1. Sela Pass
Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 4,170 meters on the Himalayan range in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It connects Tawang district to the rest of India, providing a route to locals and tourists. Sela Pass is famous, especially among tourists, because of its scenic beauty and stunning views of snow-capped picturesque valleys. Nearby Sela Lake is an attraction for the tourists; it is considered sacred by the local Buddhist population, and it is among the 101 lakes there. Apart from Sela Lake, Tawang Monastery, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, and Nuranang Falls, are nearby attractions worth visiting. For the entry to Sela Pass, visitors or tourists need an inner line permit.
Best Time to Visit: From April to October; some tourists visit it in winter also to witness snowfall.
Nearest Cities: Tawang (80 km), Guwahati (340 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur Railway Station (140 km), which is in Assam.
Nearest Airport: Mahavir Airport (143 km) which is in Assam
2. Tawang Buddhist Monastery
Tawang Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in India, which is located in the Tawang Chu valley of Tawang at an elevation of 10,000 feet. It is close to the China and Bhutan border. The monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681. Merak Lama found his horse grazing on a mountaintop, which he took as a divine sign to build the monastery there. The monastery is three stories high and includes 65 residential buildings. Monastery is having other major buildings like the library, assembly hall building, etc. There is a large Buddha statue and murals of various divinities in the Assembly Hall building. Monastery witnesses celebrations like Losar and Torgya featuring masked dances and traditional rituals. Since the monastery is situated at about 10,000 feet, it’s famous for stunning views of the Himalayas & is a point of attraction for lakhs of visitors. Visitors can explore the monastery’s architecture, participate in prayers, and visit the museum and photo gallery. [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Best time to visit: From March to June and September to October. Peak tourist season is from April to June.
Nearest city: Bomdila (160 km), Guwahati, Assam (555 km).
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur, Assam (180 km) Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (Mahavir Airport, 200 km) Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, Assam (480 km)
3. Madhuri Lake
Madhuri Lake, officially known as Sangestar Tso, is a picturesque lake located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated on the route from Tawang to Bum La Pass, near the Indo-China border, at an altitude of approximately 3,708 meters (12,165 feet) above sea level. It is popularly known as Madhuri Lake because it was featured in a song from the Bollywood movie “Koyla,” starring Madhuri Dixit. The lake is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains and offers breathtaking scenery, making it a popular spot for picnics and trekking. A special permit is required to visit the area, which can be obtained from the Indian Army or the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang.
Best Time to Visit: In months from April to October.
Nearest City: Tawang (35 km) [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Nearest Raway Station: Rangia Railway Station, Assam (340 km) Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (Mahavir Airport, 320 km)
4. Bumla Pass
Bumla Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass situated at an elevation of 15,200 feet in the Himalayan range. It’s a border crossing point between India and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. It has witnessed significant battles, including the Indo-Chinese War of the year 1962. Tourists need a special permit from the government, and only local vehicles are allowed. Nearby attractions include the Tawang Monastery, Nuranang Falls, and Sangestar Tso Lake.
Best Time to Visit: In the months of May to November.
Nearest City: Tawang (37 km) 10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Nearest Railway Station: Rangapara Railway Station, Tejpur, Assam (383 km) Nearest Airport: Mahavir Airport, Tezpur, Assam (387 km)
5. Tawang War Memorial
Tawang War Memorial is situated in Tawang town at an elevation of 10,000 feet. It is built to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 war; the memorial serves as a symbol of patriotism and national pride. Built to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 war, the memorial serves as a symbol of patriotism and national pride. The names of over 2,000 soldiers who died in the conflict are inscribed on black granite panels, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered. [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Best Time to Visit: From March to June and September to October.
Nearest City: War Memorial is located in Tawang city itself.
