Tawang in December and January: Snow, Roads, What's Open and How to Plan
Planning Tawang in winter? Where you will see snow, how the Sela Tunnel changed the drive, whether Bum La and Madhuri Lake are open, and how cold it gets.
December and January are the snow months in Tawang. Sela Pass (about 4,170 m) is usually under snow, the lakes around it freeze, and on many days snow also falls in Tawang town. Since the Sela Tunnel opened in March 2024, the road to Tawang stays open through most of winter, which makes a snow trip far easier to plan than it used to be.
But winter in Tawang comes with limits. Days are short, nights are well below freezing, and high spots such as Bum La Pass and Madhuri Lake can close for days after heavy snow. This guide covers what to expect and how to plan around it.
What the Sela Tunnel changed
Before 2024, the road to Tawang crossed Sela Pass at about 4,170 m, which often closed after snowfall for days at a time. The Sela Tunnel, opened on 9 March 2024, runs below the pass at about 3,000 m and gives an all-weather road to Tawang.
For winter travellers, this means:
- You are much less likely to be stuck on the way in or out.
- You can still drive up to the old pass road and Sela Lake to see the snow, when that road is open.
- Snow and ice on the wider route, especially around Baisakhi and Jaswantgarh, can still slow traffic. In heavy-snow spells, the army and police sometimes help stranded vehicles. Check the road status the evening before.
Our Sela Pass guide has more on the pass itself.
Where to see snow
| Place | Height (approx.) | Snow in December and January |
|---|---|---|
| Sela Pass and Sela Lake | 4,170 m | Almost always |
| Jaswantgarh War Memorial | 3,700 m | Very likely |
| Tawang town and monastery | 3,000 m | Some days, more likely in January |
| Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar Tso) | 3,700 m | Very likely, if the road is open |
| Bum La Pass | 4,600 m | Very likely, if the road is open |
Is Bum La open in winter?
Bum La is the pass on the India-China border, about 37 km from Tawang. Visitors need a special permit in addition to the Arunachal ILP, and the visit depends on army clearance on the day. In winter, the road can close for several days after snowfall. When it is open, it is one of the most striking snow trips in the Northeast.
- Apply for the permit through your operator as soon as you reach Tawang, or earlier if the system allows.
- Indian nationals only.
- Keep it as a bonus day, not the main reason for the trip.
Is Madhuri Lake open in winter?
Madhuri Lake, officially Sangetsar Tso, is on the way to Bum La and uses the same permit. It is beautiful when frozen, but the road is narrow and closes after heavy snow. In many winter weeks, visitors get only as far as the lakes near Sela and Tawang town.
How cold is Tawang in winter?
Tawang town sits at about 3,000 m. In December and January, expect:
- Day: about 5 to 10°C, sunny on clear days.
- Night: well below zero, often -3 to -6°C, colder after snowfall.
- Sela Pass: far colder, with strong wind.
Many hotels and homestays use heaters only in the evening. Ask for a room with a heater or an electric blanket when you book. Our Arunachal packing guide covers winter clothing.
What is open in Tawang in winter?
- Tawang Monastery is open, and quieter than in summer.
- The War Memorial and Urgelling Gompa are open.
- Torgya, the monastery's winter festival with masked dances, is usually held in January. Its dates follow the lunar calendar, so check before you plan around it.
- Shops and restaurants in the old market open later and close earlier.
A 7-day winter itinerary from Guwahati
- Day 1: Guwahati to Bhalukpong or Tezpur. A short day to break the drive.
- Day 2: to Dirang. Hot springs and a gentle first night at about 1,600 m.
- Day 3: Dirang to Tawang through the Sela Tunnel, with a stop at Sela Lake and Jaswantgarh if the road is open.
- Day 4: Tawang Monastery, the War Memorial and the old market. Apply for the Bum La permit.
- Day 5: Bum La and Madhuri Lake if open. If not, a slow day around town.
- Day 6: Tawang to Dirang or Bomdila.
- Day 7: back to Guwahati.
Going up in stages helps your body adjust to the altitude. Our guide to driving to Tawang without altitude sickness explains why.
Permits
- Arunachal ILP for all visitors from outside the state, applied for online. See our Arunachal ILP guide.
- Bum La permit, applied for in Tawang through your operator, subject to army clearance.
- Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit and cannot visit Bum La.
Travel to Tawang this winter with Breeziah
Our Tawang Snow Group Trip is 6 days with Sela Pass, Bum La and Madhuri Lake (when open), from Rs 19,999 per person. Couples can take our Tawang and Dirang Couple Escape. We handle the ILP and Bum La permits and keep a buffer day in winter.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it snow in Tawang in December?
Yes. Sela Pass is usually under snow by December, and Tawang town often gets snow at some point between December and February, most often in January.
Is the road to Tawang open in winter?
Usually, yes. The Sela Tunnel, opened in March 2024, gives an all-weather route. Heavy snow can still slow or briefly stop traffic, so check the road status before you set out.
Can I visit Bum La Pass in January?
Sometimes. Bum La needs a special permit and army clearance on the day, and the road closes after heavy snow. Treat it as a bonus, not a certainty.
How cold does Tawang get in winter?
Days are around 5 to 10°C, and nights drop well below zero, often to -3 to -6°C. Sela Pass is colder and windier.
How many days do I need for Tawang in winter?
Plan 7 days from Guwahati, including a night in Dirang on the way up and a spare day for weather or permits.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Tawang guide into a trip that fits your pace
If this guide is part of the kind of holiday you want, Breeziah can help shape the route, travel flow and stay style around your dates, comfort level and destination priorities.