Tawang Tour Packages

The quaint town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. Among various reasons, spiritual tourism is a key motivation behind trips to Tawang. Find all you need to know about Tawang tourism and popular Tawang tour packages by Thomas Cook on this page.

Historical and cultural importance of Tawang

Tawang, the land of Monpas, is perched at an elevation of 3048 metres above sea level in the Northern Himalayas. It is the birthplace of his holiness, the 6th Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso. The place also has many associated legends, one of which gives us insights into its name. The name of the town, “Tawang” is believed to have originated from the revered Tawang Monastery, nestled on the edge of a ridge along the town’s western region. The name, “Ta” means Horse, while “Wang” means Chosen. According to the legend, the site of the monastery is believed to have been picked by a horse that Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, a disciple of the 5th Dalai Lama, owned. He was in search of a fitting place for a monastery but was not able to find one. It is then he decided to pray for guidance of divine power, but when he opened his eyes afterwards, he found his horse to be missing. After searching everywhere, he found his horse on top of a hill called Tana Mandekhang, a place where King Kala Wangpo’s palace once stood. He found this to be a good sign and began the construction of the gompa with the help of the locals, which led to the foundation of the Tawang Monastery by Merak Lama Gyatso in the late 17th century. You can opt for our Tawang holiday packages if you have spiritual tourism in mind.

Traditions and rituals practised in Tawang

The local culture and life in Tawang are heavily influenced by Tibetan and Buddhist ways of living. Tawang is mainly inhabited by the Monpa people and there is a serene ambience covering the region that many tourists and devotees find soothing. The locals follow many traditions and rituals, most of which are closely tied to Tibetan Buddhism. The main traditional festivals celebrated by the natives are the Lossar, Torgya and Choekhor harvest. Irrespective of one’s financial status, every Monpa household has a private place for worship, where they recite prayers and light lamps and incense. Monpas believe death and sickness are attributed to one’s karma. The practice of cleansing one of negative karma by monks reciting sacred texts is often done. Explore and experience everything that this town has to offer with the Tawang tour packages by Thomas Cook.  

Places to Visit in Tawang

Besides monasteries, there are tons of tourist attractions in Tawang that visitors find interesting. Here are some of the best places to visit in Tawang besides monasteries;  

Other religious places to see in Tawang

• Sela Pass : Located 73 km from the town, Sela Pass is one of the best tourist places to see in Tawang. It is a high-altitude mountain pass, nestled at an elevation of 4,170 metres. The pass is surrounded by snow-covered landscapes on all sides, the view of which you can enjoy on your Tawang tour. There are around 101 lakes in the area that are sacred as per the local Buddhist community.  
• Gorichen Peak: Gorichen Peak is a major mountain peak and tourist attraction that you can add to your Tawang tour itinerary. It is locally called Sa-Nga Phu, which translates to Kingdom of Deity. This mountain peak is considered sacred by the local Monpa tribe and is believed to be one of the holy peaks that shield the people of the region from all harm. No wonder it is one of the most well-known Tawang tourist places to visit. 
• Gorsam Chorten : Gorsam Chorten is one of the famous spiritual Tawang tourist attractions. Located 72 km from Tawang town, it is a 12th-century Buddhist stupa founded by a Monpa monk named Lama Pradhar. It is the largest Buddhist stupa in the region. Its fascinating architecture and rich historical and religious heritage make it one of the best places to visit in Tawang. It is often included in popular Tawang holiday packages.

Unique features of Tawang

The natural features of Tawang are as impressive as its historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. Tawang Chu is the main river of Tawang district and the district may be considered the river basin. In addition, Tawang has numerous clear blue lakes, like PT Tso Lake, Sangetser Tso, Sela Lake, etc., which you can add to your Tawang tour itinerary. Perched in the majestic Himalayas, the snow-capped mountains, lush greenery, vast valleys and cascading falls make it a prime spot for nature lovers seeking scenic views. These attractions can be found in the itineraries of some Tawang holiday packages.

