How to Reach Tawang
Tawang unfortunately does not have a railway station or an airport, so you have to travel by
a mixed option of air & road or rail & road. Tawang does have a helipad and direct helicopter flights
to Tawang can be availed from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati. All the important
contact number/ web links are mentioned at the end of this document.
1. By Air & Road
a) Tezpur, Sonibari Airport
If you are planning to fly to Tawang, the nearest airport, Sonibari Airport, is located in Tezpur. Direct flights to Tezpur airport are limited and can only be availed from Kolkata at the moment. From there, the road distance between Tezpur and Tawang is 330 km, so the journey takes 10 to 12 hours. You can get a cab from Tezpur which leaves every morning or by bus which leaves in the evening arriving early morning next day.
b) Guwahati, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport.
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati, is a better option as it is well connected with major cities of India. From there, the road distance between Guwahati & Tawang is approx. 450 kms and takes minimum 12 hours by road. Cabs are available from ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation), Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati every morning. Buses are also available from the same location although it leaves at around 11:00 AM and reaches early morning next day. Please be advised that the bookings for all of the above should be done in advance as only limited number of seats are available at a time.
c) Helicopter service, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport, Guwahati
Operates on all days of the week except Sunday. With a limited seating capacity of 10 to 12 passengers on average, it is highly advisable to pre-book tickets for the Guwahati to Tawang helicopter service. Ticket reservations can be made by contacting the counter at Guwahati Airport or the Aviation officer at Tawang. Currently, online booking options are not available through the State Government.
The flight duration is approximately 55 minutes. However, it's crucial to note that the service is subject to various conditions, including VIP movement, adverse weather, patient evacuation, technical issues, passenger availability, and emergencies. The authorities responsible for the service will provide updates on the operational status two hours before departure. The average cost for a one-way helicopter ride from Guwahati to Tawang is approximately ₹4000 per person.
Local Transport and Arrangements in Tawang
Tawang Helipad is located 5 kms from the town and upon reaching the helipad, cabs are not available at the ready and prior arrangements of cabs will be required to get to your designated accommodation. You can contact our travel manager for arrangements.
2. By Rail & Road
The nearest railway station is located in Guwahati. From there, you have to travel by road or by helicopter as stated above
Entry formalities/ What you need?
1. Inner Line Permit (ILP)
All non-residents of Arunachal Pradesh are required to carry an Inner ILP without which your stay is considered illegal and can be deported from the state. Verification of ILP is carried out at all entry corridors of the state. You can apply for a ILP online or offline. It is advised to apply for the ILP in advance of your travel dates to ensure smooth journey.
Online: https://www.eilp.arunachal.gov.in/preTuristEIlpKYC
Offline: Contact travel manager.
2. Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign nationals only
All foreign nationals must compulsorily carry a PAP before entering the state. Foreign nationals can obtain PAP online by visiting https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp for a period of 30 days . It can also be availed physically from:
a. Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi
b. The Resident Commissioner
Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Kautilya Marg,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Phone: 011-230113915/23013956/26880901
c. The Secretary (Tourism)
Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar-791111
Phone:0360-2212457
d. The Commissioner (Home)
Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh
Itangar-791111
Phone: 0360-2212632
Foreign tourists visiting Arunachal Pradesh shall have to pay USD 50 per head as Royalty to the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh and applications for PAP are to be applied through approved local tour operator only (details given below).
