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Cross the frozen Sela Pass at 13,700 ft, stand before the 2nd largest monastery in the world, and trace the ancient Silk Road of Tibetan Buddhism through the highest reaches of Northeast India.
Tawang sits at 10,000 feet in the far northwest corner of Arunachal Pradesh, just 35 km from the Tibetan border. Founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681, Tawang Monastery is the largest in India and second only to Lhasa's Drepung Monastery in the world — a sprawling complex of golden temples, monk quarters, and a priceless 8-metre gilded Buddha.
To reach it, you cross the Sela Pass — a high-altitude corridor of glacial lakes, prayer flags, and Himalayan silence at 13,700 ft. The drive from Dirang to Tawang via Sela is consistently ranked among the finest road journeys in all of Asia.
This is also the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, and the Monpa people who inhabit the valley have preserved Tibetan Buddhist traditions for centuries — undiluted by modernity and utterly captivating.
Tawang Monastery — Galden Namgyal Lhatse — was founded in 1681 and houses over 450 monks. Its golden rooftop, ancient murals, and 8-metre Buddha statue are unlike anything else in India.
One of the highest motorable passes in the world, flanked by a glacial lake and Himalayan peaks. Crossing it in morning mist is an experience that stays with you forever.
Also called Jung Falls, this 100-metre cascade plunges through a rocky gorge. The drive alongside it on the way to Tawang is one of India's great road-trip moments.
Tawang is not a museum — it is a living Buddhist town. Butter lamps, prayer flags, chanting monks, and Monpa hospitality are woven into every moment of your stay.
Depart Guwahati early and drive into Arunachal Pradesh through lush foothills. Cross the Kameng river, stop at Tipi Orchid Research Centre, and arrive at Dirang — a charming valley town with apple orchards and hot springs.
The most dramatic drive of the tour. Ascend to the breathtaking Sela Pass at 13,700 ft — a high-altitude lake, glacial silence, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas. Descend through war memorials and pine forests to reach Tawang town.
Full day at the jewel of the tour. Tawang Monastery — the 2nd largest in the world and largest in India — perches at 10,000 ft and dates to 1681. Attend morning prayers with monks, explore the museum housing 400-year-old manuscripts, and visit the adjacent Urgelling Monastery, birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
Morning excursion to Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Lake) — the mirror-like high-altitude lake famous from the Bollywood film. Afternoon option to visit Bum La Pass on the China border (subject to Army clearance). Evening at leisure in Tawang market.
Return journey through the mountains, stopping at Bomdila — a hill station with its own monastery and sweeping views of the Eastern Himalayas. Visit the Bomdila Monastery and craft centre.
Final drive back through the Assam foothills, crossing the Brahmaputra plains to Guwahati. Drop-off at airport or railway station.
ILP is mandatory for all Indian nationals. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP). We handle the full application process at no extra charge.
Sela Pass sits at 13,700 ft. Acclimatise in Dirang (Night 1) before ascending. Those with heart/respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before booking.
Mar–May: pleasant and clear (best for photography). Sep–Nov: crisp autumn light. Dec–Feb: heavy snow may close Sela — for experienced winter travellers only.
BSNL is the only network with partial coverage in Tawang. Inform your contacts before you leave — full digital detox territory.
6 Days · 5 Nights
Max 8 guests · ILP handled · All monastery fees included
Free cancellation up to 15 days before departure · Secure Stripe checkout