Guwahati to Tawang Road Trip: Tawang stands as one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most enchanting destinations, and it was the first stop on our journey through the state. This trip marked many milestones for us—it was our first road trip across state lines, making the journey from Guwahati to Tawang particularly memorable. Additionally, this adventure introduced us to the rich Buddhist culture for the first time. The land of the Monpas felt like a vibrant kaleidoscope of experiences. In this article, we’ll be sharing our insights and all the essential details for planning a road trip from Guwahati to Tawang.
“Tawang is a utopia,” we were once told by a friend who had visited the area two decades ago. She could still vividly recount her experiences, her enthusiasm for the place palpable even after all those years. She had nothing but praise for Tawang’s beauty, though she did mention the challenging roads leading to it. Her excitement was infectious, and before long, we were gearing up for our first road trip from Guwahati to Tawang.
The Journey to Tawang
Why We Recommend the Guwahati to Tawang Road Trip
Tawang, nestled in Arunachal Pradesh, is among the most sought-after destinations in Northeast India. This remote location offers a plethora of attractions, including ancient monasteries, rugged landscapes, serene lakes, high mountain passes, and cascading waterfalls. The entire stretch from Tezpur to Tawang is filled with surprises and scenic spots. Bhalukpong, Dirang, and Bomdila are charming destinations worth your time.
If you’re planning a trip to Tawang, be sure to check out our comprehensive Tawang Travel Guide for detailed planning tips.
The winding mountain roads leading to Tawang are as breathtaking as they are perilous, making the Guwahati to Tawang road trip a thrilling adventure for anyone seeking a road-bound challenge.
Routes for the Guwahati to Tawang Road Trip
There are two main routes for the journey from Guwahati to Tawang. One route follows NH13 from Guwahati, while the other takes the Chariduar – Tawang Road. Both routes converge just before Bomdila and take roughly the same amount of time. The NH13 route is slightly faster but skips Bhalukpong, a spot worth visiting.
- Route 1: Chariduar – Tawang Road (512 km, approximately 16 hours)
This is the most commonly taken route. It passes through Guwahati – Nagaon – Tezpur – Balipara – Bhalukpong – Bomdila – Dirang – Sela – Tawang. - Route 2: Via NH13 (450 km, approximately 15 hours)
Although Google Maps might suggest a shorter duration, the journey still takes around 15 hours of continuous driving to reach Tawang. This route goes through Guwahati – Sipajhar – Kalaigaon – Udalguri – Bhairabkunda – Kalaktang – Rupa – Bomdila – Dirang – Sela – Tawang.
Bhairabkunda, a popular picnic spot near the Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan junction, is also along this route. The confluence of the Jia Dhansiri, Bhairavi, and Daifam rivers occurs here.
Recommended Vehicle for the Guwahati to Tawang Road Trip
If you’re planning to self-drive on this road trip, you must be an experienced driver, particularly on mountainous terrain. A good SUV with high ground clearance is recommended, and it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition. If renting a car from Guwahati or Tezpur, inspect it thoroughly before embarking.
For international travelers planning a road trip in India, acquiring an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is necessary through the International Driver’s Association.
This trip can also be undertaken on a bike, provided your bike is well-maintained. For tips on biking in mountainous regions, refer to our article on the Ladakh Bike trip.
Guwahati to Tawang by Public Transport
Public transport is another option for traveling from Guwahati to Tawang.
