West Kameng, which is a district of Arunachal Pradesh in India, covers about 8.86% of the total area of the state. Also claimed by China, West Kameng falls under the jurisdiction of Cuona County of Shannan Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The name is derived from the Kameng river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, that flows through the district.

The District is bounded by Tibet region of China in the North, Bhutan in the West, Tawang District and East Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh are in the Northwest and East respectively and the Southern boundary adjoins Sonitpur District of Assam. The District has vast potential of tourism.

            It derives its name from the Kameng River, a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra that flows through the District. The administrative HQ of this District is Bomdila. In the year 1919, this tract was renamed as the Balipara Frontier tract, having its headquarters at Charduar of Assam. In the year 1946, the District area was carved out of the Balipara, with the name of Sela Sub-Agency and its headquartering continued to be Charduar of Assam. In the year 1954, Sela Sub-Agency was renamed as the Kameng Frontier Division and its administrative headquarters was later transferred to Bomdila.

West Kameng History

Upon the arrival of the British, the entire area used to be known as the North-East Frontier Agency. It was renamed as the Balipara Frontier tract in the year 1919, with its headquarters based at Charduar in Assam. In the year 1946, the district area was carved out of the Balipara, with the name Sela Sub-Agency and its headquarters continued to be Charduar of Assam. Following the independence of India, the Sela Sub-Agency was renamed as the Kameng Frontier Division. Its headquarters were later transferred to Bomdila in  the year 1954. However, with the invasion of Tibet in the year 1950, Tibetan refugees started populating the area. Furthermore, with the invasion of the Chinese troops into this area, many historical monuments were either destroyed or defaced by the invaders.

The Kameng Frontier Division was later renamed as for political reasons, the Kameng district was bifurcated between East Kameng and West Kameng on the June 1, 1980. Tawang district, which initially was a part of the district, was separated on the October 6, 1984.

West Kameng Climate

Like East Kameng, the West Kameng district observes arid tundra or a cool temperate climate in the north. Snow fall occurs from mid-November to February. Snow can be also seen in khupi, Nechiphu is the highest place in the district at 5690 feet above sea level.

West Kameng Culture

        The entire population of the district can be divided into two cultural groups based on their socio-politico-religious affinities. It has been found that the tribes of West Kameng District were integrated into groups independent to each other, living there separate lives. The common similarities were that the patterns of lifestyle of each were the same and that they followed the same occupation. The societies were casteless and  governed by chiefs and the adults grouped according to their age for distinct social functions and the young organized around dormitory institutions to act as the implementing instruments of the decisions and instructions of the older generation.

Lamaistic tradition of the  Mahayana Buddhism is followed by the Monpas and Sherdukpens. Known for their religious fervor, the villages of these communities have richly decorated Buddhist temples, locally called 'Gompas'. Though largely agriculturists, practicing terrace cultivation, many of these people are also involved in pastoral activities.

West Kameng Tourism

Tourist places in West Kameng
Dirang fort
Lhagyala Gonpa, Morshing
Ruins of bhalukpong
Jameri megalithic site, jameri
Ruins of dimachung-betali
 Gyuto Tantric Monastery, Tenzigaon
Grl gompa, bomdila