Tawang, an important Buddhist Pilgrimage Center in Arunachal Pradesh

Placed at a height of about 10,000 ft above sea level, Tawang is located at the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh.
This beautiful town of Arunachal Pradesh is located at a distance of about 320 km from Tezpur and about 555 km from Guwahati. It is a significant pilgrimage center of the Tibetan Buddhists as it is the birth place of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyamtso. The main highlight of the town is the Buddhist monastery, which is the largest monastery in India.  Apart from the religious importance of this place, it is also popular among the tourists for its natural splendor.

Attractions

Tawang Monastery

The Tawang Monastery is the chief tourist attraction of the place. It is a globally renowned monatery, which was structured during the 17^th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso. It is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in Asia.

Twanag Monastery controls around 17 Gompas of the region and the main attractions of this religious site are the large three storey assembly hall and the golden statue of Buddha, which towers to a height of about 28 ft. The place also has a big library which holds an interesting collection of ancient books and manuscripts.  The renowned Buddhist gold scriptures Kangur and Tangyur are also preserved at this place.

Urgyelling Monastery

Another chief religious site of this place is the Urgyelling Monastery, which is considered to be the birth place of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyamtso. As to this reason, the monastery holds an important place among the Buddhists around the world.

Lakes

Tawang is also well renowned among the tourists for Snagetsar Lake and Pakang Teng Tso Lake. The Sangetsar Lake is popular for is striking surroundings along with the rare species of birds and musk deer. On the other hand the PTso Lake is famous for its mesmerizing landscapes.

Festivals

The festivals like Losar, Dungyur and Torgya also form a major attraction of this place. The Dungyur festival is celebrated on every third year of Torgya. These festivals are celebrated with great vigor and devotion within the premises of Tawang Monastery, by the inhabitants of this place.   

  

Best Time to Visit

The most appropriate time to visit this town is between the months of March to October.

Accommodation

There is very limited option for accommodation in Tawang, as the town is dotted with budget and mid budget hotels. It is advisable to make advance bookings for accommodation, as the rooms may not be available during the peak tourist season.

How to Reach

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Tawang is in Tezpur, located at a distance of about 330 km. But the more convenient railway station to this place is Guwahati (392 km), which is connected with several other major cities of the country. Regular bus and taxi services are available from these stations to Tawang.

By Road: The place is well connected through road by frequent bus services from Tezpur, located at a distance of about 350 km.

By Air: The nearest airport to Tawang is in Tezpur, located at a distance of about 385 km. The airport conducts regular flights to Guwahati and Kolkata. Tourists can hire a taxi from outside the airport to Tawang.