Tawang Another mystic town that settles itself in the never ending list of the lush green landsacpes of Arunachal Pradesh. Welcome to Tawang. With peaceful monasteries, frigid ice peaks and rich regional culture, Tawang appeals to travellers in search of such repentance side with nature itself.
Contents
Tawang- Its History and Importance
Established by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso in the 17th century, Monpa tribe in latoto login Tawang having historical legacy back then. The town evolved as a major center of the faith of Tibetan Buddhism, with the renowned Tawang Monastery emerging as a focal point of divine wisdom. Situated at an elevation of 10,000 feets, the monastery plays a religious hub as well as is an ennoblement of an assorted cultural tradition of the place.
Tawang: The history of Tawang is as old as the legends of Guru Padmasambhava, whose sanctity sanctifies the land with universal dignity. A backdrop of its historic past characterized the story of valor, bravery, and resilience in the life of the indigenous tribes of the town which is strategically located along the Indo-China border. The Tawang of today remains a relic of history and every visitor that comes here finds an opportunity to see and own a piece of its past.
As a result, the diverse culture of Tawang is formed out of a blend of Tibetan tradition, Monpa culture, and Buddhism,which forms a colorful fabric of beautiful practices and beliefs. The local festivals like Losar and Torgya are a true expression of reverence towards their ancestry and festivals that usher in old-school fun and spiritual sentiments of happiness and joy.
Natural Beauty and Terrain Traits of Tawang
Tawang transcends cultural charm to woo the visitors with its intricate natural beauty and mixed bag of geographies. The small hill-town is nestled in the lap of the grand Himalayas and in the backdrop of lush green valleys and sparkling lakes. Draped in silvery-soft mist, cratered with dream-like glacial lakes like the one in Madhuri and Pangong Tso, Tibet wears a surreal and strangely familiar look, a far and wide cobalt orb suspended in mid-air.
Sela Pass (13300 feet), is a high-altitude mountain pass at (elevation 14300 feet), as well as the gateway to Tawang (Tibet border, East West Kameng) and Wonders of Mother Nature. Driving the sinuous roads that climb to the pass, one has exceptional views over the mountains, which are covered in white coats. Nuranang Waterfall falling beautifully through emerald pastures is yet another fascinating natural beauty that keeps tourists captivated with its natural grace and peace.
Its varied species of plant and animal life only add to its beauty, the open valley is filled with unusual orchids and rhododendron and wildlife dwell in the surrounding lands. The town is filled with the serenity, with the river Tawang Chu winding through the valleys rendering hidden majectic melody inviting the nature lovers, trekkers, the adventure lover into the pristine wild.
Cultural Heritage
Each has its own story of religious reverence, artistic expression, and spiritual awakening which predates the arrival in India of many of the beliefs and faiths that each now represents, as will all Tawang. Galden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as the Tawang Monastery, is the highlight of the town, gracing it with sanctity and tranquility. Established in the 17th century by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, this monastery is a treasure-trove of ancient scriptures, thangkas, and artifacts that provide a window into the rich spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.
History enthusiasts and pilgrims would be delighted to visit the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso at the Urgelling Monastery. The peaceful environment and ancient vibes around here, become a must visit site for the people searching for tranquility and seek answers within. The Ani Gompa located on a hillock in proximity to Tawang is also another pilgrimage site, which echoes with the religious hymns sung by dedicated nuns and cud-bearers (tantric nuns) creating a reclusive ambiance of tranquility and faith.
Colourful thangka paintings, handwoven carpets, and wooden carvings exemplify the craft traditions of Tawang which reflect the retaining of traditional ways and a maintenance of an active arteden. These artistic creations signify the spiritual ties St. Lawrence has to its faith and its heritage, ensuring centuries-old customs live on. Losar, Torgya, Dukpa Tse Shi are some of the many vivid festivals of Tawang that exemplifies art and ethereal celebration of belief that Tawang has always been about.
Places to visit in nearby Tawang
Enveloped in breathtakingly beautiful tourist places, Tawang invites all the travel wides with arms wide open ready to gift them an unforgettable retreat full of nature at its best and a richness in culture and tradition. The memorial endows panoramic views of the Tawang Valley and is the renowned Jaswant Garh War Memorial created in honor of the exceptional soldiers of the Sino-Indian War of 1962. The Tawang Craft Center, which is home to an array of traditional handicrafts and handloom products, is highly recommended for tourists to see and buy an array of souvenirs made by skilled local artisans.
The mountain pass is an all-year-round trekker paradise with mesmerizing trails offering amazing views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers of the Gorichen Peak, the highest peak in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Adventurists can undertake excursions to Bum La Pass, a strategic mountain pass located near the Indo-China border, where adrenaline junkies can get goosebumps by walking on the line which separates two nations. Serenely sandwiched in the middle of the rough exterior, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, a place of natural bliss, seems to be the most suitable place to just relax, stare at the clear, azure sky.
