People ask us when to go to Tawang, and the answer changes with how you're going. A car can go in more months than a bike can.
Short answer: go in November or March to May. Skip July and August. If you want snow, take a car or a driver, not a bike.
The year at a glance
| Month | What it's like | Bike or car |
|---|---|---|
| Dec to Feb | Cold, snow on Sela and the high roads. Ice on shaded bends | Car. A bike only on clear days, if you've done it before |
| March | Late snow on the pass, often spring-like in town | Bike or car |
| April to June | Roads open, clearer skies. Pre-monsoon showers from late April | Bike or car. The easy months |
| July and August | Heavy rain, landslides, broken road | Neither, if you can avoid it |
| September | Rain easing, but the road is rough while it's patched | Bike or car, with spare days |
| October | Clear and dry. The Tawang Festival is usually around now | Bike or car. Book early |
| November | Dry, very clear, frost but rarely snow in town | Best month for a bike |
Month by month
December to February. This is snow season. Sela Pass gets its first proper snow in December, and January and February are the coldest, well below freezing at night. The Sela Tunnel makes winter travel much more reliable than it used to be, and the road stays open most of the winter. But heavy snow can still block the approach roads, and a day or two of waiting is normal. Our Tawang in snow post has the full picture. If you go, take a car and a spare day.
March. Late snow can still sit on the pass, even when Tawang town feels like spring. Check the road before you cross.
April to June. The good months. The roads are open and the views are clear. Pre-monsoon showers (Bordoisila, as we call them in Assam) usually arrive in late April and May, so carry a rain layer and keep your plans loose.
July and August. Don't. Monsoon rain brings landslides and broken road. If you have to travel then, give yourself extra days and expect delays.
September. The rain eases, but the road is rough. The BRO starts its post-monsoon patching around now, so expect broken surface and the odd stop. Fine, if you give yourself spare days.
October. Clear and dry, and one of the busiest months. The Tawang Festival is usually held around now, so rooms fill up. Book early.
November. This is the one. It's usually dry, very clear, and you get frost without snow in town. For a bike trip it's the best month, because you get the mountains without the winter risks. It's still cold at Sela, so pack for it.
Sela Pass or the tunnel?
The Sela Tunnel is open. It bypasses the 13,700 ft top of the old pass and saves about an hour. Cars and most commuters take the tunnel.
Riders on a Himalayan 450 or Scram 440 often still go over the old pass, to see Sela Lake. That's fine in clear weather, but not in snow or fog. On a scooter, take the tunnel. (More on that in Can you ride a scooter to Tawang?)
Bike or car?
- Bike: November, March to June, and October if you've booked ahead. Take a geared bike. The adventure bikes page has the options.
- Scooter: the same months, but read Can you ride a scooter to Tawang? first. It's possible, but the descents are a different job.
- Car: any time except the monsoon. If you'd rather not drive Sela yourself, there's a car with a driver.
Before you book
- You'll need an Inner Line Permit. Our permit guide covers it, and we can help.
- Give yourself at least 5 to 6 days, and a spare day for weather.
- The route guide has the stops, the road and the plan.
Our bikes
Helmet included, no vehicle deposit
Self-drive · BikeYamaha FZ-S FI V2Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeHonda SP 125Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
Self-drive · BikeBajaj Pulsar N160Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,199/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Scram 440Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,999/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹2,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 200 4VSolo riders · Off-road trailsfrom ₹1,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 210Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,699/dayFAQs
What is the best month to go to Tawang? November, for clear weather without snow. March to June is the next best.
Can I ride a bike to Tawang in winter? Experienced riders do, on clear days. It's very cold above Dirang, and ice on shaded bends is the risk. We'd suggest November or March for a bike trip.
When is the Tawang Festival? Usually in October. Check the event page for this year's dates.
Is the road to Tawang open in the monsoon? Usually, but landslides can block it for hours or days. It's the worst time to go.
Should I take the Sela Tunnel or the old pass? The tunnel saves about an hour and skips the highest, most exposed section. Take it on a scooter, in a car, or whenever the weather is poor. The old pass suits an adventure bike on a clear day.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
