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Tawang monastery, photo by Yatrika  

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Tawang Monastery

It is one of the largest monasteries in the world and the largest in India. The massive gompa has 65 residential buildings which are home to about 450 Buddhist monks. It was built in the 17th century. The monastery has a 28-foot high golden statue of Lord Buddha enshrined within its premises. The Himalayan views are great too—hardly surprising considering the monastery is perched at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The pride of the pictorial hill town.

Tawang Monastery is Asia’s second-largest monastery and India’s largest which controls 17 Gompas in the region. An important seat of Mahayana Buddhism, the famous Buddhist monastery in India of the Gelukpa was founded during the 17th century by Mera Lama Lodge Gyatso. 

The notable delights of the monastery are the imposing three-storied assembly hall, the 28 ft high golden statue of Lord Buddha, vast library with an impressive collection of ancient books and manuscripts. Do not miss to take a look at famous gold inscribed Buddhist scriptures Kangyur and Tangy.

1. Enjoy delicious local food 

A taste of the delicious food is what makes a holiday truly memorable. Momos and thukpa are the delights of North East India, and you will find them aplenty in Tawang but the unique taste comes from the traditional Monpa cuisine. 

The tribal cuisine is quite flavorsome and features a lot of chilies. Do try out the authentic dishes of Tawang like Zan, Khura, and Gyapa Khazi. 

2. Urgelling Monastery

Urgelling Monastery is one of the popular tourist attractions in Tawang. It is considered sacred as it is the birthplace of Tsayang Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama. The temple was built around 1487 and it became truly holy with the birth of the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsanyang Gyatso on 1 March 1683. His Holy Highness was the descendant of the treasure revealer Pema Lingpa, and Tsewang Lhamo, hailing from a royal family of Bekhar Village. 

3. Have a glimpse of their Culture

Tawang gate, photo by Bishnu Sarangi

It was influenced by the Tibetans and the Buddhist way of life that the culture of Tawang is one of the reasons why you must visit the scenic hill town of Arunachal Pradesh. Losar is one of the most important festivals in Tawang. 

It is considered to be the New Year festival, celebrated in February for 8-10 days. The charm of this festivity is the lion and yak dance. Torgya, celebrated in January is a ritual to chase away evil spirits. Other important festivals are Cheokor, Gaden Ngamchoe, Dukpa Tse-She and Saka Dawa. 

A part of the way of life in Twang is the exquisite art, crafts, dances, and music. Do take a look at the local splendid wood carving, Thangka painting, carpet making, weaving, wooden bowls, and bamboo woven products. 

4. Has a marvel of the beauty of shonga lake Madhuri lake

Shonga-the Lake famously called Madhuri Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in India and not just in the North East. It is said that Shonga-tser was lush grassland but the lake was formed after an earthquake in 1971. 

The picturesque sight is one of the reasons why you must visit Tawang. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains it is a beauty few can match to. Spending some time here is one of the best things to do in Tawang. Do not forget to get as many photographs as much as you can. 

5. Has a marvel/ scale of Gorichen peak

Tawang lures tourists from all over the world, not just with its natural beauty but the thrilling scope of the adventure. Gorichen Peak is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh with 22500 feet of height. The gorgeous mountain is not just a beautiful sight but is also considered sacred to the Mogpa tribe and possesses a high challenge. The majestic peak offers adventure opportunities to seasoned climbers, however, beginners will be able to trek in the area surrounding the mountain

6. Get to witness the majestic Geshila peak

Mountain Peak at Tawang, photo by Bishnu Sarangi

 Geshila Peak is one of the best places to visit in Tawang. Serene and spectacular are the best words to describe the beauty of this peak. It attracts many tourists from all over the country. If you are looking for a peaceful spot in Tawang, Geshila Peak is the best place to visit. People believe that Geshila Peak in Tawang is their guardian angel and protects them from all the evils. 

Most adventure lovers can hike to Gehsila Peak and spend quiet moments in nature. Plus, shutterbugs will have a great time clicking some spectacular shots of the peak and its surrounding beauty. Visiting Geshila Peak is a  once-in-a-lifetime experience that you cannot afford to miss. 

7.Tibetan Settlement Market – Shop Till You Drop 

Shopping at the Tibetan Settlement Market is one of the fun things to do in Tawang. Tibetan settlement market or Vihara market is a local area that consists of small shops and roadside shacks. This place is also famous for its local eateries and shops, which sell traditional items, and Chinese crockery items are also sold here in abundance. You can also find Buddhist religious items such as flags, prayer wheels, statues of Lord Buddha, and wall hangings, and bring home gifts and memories for a lifetime.

8. Nuranang Waterfalls – Witness Nature’s Magic

Waterfall, photo by Roman Perucho

It is located just 40 km from Tawang town. When visiting Nuranang waterfalls at an elevation of around 6000 feet. It is considered to be one of the popular things to do in Tawang. Being one of the most stunning waterfalls in Arunachal Pradesh. Nuranang Waterfalls is a milky white waterfall that feels just like a dream.

9. Tawang War Memorial

War Memorial Tawang, photo by Kunal Dalui

It is situated at a distance of 25 kilometers from Tawang. Tawang War Memorial is a wonderful spot among places to visit and also cherish some patriotic fervour inTawang.  

 The memorial commemorates the bravery of martyred Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1962 Indo-China War. Tawang War Memorial is an important place to visit when you are there. It was built in the memory of 2140 Indian soldierswho laid down their lives in the war. It is a fitting place to show your love for the nation and relive those historical events.

10. Taktsang Gompa 

Taktsang monastery, photo by Ktatpong

It is considered to be the place of where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. Taktsang Gompa is a popular monastery in Tawang. Taktsang Gompa is located at a distance of 50 km from Tawang and boasts of an exquisite landscape filled with thick conifers and lofty hills.  

The place is known for its mesmerising backdrop and is a pure delight for shutterbugs in Tawang. The idyllic surroundings of the place add to the spiritual retreat and offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of cities. The popular tourist spot promises to be an enthralling escape to cherish the natural beauty and take back home some captivating memories.