Tawang: A sacred hub
Visiting sacred places is always a great opportunity in itself, and visiting Tawang was a true blessing for me. Between the beautiful mountains and valleys of Arunachal Pradesh, is located one of the most strategic locations of the country, Tawang. On visiting the town, I could clearly smell the freshness in the air, the chants of Buddhists monks soothing my ears and happy people all over there. The town is also known as Monyul, meaning the hidden and blessed land of Mon. It is believed that Tsangyang Gyatso, the Sixth Dalai Lama, was born in a small village towards the south of Tawang, Urgyeling. Tsangyang wrote with his fingers “lama Geno” translated as “The Lama Knows”, on a stone in 1688, in the village.
This place is special enough to make The Tibetan Leader visit it six times between 1983 to 2009, most recently Dalai Lama visited it in April 2017. The place between Tawang and Bomdial has witnessed the Sino Indian Conflict, about which, one is reminded as soon as entering the area. A visit to the 1962 war monument and the Jaswant Singh mandir can truly bring out all the patriotism in oneself. The Sangester Tso, a lake which was a grazing pasture before the 1950 earthquake, is now called Madhuri Lake after Rakesh Roshan shot Koyal with Madhuri and Shar Rukh Khan here.
Requirement to visit Tawang
Visiting here would require one to get an ILP (inner Line Permit). For casual visitors (visiting 15 days or less), it can be permitted without a photograph on production of PRC or Election Card from native place or Indian passport or PAN or Income Tax Registration card or Driving License issued by the government. Offline ILP is also available at the Arunachal Office near Commerce collage in Guwahati.
On Reaching
Now reaching the town may seem like a task to many but trust me is worth all this. The scenic beauty of the state really mesmerises everyone. One can reach Tawang either by Air or by Road. If you decide to go with the Air, you will have to take a helicopter. The helicopter can be easily booked with the Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service, but I would suggest you to book in advance, by calling the Aviation Counter as the online booking service have yet not been started by the State Government. The service is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only. The adventurous Helicopter journey takes 55 minutes to reach Tawang from over Bhutan.
The other option is by Road. The journey includes covering total of 543 kilometre between Guwahati and Tawang. If you reach Guwahati before 12pm, you should continue your journey on the same day itself. From here you are yet again left with 2 options.
Driving to Tezpur – Tezpur is a major Army hub and has a wide variety of good quality hotels and restaurants for the tourists. It is about 198 km from Guwahati. You can reach Tezpur within 3 and half hours from Guwahati Airport.
Driving to Bhalukpong – it is located almost 260 Kms from Guwahati and hardly takes 4 and half hours to reach this place. You must reach Bhalukpong in the evening before nightfall due to security reasons of the Government. The Hotels and Dining options are limited here.
For everyone reaching Guwahati after 12 pm, I do have 2 options for you’ll as well.
Driving to Bomdila – it’s a long 390 Kms that is an 8-hour journey from Guwahati. It has many government as well as private Hotels. I would definitely suggest to visit the Baisakhi Bridge and Jaswant Garh on the way for a break and refreshments.
Driving to Dirang- taking a night halt at Dirang doesn’t seem like a bad idea. It’s a 450 Kms drive with total of 9 hours from Guwahati Airport. There are many Hotels for a stay. And if you’re tired you can always stop for a break at Tezpur or Bhalukpong. Along with the various other developments, the State Government is working on improving the roads as well, with which we may reach even faster.
Tawang and its beauty
The town is home to one of the most amazing and spectacular scenic views. The tribe of Monpa has a history in paper making dating back to a thousand years. It is called Mon Shugu that is Monpa Paper and it is said that these were used not just in Tanwag but other parts of Bhutan, Tibet, Chine and Japan. The people I met here are some of the most calm and honest people I’ve ever seen. It was great chatting and interacting with them. Their sheer hospitality has me wanting to stay there or at least visit once again. Also, the development in the town is in full swing.
