Tawang Monasteryतवांग मठ
The largest monastery in India, on a spur above Tawang town at 3000 m.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereTawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang & Kameng
Tawang & Kameng
Best time to visit15 March to 15 June and 15 September to 30 November
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May)
DifficultyEasy
Height3048 m above sea level
Time needed3 hrs
Base and nearbyTawang town, Tezpur
EntryFree
About Tawang Monastery
Galden Namgey Lhatse, founded in 1680 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, is the largest monastery in India. It sits on a spur above the town at just over 3000 m, home to around 450 monks. The 8 m gilded Buddha in the main hall and the library of old Kangyur manuscripts are the things to see. Tawang is two long days from Guwahati by road, so give it a full day once you are there. The Tawang Festival in late October is the busiest week.
What to see and do
- The 8 m gilded Buddha in the dukhang
- The library and its old manuscripts
- The monastery museum of thangkas and relics
- Morning prayers with the monks
- Tawang Festival in late October
Part of The Himalaya.
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Tawang
- Urgelling MonasteryTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · Pilgrimage RoutesThe small monastery where the sixth Dalai Lama was born in 1683, 5 km below Tawang.
- Gorsam Chorten, ZemithangTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · Pilgrimage RoutesA huge Boudhanath-style stupa at Zemithang, 90 km from Tawang in the Bhutan corner.
- Tawang War MemorialTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · Monuments & HeritageThe stupa-shaped memorial to the 2420 soldiers who died in the Kameng sector in 1962.
- Bum La PassTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · Peak TreksThe 1962 border pass at 4600 m north of Tawang, visited only on an army permit.
- Jaswant Garh War MemorialTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · Monuments & HeritageThe roadside memorial to Jaswant Singh Rawat, who held this ridge for 72 hours in 1962.
- Nuranang Falls, JangTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · WaterfallsA 100 m waterfall right below the Jang road, 40 km before Tawang.
- Sangetsar (Madhuri) LakeTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · Lakes & DamsA lake made by the 1950 earthquake, its drowned forest still standing. Renamed by a Bollywood film.
- Sela Pass and Sela LakeTawang, Arunachal Pradesh · Peak TreksThe 4170 m pass into Tawang, with a lake at the top and a tunnel that keeps the road open all winter.
All places in Tawang · All places in Arunachal Pradesh
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.