Tawang

Introduction:

A View of Tawang , Arunachal PradeshThe area of the district is approximately 2,085-sq-kms bordered by Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the Southwest and Sela ranges separate West Kameng district in the East.

The inhabitants of the districts are all of Monpa tribes except Shyo village, which is dominated by people of Tibetan origin. The Monpas belong to Mongoloid stock, are well built, and fair in complexion. Their houses are built with stones and timbers. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry are the fundamental means of the Monpas occupation. { Book Tribal Tours }


The Tawang monastery is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. The 6th Dalai Lama was born here. The main attractions are the gigantic Io-metre gilded Buddha statue,a large collection of priceless manuscripts, books and tangkhas, which depict Buddha and the tutelary deities in different poses. Foreign visitors require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh to visit Tawang. Further details regarding RAP may be obtained from the nearest Indian Embassy or Indiatourism offices.

One more interesting monastery in India's basket, the Tawang monastery is a well known monastery in Northeastern part of India, and the effect of nearby Tibetan Buddhism is clearly visible here. The geographical region was a matter of major political dispute between India and China, after Indian independence in 1947.

Main Attractions:

The Galden Namgyal Lhatse, or the Tawang monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the 1860-61. At an altitude of 10,000 ft, over a hilltop, the Tawang monastery is one of the best examples of religious architecture, especially those of Buddhism.

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Tawang Gompa (Monastery)The entrance, itself is exotic, and houses the "Dung Gyur Mani", a pond, from where the water for the monastery is fetched. The "kakaling" or the entry gate is beautifully decorated with various paintings and the ceiling is painted with exotic paints related to the Buddhism folklore. Besides, the assembly hall is also very attractive, with a huge hall to serve the religious purposes of the monastery. The hall is beautifully decorated with silver caskets with thankas, particularly of goddess Sri Devi.

There is also a Buddhist cultural centre for Buddhist cultural studies, which particularly caters to the young monks in their studies and learning the Buddhist values apart from other cultures and their values.

How to reach

Air - Nearest airport is in Tezpur, which is connected to major destinations of India. Tawang also has a heli-pad that caters to the helicopter services from various airports.

Rail - The nearest railway station is Bhalukpong, in Assam, at a distance of 298 km from Tawang.

Road - There are some good motorable roads from Itanagar via Bomdilla.