Best Photo Spots in Tawang

Shoot early, every day

At this height the morning light is sharp and the peaks are usually visible until late morning. After that, cloud tends to roll up the valleys. Plan your big frames before noon and keep the afternoons for markets, cafés and the War Memorial's evening show.

The five spots and what each needs

• Tawang Monastery — the classic view is from the road across the valley, with the whole complex spread along its ridge. Inside the courtyard, the tall prayer hall and the monks' quarters make good frames. Ask before photographing monks and follow signs inside the prayer hall.
• Sela Pass — the gate and the lake below it. In winter and spring the lake is white and frozen; by late summer it is dark water ringed by rocks.
• Tawang War Memorial — a white and yellow stupa with mountains behind it. Go early for the view, or near dusk if you are staying for the light show.
• Madhuri Lake (Sangetsar) — dead tree trunks standing in still water. It needs a one-day army permit and is open to Indian citizens only.
• Nuranang Falls — a tall single drop near Jang, at its fullest after the monsoon.

Rules that apply here

Tawang is a border district with a heavy army presence. Do not photograph army camps, convoys, bunkers or checkposts, even from a moving car; soldiers will ask you to delete the images. Drones need official permission and are best left at home. At monasteries, walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels and keep your lens off anyone praying.

Kit for the cold

Batteries drain fast in the cold, so keep a spare in an inside pocket. Fingerless gloves help at Sela. A polariser deepens the sky and cuts glare off snow and water.