Monasteries to Visit in Tawang

Spiritual tourism in Tawang mainly revolves around the major monasteries. Here are the most important monasteries to visit on a Tawang tour;   

• Tawang Monastery

  The revered Tawang Monastery is the most notable monastery in Tawang. It is not only the largest Buddhist monastery in India but also the second-largest monastery in the world. It belongs to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is around three stories high with 65 residential buildings within its complex. The most important building in the monastery is the two-storied Dukhang. The monastery also has a museum, which houses many artefacts including an elephant tusk, a human skull, a copy of the Prajna Paramita Sutra written in gold, etc., and a library, which has many religious texts and scriptures, such as Kanjur and Tanjur. It is, without a doubt, one of the best Tawang places to visit for spiritual tourism. You can easily find Tawang holiday packages featuring this monastery on Thomas Cook.

• Urgelling Monastery

  The Urgelling Monastery is yet another important gompa in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. This historic gompa was built back in 1487 AD and is the birthplace of his holiness, the 6th Dalai Lama, back in 1683. Though it is a small monastery, it has immense historical and cultural significance for people of the Buddhist faith. It is one of the best Tawang places to visit for spiritual tourism, located only 3 km from the main town. Look for Tawang holiday packages featuring Urgelling Monastery on our page.  

• Taktsang Gompa

  It is one of the major monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district that you can visit on your trip. Located roughly 45 km from Tawang Township, this gompa rose to reputation when it was visited by Guru Padmasambhava back in the 8th century. As the monastery is one of the most notable spiritual places to visit in Tawang, it is commonly featured in Tawang tour packages. It is perched on a ridge of a hillock with majestic mountains and dense coniferous forest acting as a scenic backdrop. Clicking pictures on this site is one of the best things to do in Tawang. Inside the gompa, you will find beautiful murals, sacred religious texts, intricate carvings and so on.

• Khinmey-Nyingma Monastery

  The Khinmey Monastery is about 10 km from the township and is a major spiritual tourist attraction that you can add to your Tawang itinerary. The gompa was founded by the first Thegtse Rinpoche, Rev. Kundun Sange Yeshe, in 1440 AD. At present, over a hundred monks from Monpas, Indian Nepalese and Bhutanese communities study ancient Buddhist classics and modern subjects at the monastery under the guidance of the Rinpoche. The main prayer hall of this monastery is covered by stunning, bright-coloured murals of deities. On top of the pavilion of prayer wheels on the grounds, there sits a large statue of the Bhaisajaguru.

Things to Know While Visiting Tawang

• On your tour to Tawang, make sure to carry enough cash as ATMs and card payments are scarce in the region.
• Though there are no specific bans on any food items in Tawang, there are certain restrictions that tourists should respect and follow. For example, many local restaurants don’t serve non-veg on Wednesdays, so make preparations accordingly on your tour to Tawang.
• Tawang is in Arunachal Pradesh, and all visitors, except the native people of Arunachal, need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state.
• Tawang has some unique local customs and practices and tourists must respect and follow them during their visit.
• Buddhist pilgrims walk around the monastery and monuments in a clockwise way, which visitors are advised to follow. Visitors are advised to wear modest and non-revealing clothes when visiting monasteries and other religious sites in Tawang.  

Best Time to Visit Tawang

Planning a spiritual trip centred around the best time to visit Tawang can be really helpful. Here is a brief explanation of the season-wise Tawang tourism experience to help you find the ideal time for your Tawang travel;  

Summer in Tawang

Summer in Tawang starts in March and ends in August. Despite being the hot season, you don’t have to worry about unbearable heat because the region experiences a moderate climate with an average temperature range of 10-25°C. The overall weather stays calm and pleasant, making it the best time to visit Tawang for spiritual tourism and Tawang sightseeing. Summer is also a good time to take part in adventure activities and attend local festivals like Losar. Find Tawang packages for summer on our page.  

Monsoon in Tawang Monsoon

which lasts from July to September, brings quite the rainfall to the region. Despite having a nice average temperature range of 15-25°C, the frequent rain increases the risk of slippery roads, roadblocks and landslides, which give rise to safety hazards and affect tourism. If you are visiting during this time, make sure to exercise caution. In general, it is a good time for a Tawang trip to witness its incredible natural beauty.  