Nearby villages of Zemithang, Jang and Lumla share about the rustic charm and traditional way of life of indigenous tribal Monpa community, the people known for their warm hospitality and cultural richness. The Nuranang Falls, which is also known as the Jang Falls fall from an altitude of 100 meters and the sight is so eye-catching that one will find it hard to leave the place just because of the sheer grandeur it holds. The photograph above, taken in 2004 at the Tawang War Memorial being built as a tribute to the martyrs of the 1962 war, serves as the solemn statue of remembrance and gratitude and arouses pride and reverence in the hearts of every visitor.
Best Time to Visit Tawang
April to October is said to be the best time to go Tawang as this is the time when weather is absolutely fine, flowers are in bloom and mountains are also lush green. May-June; Summer months when the town is definitely cooler and sightseeing and other outdoor activities are at their seasonal best and is an excellent time to explore the town’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Tawang : The rainy season of monsoon in Tawang is from July to September then the valley shines its best, with its occasional rains that rejuvenates the valley of Tawang into a lush green land.
During the October to November period: The autumn months change the foliage in Tawang with golden hues and red appearing on the deciduous trees reminding us of change in nature and providing a great backdrop for photography and just bringing out your inner nature lover. Tawang is wrapped with fresh white snow during winter that begins in December and stretches till March making it a paradisiacal place not only for professional snow lovers but also adventure enthusiasts. Tawang is beautiful in any season and every season gives this place a new color and experience in order to make travel memories with yourself.
How to Reach Tawang
Getting to Tawang is an expedition by itself, and along the way, you are treated with an eye-popping visuals of long winding roads with some of the most amazing landscapes! Moreover, Tawang does not have a big airport, the closest airport is Tezpur Airport, Salonibari Airport in Assam which is linked with major cities such as Guwahati and Kolkata. A 320-kilometre scenic drive through dense forests, gushing waterfalls and charming villages from Tezpur will take you to Arunachal Pradesh.
Since Tawang does not have a railway station for those looking for rail route, Tezpur Railway Station is the closest rail access which has good connectivity with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The tour starts in Tezpur and one can be hire taxi or go by bus to Arunachal Pradesh in the midst of gorgeous landscape of the Eastern Himalayas. Driving through the road to Tawang is an experience as the journey showcases such tranquil and serene beauty of the nature with its snow-laden peaks, billowing rivers and green plains never fails to captivate anyone’s heart and soul.
Types Of Accommodations In Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang has something to fit everyone’s pocket and taste, from snug guest houses to opulent resorts to make sure you have a peaceful stay surrounded by the charm of Nature. It has heritage hotels and boutique homestays that give a feel of local lifestyle and hospitality which will let the guests be limitless to the warmth of the Monpa community. For budget travelers who simply need a place to sleep, the Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Department maintains the Arunachal Pradesh Tourist Lodge, where guests will find a spacious room with basic facilities and excellent proximity to the nearby attractions.
Luxury resorts like the Tawang Regency and Gakyi Khang Zhang cater to the needs of a luxury stay with upgraded rooms, world-class dining experiences, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Tawang homestays offer a chance to witness the ways of a different culture, relish delicious Monpa dishes, and participate in cultural activities with the hosts, directly or indirectly, through their daily lives. Be it a rustic setup amidst the rugged wilderness complete with farm stay or luxury sanctuary boasting of distinctive contemporary amenities, Arunachal Pradesh roll out the red carpet in every way to the discerning visitors.
Tawang Local Foods and Food Specialities
The food of Tawang is as eclectic as its rich culture with some local mouth-watering delicacies providing a delicious traditional treat for your taste buds. The cuisine of Monpa, which is simple with bold flavors, the dishes are made up of the organic produces grown in the virgin valleys and mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. Warm thukpa, course noodles in broth adore for spirit or noodles soup cold wintry nights.
A savor of spices, accompanied with momos (dumplings) made up of minced meat or vegetables is a favorite snack munched on by the people, alongside with red chili chutney that truly enfolds the spice side of mankind. The monpa women brew a traditional barley beer – Zan, which is a suitable accompaniment to the rich food and vibrant celebrations of Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, taste the skill of Monpa chefs on their staples such as Gyapa Khazi (spicy meat curry) and Khura (buckwheat pancake), which are just as possibly the best Monpa dishes to flourish on a cold wintry night.
The mouth-watering Tawang sweets (khapsey meaning powder-sugar coated fried pastry and khura a rice pudding preferred during desert) dissolve all the preceding bitterness like a sweet slang upon the taste buds after a memorable meal. Tawang has local markets that offer organic vegetables, homemade pickles, and authentic snacks, giving you a taste of the culinary history of the region. The dining experience in Tawang is not confined to a culinary experience but is an intimate cultural celebration of the flavors and traditions of the Monpa community.
Conclusion
Well, there still might be various other hidden gems of Arunachal Pradesh that I left unexplored in this virtual journey, but its time for you to embark on a real journey to discover them and let yourself be amazed by this serene paradise of Arunachal Pradesh. Every corner of Arunachal Pradesh from the ancient walls of the Arunachal Pradesh Monastery to the pristine waters of the Pangong Tso Lake fill the senses with a deep awe and wonder.
Tawang, with its enchanting cultural legacy, scenic beauty, and friendly hospitality, invites travelers to explore its secrets and discover its ageless appeal. If you like reading this article then please consider reading our article about Pavlova.
