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Tawang
Monastery (Gonpa)
Golden Namgyal Lhatse commonly referred to as
Tawang Monastery is one of the largest lamaseries of Mahayana sects and
the second oldest Monastery in the world after Lhasa. This Monastery was
founded by a monk Merag Lama Lodre Gyamtso, a contemporary of His
Holiness Fifth Dalai Lama in 1681 AD. The monastery complex 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. The most important
building of the monastery is the main assembly hall/ temple called Duk-hang.
It houses the colossal gilded statue of Lord Buddha. Apart from this are
many statues of God and Goddesses preserved for offering prayers.
Thangkas and other art facts antique are well protected. 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.
Urgelling Gonpa
This Gonpa is believed to have been in existence
since 14th century. It was one of the first three monasteries built by
Urgen Sangpo, the youngest brother of Terton Pempalingpa, the famous
Treasure-Revealer. Dating more than 550 years ago, the monastery is the
birth place of Tsangyang Tashi, His Holiness the 6th Dalai Lama. He was
the son of Lama Tashi Teiizin of Urgelling village a descendent of
Terton Pempalingpa. This Gonpa is about 5 King; away from Tawang
township.
Nunnery
Tawang has many aged old traditional Buddhist
Nunneries called Ani Gonpa, In fact, there is no any hard and fast
regulation in the society compelling any girl child to become a nun but
they join nun hood at their own wishes.
Gyangong Ani Gonpa (Buddhist Nunnery)
Jangchub Choeling commonly referred to as Gyangong
Ani Gonpa is a Nunnery beautifully perched on the hillock which is about
5 Kms from Tawang township founded by Merag Lama Lodre Gyamtso and is
believed to have subsequently handed over to his elder sister. One can
have a beautiful sight of this nunnery from Tawang Monastery as well.
Anybody wishes to visit Gyangong Ani Gonpa needs to trek about half an
hour from Tawang Monastery. This Nunnery houses more than 50 nuns.
Brahrna-dung-chung Ani Gonpa
Gaden
Thekchen Choeling, popularly known as Brahmadungchung Ani Gonpa is one
of the oldest nunneries in Tawang district located at about 8 Kms from
Tawang township. It was commissioned by Lama Karchen Yeshi Gelek in 1816
AD. Presently the Gonpa is housed with
40 Anis
(Nuns). Any
visitors wanted to contribute (cash or kind) towards the welfare of
Gonpa is accepted with thanks.
Singsur Ani
Gonpa
This Ani Gonpa is at 28 Kms distance from Tawang
township towards Ghesila mountain range. There are many other Ani Gonpa
(Nunneries) viz. Zyumay Ani Gonpa and Ngawang Ani Gonpa in Tawang
district
Taktsang Gonpa
Taktsang Gonpa is located at the distance of 45 Kms
from Tawang township, is believed to have consecrated by the visit of
Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century AD. This Monastery is perched on
the ridge of the hillock surrounded by a dense coniferous forest and
lofty mountains. Visitors can also conduct a visit (Tirth yatra) round
about the places nearby Taktsang Gonpa where Guru Padmasambhava had
meditated. It is place where one can really feel the ecstasy of being
alone.
Gorsam
Chorten
This is situated 90 Kms from Tawang town. This
Stupa is the largest Stupa of the area. This Gorsam Chorten is believed
to have constructed in the early part of 12* century by Lama Pradhar,
Monpa monk.
BangaJang Lake
Nature has so lavishly blessed the entire Banga
Jang range that one cannot help resist themselves from exclaiming the
fabulous design of the nature. Every year Pilgrims Tour (Tirth Yatra)
round about the Banga Jang range to acquire the heavenly bliss and
Sanctity. A numinous story has a big hold of the area. Apart from Banga
Jang lake, there are number of lakes in the area. ' Deities are believed
to have a strong control over every lake. Many Pilgrims had visited the
place but only few probably pure hearted pilgrims had an experience of
witnessing the deities in lake in different images.
Hot
springs
Tawang is endowed with many hot water springs which
are known for their medicinal value. All these hot water springs have
high sulpher content which cures many skin ailments.
Tsachu hot
The water spring can be reached traveling by light
motor vehicle for two hours from Tawang up to Sarong Gonpa and from
there one has to trek on foot for another three hours. Apart from this,
there is many other Hot spring available in Tawang district viz. Kitpi
Hot Spring, Thingbu Hot Spring, Greng-khar Hot spring etc.
Trekking routes (Soft/Moderate/Hard)
There are number of Trekking routes of all
categories Soft, Moderate and Hard in Tawang District. Following are
some of the best and ideal trekking routes often being frequented by the
trekkers.
Sangey - Sela - RA III - Jang - Mukto - Gongkhar -
Kitpi - Seru - Monastery (Tawang) [ Moderate]
Mukto - Gongkhar - Gyamdong - Khet - Kharung -
Bongleng - Kungba - Namsring - Kharteng - Lumla. [Soft]
Tawang Gonpa - Gyangong Ani Gonpa - Bhramadongchung
Ani Gonpa - Tawang. [Soft]
Namet Village - Zarmang Ani Gonpa - Khromten Gonpa
- Geshila - Klimta - Bomla - Y. Junction - Tawang. [Moderate]
Tawang Gyangong Ani Gonpa - Thangaphay - Thongleng
-Seru - Tawang .[Soft]
Jang - Thingbu - Mago - Goi ichen Base Camp - Mago
(Back) - Luguthang - Sena Chakra - RA-I [Hard].
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