--- title: "15 Best Things to Do in Tawang: A Local's Guide" description: "The best things to do in Tawang: the monastery, Bumla Pass, Sela Lake, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Falls, Zimithang and more, with tips from local drivers." canonical: https://destinationtawang.com/journal/things-to-do-in-tawang/ --- Guide * 9 min read # 15 best things to do in Tawang, _from a local._ From a 17th-century monastery to a 15,200 ft border pass, here's how we'd spend your days in Tawang, and what most visitors miss. By Destination Tawang team * Updated 5 November 2026 ## 1\. Sit in on morning prayers at Tawang Monastery India's largest Buddhist monastery was founded in 1680-81 and still houses hundreds of monks. Arrive early, when chanting fills the assembly hall and the light on the gilded Buddha is softest. Leave time for the museum. [More on the monastery](https://destinationtawang.com/places-to-visit-in-tawang/tawang-monastery/). ## 2\. Stand on the border at Bumla Pass At about 15,200 ft, Bumla is the high point of most trips: snowfields, army posts and a viewpoint on the India-China border. It needs a special permit and is generally open to Indian nationals only. Read our [Bumla permit guide](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/bumla-pass-permit-guide/). ## 3\. Walk the shore of Shongatser (Madhuri) Lake Formed by a 1950 earthquake, its drowned tree trunks still stand in the water. It sits on the Bumla road, so most people visit both the same day. [Shongatser Lake](https://destinationtawang.com/places-to-visit-in-tawang/shongatser-lake/). ## 4\. Stop at Sela Lake on the way in Every road trip crosses [Sela Pass](https://destinationtawang.com/places-to-visit-in-tawang/sela-pass/) at around 13,700 ft. In winter the lake freezes and the gate is buried in snow; in May it's ringed with prayer flags. ## 5\. Feel the spray at Nuranang Falls A roughly 100 m waterfall near Jang, thunderous after the monsoon. It's a short detour on the main road. [Nuranang Falls](https://destinationtawang.com/places-to-visit-in-tawang/nuranang-falls/). ## 6\. Pay respects at the War Memorial The stupa-shaped [Tawang War Memorial](https://destinationtawang.com/places-to-visit-in-tawang/tawang-war-memorial/) honours the soldiers of 1962. Stay for the evening light and sound show if it's running. ## 7\. Have tea at Jaswant Garh The army-run memorial to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat sits on the Sela road. Soldiers often serve tea to travellers. ## 8\. Visit Urgelling Monastery A small, peaceful monastery a short drive from town, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. ## 9\. Watch sunset at the Giant Buddha The large seated Buddha statue overlooks the valley and catches the last light beautifully. ## 10\. Take the long road to Zimithang A quiet border valley with the great white stupa of Gorsam Chorten. Plan a full day. [Zimithang](https://destinationtawang.com/places-to-visit-in-tawang/zimithang/). ## 11\. Cross paths with history at Chakzam Bridge An old iron chain bridge over the Tawang Chu, traditionally credited to the 15th-century saint Thangtong Gyalpo, on the way to Zimithang. ## 12\. See PT Tso lake Another high-altitude lake on the Bumla road, often frozen until spring. ## 13\. Time your trip for Torgya or Losar Torgya brings masked dances to the monastery, usually in January; Losar, the Tibetan New Year, usually falls in February or March. See [when to visit](https://destinationtawang.com/when-to-visit-tawang/). ## 14\. Shop for Monpa crafts Look for hand-woven textiles, carpets and wooden masks at the craft centre and town market. ## 15\. Eat like a local Try thukpa, momos and butter tea in town. Locally made cheese and noodle soups are perfect after a cold day at the passes. ## How many days do you need? Allow at least two full days in Tawang itself, plus the drive in and out. Our [Classic Tawang Road Trip](https://destinationtawang.com/tawang-tour-packages/guwahati-to-tawang-6-days/) covers the essentials in six days. ## Frequently asked questions What is Tawang famous for? Tawang is famous for Tawang Monastery, India's largest Buddhist monastery, the high-altitude Bumla and Sela passes, and lakes such as Shongatser (Madhuri) Lake. How many days are enough for Tawang? Plan at least 5 nights from Guwahati: two travel days each way and one or two full days in Tawang. Seven nights lets you add Zimithang. ### Planning a Tawang trip? Tell us your dates and group. A local planner sends a tailor-made route and quote, with no obligation. [Plan my trip ](https://destinationtawang.com/plan-your-trip/) ### On this page 1. 1\. Sit in on morning prayers at Tawang Monastery 2. 2\. Stand on the border at Bumla Pass 3. 3\. Walk the shore of Shongatser (Madhuri) Lake 4. 4\. Stop at Sela Lake on the way in 5. 5\. Feel the spray at Nuranang Falls 6. 6\. Pay respects at the War Memorial 7. 7\. Have tea at Jaswant Garh 8. 8\. Visit Urgelling Monastery 9. 9\. Watch sunset at the Giant Buddha 10. 10\. Take the long road to Zimithang 11. 11\. Cross paths with history at Chakzam Bridge 12. 12\. See PT Tso lake 13. 13\. Time your trip for Torgya or Losar 14. 14\. Shop for Monpa crafts 15. 15\. Eat like a local 16. How many days do you need? 17. FAQ ### Talk to a local Questions about permits, roads or weather? Ask us on WhatsApp. [ WhatsApp](https://wa.me/918132971962)[Plan my trip](https://destinationtawang.com/plan-your-trip/) ## Keep reading [All guides ](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/) [](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/guwahati-to-tawang-road-trip/) Route * 8 min read ### [Guwahati to Tawang by road: the complete route guide.](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/guwahati-to-tawang-road-trip/) Roughly 450 km, two days, one 13,700 ft pass. Here's how to drive from Guwahati to Tawang the right way. [Read the guide ](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/guwahati-to-tawang-road-trip/) [](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/arunachal-pradesh-ilp-guide/) Permits * 6 min read ### [Arunachal Pradesh ILP for Tawang: how to apply online.](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/arunachal-pradesh-ilp-guide/) Every Indian visitor from outside Arunachal needs an Inner Line Permit to reach Tawang. It's quick to get online if you use the right website. [Read the guide ](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/arunachal-pradesh-ilp-guide/) [](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/bumla-pass-permit-guide/) Permits * 6 min read ### [Bumla Pass permit: how it works.](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/bumla-pass-permit-guide/) Bumla is the trip everyone wants, and the one with the most rules. Here's how the permit works and how to make the day go smoothly. [Read the guide ](https://destinationtawang.com/journal/bumla-pass-permit-guide/) Plan my trip ## Let's design your _Tawang_ Tell us who's coming, when, and what you'd love to feel. A local planner replies with a route, vehicle and quote made for you, usually within a few hours. * A plan written for your dates and group, not a fixed package * No obligation: decide only when the plan feels right * Local drivers, permit guidance and on-the-road support [81329 71962](tel:+918132971962) [60097 88843](tel:+916009788843) [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/918132971962) --- Plan a tailor-made trip: https://destinationtawang.com/plan-your-trip/ | WhatsApp: https://wa.me/918132971962 | Phone: +918132971962