Day 127 - Tawang

Tawang is a town that is located in the mountainous regions of the state of Arunachal Pradesh and it is a picturesque place.It is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.Home to the Monpa tribe, Tawang shares its border with Tibet in the north, Bhutan in the south-west and the Sela range in the east.It is believed that the place has derived its name from one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in India, Tawang Monastery.'Ta' means Horse and 'Wang' means Chosen. It is believed that the site on which the monastery has been constructed was chosen by the horse, which was owned by Merag Lama Lodre Gyamtso. According a legend, Merag Lama was unable to decide a location to establish the monastery. In order to seek divine guidance for choosing the construction site for the monastery, he was praying inside a cave. When he came out after finishing prayers, he found that his horse was missing. On searching, he saw that horse was standing on a hilltop.


How to reach here:

By Air: The Tezpur Airport is the best and the closest option for those who are arriving by air. The place is connected by flights from cities such as Kolkata and Guwahati.

By Rail: Tezpur has the nearest rail-head which is around 160 km from Tawang.


Best time to visit: March to October.


Languages spoken: Tibetan, Hindi and English.


Must eat: Wungwut Ngam, Pasa, Ngatok.


Places you must visit:

Ganden Namgyal Lhatse the Tawang Monastery is one of the largest lamaseries of Mahayana sects and the second oldest Monastery in the world after Lhasa. The Monastery is housed with more than 500 monks. It has also a centre of Buddhist Cultural Studies where young monks are provided basic education besides traditional monastic education. Now a day, Tawang Monastery is also light up with tiny bulbs emitting its perfect shape and size for the viewers at night. This Monastery was founded by a monk Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso a contemporary of His Holiness Fifth Dalai Lama in 17th century AD. The monastery complex is comprises of more than 65 residential buildings meant for monks. The Monastery also houses the establishment of the Head Priest, living chambers of the Lamas, an ancient library and antique museum.











Tawang War Memorial, a 40 foot high multi-hued memorial, has a structure constructed in stupa design. Dedicated to the martyrs of Sino-India War held in 1962, this memorial is nestled among beautiful peaks, which overlooks the Tawang-Chu valley. Popularly known as Namgyal Chorten, the memorial has names of 2,420 dead soldiers. The names of the soldiers are etched in gold on around 32 black granite plagues.Tawang War Memorial comprises two memorial halls. One of the halls has the collection of personal articles of martyrs, while the other is used for sound and light shows, depicting their heroic deeds. The entire memorial was blessed by Dalai Lama. In addition, the Holy Scriptures and idols of Lord Buddha and Arya Avlokiteshwara were also sent by Dalai Lama to this memorial. These idols have been kept in the vaults of the stupa.





Sela Pass, with a height of 13,714 ft, is one of the most visited places in entire Arunachal Pradesh. Considered to be heaven on earth, the Sela Mountain Pass in winter is entirely covered with snow. Before reaching this pass, the travelers are welcomed by another lake, which is known as the Paradise Lake.





Gorichen Peak, highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh, is located between Tawang and West Kameng districts. Bordering with China, this peak has a height of 22,500 feet. Located at a distance of 164 kilometre from Tawang Township, this peak is also known as Sa-Nga Phu, which literally means the Kingdom of Deity. According to Monpa tribe, this peak is considered to be one of the sacred peaks protecting them from all the evils.The peak is one of the ideal bases for trekking and mountaineering in the entire region.

Jaswant Garh is located at a distance of around 21 kilometre from Sela Pass towards Tawang. This Garh is a home of a warrior, Jaswant Singh who sacrificed during the war that was fought against Chinese soldiers. He fought continuously for 72 hours, during the Indo-China war that occurred in 1962. The place is open to travelers to pay a tribute and salute to this great warrior.









Urgelling Gompa, one of the first three monasteries built by Urgen Sangpo, is believed to have been present in Tawang since 14th century. Urgen Sangpo was the youngest brother of the famous Treasure-Revealer, Terton Pempalinga.This place is believed to be the birthplace of His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Tashi. His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama, born in 1683, was the son of Lama Tashi Tenzin. Lama Tashi Tenzin resided in Urgelling Village and was a descendant of Terton Pempalingpa.





Visit the unique craft center where craftsmen weave cloth and artists make Monpas masks in the traditional way. A government project to uplift and encourage the traditional artists and craftsmen to use the traditional styles and techniques. There is am Emporium from where souvenirs can be bought.




Bap Teng Kang   is one  of the most panoramic waterfalls, Bap Teng Kang is scenically situated in the hidden paradise of lush green vegetation. It falls from a height of 100 feet in Yumkhang, 85 km on route from Tawang towards Zemithang. You can view a number of waterfalls on the route to Zemithang.

Gorsam Chorten  is the largest stupa of the entire area. Believed to be constructed in the early part of 12th century, it is founded by a Monpa monk, Lama Pradhar. On the top of the chorten is a semi-circular dome that rests up on a three-terraced plinth. In addition, on the lower most terrace of the plinth, there are four miniature stupas standing erect on the four corners.The base of this chorten is squared with each side about 170 feet in length with a niche running along its whole length. Moreover, there are around 120 manis set in the wooden frames. Encircling the stupa is a well paved path on which pilgrims go roundabout for praying, which is also known as Kora.

Gyangong Ani Gompa, perched on the top of a beautiful hillock is nunnery, is located at a distance of around 5 kilometre in the north of Tawang. Being home to about 50 Buddhist nuns, it was found by Mera Lam Lodre Gyamtso. This nunnery was subsequently offered to Mera Lam Lodre Gyamsto by his elder sister.

This Nunnery is under the control and management of Tawang Monastery. In addition, the Tawang Monastery provides the things required for everyday needs of the nuns.

 Nuranang Water Fall  is one of the most beautiful waterfalls close to Jang, the micro hydel project is Nuranang Waterfalls.





Shonga-tser Lake  after the shooting of movie Koyla was named by tourists as Madhuri Lake. Shonga-tser Lake was formed in the aftermath of the earthquake, which occurred in 1950.Before 1950, the entire lake area was reserved grassland. This grassland was used by the local people of Tawang district for grazing their cattle. This fact is supported by the presence of dead trees emerging from the middle of the lake. The scenery and the land of this lake entice photographers from all across the world.





Geshila Park is the closest peak to Tawang located just 25 km away at Khrimu. Complete serenity, awesome sights and a multitude of scenic picturesque locations to carry back sweet memories.





Banga Jang Lake, situated in the Banga Jang range, is one of the famous lakes located in proximity to Tawang Township. Every year pilgrims from across the globe visit the lake to acquire heavenly bliss and sanctity.In addition to this lake, there are several other lakes located in the Banga Jang range. According to belief, many pilgrims visiting this lake had an experience of witnessing deities in the lake in several images.




Brahma-dung-chung Ani Gompa is one of the oldest Ani Gompa located in the north of Tawang Township. This Ani Gompa was constructed in 1595 AD by a Lama Karchen Yeshi Gelek of Tsang province of Tibet. At present, the place is also a home to 45 nuns, who are also known as Anis.





Manjushree Vidyapeeth  is an only orphanage in Tawang, you can visit and spend some time with the orphans and their caretakers. It is a completely different experience and one that you will never forget.












Taktsang Gompa is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The site of this gompa is believed to be blessed in the 8th century AD by the visit of Guru Padmasambhava.Perched on the ridge of a small hill, the monastery is surrounded by dense coniferous forest, where devotees can conduct a roundabout. It is also believed that it is the same place where Guru Padmasambhava meditated.






Tsachu Hot Springs may require a bit of trekking as the terrain is perfect for that. The scenic route gives you glimpses of lush vegetation, a variety of flora and fauna unique to the region.

Day 126 - Itanagar

Itanagar ,capital of Arunachal Pradesh, has a rich mixture of archaeological sites of great historical value and built up resources and institutions of great socio-cultural significance.It is located in the shadow of the Himalayan ranges, which has snow covered peaks on the north-eastern side. On the other hand, the widespread stretch of the plains of the Brahmaputra River adjoins the city from the southern side.The city is also identified as Mayapur, erstwhile capital of the Jitri dynasty, established in the 11th century. Itanagar, is one of the two regions of the 'Land of Dawn Lit Mountains', the other being Naharlagun.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport to Itanagar is located at Lilabari in Assam, which is nearly 67 km away from Itanagar. This airport is well connected by flights from Guwahati.

