10 Reasons why you must visit Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

1. Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery is Asia’s second largest monastery and India’s largest which controls 17 Gompas in the region. Tawang monastery is an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism. This world famous monastery of the Gelukpa was founded during the 17th century by Mera Lama Lodre Gyaltso who is considered as a contemporary of the 5th Dalai Lama. The highlights of this monastery are the imposing three-storied assembly hall and the 28 ft high golden statue of Lord Buddha. There is also a big library which has an impressive collection of ancient books and manuscripts. The famous Buddhist gold inscribed scriptures Kangyur and Tangyur are preserved here.

2.  Sela Pass

Sela Pass is the one of the highest motor able pass at an altitude of 13,700 ft. The serene crystal blue water of Sela Lake surrounded by prayer flags is simply breathtaking.

3. Nurannang Waterfalls

Almost 2KM away from the town of Jang towards Tawang, Nurannang Waterfalls is one of the spectacular waterfalls in this part of the Northeast. This waterfall is famous for cold water and rainbow trout fish hatchery where one can go fishing in the chilly waters. This is 12 KM away from Sela Pass.This is also known as Jang fall.

4. Meet Monpa Tribe

Monpa tribe is one of the most popular tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Mostly inhabited in Tawang, Monpas are known for their religious beliefs and humbleness. They practice Mahayana Buddhism. They one of the most friendly tribe you would find in this region.

 5.  Jaswant Garh

Located at a distance of 4 kms from Nuranang, Jaswant Garh is a memorial erected in the memory of Veer Jaswant Singh of the 4th Garhwal Rifles who alone stopped the Chinese Army for 72 hours during the 1962 aggression. He won the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously at the Battle of Nuranang.

Any Army personnel on the way to the border makes it a point to stop and pay homage at the beautifully maintained memorial. The Indian army Jawans  at the outpost treat everybody passing through with tea.

Jaswant Singh was shot by the Chinese when he attempted to stop their intrusion with just three hand grenades in his pocket. Interestingly, his personal stuffs are still kept in a small room with a narrow, neatly made bed. An HMT watch , Fresh towel ,  mirror, a pair of shoes,  an old woolen cap and bullet holes are still kept there  which apparently Jaswant Singh left behind. Its seems he is still alive. His uniform goes for a wash daily , his towel is changed regularly . The soldiers who polish his shoes everyday claim that they are often found the shoes covered with mud and believe that Jaswant Singh takes a stroll in the surrounding. Eight promotions have come to him after death and Jaswant is now a Captain.     

 6. Shonga-tser Lake

Shonga-tser Lake is famously called Madhuri Lake. An earthquake  in 1971 , resulted in the formation of Shonga-tser Lake, which until then was grassland. The lake is picturesque and surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

7. Urgyelling Monastery

Photo Credit : Jimkho /Flickr 

Urgyelling Monastery is considered sacred as it is the birth place of   Tsayang Gyastso, the sixth Dalai Lama.

8.  Have Local food 

Traditional Monpa food is based on Yak milk, soya bean, buckwheat, maize, barley, chili, and various indigenous vegetables and fruits.If you are in Tawang , you should definitely try the local cuisines of the tribes inhabited there.

9. Have a glimpse of their Culture

10.  Lastly, Just explore the paradise on the earth called Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh