Sela Pass to Tawang Monastery A Winter Trip to Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern part of India is a region of mountainous terrain, mystical monasteries, and virgin scenery. The most mystical of its experiences is a trip to the exotic Sela Pass during winter between the peaceful Tawang Monastery and the awe-inspiring pass. It is not a mere journey of a place or covered distance; it is the journey of spirituality, the beauty of nature and the culture of the east front that is specific to India. And as flight booking is easy and there are many cheap flight deals in the market today, it has never been easy to plan this Himalayan escape.
The Soul of Tawang: Tawang Monastery
On the summit of 10,000 feet above the sea level, Tawang Monastery is the biggest Buddhist monastery in India and second largest in the world. It was established in the 17 th century and now has about 300 monks and has remained the spiritual centre of the Monpa people.
The monastery acquires an airy beauty in winter. Snow-covered mountains around the building, the flying preray flags in the imminent chill, and the monks singing in the air put one in the mood of calm and elevation. These complexes of monasteries have a large assembly hall, a huge 18 feet statue of Lord Buddha, a library with ancient scriptures and beautiful murals telling the legends of Buddhism.
To the tourists, going to the Tawang Monastery is not a mere sightseeing, it is a journey to a centuries old tradition that continues to live in its purest form..
The Road to Sela Pass: A Snow-Trip
The road leading to Sela Pass is a magic one, especially in winter, which is the period when the road to Tawang is covered. The pass is elevated by 13,700 feet and links Tawang with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh and is believed to be one of the highest motorable passes in India.
The scenery changes radically as you get up to Sela. There are frozen waterfalls which are the crystal curtains, snow covers the meadows, and Himalayan mountain peaks are sharp and pierce the skies. You will pass by Sela Lake or Paradise Lake as it is commonly referred to and is usually frozen in the winter months. Its icy surface and the reflection of the mountains on it make it appear as a dream painting.
It is an exciting experience going through this snow-covered road. Although the roads are difficult when there is a lot of snow, the unreal beauty of the journey will make all the moments worth it. Hot drinks, warm clothing, hot tea in vendors along the road, and the good fellowship of travelers all make this adventure a memory that will last you your whole life.
Local Culture and Traditions in the Winter
A winter tour of Tawang to Sela Pass is not merely the natural beauty, but also an experience of the culture of the Monpa people. The locals are very hospitable and warm, they usually invite tourists to have butter tea or a bowl of thukpa (noodle soup) to resist cold.
When you are in Losar in January or February, the Tibetan New Year, the place is filled with music, dancing and colorful ceremonies. The monastery is the home of traditional rituals and rhapsodic celebrations.
Another attraction is handicrafts, where you will find beautifully crafted woolen dresses and carpets of all sizes and wooden products that are made by locals. These are perfect souvenirs of your Himalayan trip and picking some of them makes it even better.
Food That Warms the Soul
During the cold winter seasons food is not only a form of sustenance, it is also a form of comfort. In Tawang and the Sela Pass road, there is a pleasant blend of Tibetan and Arunachali flavor.
Thukpa: A hot bowl of noodle soup filled with vegetables and meat, and this is sure to warm you up.
Momos: spongy dumplings filled with pork, beef, or vegetables and topped with hot chutneys which give them a spicy bite.
Butter Tea (Po Cha): A drink that is prepared using yak butter, salt and tea leaves, Butter tea is a taste that a person will not like initially but cannot afford to miss.
Zan: is a usual Monpa meal of millet flour and topped with vegetables or meat curry.
There is no better way of enjoying these local meals with the view of snow-laden valleys.
The access to Tawang and Sela Pass
It might not seem easy to get to Tawang, but it is surprisingly easy with the help of modern connectivity. The closest airport is Tezpur (Assam) approximately 330 km near Tawang. Since there are several Flights between the major Indian cities and Tezpur, it becomes an easy task to book a flight. You can get to Tawang via a lovely road trip to Tezpur, via Bhalukpong and Bomdila.
Alternatively, you may also fly to the airport at Guwahati, which has a better connection, and then make a road trip to Tawang. It can be a long drive, but the scenery, rivers and mountains make it a long trip worth the miles. To the cost-effective travelers, a flight ticket is cheap as long as you book it early enough hence being comfortable.
Why Winter is the Best Time
Although the Tawang and Sela Passes are beautiful all year round, winter gives it an element of magic. The snow has turned the landscape into a whitish wonderland, the frozen lakes are glittering in the sun, and a meditative silence is felt in the snow-white air of the mountains. Surely it can get as low as freezing, and the road can get on your nerves, but you will feel like you are having one of the most undisturbed winter resorts in India.
It also translates to fewer tourists in winter and that is the opportunity to see the monasteries, lakes and villages more slowly and on a more personalized level. Whether you are a photographer who wants to shoot snow sceneries, a spiritual tourist who wants to enjoy the calmness or an adventurer who wants to experience high-altitude drive, winter is the best time to do this.
Final Thoughts
It is not just a trip but a journey to peace, culture as well as the unrefined beauty of nature; a trip to Tawang Monastery in winter to Sela Pass. You will explore old monasteries where you can hear the chants of the chants, cross snow-covered passes that will challenge your soul, and enjoy the food that will warm your body and heart.
When you have been longing to have a winter vacation in a place where you can experience spirituality, adventure, and soul, a trip to Tawang must be included on your list. Planning a trip has never been easier than with the readily available Flights, the provision of affordable flight rates, and smooth booking systems of flights provided by HappyEasyGo.
Not to be imagined, just book your flight ticket, pack your warmest clothes and start a journey that is memorable forever, Tawang Monastery to Sela Pass.