By Rail: Harmuti in Assam is the nearest rail-head, which is nearly 52 km away from Itanagar.


Best time to visit: Throughout the year.


Languages spoken: Assamese, English, Bengali.


Must eat: Panch Phoron Taarkari, Misa Mach Poora, Bamboo Shoot Fry.


Famous Restaurants:  Bhishmak Restaurant.


Places you must visit:

Ita Fort is one of the renowned ancient marvels of the region, located in the middle of the capital complex in Papum Pare district. Constructed by Ahom rulers and identified as root of the city, the region is named after this fort. Spread over an area of 45 cubic metres, the historic fort gives the testimony of stone work.The structure built during 14th and 15th century features three gates on various sides, known as Eastern, Western and Southern gates. Around 8 million bricks and 45,000 man-days were consumed for the construction of testament that was the guardian to the kingdom in yesteryear.







Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum is an informative attraction, which displays contrasts of yesteryears. Managed by government, the art center features various woodcarvings, musical instruments and textiles from the past.An extensive gamut of handicrafts, reminiscent of traditional Arunachal, grabs attention of the visitors. Moreover, archaeological findings are exhibited in a separate section at the museum.In the museum, there is a workshop of Handicraft section, where one can witness traditional cane manufacturing procedure and progress. Along with the art gallery and workshop, there is an informative library that houses an extensive collection of books.


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Buddha Temple  was sanctified by Dalai Lama, standing in the town with serene surrounding of hills in the backdrop. Positioned at Buddha Vihar, the shrine can be seen from distant places due to its massive yellow-golden roof.The contrasting green carpets around the shrine are the highlights of temple. Buddha Temple features sculpture of Lord Buddha along with religiously important Buddhist articles of worship.The major attraction for tourists is the sculpture of Lord Buddha, which depicts a peaceful meditating position. Along with the worship place, there are dense woods and majestic  mountains.









Polo Park is a beautiful botanical park located in Naharlagun region. The park has evolved as a major tourist attraction as it features a wide collection of flowers and orchids. Thickets of cane are the highlights of the park.



Ganga Lake, also known as Gyakar Sinyi, is one of the chief tourist spots of the city.  The beautiful water body enthralls visitors with its peaceful environment, imposing surroundings of lush green mountains and crystal clear water.Nestled in the shadows of Himalayas, the lake features primeval vegetation, towering groves and stretches of orchids. Rich in flora, the lake comprises ferns and bamboo plants.








The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Itanagar is a  delight of biologists and tourists, expansive reserve features a various trees and foliage. One of the chief sources to maintain ecological balance, the sprawling sanctuary provides habitat to contrasting species such as macaque, capped langur, hoolock gibbon and slow loris.Some of the rare species which include antelopes, mittan, serow and goral are also housed in the reserve. On the safari, tourists can spot the musk deer, Himalayan black bear, red panda and porcupines. This is one of the favored locations for bird watching, as it features around 400 species of birds.
 





Rupa  is a tiny hill station on the river Tenga is a panoramic place to visit while on a tour to Itanagar. Take a winding tour of the flat area on the top for panoramic views of the valley below full of lush greenery and scenic views. The most amazing aspect is that the whole area is still untouched by mankind while verdant woods surround the whole region. This picturesque hill station gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the scenic tribal Shertukpen villages.

Parshuram Kund is a lake situated near Tezu. This is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre. During Makar Sankranti, thousands of pilgrims attend the fair and take a dip in the holy water as bathing here is believed to wash off one’s sins. 

Malinithan is situated in the foothills of West Siang, the old granite images of Hindu deities were found in Malinithan.






Bomdila, a town at an altitude of about 2800 meters  known for its scenic beauty. Bomdila has a famous Buddhist monastery and a museum of folk arts.