Tawang - India HillTop Trips - Cool and pleasant weekend trips

Tawang is called by several names like the Beautiful Land of Monpas, the Hidden Paradise and land of Dawn-lit Mountains. The name Tawang probably has some bearing with the local surroundings. Tawang was at part of the Kingdom of Tibet during the medieval times. It was ruled by the local tribal rulers from time to time. It was declared as the off-limits area in 1873 AD. The area around Tawang was the reason of disagreement between India and China after the Independence of India in 1947. Tawang was invaded by the Chinese army in 1962 but they later withdrew.

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The small town of Tawang is perched at a height of over 10,000 ft above sea level. It is an important Buddhist center of northeast India. The origin of the Tawang monastery can be traced to the mid-17th century. A monk, Mera Lama, a contemporary of the fifth Dalai Lama, founded this monastery. The sixth Dalai Lama was born in this monastery. The Tawang Monastery is also known as the 'Galden Namgyal Lhatse.' This monastery is a virtual treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The Parkhang hall within the monastery has a library that houses a good collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts and thanka paintings (traditional Tibetan paintings on cloth). The monastery complex also houses a towering 18-ft-high gilded statue of the Buddha in the prayer hall. The monastery is situated on a spur about 2 Km from the heart of the town. Tawang provides the traveler with panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas. The area around Tawang is suitable for trekking and hiking.

The origin of Tawang is obscure. It was a part of the kingdom of Tibet in medieval times. Local tribal rulers governed it from time to time. The British had declared this area as off-limits in 1873. The area around Tawang became a cause of disagreement between India and China, after India gained independence in 1947. The Chinese army invaded Tawang in 1962 but they later withdrew.

The small town of Tawang is located amidst the eastern Himalayan ranges. It is famous for its 400-year-old monastery. This monastery is one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries to be found in India and is an important pilgrim center for the followers of Buddhism. Apart from its religious importance, Tawang is famous for its natural beauty, which attracts and enchants the traveler.

Fairs And Festivals

The Tibetan Buddhist festival of Losar is celebrated in the month of February-March every year with great fanfare in the Tawang monastery.

Shopping

The town of Tawang is known for its crafts. The handicrafts center at the lower end of the town is known for its exquisite woolen carpets depicting Buddhist themes and motifs.

Places To Eat

Tourists can relish traditional Tibetan food in Tawang.

Activities

Tawang is a much undiscovered Trekkers paradise, offering breath taking views, fresh mountain air, chill weather, and challenging or leisurely treks.

For a rigorous trek ( classified hard), take the Jang - Thingbu - Mago - Goi ichen Base Camp - Mago (Back) - Luguthang - Sena Chakra - RA-I route.

The softer trekking routes include the Mukto - Gongkhar - Gyamdong - Khet - Kharung - Bongleng - Kungba - Namsring - Kharteng - Lumla route, and the Tawang Gonpa - Gyangong Ani Gonpa - Bhramadongchung Ani Gonpa - Tawang routes.

You can also trek along the Namet Village - Zarmang Ani Gonpa - Khromten Gonpa - Geshila - Klimta - Bomla - Y. Junction - Tawang route, which takes you close to the Chinese border outpost at Bomla.

Trekkers are advised to come fully attired and prepared for the worst.

Elevation

Tawang - 3500 m.

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Location Details

Tawang is located at an altitude of 3500 m above the sea level in Arunachal Pradesh. It covers the area of 2085 sq Km and is surrounded by Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the southwest, Kameng in the east and is separated from the west by Sela ranges.

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How to Reach There and Distances

By Air

The nearest airport to Tawang is at Tezpur, Assam. There are daily flights of Indian Airlines, jet Airways and Sahara Airlines up to Guwahati.

By Rail

The nearest railhead to Tawang is at Rangapara, Assam.

By Road

The nearest bus station is at Bomdila. It is well connected with other towns by buses. Tawang can be reached from the town of Tezpur in Assam by local bus (24 hours), while it takes 12 hours in a shared jeep.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

The weather in Tawang is alpine. Summers (April-June) are short and mild, while winters are very cold (November-February). It experiences scant monsoon rains in July-September. It experiences snowfall in the months of December and January.

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Tourist places near Tawang

Tawang has landscapes, history, religion and architecture to offer to its tourists. Tawang has countless monasteries and nunneries; up teem lakes, several waterfalls and hot water springs. The place is perfect for religious as well as adventure tourism amidst unexplored scenic beauty. Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhaste, popularly known as the Tawang or Gompa Monastery, is a 400 years old Mahayana Sect Buddhist Monastery. It is a place worth paying a visit because of the collection of huge scriptures, books, gold lettered Buddhist scriptures, images and tapestries. The Parkhang Hall of the monastery has the library with the rare hand-written and block-painted thankas or manuscripts of revered books like Tangun, Kangyur and Sungbhum. The 108 gold-embossed manuscripts of the 'Teaching of Lord Buddha' and 225 volumes of the explanations of Buddha's teachings covered with specially designed moth - proof silk adorned with paintings are the other rare works of Buddhist literature. The18 ft high gilded statue of the Buddha in the monastery complex is also worth watching. The festival of Torgya is held in the 11th Monpa month called the Dawa Chukchipah in the Tawang Monastery. A Craft Center here produces fine woolen carpets in various colorful designs.

Tawang Urqelling Monastery is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama who is the only Indian to have risen to such a high position in Gelupka Sect of Buddhism so far. These monasteries along with several other monasteries and nunneries are visited by several tourist from all over the world all the year round. Tawang is popular haunt for several adventure sports. The rivers Tawang-Chu and Namjang-Chu are ideal for river-rafting activities. There is also an option for rock-climbing, paragliding, skating and other winter sport activities.

Sites Nearby

The picturesque town of Bomdila is an important town to visit near Tawang and is known for its natural beauty and Buddhist monasteries.

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Accommodation and Hotels at Tawang

There are several hotels and tourists lodge around Tawang, which are according to the budgets of the tourists. You can try and savor authentic Tibetan food at Tawang Arunachal Pradesh.

Book Online - Buddha Hotel

From Rs.1,100/-

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