- Guwahati to Tezpur
Buses and shared sumos (shared taxis) are available from the ASTC Bus Stand near Guwahati Railway Station to Tezpur. Shared sumos run from morning till evening, and buses are also available from ISBT Guwahati, taking about 5 hours to reach Tezpur. - Tezpur to Tawang
Shared sumos from the Tezpur Sumo Stand run all the way to Tawang, covering the 500 km journey in one day. These vehicles depart as early as 5:30 or 6:00 AM, arriving in Tawang by evening. They make several stops for meals and tea breaks throughout the journey. If you wish to visit Dirang or Bomdila, you can get off at these locations. - Tezpur to Bomdila
Shared jeeps are available for this leg of the journey. - Bomdila – Dirang – Tawang
From Bomdila, you can either take a bus (departing around 5:30 AM) or a shared sumo (departing around 6:00 AM). The sumo ride to Tawang takes about 8 hours, while buses might take up to 10 hours. You can stop at Dirang and catch another bus or sumo to Tawang. It’s important to note that buses and sumos depart early in the morning. The distances are long, and the road conditions are not ideal. If traveling by bus, be sure to keep track of schedules. On our return trip from Bomdila to Tezpur, we had planned to take the morning bus, but due to a holiday, no buses were running for two days. When service resumed, the only available bus was packed, and we couldn’t find a place to stand. We had to rush and find a shared sumo to Tezpur instead.
Tentative Itinerary for the Guwahati to Tawang Trip
The distance between Guwahati and Tawang is roughly 500 km, making it difficult to cover in a single day. The road conditions in several areas are also not favorable. During our visit, we took the Tezpur and Bhalukpong route, which is popular among travelers.
- Day 1: Guwahati – Tezpur (181 km, 4 hours)
We arrived at Guwahati Railway Station around 10:00 AM and took a shared jeep from the ASTC Bus Stand to Tezpur, departing at noon. Shared vehicles tend to take longer as they make frequent stops. We reached Tezpur by 6:00 PM and stayed overnight at a relative’s house. - Day 2: Tezpur – Bhalukpong (60 km, 2 hours)
The real journey begins after Tezpur. The landscape becomes increasingly scenic, and the last stretch to Bhalukpong is particularly beautiful, passing through forested areas. We even encountered a wild elephant on the road, which added to the adventure. We arrived in Bhalukpong by noon. The Jia Bharali River, known as Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, flows through this area. The river originates from the glaciers of Tawang, and its beauty is captivating. - Things to do in Bhalukpong:
- Spend time by the Jia Bharali River.
- Visit the Tipi Orchid Centre.
- If time permits, visit Nameri National Park.
- Alternate Itinerary:
You can also stay at Nameri National Park. - Day 3: Bhalukpong – Dirang (140 km, 5 hours)
The next morning, we set out for Dirang. As we ascended into the Upper Himalayas, the weather grew colder, and the roads became rougher. However, the surrounding greenery and numerous waterfalls made the journey enjoyable. Dirang is a charming village, perfect for a peaceful retreat. - Things to do in Dirang:
- Visit Khastung Gompa.
- Relax by the Dirang River.
- Explore Thubsung Dhargyeling Monastery and local villages.
- Visit Dirang Dzong and the picturesque Sangti Valley, home to black-necked cranes during the winter.
- Day 4: Dirang – Tawang (135 km, 5-6 hours)
We recommend starting early, especially if you are driving yourself. It’s best to cross Sela Pass before noon as visibility can decrease later in the day, especially during monsoon season. Sela Pass, with its zig-zag roads, can be challenging to navigate. We reached the pass by late morning and continued on to Tawang, passing through Jaswant Garh and the Jang village, which is known for the Nuranang Waterfall. - Sela Pass:
The gateway to Tawang, known for its prayer flags fluttering in the wind and its historical significance in the India-China war. Nearby is Sela Lake, often frozen but a brilliant blue when we visited in October.
Jaswantgarh
- A memorial dedicated to the brave Indian soldiers who fought in the 1962 Sino-Indian War, particularly honoring Jaswant Rawat, who resisted Chinese forces before being killed. The site also has an army canteen where visitors can enjoy refreshments and interact with soldiers. We continued our journey to Tawang, eager to explore this mesmerizing town. The road trip from Guwahati to Tawang had already been an unforgettable adventure, filled with natural beauty, cultural encounters, and the thrill of traversing challenging terrain.
