Tawang – A Journey to the Land of Snow and Silence

April 2014 – The trip that changed the way I looked at travel.

There are trips that you plan, and there are trips that just happen. My Tawang trip belonged to the latter category. Back in April 2014, I had no idea that this journey to Arunachal Pradesh would be one of the most memorable ones of my life. It had everything—adventure, unexpected surprises, breathtaking landscapes, and moments that felt straight out of a movie.

The Beginning – A Long Way from Chennai to Guwahati

It all started with a flight from Chennai to Guwahati, with a hopping break at Kolkata. Once I landed in Guwahati, I was greeted by Vishal, our driver, who had this infectious smile and a strong Assamese accent. “Aaram se chaliye, sir,” he said as we settled into the cab. And thus began our long road journey.

Our first stop was Tezpur, where we checked into a modest but comfortable hotel. After some rest, we took a stroll to the mighty Brahmaputra River. Now, I had read about it in textbooks, but seeing it in person was something else. It was massive, silent, yet powerful. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, I realised that North East India had a charm of its own—raw, untouched, and peaceful.

The Climb to Tawang – Mountains, Snow, and an Unexpected Surprise

The next day, our group of co-travellers assembled, and soon we were on our way to Tawang, making our way through winding roads, mist-covered valleys, and dense forests. The higher we climbed, the more magical the landscape became.

One of the first highlights was Sela Pass, a place so surreal that it felt like stepping into another world. At an altitude of 13,700 feet, the air was thin and cold, and the entire area was covered in a blanket of mist. We stood there for a while, waiting, when suddenly—like a scene from a mythological story—the clouds parted, revealing the beautiful Sela Lake. It was as if nature had orchestrated the moment just for us. The still water reflected the snow-capped peaks, and for a second, I forgot about the cold.

Next, we stopped at the Jaswant Garh War Memorial, dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, a brave soldier from the 1962 Indo-China war. The stories about him were nothing short of legendary—how he single-handedly held off the Chinese army for days. An old army officer at the canteen narrated the tale with such passion that I got goosebumps. I grabbed a steaming cup of chai and bought an army cap—my small way of carrying the spirit of the place with me.

Further ahead, we made a quick detour to Nuranang Falls (Jung Falls), a lesser-known but stunning waterfall hidden within dense forests. If you’ve seen the Bollywood movie Koyla, you’ll recognize this place instantly. Shah Rukh Khan had jumped off this very waterfall in the climax scene! The sound of water crashing down was deafening, but there was something calming about just standing there, letting the misty spray hit my face.

Tawang – The Land of Monasteries and Magic

Reaching Tawang wasn’t easy. The altitude hit me hard, and by the time we checked into our guest house, I had a severe headache. The doctor from our travel group gave me some medicine, and after a hot meal and a good night’s sleep, I was ready to explore.

Tawang is not just a destination; it’s an experience. The town itself is small, yet every corner is filled with history, spirituality, and culture. We spent the next day exploring:

Tawang Monastery – A Spiritual Haven at 10,000 Feet – Standing proudly at 10,000 feet, Tawang Monastery is the largest in India and a nearly 350-year-old testament to Mahayana Buddhism. As I entered its grand gates, the scent of burning incense and the rhythmic chants of monks created an aura of deep spirituality. The golden-roofed sanctum, adorned with intricate thangka paintings and a towering statue of Lord Buddha, radiated peace and devotion. I found a quiet corner and watched young monks in maroon robes recite scriptures with unwavering focus. The simplicity of their lives, the warmth in their smiles, and the sheer serenity of the place left a profound impact on me. Walking through its ancient corridors, with prayer wheels spinning in devotion, I felt momentarily detached from the chaos of the world. More than just a monastery, Tawang was a lesson in humility, patience, and the pursuit of inner peace.
The Tawang War Memorial, also known as the Namgyal Chorten, is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Tawang valley, this 40-foot-high memorial stands as a silent reminder of the sacrifices made by the Indian Army during the 1962 Indo-China War. The structure, built in the traditional Tibetan style, houses more than 2,500 names of brave soldiers inscribed on granite plates. As I walked through the memorial, the fluttering prayer flags and the ever-glowing flame filled the air with a sense of solemnity. The place had an eerie yet peaceful aura, as if the spirits of the fallen soldiers still guarded the valley. A small museum nearby showcased war artifacts, letters, and photographs, offering a glimpse into the hardships faced by the soldiers during the war. The entire experience left me with a deep sense of respect and gratitude for our armed forces, who stand tall in the harshest of conditions to protect our motherland.
Local Markets – A charming little market where I picked up some aromatic agarbattis (incense sticks) and peace flags. Locals told me the concept of peace flags that they are tied to wooden poles or mountain cliffs, and as they flutter in the wind, they spread good vibes and prayers with every breeze. I brought a few home, and even today, they remind me of that serene moment.

A Snowy Dream – PT Tso Lake and Madhuri Lake

The next day, we planned to visit PT Tso Lake and Madhuri Lake, but the army had closed the roads due to heavy snowfall. It was a huge disappointment, and instead of sulking, we decided to indulge in some more shopping.

And then, out of nowhere, good news arrived! The roads had reopened, and we rushed back to our vehicle. As we reached PT Tso Lake, I experienced something that still gives me chills—I saw snow for the first time.

Now, for someone who has lived most of his life in warm cities, snow was a fairytale come true. The lake was surrounded by mountains covered in white, and the silence was almost meditative. I bent down, touched the icy water, splashed some on my face, and even took a sip—it tasted pure, like nature’s own nectar.

But as luck would have it, we soon received information to turn back as the road ahead was no longer safe. It was disappointing, but we carried back memories that would last a lifetime.

The Journey Back – Kaziranga and The Great One-Horned Rhinos

Returning to Tezpur, I realized I wasn’t ready to end the adventure yet. A fellow traveler and I decided to make a detour to Kaziranga National Park.

The next morning, we embarked on an elephant safari at dawn. As we rode through the mist-covered grasslands, we spotted hundreds of one-horned rhinos, moving lazily in their natural habitat. Some were taking mud baths, some were grazing, and one curious mother-child duo walked right up to our elephant, giving us the perfect photo opportunity!

That night, we stayed at United-21 Resort, a cozy place amidst the wilderness, where the sounds of the jungle became our lullaby.

The next morning, my trip finally came to an end. I boarded a local bus back to Guwahati, spent one last night in the city, and then flew back to Chennai.

The Aftermath – A Surprise on the Internet

I had taken hundreds of photographs on this trip with my DSLR and uploaded them to Wikimedia Commons, not thinking much about it. A few years later, I randomly searched my name and discovered that my pictures had been used in multiple travel articles—some even by major publications! It was a surreal feeling to know that my clicks had helped others visualize the beauty of Tawang. A few links are placed below:

Final Thoughts

Looking back, this trip was more than just a vacation. It was a journey into nature’s lap, a lesson in history, and a realization of how beautiful and underrated North East India truly is. If you ever get a chance to visit Arunachal Pradesh, drop everything and go. It will change you, just like it changed me.

P.S. If you’re planning a trip to Tawang and have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! Would love to help fellow travellers discover this magical place.

SaurabhVerse