Tawang A stunning contrast of nature's colour palette, where dense emerald jungles give way to stark icy peaks and snow-blanketed passes, the quaint town of Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh, is a pristine and unspoilt tourist destination. Flanked by majestic snow-capped mountain ranges on the east and dotted with picturesque Buddhist monasteries, Tawang takes you on an adventure, which starts with reaching the town through zigzagging and winding mountain passes, including Sela, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The colourful gompas and Buddhist prayer flags dot the landscape and invite visitors to experience a unique culture while being welcomed by the warm people of the town. While spectacular lakes and serene waterfalls provide a beautiful natural retreat, the bustling markets and an active adventure scene offer thrilling and delightful opportunities. You can also indulge in shopping to your heart's content as the tribal communities craft unique handicrafts that incorporate centuries-old skill. Tawang valley is popular as the land of the Monpas, a major ethnic group of Arunachal Pradesh. They have a glorious heritage of arts, crafts and handlooms. Their homes have furniture made of beautifully carved wood and the interior decor mirrors their traditional and cultural ethos, making a stay in this hamlet very pleasing to the senses. Add to this, the misty mountainous landscape, gorgeous walking trails and mesmerising views that this valley offers and Tawang becomes the perfect destination for travellers. It is located in close proximity to the international borders of China to the north and Bhutan to the south-west. Tawang is located at a distance of approximately 555 km from Guwahati and 320 km from Tezpur at an average elevation of 2,669 m above sea level. Bamboo And Cane Products Most of the tribesmen here make their own hats that are elaborately decorated and adorned with feathers of birds and tufts of hair dyed red. Besides, a host of other products are also made including baskets, bags, containers etc. The craft of making cane and bamboo products is strictly restricted to men and the most common products made are designed to meet the daily needs like baskets for storing and carrying paddy, fuel and water and vessels for preparing local liquor. One can also find a variety of rice plates, bows and arrows, headgear, mats, shoulder bags, and ornaments and necklaces made of fine strips of bamboo and grass. The Nocte and the Wancho tribes mostly use dyed cane strips for their headgear, waistband, headband, armlet, etc. Bap Teng Kang Waterfall The awe-inspiring white cascading Bap Teng-Kang Waterfall, also known as the Nuranang Falls, is a popular tourist attraction that is located at a distance of 80 km from Tawang. The water falls in sheets of white, from a staggering height of 100 ft, making its way through lush green mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. A picnic spot at the roof of the world, this place is high enough to give you the feeling of walking among clouds. The area around the falls has a thick green cover and a few hours can be spent exploring the area on foot, with the roaring water falling at a distance and the surrounding mist hanging lightly in the air. Day trip buses and taxis that take you to this waterfalls are available in town. There are a few food stalls that serve hot tea and other snacks. The rich, mineral heavy water of the Himalayas is said to be therapeutic and during the summer months, one can even swim in the little pools created by the waterfalls. Bumla Pass Bumla Pass, situated at an altitude of over 15,000 ft is snowbound for almost the entire year due to its steep elevation and presents a beautiful view of the Tibetan plateau. The road to the pass takes visitors through many sleepy hamlets and scenic lakes, making the drive memorable. Maintained by the Indian Army, Bumla Pass is a must for those who want to see how Indian soldiers protect the borders in the harshest of climes. Those arriving here have very warm stories to share of how they were received by the Indian Army and offered refreshments as well as tips on how to adapt to the cold and high altitude. Bumla Pass is also one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China. On designated dates, cultural programmes are also organised by the two sides, which can be witnessed by people. A telescope and a few binoculars are kept near the Indian Army check post for visitors who want to know what lies beyond the border. The army canteen serves hot tea, water and dessert. A special permit is required for visiting the pass and can be obtained from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang. Dirang The Dirang village is an overnight tourist stopover in the western part of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located halfway between Jorhat, in Assam, and Tawang and lies on the banks of the pristine River Kameng. The paradise enjoys pleasant weather as it is not at a very high altitude. A hamlet that encompasses the best of everything unique to this region, from landscape to culture to food, it offers an opportunity to get acquainted with all things of Arunachal Pradesh. One of the oldest monasteries here, the Khastung Gompa, is an uphill trek from the village. Downhill from the village, accessible through a foot bridge decorated with Himalayan flags, is the gushing Dirang river. Here, sheep can be seen grazing and sometimes visitors will even find themselves invited to local homes for tea in this village known for its warm hospitality. The village has a market where local handicrafts, which make for perfect souvenirs, are sold. The Dirang Dzong Fort, built according to Bhutanese stone architectural design grammar, is located on top of the hill and is accessible through a long flight of rock cut, stone studded steps. The design of this fort was made using some ingenious techniques to protect its residents from the biting cold. Another interesting attraction near the village is a hot water spring, which is considered to be sacred by the native population. Gorichen Peak Gorichen is the highest scalable peak in Arunachal Pradesh, towering at a height of over 21,300 ft above sea level. Because of its