Tawang might be one of the most beautiful places in India, but getting there isn’t as straightforward as booking a direct flight. The journey, however, is half the charm.
From meandering mountain roads to river valleys tucked beneath Himalayan cliffs, traveling to Tawang is a true adventure — and in this guide, we’ll show you all the best routes, travel tips, and stopovers that will make your journey smoother and more memorable.
✈️ Where Do You Start? Gateway Cities to Tawang
Most travelers start their journey to Tawang from Assam, as it's the easiest point of entry into Arunachal Pradesh.
✳️ Option 1: Guwahati – The Most Popular Starting Point
- Well-connected by flight, train, and road
- Ideal for those flying in from metro cities
- From Guwahati to Tawang: Approx. 450 km (2-3 days by road)
✳️ Option 2: Tezpur – The Shortcut
- Closer to Arunachal Pradesh border
- Also has a military airbase (limited civil flights)
- From Tezpur to Tawang: Approx. 330 km (2 days)
💡 Tip: You can book a complete Tawang tour package with pickup from Guwahati or Tezpur with us at DiscoverTawangTours.com. We handle all the transport, permits, and accommodations so you just enjoy the road trip.
🚗 Route Breakdown: Day-by-Day Travel Itinerary to Tawang
Here’s the most scenic and efficient route to Tawang, which also helps you acclimatize gradually to the altitude:
🏞️ Day 1: Guwahati to Bhalukpong
Distance: ~240 km Drive Time: 6–7 hours
- Cross the border from Assam into Arunachal Pradesh at Bhalukpong
- Get your Inner Line Permit (ILP) checked at the border gate
- Stay overnight here or continue to Bomdila if time allows
📌 Book our customizable Guwahati to Tawang tour with ILP assistance.
🏔️ Day 2: Bhalukpong to Dirang
Distance: ~140 km Drive Time: 5–6 hours
- Scenic drive through Sessa Orchid Sanctuary and misty pine forests
- Stop at Bomdila Monastery for a cultural break
- Reach Dirang by evening – a charming valley town perfect for a night halt
🛌 We offer stays in riverside homestays and mountain-view resorts in Dirang. Explore packages here.
❄️ Day 3: Dirang to Tawang via Sela Pass
Distance: ~140 km Drive Time: 6–7 hours
- Cross the majestic Sela Pass (13,700 ft) – often snow-covered and dramatic
- Visit the stunning Sela Lake and stop at Jaswant Garh War Memorial
- Arrive in Tawang by evening, ideally before sunset
❄️ In winter months, Sela Pass can get slippery — our guided tours ensure safety with trained drivers and 4x4 vehicles.
🚐 Alternate Route (Winter Detour via Jung)
Sometimes, especially in peak winter (Dec–Feb), Sela Pass might be temporarily shut due to snowfall.
Instead, drivers take the longer but safer Jung–Lumla route via:
- Bomdila → Rupa → Shergaon → Tawang
- Adds ~5 hours of travel time but offers warmer valleys and more gradual ascent
🧾 What Permits Do You Need?
For Indian nationals:
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory
- Can be applied online at Arunachal ILP Portal
For foreign nationals:
- Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required and must be obtained via a registered tour operator (like us)
📍 Don’t worry — all our Tawang tour packages come with complete permit assistance.
🚌 Shared Taxis and Buses to Tawang
Budget travelers can opt for:
🚖 Shared Sumo Taxis
- Run daily from Tezpur and Guwahati to Tawang
- Start early morning (5–6 AM)
- Takes 14–16 hours with a mid-point halt
🚙 Seats fill up fast — we recommend pre-booking through a local operator like Discover Tawang Tours.
🚌 Government Buses
- Operated by Arunachal Pradesh State Transport (APST)
- Slower and less frequent, but cheaper
- Not ideal for solo female travelers or elderly due to rough terrain
🛬 Can You Fly to Tawang?
Direct flights to Tawang are not yet available. However:
🚁 Tawang Helicopter Service
- Pawan Hans operates helicopter services between Guwahati and Tawang
- Weather-dependent, often gets canceled last minute
- Only 8–9 seats per trip
You can check availability and rates on the Pawan Hans official website.
🧳 What Should You Pack for the Journey?
- Warm clothes (even in summer)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Power bank and extra camera batteries
- Motion sickness meds (roads are twisty!)
- ILP printouts and ID cards
🧭 Download Google Maps offline – signal is patchy beyond Bhalukpong.
🛎️ Recommended Stopover Hotels
We’ve handpicked a few traveler favorites:
- Gonpalok Homestay (Dirang)
- Hotel Tsepal Yangjom (Bomdila)
- Discover Tawang Homestays (operated by us)
View our stay options across all key stopovers.
📌 Final Travel Tips
- Leave early every day — roads are hilly and daylight is limited
- Avoid monsoon months (July–August)
- Always check road status with locals or your tour operator
- Get a local SIM card (Airtel/BSNL work best in Tawang)
🏔️ Let Us Take You There
If this feels overwhelming to plan on your own, let us take care of it. From airport pickups to monastery tours and cultural stays — we handle it all.
👉 Plan your trip with us and enjoy the journey, not the stress.
Tags:
Tawang route guide, how to go to Tawang, Tawang road trip, Bhalukpong, Dirang, Bomdila, Guwahati to Tawang