Best Road Trip to Tawang in May: What to Expect
A road trip to Tawang in May is a mesmerizing experience, offering breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and lush greenery. Road Trip to Tawang in May is a journey to this remote paradise in Arunachal Pradesh is nothing short of an adventure, with winding roads, challenging terrains, and stunning vistas at every turn. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, this guide will help you plan your trip efficiently.
Road Trip to Tawang in May
Best Route for Road Trip to Tawang in May
Reaching Tawang by road requires traversing some of the most picturesque yet challenging terrains of Northeast India. Here’s the most common and recommended route for a Road Trip to Tawang in May
Guwahati to Tawang (Approx. 520 km, 14-16 hours)
Route: Guwahati – Tezpur – Bhalukpong – Bomdila – Dirang – Tawang
1. Guwahati to Tezpur (180 km, 4-5 hours)
Start your journey early from Guwahati.
The road is smooth, and you can take a breakfast break at Tezpur.
2. Tezpur to Bomdila (150 km, 4-5 hours)
Enter Arunachal Pradesh at Bhalukpong (you need an Inner Line Permit).
Enjoy the scenic drive along the Kameng River
The road starts getting steeper and winding.
Stop at Tenga Valley for breathtaking views.
Visit Bomdila Monastery before continuing.
3. Bomdila to Tawang (176.6 km, 5-6 hours)
Explore the beautiful Dirang Valley and hot water springs.
Stay overnight if needed to break the long journey.
Pass through Sela Pass (13,700 ft), often covered in snow even in May.
Stop at Sela Lake for mesmerizing views.
Visit Jaswant Garh War Memorial before reaching Tawang.
4. Bumla Pass , Sangestra Lake & Ptso Lake
A day trip from tawang to explore the snow points and high altitude lakes.
You will drive through 50+ glacial lakes.
Bumla pass is where you will get a glimpse of the India China Border and a historic revisit of the glorious past explained by an Indian Army Officer.
5. Tawang Local Sightseeing:
Visit the Tawang Monastery , Buddha Park, Old Tawang Market & War Memorial
The perfect day to try out the various Cafes & Restaurants in Tawang.
6. Tawang to Dirang (140km= 4-5 hours )
Say goodbye to Tawang and start your drive in the morning.
Take the Sela Tunnel route
Reach Dirang by lunch time.
Visit Dirang River side & Dirang Monastery.
7. Dirang to Bhalukpong (130km)
Drive along the curved roads as you descend.
A journey which will take you through the green fields of Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhalukpong for the night stay.
8. Bhalukpong to Guwahati (245km =5-6 hours )
Strat early so you can reach back before the traffic clogs the roads in Guwahati.
Stop for lunch along the journey.
Trip ends at Guwahati Airport / Paltan Bazaar
Road Conditions and Travel Tips
While the journey is scenic, road conditions can be challenging in some sections. Here’s what you need to know:
Guwahati to Tezpur: Smooth highways, easy driving.
Tezpur to Bhalukpong: Decent roads but watch for occasional potholes.
Bhalukpong to Bomdila: Mountainous terrain, narrow roads with sharp curves.
Bomdila to Dirang: Good roads with some bumpy patches.
Dirang to Tawang: The most challenging stretch with landslide-prone areas and steep ascents.
Travel Tips:
Start your journey early to avoid driving after dark.
Carry motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to nausea on winding roads.
Keep warm clothing as temperatures drop at higher altitudes.
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, preferably an SUV for better stability.
Keep extra fuel as petrol pumps are scarce in the hills.
Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are limited and may not always work.
Be prepared for network issues in certain areas.
Best Places to Stop Along the Way
The road to Tawang is dotted with stunning viewpoints and interesting stops. Here are some must-visit places:
1. Tenga Valley – A picturesque valley with serene surroundings.
2. Bomdila Monastery – A peaceful Buddhist monastery offering great views.
3. Dirang Dzong – A historic fort village showcasing traditional Monpa architecture.
4. Sela Pass & Sela Lake – One of the most scenic high-altitude passes in India.
5. Jaswant Garh War Memorial – A tribute to a brave soldier of the Indo-China war.
6. Nuranang Falls – A breathtaking waterfall just before reaching Tawang.
Weather Conditions in May
May is one of the best months to visit Tawang as the weather is pleasant:
Day Temperature: 10-20°C
Night Temperature: 2-8°C
Snowfall Possibility: Some patches of snow at Sela Pass
Rainfall: Light showers may occur, so carry a raincoat.
Accommodation Options
There are several hotels and homestays along the route for an overnight stay:
Bomdila: Hotel Tsepal Yangjom, Lungta Residency
Dirang: Norphel Retreat, Dirang Boutique Cottages
Tawang: Hotel Dolma Chhinkar, Tawang Inn, homestays with local Monpa families
Final Thoughts: Road Trip to Tawang in May
A road trip to Tawang in May is an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From crossing high-altitude passes to experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals, every moment is worth cherishing. If you’re up for an offbeat yet stunning road trip, Tawang should be on your list!
