Tawang Solo Trip: A Extraordinary Journey of Self Discovery
Traveling to Tawang Solo , a small town in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, is a popular destination for solo travelers. Located at an altitude of (10,000ft) 3,050 meters, Tawang is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. In this article, we’ll take you through the journey of a solo trip to Tawang, highlighting the top attractions, activities, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.
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Getting There
The best way to reach Tawang solo is by taking a bus or hiring a taxi from Tezpur (Assam) or Guwahati (Assam). The journey takes around 6-8 hours depending on the road conditions. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Guwahati to Tezpur and then take a taxi to Tawang.
A combination of Network bus and shared pay per seat sumos are the best way to get to Tawang for a solo traveller. It will cost you around INR 800-1200 for the bus based on where you want to book till. There is a direct over night bus which leaves at 11am from ISBT Guwahati and reaches the next day at 8am to Tawang.
The Shared Sumos leave every morning between 5-6am and can be booked from the sumo counter and cost anywhere between 800-1200 but keep in mind these sumos take 10 adults + 1 driver so a total of 11 people.
Inner Line Permit:
You need an ILP to enter Arunachal Pradesh and the same can be obtained online via the government site. Follow the video for a step by step guide to getting the permit done. It will cost you INR 500 for the permit and it’s valid for 15 days.
Top Attractions
1. Tawang Monastery: The 400-year-old Tawang Monastery is a must-visit attraction in Tawang. It’s one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India and is home to over 500 monks.
2. Urgelling Monastery: This monastery is said to be the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama and is famous for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
3. Tawang War Memorial: This memorial is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who fought against the Chinese invasion in 1962.
4. Nuranang Falls: The Nuranang Falls is a picturesque waterfall located about 10 km from Tawang. It’s a great spot for trekking and photography.
5. Pankang Tengmo Lake: This lake is situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Activities
1. Trekking: Tawang offers several trekking trails for all levels of experience, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.
2. Cycling: You can rent a bicycle and explore the town and surrounding areas on two wheels.
3. Photography: Tawang is a photographer’s paradise, with its stunning landscapes, beautiful monasteries, and vibrant markets.
4. Shopping: Tawang has a variety of shops selling local handicrafts, including Tibetan souvenirs, prayer flags, and incense sticks.
5. Camping: You can set up a camp near the Nuranang Falls or other scenic spots to experience the beauty of nature at night.
Tips
1. Acclimatize: Make sure to acclimatize to the high altitude by taking it easy for the first few days.
2. Pack wisely: Pack warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and essential items like sunscreen and insect repellent.
3. Respect local customs: Tawang is a predominantly Buddhist town, so respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting monasteries.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
5. Be prepared for unexpected weather: Tawang’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Top Places In Tawang:
- Bhalukpong: The gateway to tawang and this is where you need to present your ILP (inner line permit) its a good option to stay the night when your on a road trip to Tawang. Room will cost you anywhere between INR 1500 TO 7000
- Bomdila: A must stop since its a town which has the best options to stay for the night. A room will cost you anywhere between INR 1500 to INR 5000 based on what you want.
- Dirang: A night village along the river banks and has a monastery along with a bustling main road. A good place to break journey. Room Will cost you anywhere between INR 1500 to 4000.
- Tawang: When it comes to staying the night in Tawang the old market is where you need to be since thats where all the happening cafes and shopping market is. A room in the old market will cost anywhere between INR 2000 to 8000 a night
- Bumla & Sangestar lake: You will need to hire a private taxi to reach there and it will cost you anywhere between INR 5500 TO 7000 depending on the road contion. Local Siteseeing will cost you around INR 1500-4000 depending on what you want.
- Sela Pass: With the opening of Sela Tunnel In March 2024 no shared vehicles take the Sela pass route anymore so if you intend on going to Sela pass as a solo traveller you will need to book a private Sumo which will cost you anywhere between INR 7000-10,000 depending on the season and road contion.
Food & drink In and around Tawang:
Plenty of options when it comes to eating for both vegetarian and non vegetarian. You can survive with verg good food options in Tawang region on a budget of INR 500 per day and eat very health and good vegetarian food. Alcohol options are in plenty and it’s extremely affordable alcohol.
How Many Days are needed?
While Travelling Tawang solo traveller you need a minimum of 7 days to explore tawang unless you just want to take the direct bus from Guwahati and reach Tawang and bypass the towns of Bomdila, Dirang and Bhalukpong. If you plan on by passing the mentioned towns then you can do this trip 4N/5D, two nights out of the four nights will be spent in the bus.
Budget Needed for the trip
Anywhere between INR 13,000-20,000 is what you need to keep for this trip. This is the average budget considering you are a backpacker and are ready to rough it out in basic 1500 per night accommodation.
Best Time To Travel Tawang Solo:
The dry months from November to June are the best time to travel to Tawang Solo . Avoid the peak of winter January.
Conclusion
Traveling to Tawang Solo is a like going to paradise, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and spirituality. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm locals, Tawang is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable solo trip. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
