Tawang Tour 5 Days / 4 Nights
Your journey to Tawang begins with a morning pickup from Guwahati. Drive towards Dirang through Bhalukpong and Bomdila, gradually leaving the plains of Assam behind as the road climbs into the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh.
Enjoy the changing landscape of forested hills, valleys and mountain rivers along the way. This is a long driving day, so an early start is recommended.
Arrive in Dirang by evening and check in to your accommodation. The rest of the evening is free to relax.
After breakfast, begin the scenic drive towards Tawang through the high-altitude Sela region.
Depending on road and weather conditions, the journey may take you over Sela Pass or through the Sela Tunnel. If travelling via the traditional pass route, take a short stop at Sela Lake before continuing towards Tawang. Sela Pass is situated at approximately 13,700 feet, while the Sela Tunnel provides an all-weather alternative route below the pass.
En route, visit Jaswant Garh War Memorial, which honours Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat for his role during the 1962 war.
Continue through the dramatic mountain landscape and arrive in Tawang by evening. Check in and relax.
Start early for a full-day excursion towards Bum La Pass, a high-altitude border area located around 37 km from Tawang.
Visit Sangetsar Lake, popularly known as Madhuri Lake, before continuing towards Bum La. Bum La is situated at around 15,200 feet and requires special permission from the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Tawang and the Indian Army. Access is subject to prevailing weather, road and security conditions.
Important: Bum La is a restricted area for foreign nationals. Foreign visitors travelling to Arunachal Pradesh require a Protected Area Permit, but Bum La is not part of the permitted foreign-tourist circuit.
Return to Tawang by afternoon or evening. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the local market.
After breakfast, visit Tawang Monastery, an important centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and one of the oldest and largest monasteries in India.
Later, begin the return journey towards Dirang.
Stop at Nuranang Falls, also known as Jang Falls, along the way before continuing through the mountains towards Dirang.
Arrive in Dirang by evening and check in.
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Guwahati.
Drive through Bomdila and Bhalukpong before descending from the mountains into Assam. This is another long driving day, so an early start is recommended.
Arrive in Guwahati by evening.
Trip ends in Guwahati.
- Transportation
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Inner Line Permits
- Accommodation
- Travel Insurance
- Lunch
- Personal Expenses
- Anything not mentioned
Is 5 days enough for a Tawang trip?
Five days is the minimum duration for completing the Guwahati–Tawang circuit by road. This itinerary covers the major highlights, including Sela, Jaswant Garh, Bum La, Madhuri Lake and Tawang Monastery, but it is a compact trip with long driving days. For a more relaxed experience, a 6 or 7-day itinerary is recommended.
What is the route for this 5-day Tawang tour?
Guwahati → Dirang → Tawang → Dirang → Guwahati.
Is Bum La Pass included in this Tawang itinerary?
Yes. The itinerary includes an excursion to Bum La Pass and Madhuri Lake, subject to the required permits and prevailing weather, road and security conditions. The exact local vehicle arrangement for the excursion should be confirmed with the tour operator before travel.
Do I need a permit to visit Tawang?
Yes. Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. The Bum La excursion requires additional special permission. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP).
Does the tour go through Sela Pass?
The route travels through the Sela area. Depending on weather, road conditions and local traffic arrangements, vehicles may travel via Sela Pass or the Sela Tunnel. The traditional pass route allows a stop at Sela Lake when conditions permit.
Is the Tawang journey difficult?
The trip involves long hours on winding mountain roads and significant altitude changes. The route reaches high-altitude areas such as Sela and Bum La, so travellers should be prepared for cold weather, road fatigue and possible altitude-related discomfort.
What is the best time to visit Tawang?
Tawang can be visited in different seasons, but conditions vary significantly. March to May generally offers pleasant spring conditions, while October to November often brings clearer post-monsoon mountain views. December to February is suitable for travellers looking for snow, although high-altitude roads can face temporary closures. Monsoon travel can be affected by heavy rain, landslides and road disruptions.
Can this Tawang tour be customized?
Yes. The itinerary can be customized by adding extra nights, changing the pace of the journey or adjusting the sightseeing based on your travel plans.
Where does the Tawang tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Guwahati. Because the first and last days involve long road journeys, travellers should plan their arrival and onward flight or train connections with sufficient time.