Arunachal Pradesh, India
Tawang: The Monastery at the Roof of Arunachal
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Deep in the eastern Himalaya, Tawang rewards the long road in with one of India's largest monasteries, glacial lakes and passes near 4,000m.
The journey
Break the drive at Dirang, cross the dramatic Sela Pass, and reach the 17th-century Tawang Monastery perched above the valley.
Prepare
You'll need an Inner Line Permit, warm layers and patience for slow mountain roads. Best March to October, when the passes are reliably open.
Day-by-day itinerary
Dirang
Sun, 6 SeptKolkata → Guwahati
Kolkata (CCU) → Guwahati (GAU)
6 Sept, 2:10 am
Dirang Dzong
community center
NH13, 87RC+PR6, Dirang, 790101
Sangti Valley Sheep Farm
tourist attraction
Village: Sangti, 97QC+HCX, Dirang, 790101
Hot Water Spring, Dirang
tourist attraction
96HM+45J, Chariduar - Bhalukpung Rd, Dhekeri Gaon, 784102
Tawang
Mon, 7 SeptMountain Lodge, Tawang
Tawang
7 Sept, 8:30 am
Tawang Monastery
buddhist temple
HVP5+M3X, Tawang, 790104
Tawang War Memorial
tourist attraction
HVPG+PPH, 790104
Gyangong Ani Gompa
locality
Gyangong Ani Gompa 790104
Tawang
Tue, 8 SeptMountain Lodge, Tawang
Tawang
7 Sept, 8:30 am
Sela Pass
natural feature
Sela Pass, 790105
Sungester Lake
lake
Sungester Lake, 790104
Bumla Pass
natural feature
Bumla Pass, 790104
Frontier kit
- Inner Line Permit (mandatory)
- Down jacket & thermals
- Diamox (ask your doctor)
- Cash — ATMs are scarce
- Offline maps
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