts
Tawang is famous for several monasteries present in the region and is considered to be the birth place of the sixth Dalai Lama. The town of Tawang shares its borders with Bhutan and Tibet. The name of the town is derived from the 17th century Tawang Monastery which was established by Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso. The major presence of the army in Tawang town restricts the movement of the locals in specific areas as it shares the extremely sensitive border with China. People of Tawang are a close-knit and friendly community respecting the value of nature. Entertainment options in the town are limited to the various festivals celebrated in the region throughout the year which are connected with agricultural activity and religion of the ethnic Monpa tribe.
Roadside shacks and restaurants in the town serve piping hot Tibetan cuisine such as momos and Thupka, along with tasty and simple paratha-sabzi. The Annapurna eatery is famous for its sumptuous, crispy potato chips. A sufficient amount of fermented cheese and chillies is added to ethnic Monpa food giving it a strong flavour. Popular Monpa dishes include Zan, Gyapa Khazi and Khura.
Tawang provides several opportunities to tourists to indulge in shopping. The town offers a fine range of souvenir shops for visitors which sell Buddhist wrap skirts, colourful wood, exquisite shawls, bags, brassware, traditional jewellery and Buddha statues. Chinaware or porcelain crockery is a highlight of the area. Carpets sold in the town are a highly prized quality product. Most of the important shops are centred in the Old Market region.
Nearby Places:
- Gyangong Ani Gompa is situated at a distance of about 5 km. to the north of the town on top of a stunning hillock. This is a nunnery under the control of the Tawang Monastery.
- Taktsang Gompe (Tiger’s Den) is located near to Tawang (about 45. Km away). Built by Padmsambhava in 8th Century A.D., the monastery is located on a high hillock surrounded by lush green forest.
- Singsor Ani Gompa, Brahma Dung Chung Ani Gompa, Shonga-tser lake etc. are some of the places located nearby worth visiting.