Tawang in Snow: When It Snows, Is the Road Open, and Car or Bike?
Quick take: Snow in and around Tawang usually comes from December to February, with the heaviest falls on Sela Pass and the higher roads around the town. Since the Sela Tunnel opened in March 2024, the road to Tawang stays open through most of winter, but heavy snow still shuts stretches for a day or two at a time. Go in a car (Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater, ₹2,799/day) or with a driver who knows the road; a bike only suits experienced riders on clear days. Plan 6 days from Guwahati with a spare day for weather.
When does it snow in Tawang?
- December: the first proper snow on Sela Pass and the high lakes; Tawang town gets light falls. Cold, clear days between.
- January and February: the best chance of snow in town and the deepest snow up high. The coldest months: well below freezing at night.
- March: late snow on the pass, often spring-like in town.
- November: usually dry and very clear, with frost but rarely snow in town. The best month to see the mountains without the winter risks.
Snow doesn't come on a timetable. Most years there are a few big falls each winter with clear days between them, so give the trip a spare day rather than chasing a forecast.
Is the road open in winter?
The road from Guwahati climbs through Bhalukpong, Bomdila and Dirang, then over or under Sela to Tawang. Before 2024, snow on Sela Pass (about 13,700 ft) closed it for days at a time. The Sela Tunnel now takes the road under the worst of it, so Tawang is reachable most of the winter.
That doesn't make it a winter-free road. After heavy snow:
- the approaches to the tunnel and the stretch beyond it can be icy until they're cleared, usually within a day or two;
- the old road over the pass, the route to the Sela Lake viewpoint, and side roads to the high lakes close more often;
- shaded bends stay icy in the early morning even on clear days.
Ask in Dirang the evening before you cross, and don't push on if the army or police at the checkpoints advise you to wait. The full road, stops and the ILP checkpoint are in our Guwahati to Tawang route guide.
Car, bike or driver?
| How you go | Per day | Our view in winter |
|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Ertiga 7-seater | ₹2,799 | Warm, room for kit; drive the high stretch in daylight only |
| Private car with a driver | from ₹4,400 | The safest choice: local drivers know where the ice sits and when to wait |
| Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 | ₹999 | Only for experienced riders, in a clear spell; very cold above Dirang |
Scooters aren't a good idea above Bomdila in winter. If you've never driven on snow or ice, take the driver: the road is long, and the last part is where most of the risk is.
What to carry
- Warm layers for minus temperatures: thermals, a down jacket, gloves, a cap; more again on a bike.
- Snow chains or traction aids if you're driving yourself; ask about them in Dirang or Tawang, where the local drivers get theirs.
- Your permit: Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit, visitors from abroad a Protected Area Permit. See our Arunachal ILP guide.
- Cash, snacks and water. Fuel stops are spread out: fill up in Bomdila and Dirang.
- Sunglasses. Snow glare at altitude is strong.
A 6-day winter plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Guwahati to Bhalukpong or Bomdila. Start early. |
| 2 | Bomdila to Dirang: a short day. Rest and acclimatise. |
| 3 | Dirang to Tawang through the Sela Tunnel, in the morning. |
| 4 | Tawang: the monastery and, if the roads are open, a high lake. |
| 5 | Spare day for weather, or Tawang to Dirang. |
| 6 | Back towards Bomdila and down to Guwahati, or split it over two days. |
Every distance on the way is on our distances from Guwahati page.
Driving tips for the high road
- Drive the high stretch between about 9 AM and 3 PM. Ice is worst at dawn and after dark.
- Go slow on shaded bends and bridges: they freeze first.
- Low gear downhill, and gentle brakes.
- Turn back if the snow is falling heavily. A night in Dirang is better than a night stuck on the pass.
More on hill driving in our tips for driving in the Northeast hills, and the all-winter riding view in our Northeast winter bike trip guide.
FAQs
When does it snow in Tawang? Usually from December to February, most in January and February. Sela Pass and the high lakes get snow earlier and keep it longer than the town.
Is the road to Tawang open in winter? Mostly, yes. Since the Sela Tunnel opened in 2024, the road stays open through most of winter, but heavy snowfall can still close stretches for a day or two. Keep a spare day.
Can I drive a rented car to Tawang in winter? Yes, if you're a confident driver and keep to daylight on the high stretch. Many winter visitors take a car with a local driver instead.
Can I ride a bike to Tawang in winter? Experienced riders do, in clear spells, but it's very cold above Dirang and ice on shaded bends is a real risk. We'd suggest November or March for a bike trip.
Do I need a permit? Yes. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit and visitors from abroad a Protected Area Permit. We help you apply when you book.
Contact / Book
Planning Tawang this winter? Message us on WhatsApp with your dates: we'll keep the car, help with the permit, and tell you what the road's been like that week.
