Nearest Airport to Tawang: Tawang is a breathtaking hill town in Arunachal Pradesh. It is famous for its stunning landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and rich cultural heritage. Due to its remote location in the northeastern Himalayas, air travel is the most convenient way to reach Tawang. However, Tawang does not have an airport, so travelers must rely on nearby airports for connectivity.
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Tezpur Airport (TEZ) – The Nearest Airport
The closest airport to Tawang is Tezpur Airport (TEZ), located in Assam, approximately 330 km from Tawang. It is a small domestic airport primarily used for civilian and military operations.
Flight Connectivity
- Tezpur Airport has limited commercial flights, mainly operating to and from Kolkata and Guwahati via airlines like IndiGo and Alliance Air.
- Due to limited flight frequency, travelers often prefer alternative airports with better connectivity.
How to Reach Tawang from Tezpur Airport?
- By Road: The journey from Tezpur to Tawang takes approximately 10–12 hours, passing through scenic mountain roads, including the famous Sela Pass (13,700 ft).
- By Helicopter: The Arunachal Pradesh government operates helicopter services between Tezpur and Tawang, depending on weather conditions.
Alternative Airports Near Tawang
Since Tezpur Airport has limited flights, travelers can consider these alternative airports:
1. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU)
- Distance from Tawang: 480 km
- Travel Time: 13–15 hours by road
- Connectivity: Well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Guwahati Airport is the most preferred option for travelers heading to Tawang due to its better flight frequency and connectivity. From Guwahati, travelers can take a taxi, shared cab, or bus to reach Tawang.
2. Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar (HGI)
- Distance from Tawang: 450 km
- Travel Time: 12–14 hours by road
- Connectivity: Operates domestic flights to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Donyi Polo Airport, located near Itanagar, offers an alternative route for travelers heading to Tawang, although the road journey is long.
Upcoming Airport in Tawang – The Sela Tunnel Project
To improve connectivity, the government has been working on the Sela Tunnel project, which will reduce travel time to Tawang. Additionally, a proposed airport in Arunachal Pradesh near Tawang is under consideration to further enhance accessibility.
How to Travel from These Airports to Tawang?
By Road:
- Private taxis and shared cabs are available from Tezpur, Guwahati, and Itanagar to Tawang.
- The journey is long and passes through winding mountain roads, making it an adventurous trip.
By Helicopter:
- Helicopter services are sometimes available from Guwahati and Tezpur to Tawang, depending on weather conditions.
At The End
For travelers visiting Tawang, Tezpur Airport (TEZ) is the nearest airport, but due to limited flight options, Guwahati Airport (GAU) is the most preferred alternative. Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar is another option, though less commonly used.
Despite the long journey from these airports, the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and the cultural richness of Tawang make the trip worthwhile.