Arunachal Pradesh town turns into a colourful field of flowers in April-May. Even Anand Mahindra suggests it for summer travel

If a summer escapade is on your mind lately, then it’s time that you book your tickets for Arunachal Pradesh. Dubbed as the ‘Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains’, the destination has earned its unique name as it is the first Indian state that gets to greet the first rays of the morning sun. Tucked away in India’s northeastern tip, Arunachal is surrounded by the borders of China, Burma (Myanmar) and Bhutan. The hot and humid months between March and May is ideal for travellers who love nature’s glory, featuring clear skies, verdant hills, gushing waterfalls, sparkling rivers and a vibrant spread of flora and fauna.

One of the must-visit spots in Arunachal Pradesh is the picturesque town of Tawang, reverberating with stunning landscapes, rich Buddhist heritage, and vibrant culture. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Eastern Himalayas, an elevation of approximately 3000 metres, Tawang welcomes tourists with ample opportunity to explore, experience and take home a bag full of memories.

Tawang’s blooming floral glory in summer

Perhaps one of the most stand-out aspects of Tawang’s summer travel is how the place transforms into a blanket of colourful flowers, blooming under the bright sun during April aka the flowering season. It’s the time when the snow starts to melt away and the vivid rhododendrons paint the hillsides in brilliant hues. As the temperatures hover between 5°C and 21°C, the meadows, encircled by fir and pine trees, burst with wildflowers along the valleys and hillsides as berry bushes and Rhododendron species sprout in full bloom.



Last year, billionaire businessman Anand Mahindra posted a video on Instagram marvelling at the blooming flowers in the Tawang landscape. The Mahidra CEO aptly called the time a 'spring fever’, admiring its unmatched beauty. Back in 2022, Kiren Rijiju, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Arunachal West constituency in Arunachal Pradesh, also shared a similar video on X where he undertook a trek to Tawang from Diran, through emerald-green pastures, laden with wildflowers.

Things to do in Tawang

For animal-lovers, the summer season comes as a boon for animal spotting, thanks to favourable climatic conditions. If you are lucky, you can spot snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, and different species of deer and antelope. Migratory birds, including the monal and blood pheasant, also fly here during this season, along with different types of eagles and vultures. What’s more, Tawang’s Galo tribe, living in and around Aalo, celebrates the Mopin Festival, marking prosperity and the agricultural new year, through rhythmic group dances and ritual offerings

Places to visit in Tawang

Sela Pass

Sela Pass is a breathtaking high-altitude mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district, standing at around 13,700 feet above sea level. Serving as a crucial link between Tawang and the rest of India, the route is admired for its dramatic landscapes, including snow-covered peaks, serene glacial lakes, and sweeping Himalayan valleys.

Tawang Monastery

Perched at roughly 10,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang Monastery—also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse is the region’s most prominent Buddhist monastery. Founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the 17th century, the sprawling complex overlooks the Tawang-Chu valley and resembles a fortress from afar, attracting visitors with its spiritual and architectural grandeur.

Jaswant Garh

Jaswant Garh, near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, is a revered memorial dedicated to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of the Indian Army. Honouring his courage during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the site stands as a tribute to his extraordinary bravery while defending the region against advancing Chinese forces.

Tawang War Memorial

The Tawang War Memorial honours Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the 1962 Sino-Indian War between India and China. The site stands as a solemn tribute to their courage and sacrifice, reminding visitors of the bravery displayed by the Indian Army while defending the nation’s borders.