Where is Tawang? Location, distance and how to reach
The map position, the distance from Guwahati and the practical route, in one page.
Tawang is in the far north-west corner of Arunachal Pradesh, in North East India, close to the borders with Bhutan and Tibet. It is a town and a district, it sits at about 10,000 ft, and it is roughly two days by road from Guwahati.
Where is Tawang on the map?
Tawang is the headquarters of Tawang district, the westernmost district of Arunachal Pradesh. Bhutan lies to the west and Tibet to the north. To the south-east is West Kameng district, which holds Bomdila and Dirang and is the stretch of road you drive to get there from the Assam plains.
| Tawang at a glance | |
|---|---|
| State | Arunachal Pradesh, North East India |
| Part of the state | West Arunachal, the north-west corner |
| Altitude | About 10,000 ft |
| Neighbours | Bhutan to the west, Tibet to the north |
| Distance from Guwahati | About 500 km by road, two days |
| Entry gate into Arunachal | Bhalukpong, on the Assam border |
| Best known for | Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Bum La, Madhuri Lake |
How far is Tawang from Guwahati?
About 500 km. A map app will say eleven hours; in practice it is two days, because the last leg climbs over Sela Pass and slows behind army convoys. The distances we plan on are:
| Leg | Distance | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati → Bhalukpong | 230 km | 5 hours |
| Bhalukpong → Dirang | 140 km | 5–6 hours |
| Dirang → Tawang (over Sela) | 135 km | 5–6 hours |
Break the drive at Dirang or Bomdila. It is easier on the road and it lets you gain altitude in steps.
How to reach Tawang
- By air: Tawang has no scheduled commercial airport. Fly to Guwahati (GAU), the main gateway with direct flights from most metros. Tezpur is closer on the map, but flights are limited. See the airport guide.
- By train: there is no railway in Tawang district. Trains run to the Assam plains, with Guwahati as the main junction, and you finish by road.
- By road: the only realistic way. Most visitors hire a car with a driver. Compare the options in Arunachal travel by bus, shared taxi and private car.
Carry an Inner Line Permit from the moment you enter at Bhalukpong. Checkposts verify it and do not issue it.
What is Tawang known for?
Tawang Monastery, founded in the 1680s, is the largest monastery in India. Urgelling Monastery nearby is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. On the way in you cross Sela Pass at 13,700 ft, and from Tawang you can reach Bum La Pass and Madhuri Lake, which need an extra permit issued locally. See the full Tawang tour package for how the days are laid out.
When should you go to Tawang?
October to April is the main season, with snow from December to mid-March and rhododendrons in April. Late June to early September brings landslides and is best avoided. The month-by-month guide has the detail, and the 7-day Tawang itinerary shows a realistic plan.
Related guides
- How to travel Arunachal Pradesh from Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai
- How many days are enough for Arunachal Pradesh?
- Do we need permission to enter Arunachal Pradesh?
Further reading
Independent sources, if you want a second opinion before you book:
- Tawang Monastery on Wikipedia — history of the monastery
- Sela Pass on Wikipedia — the pass every Tawang trip crosses
- Arunachal Pradesh Tourism — the state's official tourism site, which also notes the ILP and PAP requirements
Tell us what you want to see. We'll build the trip around it.
Send us your dates, the city you're flying from and how many people are travelling. You'll get a day-by-day plan and a firm price, usually within a few hours.
Frequently asked questions
Which state is Tawang in?
Tawang is in Arunachal Pradesh, in the far north-west of North East India. It is the headquarters of Tawang district.
Is Tawang in India or China?
Tawang is administered by India as part of Arunachal Pradesh, and China claims parts of the state. Border areas such as Bum La need an extra permit.
How far is Tawang from Guwahati?
About 500 km by road. Plan on two days, with a night at Dirang or Bomdila.
Is there a railway station or airport in Tawang?
No. Fly or take the train to Guwahati and complete the journey by road.
Is Tawang near Bhutan?
Yes. Tawang district borders Bhutan to the west and Tibet to the north.