Tawang and Sela snow tours

Plan at least six nights. Guwahati to Tawang is about 450 km and takes two days each way with a night in Bomdila or Dirang, which is also important for acclimatisation. That leaves two to three nights in Tawang. Seven nights gives a buffer for weather or a Bum La day.

Only Indian citizens. Foreign nationals, including OCI card holders, are generally not permitted. You need an Arunachal ILP to reach Tawang, then a separate Bum La permit from the DC office in Tawang, stamped at the army cantonment. We handle the application the day before your visit.

Late December to early March. Snow is almost certain at Sela Pass in this window and lies around Tawang after fresh falls, especially in January and February. November sometimes has early snow at Sela. By late March snow is mainly on higher slopes.

Yes, if you enjoy mountains, snow and quiet towns more than resorts and nightlife. Tawang has good mid-range hotels, a luxury option in Vivanta Tawang, the monastery, Sela Lake and Madhuri Lake. The catch is distance: Guwahati to Tawang takes two driving days each way, so a Tawang honeymoon needs at least 7 nights to be relaxed.

Very likely at Sela Pass between late December and February, where snow usually lies for months. Tawang town gets snow on some winter days but not always. Fresh snowfall is weather-dependent, so no one can promise it on a set date. Early December can have little snow; January is the most reliable month.

Yes. Indian citizens need an Arunachal Inner Line Permit, now issued as a Temporary ILP online at eilp.arunachal.gov.in. It costs about ₹300–500; pay whatever the portal shows. Carry the eILP and original ID, as it is checked at Bhalukpong. Check current status before you travel.

About 37 km, but the road is rough and climbs to about 4,600 m, so it takes two to two and a half hours each way. With Madhuri Lake on the return, allow seven to eight hours for the day. Only local SUVs are permitted.

Mostly, yes. The Sela Tunnel, opened in March 2024, keeps the Dirang to Tawang road open through most of winter. Heavy fresh snow can still close the approaches for a few hours or a day, and the old road over the pass opens only between snowfalls. Check current status before you travel.

Snow is most likely at Sela Pass and Madhuri Lake from December to March, and Tawang town gets snow in December and January in many years. November and April can bring fresh snow on the passes too. Snow is never guaranteed on a fixed date, so check current status before you travel if snow is essential.