A lot can be brought to plate once the area is fully developed. But the town might lose most of its natural beauty. The lavish rivers may not exist anymore, or the extravagant mountain my disappear from the sight. The Monpa tribes are hardcore believer of after life and perform many rituals for the same. But these areas are converted for development jeopardizing the authenticity and sentiments if the town and its people.
You must definitely visit the Buddha Coffee House. If you’re a caffeine addict like me, this place is heaven for you. The hot cup of coffee in your hand, the most amazing people beside you (yes, I do include my friends), the lush green mountains and the rains splashing on the window, an unforgettable experience.
Tawang and it's culture
Most people living here follow the Tibetan and Buddhist style of living. Tawang is well known for its amazing work in the field of wood carving, Thangka painting, weaving and carpet making. The locals here have mastered these skills. Tawang celebrates three harvests festivals namely – Torgya, Lossar and Choekhor. They perform their traditional dance and celebrate these festivals with great enthusiasm.
It is believed that the first inhabitants of Tawang come over in the 6th century and ruled over the land for a thousand years. Eventually the Monpas adopted Buddhism. Along with monetarise, there are also many nunneries. One of them is the Anni Gompa, one of the oldest and extravagant nunneries in the country.
It was built around 500 years ago by Tibetan Lama and is home to a large number of Buddhist nuns. I would suggest taking the ropeway between Tawang monastery and Anni Gompa for some of the best views.
There also exists an orphanage run by Buddhist monks on way to Lhou, called the Manjushree Vidyapeeth. Visiting this orphanage was a very special experience for me. Another social work project is the Jhamtse Gatsal – a place for children from as well as outside the town. The main aim of these places is to provide for the children and secure them a better brighter future and preserve their culture.
Tawang Sacred Spot's
Tawang Monastery
about 2km from the town is the second biggest and oldest Monastery in Asia, founded by Merag Lodroe Gyamtso in the year 1680-81, known as the Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse i.e., the celestial paradise of divine site chosen by the horse. As per the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama – Ngawag Lobsang Gyatso, the delightfully aesthetic Galden Namgey Lhatse Monetary was built, it belongs to the Gelug school of Mahayana Buddhism. It stands for prosperity, peace and unity and is home to a lot of Buddhist studies, traditional practices and festivities. A painting of goddess Palden Lhamo was gifted to the monastery by Dalai Lama. The monastery is not only a religious site but also a Museaum, a library and a school for basic education. Located on top of a hill, it dominates the entire area.
The 8-foot-long idol of Buddha is one of the many attractions. I visited Tawang in the month of May and June and I would suggest you to do the same. The climate during the summer time is rather cool and refreshing inspite the season and the temperature hardly exceed 25 degrees. The entry fees for the Museum in only 20 Rupees per person and the evening cultural show near the Monastery will only cost you 100 Rupees per person and is definitely worth the cost and wait. On visiting this monastery, I highly recommend talking to one of the monks. We (me and my friends) had a chat with some of the monks and they informed us about some of their unique rituals and beliefs. The power that they hold in their speech was spellbinding.
Taktsang Gompa
literally meaning tiger’s den. I am definite that this place will mesmerise you on its first sight itself. My words won’t be able justify how beautiful and peaceful it is. Guru Padmasambhava visited here in 8th century thereby increasing the importance of this place. Do carry some warm cloths while visiting because it gets really chilly really fast up here, as it is located on a higher altitude. This Gompa is about 40 Kms from Tawang and is just a two-hour journey. You will have to reach the Sangetsar Lake, and from there, a 15-minute trek. Here do visit the Madhuri Lake, about which I talked earlier.
Urgelling Gompa
the birthplace of the 6th Dalai lama, is a beautiful gompa built in 14th century. It is considered as one of the scared places by the Buddhists. I would definitely suggest this gompa if you want to spend some time peacefully. Not just the Gompa but also the pleasing atmosphere and scenes around this place will mesmerize you.
