A Million Moments

Tawang, an ancient city settled in the upper Himalayas at around 10000 ft. dates back further to 500 B.C.E. It is the smallest district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is also home to the largest Monastery in India & 2^nd largest in the world hence also is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Tawang was briefly under Chinese occupation during the Sino Indian war of 1962, but the people rejected the Chinese dominance owing to the atrocities committed in Tibet. Lhasa, capital of Tibet and Tawang shared a strong relationship and heritage until the annexation. It is also home for the Elephant corps and a beautiful & touching memorial dedicated to heroes of Indian army.

Day 5 started at a slow pace as it was acclimatization day and we all decided to explore the city of Tawang. The first place on our itinerary was Tawang Monastery. It is located at the highest point of the city. It was founded by the Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso in accordance to the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso. The complex hosts numerous living quarters for the monks and learning center for Buddhism apart from the temple. As we entered the monastery we were greeted by the running young monks who had just completed their classes for the day. It was a delight to watch so many of them up close. The kids are sent off to Monastery at a very young age and the course they undergo apart from their religious study is same as CBSE (Central Syllabus). Once they attain majority they have a choice to return to normal life or continue to be monks.

After spending some quiet time in the temple and clicking hundreds pictures it was time to head to see the large Buddha statue placed at a high elevation in such a way that Buddha is looking over the entire city. After the statue it was time for lunch. Every turn and every street of Tawang has a story to tell. They have their uniqueness. Shopping, for me was limited to Fridge magnets while some others coursed through shops for sweatshirts, t-shirts and jackets.

It is not just if one visits the mountains and do not try the local delicacy. So, our lunch for the day was at Mon Valley restaurant. It is a very famous & busy place located near the old market area. The Veg & cheese momos we ordered were the tastiest I have ever eaten so far. The sauces and the chutneys provided were heavenly! (Mouth-watering as I write). The traditional Thenthuk (Veg) was also very different and worth a try. Tingmo, a baked bread which can be eaten with the sauces or chutneys whould be on your list to try. Tibetian delicacy is very different from Indian and one should definitely give a try at authentic places. The coffee I ordered at the end was phenomenal and beat every  urban “café” I have ever been to!

Once done with lunch we walked around the market and further headed to the Tawang war memorial. I wish to have a dedicated article covering the three memorials I visited during this trip as a tribute to every soldier that has ever guarded and to this very moment guards those borders with utmost dedication and courage.

Dinner for the day was at Phun’s café another must visit place which offers variety of pizzas, sandwiches. Temperatures were lingering in single digits when we reached this place and the hot chocolate that helped cope up was definitely soothing. As our order was being prepared, one of our fellow travelers Abhishek took over the corner and sang a couple of songs for us. Oh yes! I did forget, he was the melody and romantic master during our karaoke time in Dirang! So must visit café/ restaurant are, Mon Valley Restaurant, Phun’s café & Dharma Café. Dharma too is very  picturesque but yet crowded most of the times. Note that everything shuts down after 7pm in Tawang. Hence prepare your itinerary carefully. In next blog we will read about our Sentinels of North-East India from the Indian army.