3rd June to 11th June Tawang

I hadn't planned on spending more than a couple of days in Tawang, but I ended up spending just over a week there. I think I underestimated how tiring the trek would be, so it was nice to spend a bit of time in a quiet place. In addition, the weather for the first few days really improved, and I wished I could have rewinded a couple of days and enjoy the last few days of the trek in uninterrupted sunshine. There were some lovely views all around Tawang.

So in an effort to make up for what felt like lost trekking days due to rain, I went to the local tourist lodge and through them found a guide, Ngwang, who could take me to some scenic places in Tawang district for some short treks.

Earlier I visited Tawang monastery, which is said to be the oldest one in the world after a monastery located in Llasa, Tibet. The monastery was about a ten minute walk from where I stayed, and dates from about 1680. It's a complex network of buildings, including about 60 residential blocks which can accommodate about 450 monks, as well as a library containing many precious scriptures, a museum and a large assembly hall.  The complex sits on a promontary in an area prone to landslides, with a river on one side apparently causing erosion and hence making it susceptible to landslide risk.

Distant view of Tawang monastery

View of landscape from Tawang monastery

On the day that I visited the prayer hall, a particular ceremony was taking place that involved children reciting various verses, and the playing of instruments, particularly drums and long trumpet-like brass instruments.

The most visually impressive aspect of the prayer hall is the 18 feet high image of the gilded Buddha in the lotus position.

The first trek I did with Ngawang was to Pangateng Tso lake, which is about 15 kilometres north of Tawang heading towards the border with China. Ngawang drove to a spot roughly 6 kilometres from the summit of a mountain, and we had a lovely walk up the side of it before we reached the lake, and then later walked around the lake itself. Interestingly we also came across Indian army bunkers from the 1962 military conflict with China, during which Tawang was occupied.

My guide Ngawang

Tawang in the background

Indian army bunker from 1962 border war

The second trek, and perhaps more enjoyable, was to see the Nuranang (Jang) wateralls. This was more of a forest trek with staggering views, and then we reached the waterfall, which was a terrific sight. On the way back, we had a brief look at the Chaksam iron bridge, which is reckoned to be about 600 years old.

On Chaksam Bridge

Chaksam Bridge