TAWANG · ARUNACHAL PRADESH

This town situated at an elevation of approximately 3,048 metres to the east of Bhutan. The area is administered by the Republic of India as a part of the Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang was historically part of Tibet inhabited by the Monpa people. The Tawang Monastery was founded by the Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1681 in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, and has an interesting legend surrounding its name, which means "Chosen by Horse". It belongs to the Gelugpa sect and is the largest Buddhist monastery in the world outside of Lhasa, Tibet. It is a major holy site for Tibetan Buddhists as it was the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. It is also famous for Snowfall which occurs every year during December-January. There are two major religious festivals of the Monpas celebrated annually called "LOSAR" and "TORGYA". The LOSAR is celebrated to the commencement of New Year. Every third year of Torgya, the festival of Dungyur is celebrated. Both "Dungyur and Torgya" festivals are celebrated at the premises of the Tawang Monastery with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm. There are many beautiful glacial lakes in and around Tawang with crystal blue waters such as Sela lake, Pengateng Tso lake, Sangetser lake, Banggachang lake and many more. These remain frozen in winter while in summer they become haven for migratory birds.