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Just a few months ago, business tycoon Anand Mahindra shared the tourist destinations on his travel bucket list on X (formerly Twitter). His latest addition? Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

And it’s easy to see why. Sitting high in the Himalayas, this charming town is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, age-old religion, and breathtaking landscapes shaped by glaciers, streams, and snow-clad peaks. And so, Tawang promises experiences that linger in the heart and soul long after the journey ends.

If Tawang has been calling to you too, get ready. You’re in for something special. From ancient monasteries alive with the chants of monks to pristine glacial lakes reflecting the sky, this destination is full of wonders.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top things to do in Tawang. These experiences don’t just wow your eyes, but also stay with you long after the journey ends.

1. Visit the Iconic Tawang Monastery

Your first stop has to be the legendary Tawang monastery. It is Asia’s second-largest Buddhist monastery and a spiritual hub that plays a major role in the region’s religion and development.

Nestled against a backdrop of towering peaks, this monastery is home to over 450 monks.

Walking into the monastery, you’ll see rows of saffron-clad monks, their chants filling the air with calm. The walls are painted with intricate murals telling stories of Buddhism. Inside, there’s a giant image of Lord Buddha, towering high, radiating peace.

Don’t miss the museum inside, which houses thangkas, manuscripts, and sacred artefacts influenced by centuries of religion, human activity, and development in the area.

If you’re lucky, you may even catch a colourful festival that showcases local dance and music.

2. Take a Trip to Bumla Pass

If adventure is what excites you, then heading towards Bumla Pass is a must.

Sitting at over 15,000 feet above sea level, this pass connects India with Tibet. It’s one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and only a limited number of visitors can access it. For that, you’ll need a special permit cleared by the Indian Army.

The journey to Bumla itself is unforgettable. The road conditions are rough, and the route twists in two directions, with snow covering almost half the way even in summer. The higher you go, the more the landscape transforms. The view opens up to reveal endless snowfields and glistening ice, with an Indian Army convoy occasionally passing by.

More than just scenic beauty, Bumla Pass is a place that holds economic importance and a major role in defence and border security. Standing here, with winds cutting across your face, you’ll realise how wind action, harsh winter, and natural sedimentation shaped this rugged landscape.

3. Witness the Magnificent Jang Waterfalls and Nuranang River

Flowing with immense force, the Jang Waterfalls—also called the Nuranang Falls—are another gem of Tawang. 

Dropping from around 100 meters, this waterfall creates thunderous standing water pools at its base. The falls get their source from the glaciers high above, with streams feeding into the Nuranang River. The gushing liquid flow eventually joins other bodies of surface water downstream.

During the winter season, the waterfall freezes partially, creating icy sculptures that look like a frozen fantasyland. In summer, the waterfall roars with streams of melted ice rushing down, showcasing nature’s raw power.

Be sure to visit here., You’ll see how such waterfalls help in power generation projects and irrigation for local farms while still offering breathtaking scenic beauty.

4. Cross the Legendary Sela Pass and Sela Tunnel

Sela Pass at 13,700 feet is absolutely breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll pass glacial lakes with brilliant blue water, surrounded by snow and rugged basins. This pass connects two directions-Tawang to West Kameng. 

Here, the Sela Lake glitters right next to the road, often frozen in winter. This is where you’ll see how glacial lakes form, with lake basins shaped by centuries of ice movement and sedimentation. Scientists often use places like this for lake classification, studying their total volume, surface area, and surface water conditions.

Driving through, you’ll cross the newly built Sela Tunnel, which helps keep the route open even in heavy snow. This region is also dotted with ponds, streams, and many lakes, showing how lake systems interconnect.

5. Explore the Mesmerising Madhuri Lake 

Tawang is blessed with numerous lakes and large lakes scattered across its high-altitude lake basins.

The most famous is Sangestar Tso. It's also known as Madhuri Lake, named after the Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit, who shot a song sequence at this lake for the film Koyla.

This lake’s scenic beauty is jaw-dropping. The crystal-clear lake water reflects the surrounding mountains, plants, and trees like a perfect mirror.

When you visit the lake, respect nature. Keep the lake water clean and avoid disturbing the local plants and animals.

6. Visit Taktsang Gompa for Peace and Solitude

For a quieter, more meditative experience, head to Taktsang Gompa, perched high above a valley. This prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex offers a serene space for reflection.

Here, you’ll find only a handful of monks, and the silence is broken only by the sound of streams below. Legends say Guru Padmasambhava meditated in a cave at the monastery site. That makes this spot sacred in Buddhism.

The trek to Taktsang Gompa passes through beautiful forests and meadows. You'll cross several streams and spot various plants and wildlife. The monastery provides stunning views of distant glacial lakes.

7. Cross the Historic Chakzam Bridge

Make time for the Chakzam Bridge, too. This 600-year-old iron chain bridge was built in the 15th century. It was constructed by a Tibetan monk and engineer named Thangtong Gyalpo.

Once an important trade route, the bridge is a tourist attraction. Though parts of it are now in ruins, standing here gives you a sense of how human activity, simple tools, and spiritual motivation shaped the land. The bridge is a reminder of the ingenuity of the past. 

8. Go Trekking to the Tawang War Memorial

One of the most meaningful adventures in Tawang is a trek to the iconic Tawang War Memorial, a serene site that honours the bravery of Indian soldiers who fought in the 1962 Indo-China War.

Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and sweeping panoramic vistas, the trek is as rewarding spiritually as it is visually. The path takes you through high-altitude trails, past trees, small streams, and charming local hamlets that showcase traditional life in Arunachal Pradesh.

Along the way, you’ll catch breathtaking glimpses of the surrounding valleys and mountains, a reminder of the region’s scenic beauty and strategic border location.

A Symphony of Spirituality and Scenery

There you have it! Top things to do in Tawang. More than a list of places, Tawang is a journey of the soul. This breathtaking corner of Arunachal Pradesh offers a rare blend of spiritual serenity, cultural depth, and Himalayan scenic beauty that stays with you long after you leave.

Whether you come in summer or winter, this land of mountains, monasteries, and lakes will leave you humbled, inspired, and longing to return.

So, pack your warmest clothes, bring your camera, and prepare for an adventure like no other. Tawang welcomes you with open arms and panoramic vistas that will take your breath away.