Mooreed high up in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, at 3500 meters above sea level is Tawang - the beautiful land of Monpas. With sobriquets like: The Hidden Paradise or Land of Dawn-lit mountains; this land evokes images of awesome mountain views, remote hamlets, quaint and sleepy villages, magical Gonpas, tranquil lakes and allot more. At Tawang, you have a heavenly tryst with nature at its best and the heady mixture of history, religion and legends.

The area of the district is approximately 2,085-sq-kms bordered by Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the Southwest and Sela ranges separate West Kameng district in the East. The name Tawang derives from some bearings on surroundings. But people's interpretation is that the name Tawang was given by Merak Lama in the 17th century.

The inhabitants of the districts are all of Monpa tribes. The Monpas belong to Mongoloid stock, are well built, and fair in complexion. Their houses are built with stones and timbers. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry are the fundamental means of the Monpas occupation.

Attractions

Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery was founded by the Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso in accordance to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso. The monastery is of the Gelugpa sect is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. It is associated with Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. The name Tawang means Chosen Horse. It is also known by another Tibetan name, Galden Namgey Lhatse, which means a true name within a celestial paradise in a clear night.

In addition to the Tawang monastery, the town has a Handicrafts Center, which was started to promote the small-scale industries for local handicrafts. The center has a fine range of woolen carpets and shawls, amongst other things. People may also purchase rather inexpensive but good chubbas and shoes.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Tawang is between the months of June and October