Tawang

The beautiful place of Tawang is the western most district of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The elevation of Tawang is 10,000fts above the mean sea level. The district is bordered in the northern side by Tibet, in the south western side by Bhutan and in the eastern side by the Seal Range. The Monpa tribe lives there. The beauty of the place is absolutely magical, being surrounded by the mighty Himalayan Mountains. An ancient renowned monastery, dating back a 400 years, is present here. In India, this Buddhist Monastery is one of the largest. For the people following Buddhist faith, this is a significant place for pilgrims. The breathtaking beauty and the enchanting appeal of the place charm the tourists to no extent. An amazing journey is experienced by the visitors. Tawang is set against the serene water bodies such as lakes, meandering rivers and altitudinous water walls, which mirrors the splendid color of the sky. A magical feeling is experienced when the mist gobbles up the rivers and lakes like a blanket. The true lovers of nature will not definitely be disappointed. The months between the September and November is the perfect time to visit the place. During the months of December and March, the terrain remains enveloped with snow.

                                         TOURIST PLACES IN TAWANG

Tawang Monastery (Gonpa): One of the biggest lamaseries of the Mahayana sects is the monastery of Ganden Namgyal Lhatse the Tawang Monastery. It is also considered to be the second most ancient monastery in the entire world; first being the one in Khasa. As many as 500 monks dwell in the monastery. Other than the customary monastic education, basic education is also offered to the young monks in the centre of Buddhist Cultural Studies. Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso, a monk, started this monastery during the 17th century AD. He was the contemporary of the 5th Dalai Lama. 

Regyaling Gonpa: Rigya Rinpoche built this Gonpa. The control of the Gonpa was taken under by Chang-sey, the founder’s secretary after Rigya Rinpoche passed away. The distance between the town of Tawang and the Gonpa is a mere 1 Km. A groove covered with luxurious green pine trees encircles the monastery. It adds to the beauty of the place.

Urgelling Gonpa: During the 14th century, the Urgelling Gonpa came into existence. Urgen Sangpo constructed this monastery and this is considered to be one of the three monasteries that he constructed. He was the younger sibling Terton Pempalingpa, who was again a renowned Treausre-Revealer.the 6th Dalai Lama name Tsangyang Tashi was born in the year 1683. The distance between this Gonpa and the town of Tawang is a mere 3 Kms.

Taktsang Gonpa (Tigers Den): The distance between the town of Tawang and the Taktsang Gonpa is 45 Kms. During the 18th century, Guru Padmasambhava built this Gonpa. On the ridge of a small hill, more like a hillock, this gonpa is located. The hill is bounded by thick and lush forest of coniferous trees and high mighty mountains. 

Gorsam Chorten: At a distance of 90 Kms from the town of Tawang, Gorsam Chorten is located. In the entire area, this Stupa is considered to be the biggest stupa. It is speculated that Lama Pradhar, who is a Monpa monk, built this structure in the initial phase of the 12th century. 

Gyangong Ani Gonpa (Buddhist Nunnery): The Gyangong Ani Gonpa has been constructed by Mera Lama Lodre Gyantso. Later on, he gave it to his elder sister. It is situated at a distance of 5 Kms from the town of Tawang. It is located on the top of a picturesque hill. The Ani Gondpa can be seen from the Tawang Monastery. As many as 50 nuns live in this Nunnery.

Brahma-dung-chung Ani Gonpa: In the district of Tawang, the most ancient Ani Gonpa is the Brahma-dung-chung Ani Gonpa. The distance between the Tawang Township and the Ani Gonpa is a mere 8 Kms and it is located in the northern direction of the town. Lama Karchen Yeshi Gelek of Tibet’s Tsang Province built this Ani Gonpa in the year 1595 AD.

Singsor Ani Gonpa: The distance between the town of Tawang and the Ani Gonpa is 28 Kms. It is located in the direction of the Ghesila mountain range. Two of the other Ani Gonpas, which are located in the district of Tawang are, namely Zyumay Ani Gonpa and Ngawang Ani Gonpa.

P.T. Tso (Pangang Teng Tso) Lake: In the Monpa Dialect, the word Tso stands for lake. The distance between the Tawang Township and this lake is a mere 18 Kms. The location provides a perfect spot for picnic. During the cold months, the lake remains in a complete frozen state. Skiing activities take place during the winter time. 

Shonga-tser Lake: Following the shooting of film Koyla here, the lake came to be popularly known as Madhuri Lake. It is set a distance of 42 Kms from Tawang. After the earth quake in the year of 1950, the formation of the lake took place. Before the occurrence of the earth quake, a grass land used for cattle grazing was there in place of the lake. 

Banga Jang Lake: The location welcomes numerous pilgrims every year. The pilgrims come here to enjoy the purity and quietness. There are many a number of lakes apart from this one. It is believed that the gods and goddesses have an intense control over the lake. Only the real devoted folloewers can actually see the images of deities over the lake. 

Gorichen Peak : The Gorichen Peak is the most altitudinous peak in the entire region. The altitude of the peak is around 22,500 feet above the mean sea level. For the ambitious mountaineers, this place offers a great challenge. At a distance of 164 Kms from the township of Tawang, the peak is located. 

Ghesila range: The north-eastern façade of the town of Tawang contains the Ghesila Range of mountains. It stands like a mighty guard for the town of Tawang. The distance between the town and the range is a mere 25 Kms.

BongBong (Nuranang) Waterfall: At a distance of 40 Kms from Tawang, a district headquarter, the spectacular waterfall named Bong Bong Waterfall is located. The water falls down from an altitude of about 100 meters. A visit to this place is a significant part of one’s journey to here. 

BTK (Bap Teng Kang) Waterfall: The height of the spectacular waterfall is 100 ft. This place is set at a distance of 82 Kms from Tawang. This waterfall falls on the road which reaches to Zemithang.  

Sela Pass (13, 714 fts.): The tourists coming here experience a heavenly experience filled with breathtaking beauty. It is called heaven on earth. During the cold months, the Sela Mountain Pass remains blanketed with white snow. Before the tourists can even say welcome, Tashi Delek, the paradise lake, which is situated close to the Sela Pass, welcomes the visitors to Tawang.

Tawang War Memorial: “When You Go Home Tell Them That We Gave Our Lives Today For Your Better Tomorrow”. This cenotaph has been constructed in the memory of all the soldiers who gave up their life for their motherland in the war of 1962. 

Jaswant Ghar: The residence of the brave fighter named Jaswant Singh is located at a distance of 21 Kms from Sela Pass, in the direction of Tawang. He gave a tremendous sacrifice during the battle against the Chinese forces. He battled on for a stretch of 72 hours during the Indo-China war in the year 1962. Tourists can visit this place in order to pay tribute to the great person.

Zajushree Vidhyapith: Majushree Vishyapith is the only place which offers shelter to the orphans. The distance between the orphanage and the Tawang Township is a mere 5 Kms.

By road: The closest transit point is Tezpur. One can access the place by car or jeep. During the rainy months, the roads might not be in a good state. It would take 12 hours to reach Tawang from Tezpur by road.

By rail: The closest railway station is located in Tezpur, situated 160 Kms away and also at Rangapara. 

By air: The closest air terminal is located in Tezpur. Flights from Kolkata and Guwahati are available.