Khinmey Monastery
headed by Thegtse Rinpoche, the 14th reincarnation of the Guru who founded it in 1440, is the exquisite monastery of Khinmey. On entering, one is exposed to the beauty and calmness of this monastery. One can see a beautiful work of art of the many divinities guided by the strong and sharp Buddhist sage Padmasambhava surrounded by his Indian and Tibetan wives. On the top of the pavilion is staged the gigantic idol of Medicine Buddha. One can most conveniently walk from Urgelling to Khinmey and then ask one of the monks to call a cab back down.
The Giant Buddha Statue
a magnificent 30 feet statue made at an elevation of about 3000 feet in Tawang. The statue is of Gautam Buddha, a spiritual leader, teacher, philosopher and the founder of Buddhism. He is worship by everyone in the town.
Other Tawang Attractions
Other breath-taking view is the less known Chumi Gyatse Falls, also known as Holy Waterfalls. It’s a collection of 108 waterfall altogether. How cool is that? No literally, the water here is very cool and refreshing. It rests between India – China border.
The Bombdila Monastery, a place that I consider underrated. Built by the 12th incarnation of TsonaGontse Rinpoche, in 1965 and was rebuilt by the 13th. It consists of a prayer hall, temple of Buddhas and small monk’s quarter.
The Upper Gompa, also known as the Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery is the most famous site of attraction. This monastery is known as one of the most beautiful locations and a major hub of the Lamaistic faith of Mahayana Buddhism. This Gompa is also a shelter to the young Buddhist minds to educate them. This monastery also has a huge temple including a prayer hall. This monastery is divided in three different parts, the main being the upper, Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling monastery and others as the lower and middle, both situated near the main market that portrays the richness of Tibetan architecture. The Upper Gompa is a huge tourist spot that brings tourists from worldwide to attain spirituality and to learn the peaceful preaching of Buddha.
The Lower Gompa, it is one of the divisions of the GRL monastery. Do not forget to spin the prayer wheels of the monastery; it is believed to fulfil everyone’s wish. This place is also famous for its amazing architecture.
Located in a village named the same, is the 500 years old monastery, the Kalachakra Gompa. It is a beautiful place with tons of mosaic work. Buddhist monks visit this sacred place at least once in their lifetime. You can reach this village by a taxi and then walk to the Gompa. Also do visit the Sangti Valley, Dirang Village and Hot Springs.
A temple named Thupsung Dhargye Ling might sound boring. But wait till you enter the bright and colourful walls of this amazing piece of architecture. It is a learning institute as well. The name, meaning ‘Place of flourishing of the Buddha’s speech’, was given by Dalai Lama.
It’s unbelievable how such amazing places are not known by many. I believe by now I have fully compelled you to visit this spectacular place. And those who are planning on going, yes, I will be taking all the blame of raising your expectation, and I promise you will never regret visiting this place. I had never in my life seen such peaceful beauty and such fine hospitality.
FAQs
How is Tawang related to Buddhism?
It is believed that the original inhabitants were the Buddhists of Tibet. It is also considered Sacred by the Buddhists. Well, China still claims that Tawang belongs to Tibet.
Why is Tawang Monastery famous?
This is the second largest Monastery in Asia and largest in India. Hence the fame. Also, the painting of goddess Palden Lhamo given by Dalai Lama to the Monastery makes it more significant.
Why is Tawang important to China?
- The major religion followed in China is Bhuddism. It also is the birthplace of the 6th Dala lama ana was a refuge to 14th Dalai Lama when he fled from Tibet to escape the Chinese Army.
Why was Tawang Monastery built?
It was built to fulfil the wish of the, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, 5th Dalai Lama.
Can I become a monk in Tawang Monastery?
One can easily practice Buddhism in the towns of Tawang and Bomdila.
Where is the largest Buddhist group in Asia?
Thailand has the greatest number of Buddhists in Asia. Almost 95% of its population follows Buddhism.
Which is the largest Buddhist temple in the world?
Borobudur or Barabudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. It is situated in Indonesia.
What does Tawang mean?
The literal meaning of Tawang is ‘chosen by Horse’. It is believed that the monastery is chosen by the horse of Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso.