Nearest Railway Station: Rangapara Railway Station, Tezpur, Assam (200 km)
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (200 km)
6. Nuranang Falls
Nuranang Falls, also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls, is a breathtaking waterfall located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Nuranang Falls is situated approximately 2 kilometers northeast of the town of Jang, along the Jang Falls Road, which connects Tawang and Bomdila on the NH-13 Trans-Arunachal Highway. The waterfall drops from a height of about 100 meters and originates from the northern slopes of the Sela Pass. It eventually merges with the Tawang River. The name “Nuranang” is derived from a local Monpa girl named Nura, who played a heroic role in assisting an Indian Army soldier during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. A small hydel plant near the base of the falls generates electricity for local use. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer stunning views, making it an ideal spot for photography and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy trekking, birdwatching, and swimming in the clear waters of the falls. Featured in Bollywood films like “Koyla,” the falls have gained popularity for their picturesque backdrop.
Best Time to Visit: Nuranang Falls is from November to April, although it remains accessible throughout the year. During the monsoon season, the falls are at their peak flow.
Nearest City: Jang (40 km) [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur Railway Station, Assam (160 km)
Nearest Airport: Mahavir Airport, Tezpur, Assam (180 km)
7. Jaswant Garh War Memorial
Jaswant Garh War Memorial is located at an elevation of 10,000 feet near Sela Pass in Tawang district. It is built to provide tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, a soldier of the 4th Garhwal Rifles who single-handedly defended his post against the Chinese army for three days. The war memorial includes a bunker where Jaswant Singh Rawat fought, along with his personal belongings and a museum showcasing historical artifacts. [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: In months from March to September.
Nearest City: Tawang (26 km) [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Nearest Railway Station: Nameri Railway Station, Assam (130 km), Tezpur Railway Station (145 km). Nearest Airport: Mahavir Airport, Tezpur, Assam (165 km)
8. Bomdila Monastery
Bomadila Monastery is situated in Bomadila town in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of approximately 8500 feet in the Himalayan range. It is famous for stunning views of Himalayan ranges. Established in 1965 by the 12th reincarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche, the monastery is also known as Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery. The monastery is a replica of the Tsona Gontse Monastery in South Tibet, reflecting the enduring influence of Buddhism across borders. The monastery’s architecture is a blend of traditional Tibetan style, featuring ornate prayer halls adorned with colorful Thangka paintings and statues of Buddha. It includes a Buddha temple, prayer halls, residential quarters for monks, and educational facilities. Bomdila Monastery is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its serene surroundings and vibrant prayer flags. The monastery plays a significant role in local festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Buddha Purnima, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors. Tourists may require an Inner Line Permit to visit this area; please confirm this before making a visit.
Best Time to Visit: From April to June and October to November.
Nearest City: The monastery is located in Bomdila town itself.
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur Railway Station (130 km)
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (140 km)
9. Khonsa Museum
Khonsa Museum, located in the town of Khonsa, Tirap District, Arunachal Pradesh, is a significant cultural institution in the region. Established in 1956, it showcases a diverse collection of artifacts that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the local tribes and communities. The museum houses an impressive array of traditional costumes, weapons, handicrafts, and other items used by local tribes. These exhibits provide a unique insight into the daily lives and traditions of the indigenous people. Visitors can also explore different types of cane and bamboo works, which are significant to the local culture and economy.
Best Time to Visit: From the months of September to April.
Nearest City: The museum is located in Khonsa of Arunachal Pradesh itself.
Nearest Railway Station: Ledo Railway Station, Assam (90 km)
Nearest Airport: Mohanbari Airport, Dibrugarh, Assam (110 km)
10. Pangateng Tso Lake
Pangateng Tso Lake, also known as Pankang Teng Tso Lake or PT Tso, is a serene and picturesque lake located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet. The lake is surrounded by majestic Himalayan mountains and pristine rivers, offering a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts. [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Best Time to Visit: From April to October.
Nearest City: Tawang (70 km) [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur Railway Station (120 km) Nearest Airport: Mahavir Airport (130 km)
These are 10 most visited places in Arunachal Pradesh, I hope this post is useful for you. Please feel free to comment. [10 Most Visited Places in Arunachal Pradesh]
