Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
At over 10,000 feet above sea level, the Tawang blends Tibetan culture with dramatic Himalayan landscapes, creating a destination that feels timeless. The places to visit in Tawang in December are perfect for travellers seeking peaceful retreats, snow-filled views, and cultural experiences that remain authentic and deeply rooted. From monasteries echoing with chants to frozen lakes surrounded by pine forests, every corner in Tawang offers the rare joy of seeing it all without the crowds, just the hush of winter and the warmth of local hospitality.
10 Places To Visit In Tawang In December
This is the list of places to visit in Tawang in December to witness its natural beauty, snow-covered valleys, monasteries, and frozen lakes:
1. Tawang Monastery
Photo: Rohit Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Tawang Monastery, the largest in India and second only to Lhasa’s Potala Palace, is the heart of Tawang’s spirituality. The monastery houses a golden high Buddha statue, rare scriptures, and a museum that showcases artefacts of the Monpa tribe and Tibetan lineage. Prayer chants echo through its century-old halls as monks continue their rituals. The monastery complex has over 60 residential quarters and remains an active centre of Buddhist teachings. The serene setting and cultural depth make it one of the best places to visit in Tawang in December, especially for those interested in faith and Himalayan history.
How To Reach: 2.5 km from Tawang town; taxis and short treks are available
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Giant Buddha Statue, Library Museum, Urgelling Monastery
2. Sela Pass
Photo: Dhrubazaanphotography / Wikimedia Commons
Sela Pass is perched at 13,700 feet, serving as the dramatic entryway into Tawang. The winding road is flanked by pine forests frozen in time, and every turn brings a new stretch of powdery slopes. At the summit lies the glacial Sela Lake, which is partially frozen and glowing blue under the winter sun. Though cold winds sweep across the ridge, the crisp air and open sky are refreshing for travellers accustomed to city winters. It is among the most scenic and essential places to visit in Tawang in December.
How To Reach: 78 km from Tawang via NH13; hire a taxi or shared cab
Timings: 24*7 (avoid post-sunset)
Nearby Attractions: Sela Lake, Jaswant Garh Memorial, Nuranang Waterfall
3. Madhuri Lake (Shonga-Tser Lake)
Photo: Sushanthunt / Wikimedia Commons
Madhuri Lake, also known as Shonga-Tser Lake, lies at an altitude of around 12,000 feet and is one of the most visually stunning places to visit in Tawang in December. Snow begins to gather along the banks as early as the first week of the month, and by mid-December, parts of the lake are frozen over. The drive to the lake passes through military zones, and an Inner Line Permit, along with a separate army permit, is required. It is peaceful, wide, and quiet in winter, often with no more than a handful of visitors at a time.
How To Reach: 35 km from Tawang; accessible via SUV with an inner line permit
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Pankang Teng Tso, Y Junction, Taktsang Gompa
4. Tawang War Memorial
Photo: Rohit Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Tawang War Memorial is a peaceful yet powerful tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War. The structure rises like a Buddhist stupa, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and pine-covered hills, making it one of the top places to visit in Tawanf in December. Names of over 2,400 soldiers are inscribed on granite plaques, and a small hall beneath the monument displays photographs, hand-written letters, and personal artefacts belonging to the martyrs. The Indian Army maintains the site and occasionally organises a light and sound show narrating the events of the war.
How To Reach: 1 km from Tawang market; walkable or by auto
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Buddha Park, Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery
5. Nuranang Waterfall (Jang Falls)
Photo: Sdasamdabad / Wikimedia Commons
Nuranang Waterfall, called Jang Falls, cascades from a height of nearly 100 metres near the town of Jang. The waterfall is fed by melted snow and underground springs from the surrounding mountains. In December, the flow is strong and misty, and the surrounding rocks are often dusted with snow, creating a dazzling contrast against the dark stone. The waterfall is named after a local Monpa girl, Nura, who helped an Indian soldier during the 1962 war. It is one of the most significant places to visit in Tawang in December.
How To Reach: 40 km via Jang village; taxis are available
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Jaswant Garh, Sela Pass, Jang Village
6. Pankang Teng Tso Lake
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Pankang Teng Tso, also known locally as P.T. Tso, is a small high-altitude lake. It offers spectacular views when the edges begin to freeze and fresh snow settles along the banks. The water is still, and the hills surrounding the lake are often cloaked in white, giving the entire area a calm and untouched look. It is a short drive through pine and rhododendron forests, many of which are already covered in frost by the time winter sets in. There are viewing points and benches placed around the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery.
How To Reach: 17 km from town; use local cabs
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Nearby Attractions: Madhuri Lake, Taktsang Gompa, Y Junction
7. Urgelling Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Urgelling Monastery is the birthplace of Tsangyang Gyatso, the 6th Dalai Lama. Built in the 15th century, it follows the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and remains one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The setting is quiet, with evergreen trees surrounding the snow-covered stone structure and prayer flags rustling softly in the cold air. The monastery preserves old thangkas, handwritten Buddhist scriptures, and a tree that, according to monks, grew from the walking stick once used by the Dalai Lama’s mother. It is one of the most sacred places to visit in Tawang in December.
How To Reach: 5 km south of Tawang; taxis are easily available
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Buddha Statue, War Memorial
8. Jaswant Garh War Memorial
Photo: Nskjnv / Wikimedia Commons
Jaswant Garh War Memorial stands on the way to Sela Pass and honours Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, a soldier in the 1962 Indo-China War. The memorial is located at an altitude of 10,000 feet and is maintained by the Indian Army. The memorial includes a small museum where visitors can see Jaswant Singh’s preserved personal belongings, such as his uniform, rifle, and letters. A small temple-like structure houses his bust, and soldiers still offer food and light candles in his honour every day. It is one of the most powerful places to visit in Tawang in December.
How To Reach: 25 km en route to Sela Pass; hire a cab
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Nuranang Falls, Sela Top, Jang Village
9. Buddha Park
Photo: Yatrika / Wikimedia Commons
Buddha Park has a large statue of Lord Buddha seated in meditation, facing the hills beyond. The statue stands nearly 30 feet high and has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Tawang. It is built on a raised platform surrounded by stone paths, traditional prayer wheels, and terraced lawns. The steps, garden walls, and prayer flags often hold a soft layer of snow that gives the site a still and clean appearance. The golden statue stands out against the white background, especially on clear winter mornings when the sun lights up the valley.
How To Reach: 2 km from central Tawang; taxis and autos available
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Tawang Monastery, War Memorial, Urgelling Monastery
10. Taktsang Gompa
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Taktsang Gompa, also known as the Tawang Taktsang. Surrounded by high cliffs and thick forests, it holds a special place in the region’s spiritual history. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava, the 8th-century Buddhist master, meditated here during his journey through the Himalayas. The monastery itself is built on a rocky outcrop, and the path leading up to it passes through forested slopes that begin to gather snow in December. Inside the gompa, the walls are covered in old thangkas and scriptures, and the smell of incense lingers in the halls.
How To Reach: 40 km from Tawang on a scenic drive through the hills
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Pankang Teng Tso Lake, Y Junction, T Gompa Viewpoint
The monasteries are quiet, the roads are lined with snow, and the lakes lie still under a pale winter sky. The cold is sharp but manageable, and the places remain open and reachable with care. Walking through the town or standing by the edge of a frozen lake, immerse yourself in the surroundings. Check out more such packages offered by TripXL for an unforgettable experience and adventure at your favourite destinations.
Cover Photo: Trideep Dutta Photography / Wikimedia Commons