Winter in Tawang

Winter in Tawang lasts from November to February. These are the coldest months in the region, with an average temperature range of -10 to 12°C. Those who are not a fan of the harsh cold may avoid visiting during this season. Otherwise, winter is the best time for a Tawang trip, especially if you want to witness the majestic snowfall and stunning snow-covered landscapes.  

Quotes and Inspirations

Our soul-searching expeditions often take us to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Tawang is one such place, except it is both naturally and spiritually beautiful. When one steps into Tawang, the scenic topography and unscathed natural beauty start some sort of healing that is much appreciated coming from busy city life. Free from chaos and polluted streets, exploring the majestic town and its surrounding region has been very impactful. Then comes the revered Buddhist monasteries that are not only visited by people of Buddhist faith but also people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Talking to the resident monks, and taking a sneak peek into their lifestyle and the Buddhist teachings have helped our minds to expand in a divine way. As the Dalai Lama once said, “The purpose of our lives is to be happy”, which is something we find and re-discover as we progress in life. It is a feeling of true happiness that we achieved while exploring the incredible architecture of the gompas and learning about their immense historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. Happiness, inner peace and sacred silence, maybe that’s all we need to live life in a better way, which is something only spiritual places like Tawang can truly reflect. To make the most out of your visit, carefully pick the right Tawang tour itinerary. 

What to Eat in Tawang?

The local delights are perfect for satisfying your hunger and taste buds during Tawang sightseeing. Here are some popular Tawang local food to try; 

• Wungwut Ngam: Wungwut Ngam is a popular chicken with rice powder dish. It uses a variety of local herbs and other fresh ingredients, which are slow-cooked to give the dish its signature taste, texture and aroma. It is a famous non-veg local dish that you can try on your Tawang trip.  
• Chura Sabzi: Chura Sabzi is a signature dish in the region that is popularly consumed by the natives of Tawang. It is a curry-type dish that is made using fermented cheese and a wide range of local greens. It is usually topped with some spice pepper and paired with steamed rice. Make sure to give it a try on your Tawang trip.
• Lukter: Lukter is one of the most popular Tawang food items that you shouldn’t miss. It is a non-veg side dish in the region, made by combining cooked dry meat and chilli flakes. Lukter is mainly known for its spice level due to the use of Bhut Jolokia or ghost pepper and is usually served on the side of steamed rice. Find the best Tawang packages with optional flights on our website.
• Koat Pitha: Koat Pitha is a fried snack item that is loved by locals and tourists alike. It is a small, ball-shaped snack made using mashed banana, rice flour and jaggery, which is then deep-fried until it turns golden brown.
• Ngatok: Ngatok is a very popular, non-veg Tawang food that you can try. It is a soothing fish curry dish, made using locally caught fresh fish and a series of regional herbs and spices. Most of the Tawang tour packages offered by Thomas Cook feature meals as a standard inclusion. 

Shopping in Tawang

• Thangka paintings:  These are beautiful, hand-painted traditional Tibetan artworks on silk, cotton or canvas. They include vivid imagery depicting Buddhist deities, scenes, or symbols. You can buy them as scrolls or wall hangings. Check out the local souvenir and art galleries. Get deals on Tawang packages for any season on our website.
• Tibetan carpets: The handcrafted Tibetan carpets are a must-buy in Tawang. They feature intricate weaving and colourful patterns and are often of very good quality. If you are looking for something to enhance the look and vibe of your living room, Tibetan carpets might just be it.
• Buddhist souvenirs: Buddhism is a major part of Tawang’s social life and culture. Hence buying Buddhist souvenirs, especially monastery crafts, can be a great choice. This includes items like statues of Buddha, singing bowls, prayer wheels, incense holders and so on. Find your ideal tour package with an interesting Tawang itinerary on Thomas Cook.  
• Handwoven shawls: Handwoven shawls are yet another great thing to buy in Tawang as a gift for yourself or a close friend or family member. Usually made of fine silk or wool, these shawls are soft, warm and of great quality. They are also very affordable, starting from around INR 500.