Welcome to Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh! Imagine a giant, ancient fort of peace nestled high in the Himalayas. This 400-year-old monastery, once known as Galden Namgey Lhatse, is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. Explore its colorful prayer halls, learn about its rich history, and soak in the breathtaking mountain views. A truly unforgettable journey!
Admire The Valley Views
Attend Prayer Ceremonies
Explore The Monastery Complex
Photograph The Architecture
Visit The Museum
March-October
All-Day
₹2,000 per person
Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680-1681 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso on the instruction of the 5th Dalai Lama. It played a crucial role in the history of the region, serving as both a religious and administrative center. The monastery has witnessed various historical events, including conflicts between Tibet and neighboring kingdoms, and it served as a refuge for the 14th Dalai Lama during his escape from Tibet in 1959. Its strategic location near the border with Tibet has given it significant political and cultural importance throughout its history.
Visiting Tawang Monastery was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Perched at an elevation of 10,000 feet, it is not only the largest monastery in India but also one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world. The sheer scale of the monastery, with its golden roof and traditional architecture, is stunning against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains. Upon entering the monastery, the serene and peaceful atmosphere immediately envelops you. The intricate murals, prayer wheels, and statues of Buddha create an ambiance of deep spirituality. I had the privilege of witnessing monks in prayer, which added to the spiritual depth of the experience. The monastery also houses a large prayer hall with a giant statue of the Buddha, which is both humbling and beautiful. The views from the monastery are absolutely breathtaking. You can see the entire town of Tawang below, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. It’s an incredible place for both introspection and photography, and the calmness of the surroundings makes it easy to lose track of time. The surrounding area also has several smaller shrines and meditation spots, making it a perfect location for anyone seeking peace or wanting to connect with their spirituality. The local monks are welcoming and kind, and it’s worth taking a moment to chat with them to learn more about their way of life. Overall, Tawang Monastery is an essential visit for anyone traveling to the region, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is hard to match. It’s a place of deep tranquility, and I left with a sense of peace and reverence that stayed with me long after I had left.
It was a divine experience visiting this monastery. When I was inside the monastery, my heart experienced such peace it was mostly because of the ambience and atmosphere inside and also because of the time I was longing for to visit this place. The Place is beautiful, spell bonding and absolutely amazing. I think it is also an engineering spectacle, because when you analyse the amount of human force and intelligence required to build such a mega monastery at such a remote location and at such a time , I'm absolutely amazed by just thinking about it. It took me around 5 years of planning and scheduling to reach its footsteps. Some helpful advice- The monastery has some guest house facilities, if you can manage to book the guest house I think your visit can become fantastic.
I had a wonderful visit to the Tawang Monastery. The monastery is well-maintained, clean, and offers a peaceful environment that enhances the spiritual experience. The architecture is stunning, and the views around the monastery are breathtaking. It’s a perfect place for quiet reflection and to connect with the serene surroundings. Highly recommend visiting!
Peaceful, Serene ! We reached the monastery a bit late and the shops were closed by then. But the best part was there was hardly any tourists. We got to enjoy the silence and tranquility. A really nice monastery where you can see feel and learn the essence of the Buddhist culture.