Perched atop a hill at an altitude of 10,000 feet, overlooking the serene Tawang Valley, the Tawang Monastery (also known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse, meaning “celestial paradise in a clear night”) is not just a place of worship; it’s a living symbol of Buddhist heritage, peace, and devotion.
Located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, this monastery is the largest in India and the second largest in the world after Lhasa’s Potala Palace in Tibet. It is home to over 450 monks and remains the most critical centre of Mahayana Buddhism in India.
A visit to Tawang Monastery is a spiritual journey into the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, where the air carries the sound of prayer wheels, the scent of burning incense, and the timeless chants of monks echoing across the valley.
The Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, under the guidance of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. The word Tawang is derived from two Tibetan words: “Ta,” meaning horse, and “Wang,” meaning choice, symbolising the site chosen by a horse, according to local legend.
According to folklore, while searching for a suitable place to build the monastery, Merak Lama’s horse wandered to a beautiful hilltop and stopped there. Considering it a divine sign, the Lama decided to make the monastery at that very spot.
Since then, the Tawang Monastery has stood as a beacon of Tibetan Buddhist culture, art, and learning in Northeast India.
Spread across an area of 135 meters by 80 meters, Tawang Monastery resembles a fortress from afar, protecting the valley both spiritually and symbolically. It consists of 65 residential buildings, a library, a school, and a central temple, all enclosed within a massive 28-foot-high compound wall.
The heart of the monastery is the Dukhang, or assembly hall. Inside, a majestic 28-foot-high golden Buddha statue dominates the space, surrounded by intricate thangka paintings, murals, and butter lamps. The hall resonates with the rhythmic chants of monks and the deep hum of ceremonial horns during prayer sessions.
The monastery’s library holds an invaluable collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures, including the Kangyur and Tangyur, written in gold and silver ink on handmade paper. These texts are central to Buddhist philosophy and teachings.
The monastery complex houses dormitories, classrooms, and a monastic school where young monks receive both religious and general education. The atmosphere here is peaceful, fostering meditation and learning in equal measure.
Every corner of Tawang Monastery is an artwork, from the carved wooden pillars and traditional Tibetan motifs to the colourful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. The monastery’s main gate, known as the Kakaling, is a vibrant structure adorned with paintings of saints and deities.
The Tawang Monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Mahayana Buddhism, the same school followed by the Dalai Lama. It plays a crucial role in preserving Tibetan Buddhist traditions in India.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit the monastery to witness rituals, meditation sessions, and traditional festivals. It also serves as the spiritual headquarters for the Tawang region’s Buddhist community, guiding the lives of the Monpa tribes who inhabit the surrounding villages.
The monastery comes alive during festivals, especially the Torgya Festival, held in January or February.
This three-day festival marks the beginning of the lunar new year and aims to ward off evil spirits. Monks perform the Cham Dance, wearing colourful masks and elaborate robes, accompanied by traditional instruments. It’s a mesmerising blend of spirituality, art, and celebration, a must-see event for anyone visiting during this time.
Other festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Buddha Purnima are celebrated with equal enthusiasm, attracting visitors from across India and Bhutan.
Attend Morning Prayer: Experience the serene chanting of monks at sunrise, an unforgettable moment of peace.
Visit the Museum: The monastery museum showcases ancient artefacts, manuscripts, and photographs narrating Tawang’s rich Buddhist legacy.
Photography: Capture the monastery against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks and fluttering prayer flags.
Interact with Monks: Learn about their monastic life, meditation techniques, and teachings of Lord Buddha.
Explore Nearby Attractions: Combine your monastery visit with nearby sites like Urgelling Monastery (birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama) and Tawang War Memorial.
Tawang Monastery is about 5 km from Tawang town. It’s accessible via the Tawang–Bomdila highway, one of the most scenic routes in India, passing through Sela Pass and Dirang Valley.
From Tezpur: 320 km (approx. 10 hours)
From Bomdila: 180 km (approx. 6 hours)
From Dirang: 140 km (approx. 5 hours)
The nearest airport is Salonibari Airport (Tezpur) in Assam, about 330 km away. From there, one can hire a taxi or join a guided tour to Tawang.
The nearest railway station is Rangapara North in Assam (around 310 km away).
Best Time: March to May and October to February
Tawang offers a range of accommodations near the monastery:
Tawang Monastery Guesthouse: Budget-friendly, with simple monk-managed rooms.
Hotel Dungphu: Mid-range option near the monastery.
Luxury & Boutique Stays: The Mystica Tawang, Dolma Khangsar Guest House, and others offer comfort with views of the monastery and valley.
Urgelling Monastery: Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, just 5 km from Tawang.
Tawang War Memorial: Dedicated to the soldiers of the 1962 Indo-China War.
Pangateng Tso (PT Tso) Lake: A crystal-blue glacial lake surrounded by snow peaks.
Bumla Pass: The Indo-China border, 37 km from Tawang (permit required).
Nuranang Falls (Jung Falls): One of Arunachal’s most stunning waterfalls, en route to Tawang.
Manali
Kerala
Kashmir
Spiti Valley
Dharamshala
Shimla
Ladakh
Bir Billing
Dalhousie
Kasol
Tirthan & Jibhi
Meghalaya
Tawang