Behind the curtain.

Some of the most beautiful sights of nature lie in hills and mountains: tall trees, snow clad mountains, rich culture and pleasant weather are some features that undeniably gives Tawang a beautiful and characteristic feature. A beautiful town existing in serenity in the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, traveling to Tawang and experiencing time there is nothing less than absolute happiness and enjoyment. The beautiful town has houses settling on the hills with great views all around, and the weather remains relaxing and pleasant all year round. Tawang is most beautiful during the snowfall; the town gets covered in white giving it picturesque cold scenery. The place is also filled with amazing lakes, variety of orchids, waterfall and hot springs. Such are the features that Tawang offers, which capture the interest of many people.

On the way to Tawang, you will cross Sela Pass; this is a spot where you will see a beautiful picture of nature – hills, lakes, and the beautiful sky completing it. In cold season, the lakes turn into ice where you could actually walk on. You will find complete remoteness in the area; the only thing that will give you company are nature, dogs and tea-stalls. Stop at one of the tea-shops, have a cup of tea and some snacks and take a beautiful break. The remaining journey all the way till Tawang are driving uphill, seeing lakes and mountains on the way and eventually reaching the charming town.

The town of Tawang is occupied by a group of people called ‘Monpas’, who are all Buddhists by religion. Culturally, Tawang has elegant and lovely aspects – festivals, art and craft and dances. Monpas have a great skill in craftsmanship which can be quite apparently seen in the beautifully designed traditional and artistic crafts available in the local market. Wooden mask, Dolom (wooden bowl), Zarkhu (wooden ladle), TokTse and Tun (wooden mortar and pestle) and other kinds of hand-made things are found in the markets of Tawang, and they are all beautiful items.

Historically, there had been hue and cry over the ownership of Tawang between British India and Tibet. In the beginning, Tawang was a part of Tibet but the 1914 Simla Accord defined the McMahon Line as the new boundary between the two countries which led Tibet surrender many areas of its territory including Tawang. Tawang also fell briefly under Chinese control during the Sino-Indian war of 1962, but ultimately Tawang came under the administration of India, locating it in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The most important characteristic feature of Tawang is the monastery, the biggest monastery in India and which is significantly popular among many people. With a backdrop of nature, the location of the monastery is beautiful and is both historically and naturally admired. Meaning ‘Chosen Horse’, Tawang monastery was founded in the 17^th century according to the wishes of the 5^th Dalai Lama. The monastery remains as an important place of worship for the people living there, and religious people from other parts of the country and the world. Visually, the monastery looks gorgeous with the yellow roofs on it and on the smaller houses around.

Tawang overall is nothing but a true divine experience. From the moment you start your journey till the end of it, you will see beauty, feel the calmness and experience a place that is so majestic – rare sights you will come across in life.


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