elevation, Gorichen remains snowbound throughout the year and has captivated the hearts of many seasoned mountaineers and adventure-loving trekkers. Situated at a distance of 164 km from the main town, this peak is locally known as Tsa-Nga-Phu, which translates into kingdom of the deity. One of the better views of this peak can be seen on the road between Bomdila and Tawang. The Monpa tribe worship this peak as they believe it is vital for their existence and protects them from all evils. Locally, people often refer to it as the giant white elephant because of the unmistakable, white carpet of snow that covers it, making it one of the most distinctive and easily identifiable peaks in this region. The view is mesmerising as there are patches of green meadows and verdant forests that can be seen in the interlocking valleys below, while the bright white snow-capped peaks tower over them, shining in the sun. Mechuka Mechuka, colloquially known as Menchukha, is a small town in Arunachal Pradesh that lies 6,000 ft above sea level, surrounded by pine trees and bushes. It is one of the lesser explored valleys in this Himalayan region and thus unspoilt. The main attraction is the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha Monastery of Mahayana Buddhist sect. It houses numerous ancient statues, including that of Guru Padmasambhava, considered to be founder of the Nyingma sect. Colourful costumes and masks created for folklore figures found in Tibetan mythology can also be seen. These masks are often worn during a traditional dance called cham, which is an energetic and lively event that teaches people to shun all that is dark within them and embrace the good tenets of life according to Buddhism, like compassion and love. Many Tibetan festivals, especially Losar, are celebrated with reverence. The Losar festival, celebrated to mark the auspicious start of a new year, sees a lot of visitors who come to offer prayers. Mechuka is also known for its pristine beauty, cultural tribes and gushing rivers that allow for sports like kayaking and rafting. The Siang river, which originates from the glaciers around the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, flows through Mechuka and provides a breathtaking view of the valley. There are many bamboo walking bridges that connect the banks of this river. Walking on these gently swaying bridges, while the water gushes below, can be quite thrilling. Terraced rice fields, dotted with small farms, can be seen on the slopes of the valleys in this agrarian belt. Mechuka Valley is home to the people of the Memba, Ramo, Bokar and Libo tribes. Ornaments The craft of making ornaments is practiced widely in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Mostly designed by native tribes, they are made using various natural sources and products. Some of the materials used to make this jewellery that can be worn by both men and women are bamboo feathers, wild seeds, glass beads, beetle wings etc. Though many metals are used, silver and brass remain the most popular choice. The interesting feature of the jewellery here is its diversity. Though all the tribes use similar materials yet their ornaments vary in design and patterns and skill that are unique to each and every tribe. If you are visiting here don't forget to buy the bamboo bangles and ear ornaments decorated with pocker work designs that are made by the Akas tribe. Sela Pass Sela is a high altitude mountain pass that acts as the gateway to Tawang. It forms the single and highly crucial connecting line between the Tawang and West Kameng districts. The pass rises at a height of 13,700 ft above sea level and is about 67 km away from the heart of Tawang town. Its stark and rugged terrain has hardly any vegetation and is covered with snow for most part of the year, offering a splendid view of the majestic Himalayas. Some yaks can be seen grazing in the sporadic bursts of greenery on the slopes here. A few lamas can be seen walking to and from the villages and monasteries surrounding this area. The area around the pass has over a hundred big and small lakes of which the most accessible is the picturesque Sela Lake, located on top of the pass. Due to its height, the lake remains largely frozen for most part of the year. It is considered to be sacred by the tribes inhabiting this region and offers panoramic views of the breathtaking Himalayan landscape surrounding it. The beautiful Sela Pass gate, designed in the Buddhist colours of red, blue, green and gold stands majestically juxtaposed against the white peaks of the surrounding ranges. Another attraction is a gate called Jaswant Garh, which leads up to the Jaswant Singh War Memorial, named after the Indian soldier who died here while fighting the Chinese army. Shonga Tser Lake Surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains, the Shonga Tser Lake is a beautiful, calm and serene spot, lying on the outskirts of Tawang. Its tranquility makes it an ideal spot for meditation. Tourists can undertake a trek in the surrounding areas of the lake and get picturesque views of the valley and evergreen pine forests. Strings of Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze can be seen tied around the trees and boulders of this lake. The lake also invites birdwatchers who can sight species of Ruddy Shelduck birds (high altitude flight birds mostly seen in winters) while exploring the walkways around the lake. The colloquial name for this bird is the Brahminy duck. The lake is also called Madhuri Lake, because a song from a hindi film called Koyla, starring popular Indian actress Madhuri Dixit was shot here. Tourists can also go for nature walks and explore the natural beauty of the area. This natural lake was created by a depression that was formed due to an earthquake followed by flash floods that hit this region many decades ago. Streams of water from the nearby rivers drained into this depression and filled it with beautiful, mineral rich water from the Himalayas. Some dry tree stumps still remain embedded in the bed of the lake from its pre-earthquake days, giving the landscape a unique look. Tawang Monastery Tawang Monastery is the social, cultural and spiritual focal point of the entire valley. Perched on a hill, about 10,000 