Tawang is a town and administrative headquarter of Tawang District in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The town was once the capital of the Tawang Tract, which is now divided into the Tawang District and the West Kameng District. Tawang continues as the headquarters of the former. Tawang is the number one tourist destination of Arunachal Pradesh.
Tawang is situated 448 km north-west of the state capital Itanagar at an elevation of approximately 3,048 meters (10,000 ft). It lies to the north of the Tawang Chu River valley, roughly 10 miles (16 km) south of the Line of Actual Control with China. It is the site of a famous Gelugpa Buddhist Monastery.
Tawang is inhabited by the Monpa People. The Tawang Monastery was founded by the Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681 by the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, and has a legend surrounding its name. Ta means “horse” and wang means “chosen”. So, the word Tawang means “chosen by horse”. As per a legend, the Monastery is believed to have been chosen by a Horse Owned by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso. The sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born in Tawang.
After the outbreak of the war between China and Japan in 1941, the government of Assam undertook several ‘forward policy’ measures to tighten its hold on the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) area, which later became Arunachal Pradesh. In 1944 administrative control was extended over the area of the Tawang tract lying south of the Sela Pass when J.P. Mills set up an Assam Rifles post at Dirang Dzong and sent the Tibetan tax-collectors packing. Tibetan protests were brushed aside. However, no steps were taken to evict Tibet from the area north of the pass which contained Tawang town.
1. Sela Pass
One of the most visited tourist places in Tawang, Sela Pass boasts of stunning natural beauty. Sela Pass is located at a height of 4170 meters in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The awe-inspiring landscapes will help you relax and unwind in the midst of marvelous surroundings.
2. Tawang Monastery
Tawang Monastery is one of the most incredible places to visit in Tawang. Also famous as Galden Namgyal Lhatse, Tawang Monastery is one of the most holy sites for the faith of Mahayana Buddhism. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism.
3. Shonga Tser Lake
Shonga-Tser Lake is known to be the place where the famous Bollywood song from the movie Koyala was shot. The lake is known for offering panoramic views of the landscape and has been quite a popular tourist spot with wonderful scenic beauty.
4. Nuranang Falls
Nuranang Falls is one of the hidden gems of Tawang. Originating in Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls is a serene place where you can behold a stunning landscape and enjoy the wonder of nature.
5. Gorichen Peak
Visiting Gorichen Peak in Tawang. One of the most amazing places to visit in Tawang for thrill seekers and nature sweethearts, Gorichen Peak boasts of being the highest peak in Arunachal.
6. Urgelling Gompa
Built-in the 14th century, Urgelling Gompa is believed to be the birthplace of His Holiness the 6th
Dalai Lama. Located at a distance of 3 km from the town of Tawang.
7. Peng Teng Tso Lake
Peng Teng Tso Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Tawang. The place boasts of picturesque natural beauty and makes a surreal landscape with flowers and snow. this lake is located 17 km away from the main town and attracts several tourists.
8. Jaswant Garh
Jaswant Garh is a popular attraction drawing in several tourists. The memorial is built in memory of Jaswant Singh who continuously fought for 72 hours against the invaders from China in the Indo-Sino War of 1962.
9. Taktsang Gompa
Taktsang Gompa is located at a distance of 50 km from Tawang and boasts an exquisite landscape filled with thick conifers and lofty hills. Taktsang Gompa is a popular monastery in Tawang.
10. Bumla Pass
Bumla Pass is the historical pass is a wonderful place to test your spirit of adventure among tourist places in Tawang. One can visit Bumla Pass after obtaining a special permit and get to roam in the breathtaking wilderness here.
11. Geshila Peak
Geshila Peak is known to be the guardian angel for the locals in Tawang. visiting Geshila Peak with your loved ones. Offering the most tranquil ambiance.
12. Nagula Lake
Tawang, Nagula Lake is a High-Altitude lake that is a delight for nature lovers. With some alluring reflections of the mountain waters in its serene waters, Nagula Lale is a captivating tourist attraction in Tawang.
