Tawang is a truly mystical destination blessed with natural scenery in abundance, and set at an elevation of 10,000 ft above sea level. Tawang houses a variety of attractions which makes people visit the place throughout the year. Major tourist places to visit in Tawang include Nuranang waterfall, snow-capped Gorichen Peak, Tawang monasteries and lush greenery at Madhuri Lake. Read on for more on each.

Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery of India, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. The Tawang Monastery was builted in 1860-61 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso as per the wishes of the 5^th Dalai Lama named Magwang Lobsang Dyatso. It offers a mesmerizing view of the Tawang-Chu valley lying in the midst of Himalayan ranges, 10,000 feet above the sea level. It is home to over 300 monks and holds 17 gompas in the region.

Sela Pass is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Sela Pass is known to be the gateway to Tawang Valley, and is lying at an altitude of 14000 ft above sea level. This pass is counted amongst the high-altitude driving passes around the world. During the winter season, Sela Pass is covered with a sheet of white snow captivating the sight of gleaming sunrays.

Fondly known as Jang Falls, Nuranang Waterfalls is located around 40 km drive away from Tawang district. It’s one of the most beautiful, milky-white waterfalls in Tawang at an elevation of around 6000 ft. It’s a magical collaboration of River Nuranang which originated from the slope of Sela Pass with River Tawang that forms the Nuranang Falls.

In the midst of high mountains and ever-lasting natural beauty, Madhuri Lake is the remotest lake of the country. This lake is also known as Sangetsar Lake, and managed by the Indian Army. After an earthquake in the year 1950, Madhuri lake was formed – by the flash flood that followed the earthquake. The lake is named after Madhuri Dixit after the shooting of Bollywood movie Koyla. The best time to witness the beauty of Madhuri Lake is between April and October.

Gorichen Peak is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh which is roughly a 164 km drive from Tawang. This peak is great for backpackers and hikers to explore the experience – and is located between Tawang and West Kameng. You can find this peak 22,500 feet above sea level.

Born out of paying tribute to all the martyrs of Sino-India war of 1962, Tawang War Memorial is the most visited attractions of Tawang. It’s a 40 feet high multi-hued structure lying in the midst of beautiful peaks of Himalayas. Tourists can spot the names of soldiers on granite plates who sacrificed their lives during the war at Kameng sector.

This site is in the memory of Jaswant Singh, a warrior who was killed during the Sino-Indian war in 1962. It is located 21 km from Sela Pass – and is one of the most peaceful tourist attractions of Tawang. Jaswant Garh is open to pay tribute to this brave warrior.

Surrounded by the beautiful landscapes, Pangang Teng Tso Lake is a beauty you must visit when in Tawang. It’s a perfect tourist site where you can click a lot of pictures and be awed by the natural beauty. It is an excellent location for picnic depending on the weather and time.

As ancient as they come, Samten Yongcha Monastery is a cross between quiet, tranquil spiritual abode and an artist’s swan song. Built in such beautiful surroundings, the monastery is etched with gorgeous carvings, inlays and sculptures. The most stunning of them all is the gold plated statue of Buddha. A tour through the shrine will also reveal to you many an artefacts, pillars, walls with literature and more.

In 8th Century CE, Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated here, thus enriching the land where Taktsang Gompa now stands. It is about 50 km away from Tawang town and is quite an escape, with its rugged hills populated with lush trees. Conifers rise high around the gompa, the peace of forest settling into its aura, taking a visitor far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Almost on a new planet!

A lake on quite a height, Nagula Lake is a delight through and through. The crystal clear waters, painted in the colour of the sky, reflects the mountains and the trees around it. Photographers, Instagram influencers, travellers, bloggers, backpackers… those who want the road less travelled are often found here. You will also catch sight of wild Brahmini Ducks by the lake bank, with the best months being spring in April-May and late summer from September to October to spot this beauty.

Urgelling Gompa was the birthplace of one of the earliest Dalai Lamas. This in itself imparts significance to this place. 3 km from Tawang’s town bustle, Urgelling Gompa is a place of great peace. It is a rather small gompa, with its Buddhist followers coming in from local villages. You can visit this 14th Century monastery to catch a quiet corner and meditate, or to catch a local and strike a conversation. Whichever gives you peace.

Bumla Pass is a famous place in Tawang, mainly for its usage by Dalai Lama entering India. It became a legendary historical pass since that time, and continues to attract tourists even to this day. You will need to apply for a special permit to visit Bumla Pass, but rest assured, the natural beauty of the place will make every hassle worth it. Summer months that begun May onwards are the best to visit, right up until October, when winter begins to set in.