TRAVEL TIPS

The best season to visit Tawang will, to a great extent, depend on what you are really interested in. If you want to be assured of a clear view of the scenery as well as clear skies, then the best months to visit would be October and November. After November it tends to get cold. If you are interested in seeing snow, then the best months are January to March. To beat the scorching heat of the summer of the plains the best time would be from the month of April to August. Though the rainy season starts from April, it is amply compensated by the rhododendrons and other flowers in bloom. Also, the snow at higher altitudes persists till May. If monastic dances hold your interest, then you are to visit Tawang during the month of Torgya festival. This festival is held for three days from twenty-eighth of the eleventh month of the Buddhist calendar i.e., around January. It is suggested that the exact date may be confirmed.

You require lightweight woolen in summer and heavy ones during winter. Never have a tight schedule and always keep a few days extra on the itinerary. Roadblocks due to landslide during monsoon and heavy snowfall during winter should always be kept in mind. If you decide to travel by hired light vehicle, then it would be a good idea to travel in a group of eight or ten as this will give you ample freedom in asking the driver to stop at various places on the way to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Tourists and visitors availing helicopter service from Guwahati to Tawang are advised to check the status of helicopter service one day in advance. Helicopter services are available subject to weather condition on 5 days a week except for Wednesday and Sunday. Also, ensure that local transportation is arranged, if traveling by helicopter.

 

 

DOS AND DON’TS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN TAWANG

Dos

  • Help us to keep Tawang clean.
  • Be responsible and throw wastes in dustbins.
  • Ensure that you book hotel accommodation in advance before arriving in Tawang, especially in peak tourist season of September, October, November, April, and May.
  • Get adequate sunscreen, essential medicines when traveling to Tawang.
  • Carry woolens, feather jackets, monkey cap, muffler, a pair of comfortable footwear, sunglasses, cold creams and a sunblock with you.
  • Ensure that your health is good during trekking and hiking in the mountains
  • If you have medical condition/history, be cautious while going to Bumla due to its high altitude as breathlessness and blood pressure issues may occur.
  • Always seek permission before taking photographs of any local/indigenous people of the area.

Don’ts

  • Do not enter frozen lakes.
  • Do not run on snow-covered areas.
  • Avoid going close to the waterfall as there are chances to slip and hurt yourself.
  • Do not litter monasteries, public places, villages, lakes etc.
  • Do not wear shoes while going inside the main prayer hall of the monasteries/gompas and be respectful while visiting sacred sites.
  • Do not smoke in public places.
  • Do not drink in sacred sites.
  • Do not leave Tawang without warm clothes.
  • Do not scribble on trees, buildings, rocks etc.
  • Do not take photographs of army installations/prohibited areas without seeking approval of the army officers on site.
  • Do not to go to Bumla Pass without obtaining a permit that is issued by the DC’s office and countersigned by the Army.
  • Foreign tourists are advised not to enter prohibited/restricted areas. If there is any doubt, clarify from the Deputy Commissioner’s office/ office of Superintendent of Police.

 

ADVISORY FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Many tourists suffer from high altitude sickness after reaching Tawang. Therefore, it is advisable that all tourist /visitors should acclimatize themselves with one night halt in between either at Bomdila whose altitude is 8500 ft or at Dirang whose altitude is 4910 ft. in West Kameng District.

The tourists/visitors having heart problems and other related ailments need to take extra precaution like prior medical consultations, availability of medicines and other life-saving drugs, warm woolen clothing etc. Before taking preventive medicine for High Altitude Sickness, prior consultation with their doctors may be done.

(This advisory is issued to all the intending Tourists/visitors to Tawang in view of some instances of problems due to high altitude sickness requiring emergency evacuation.)