What to Wear in Tawang

Think in layers, not seasons

Summer in Tawang means cool days and cold nights, not heat. A thermal base layer, a fleece and a down or padded jacket will cover almost every day of the year. Add a waterproof shell from June to September, when rain and drizzle are common. Leave light cottons and sandals at home; they are no use here in any month.

The lake and pass days

The Sela and Sangetsar trips are the coldest part of any visit. Wind at the pass cuts through fleece, so wear the jacket, a warm hat that covers your ears, gloves and a scarf or buff. Insulated, waterproof boots matter because you may walk on snow or frozen slush. Sunglasses are not optional: glare off snow at that height can hurt your eyes within an hour.

At the monastery

Cover shoulders and knees. Shorts and sleeveless tops draw looks, and you will be cold in them anyway. Shoes come off before the prayer hall, so wear boots you can get out of quickly, and thick socks, because the wooden floors are icy.

What the Monpa wear

Many older Monpa women still wear the traditional woollen dress in maroon and red, with a jacket and striped apron. Men and women both wear the black yak-hair cap with tails hanging down; the tails let rain run off away from the face. You will see full traditional dress most at Losar, at Torgya and at weddings. Woollen shawls, caps and bags are sold in the market, and buying one is a better souvenir than dressing up in borrowed clothes.

Small things that help

Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry air. A water bottle you can refill. A small daypack for the extra layer you will take off and put back on all day. See the Tawang photo spots for where each outfit ends up.