ft above sea level, this monastery is the largest in India and overlooks ravines in the south and the west, a narrow ridge on the north and gradual slope towards the east. In winter, it gets covered during snowfall, adding to its beauty. The majestic monastery can be entered from its northern side through the gate 'Kakaling', a hut-like structure with walls made of stone. The ceiling or the interior roofs of the Kakaling are painted with Mandalas or the Kying-Khores, while the inside walls have been painted with pictures of saints and divinities. After Kakaling, comes the main gate of the monastery on its northern side. Its eastern wall is about 925 ft long. A major highlight of the monastery is a 25-ft-high golden statue of Lord Buddha, seated on a lotus throne flanked by his two principal attendants, Maudgalyayana and Sariputra, each with a staff and a bowl in hand. Three storeys high, the Tawang Monastery is surrounded by a 925-ft (282 m)-long compound wall and houses 65 residential buildings. It also boasts a library that houses valuable old scriptures, mainly Kangyur and Tengyur. The monastery holds a great historical significance and was founded in 1681, in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. The word 'Tawang' literally translates into chosen by a horse and legend has it that the site of the present monastery is believed to have been chosen by a horse owned by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso, the founder. The sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born in Tawang, making it a major holy site for Tibetan Buddhists. The Tawang Monastery, in Tibetan, is known as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which translates to celestial paradise on a clear night. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect. Tawang War Memorial Tawang War Memorial is a stupa (Buddhist shrine) built to commemorate the Indian martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the 1962 Indo-China war. Located a stone's throw from Tawang town, the memorial has been designed using Buddhist architectural and cultural elements, including prayer wheels and flags, colourful serpents, dragons and other Sarira (Buddhist relics). Some of these ornamental decorations have also been donated by the local Tawang population as tribute. All these things come together beautifully to highlight the sanctity of this place. Statues of deities like Lord Buddha can be seen inside. The picturesque memorial has a calming and serene atmosphere and from its grounds, snow-capped mountains and rugged hills can be seen in a 360 degree circle. Surrounding the stupa are several flags flying high, including the National Flag, the Army Flag, the Air Force Flag as well as the flags of the 27 other regiments that fought in the war. The memorial was built in memory of the 2,420 members of the armed forces who laid down their lives in Kameng district during the war. The dedication plaque at the memorial reads 'Their names liveth for evermore'. The memorial is divided into two major halls. One is a museum that houses the belongings of the martyrs, and the other is used as an auditorium where a sound and light show takes you back to the days of the war. There are wall-mounted photographs that chronicle the brave acts of the soldiers, and exhibits that showcase the weapons and tanks used by both the Indian and the Chinese armies during the war. Glass encased displays containing maps show the rugged terrain and border areas where most of the fighting took place. The war monument also has a gift shop where mementos can be bought and the proceeds go to army welfare Textiles The colours and designs found on the textiles of people in and around Tawang are symbolic and vary according to the different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The use of certain kinds of clothes and ornaments is associated with the social position and achievements of the family that uses them. The designs on the fabric mostly reflect the landscape, flora and fauna motifs of the areas around the settlement. The patterns and motifs are geometrical and quite complex with their own symbolic meanings. Carpet-making is a speciality of the Monpa tribe, which weaves lovely designs with dragon, floral and geometric patterns. Though this started as a product to use in daily life, it has become a major occupation for several women today. Weapons Weapons have been an integral part of tribal lives of the state for centuries. They are meant for use in day to day tasks as well as a means of defence in times of war. Thus, a wide selection of weaponry is produced locally. Though some of them have now become obsolete, they have been replaced by modern and more innovative varieties. The Akas tribe is known for its bow and arrow, known by the names of tkeri and moo, respectively. These are used extensively during a chase and vary in size according to the user's requirement. The arrows that are used in hunting are bigger in size and are fitted with tips of iron and smeared with aconite poison. They are stored in a bamboo case called thouvou. On the other hand, the bows are usually hung over the shoulders. Wood Carving As the region is endowed with lush green forests, various kinds of wood is extracted to make diverse objects of daily use. The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are very skilled in woodwork. The craftsmen involved in wood carving are known as Trukpa. A popular piece of hand carved furniture is Cho-tze, which is a low table open on one side for people to sit on while the other three sides are covered with wood panels that have carved figures of dragon, bird or flower pattern painted in vivid colours on them.The Monpas also produce various utensils of daily use from wood. Zan Shongbu, a shallow flat rectangular utensil used for kneading flour is made from a single block of wood by hollowing out the inside. Jandhong, a long cylindrical vessel made of wood with brass around it, is used for churning butter tea. For churning milk, they have Zob, which resembles jangdhong but is bigger in size. Sheng Tsumrong is a wooden mortar in which cereals and other edibles are pounded with the help of a wooden pestle.
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