Tawang is a beautiful city in the Arunachal Pradesh Himalayas. It is a dream destination for travelers. Known for its mind blowing views and the iconic Tawang Monastery. Reaching Tawang from Guwahati is an adventure in itself. Whether you prefer the comfort of a helicopter ride, a train journey, a car rental service or the practicality of a bus, here’s a comprehensive guide to reaching Tawang.
How to Reach Tawang by a Helicopter
The helicopter service between Guwahati and Tawang is one of the fastest ways to travel. Managed by Pawan Hans, the service offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan terrain.
- Availability: The service operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, depending on weather conditions and government schedules.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Booking: Tickets can be booked through Arunachal Pradesh’s official tourism website or local travel agencies.
- Important Note: Helicopter services are subject to weather conditions, so plan accordingly.
- Pricing: Usually the average cost of a helicopter ride from Guwahati to Tawang can be from ₹3000 to ₹4,000 per adult and ₹2,500 per child for a one-way ticket.
Nearest Airport to Tawang
The nearest airport to Tawang is Tezpur Airport (Salonibari Airport), located about 317 km away. It is a small domestic airport with flights connecting to major hubs like Guwahati and Kolkata.
Alternative Airports:
- Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport): 480 km from Tawang, serving as the primary hub for most travelers.
- Bagdogra Airport: Though farther away, it is another option for travelers heading to Arunachal Pradesh.
How to Reach Tawang by a Train
Tawang does not have a railway station, but you can use Guwahati as the starting point. The nearest railway station to Tawang is Tezpur or Bhalukpong, which are well-connected to Guwahati.
Train Options
From Guwahati, you can take several trains to nearby stations. Some notable trains include:
- GHY SCL EXPRESS (15615): Runs on Fridays, takes approximately 8 hours 50 minutes.
- KANCHANJUNGA (13173): Another option with regular service.
- SC AGTL SPL (07030): A special train that operates daily and takes about 8 hours 20 minutes
While the train portion of the journey is comfortable, the road journey to Tawang involves navigating through mountain roads, adding an adventure to the journey.
How to Reach Tawang by a Bus
For budget travelers, buses provide a reliable way to reach Tawang.
- Route:
- Guwahati to Tezpur: Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and private buses operate daily. The journey takes around 6 hours.
- Tezpur to Tawang: From Tezpur, you can catch local or government buses heading towards Tawang. The travel time is approximately 14–16 hours, depending on road conditions.
- Pro Tip: Opt for a Car rental service from Guwahati to Tawang for a more comfortable journey.
How to Reach Tawang by Road: Car Rentals or Taxi
For those who love a road trip, the journey from Guwahati to Tawang is filled with stunning scenery, from beautiful valleys to snow-covered mountains. Key stops include Bhalukpong, Bomdila, and Dirang.
- Distance: Approximately 450 km.
- Duration: 12–14 hours by road, often requiring an overnight stop at Bomdila or Dirang.
- Permits: Don’t forget to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Arunachal Pradesh, which is mandatory for Indian tourists.
You can book your car rental via Taxi Nation. With a proven 20 years track record of providing safe and affordable trips to Tawang. Taxi Nation offers expert drivers and a huge selection of cars like SUV, Sedan or a Hatchback. Call +91 9395961515 or visit www.taxination.in, you will get your best Tawang trip ever with Taxi Nation.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Tawang from Guwahati is an adventure in itself. Whether you fly above the mountains in a helicopter, a memorable car ride, enjoy a train ride, or a thrilling bus journey, each route offers a unique experience. Make sure to plan ahead, check road and weather conditions, and prepare for a memorable trip to this Himalayan paradise.
