Perched perfectly over a mountain top, and overlooking a beautiful valley, the Tawang monastery is a reminder that divinity rests on earth itself. The barren terrain and the rugged slopes around highlight the divine beauty of Tawang.
Located in the North-Eastern jewel of Arunachal Pradesh, this destination beckons all who travel to satiate their souls. It is also known as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which translates to “celestial paradise in a clear night.”
The main gompa stands at an altitude of 3300m. The Monastery can hold a capacity of 700 monks and is currently home to around 450 lamas. Built in the 17th century, it is the centre of Gelupa School and has connections with Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.
The one room museum exhibits ornaments, masks, 10th century statue of Buddha, 17th century handwritten scriptures, a trumpet made of hollow thigh bones and many other important artifacts. Some of these were brought from Tibet during the period of Tibetan exile. The monastery also has a 3- storey library which is also home to a 400-year-old Kangyur Scriptures.
(Image credits: himalayan-fantasy)
The Tawang town centre is a living dichotomy. Under the shadow of this monastery, soldiers move around with guns in hands.
You can also visit the Tsun Gon Thog Jee Choeling Nunnery. The female monks follow their own traditions within the Buddhist fold.
Then you can hop to the Ugyenling Monastery, where the 6th Dalai Lama was born. Built in 1487, this is an older monastery. Now reduced even in its simplicity, it still holds some of the divine power. A tree planted by the Dalai Lama stand at the centre, and it is believed tea made from its leaves can cure any illness.
Thegtse Sang-ngag Choekhorling Monastery is called the land of sacred happiness. It is also said that the Monpa tribals used to hunt dogs here, till they were taught the ways of Buddhism. This monastery is unique in that it is part of a different sect of Buddhism called Nyingma , where the monks have long hair and are allowed to marry. The colourful splendour at this monastery is unbeatable.
You can also visit the Pangateng Tso lake at 12,000 feet and the Nameri National Park. Home to some of the rarest animals and birds, Tawang is a paradise even for wildlife lovers.
(Image credits: livemint)
You can reach Tawang by road from Tezpur, which is accessible by air. The nearest railway station is Rangapara. The best time to visit is from April to September.
So, plan your next trip to this destination, a heaven perched on the Himalayan rooftop.
