Start Planning Your Journey
All About the Monastery / Religious & Cultural Festivals / Festival Calendar & Festival Alerts / Location Map / Hotel Booking / How to Reach / Air, Train, Bus & Taxi Booking / Reviews / Nearby Pilgrim Places & Other Places of Interest / Donations / Volunteers
Introduction
Tawang Monastery, nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest monastery in India and the second-largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Tibet. Perched at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in the Tawang district, this magnificent Buddhist monastery is a spiritual, cultural, and historical treasure of Northeast India.
Founded in 1680-1681 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, a disciple of the 5th Dalai Lama, the monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Mahayana Buddhism. It is home to over 450 monks and serves as a major center for Buddhist learning, philosophy, and meditation.
Tawang Monastery is renowned for its striking three-storied structure, the Dukhang (assembly hall) adorned with vibrant murals, a massive 28-foot-high golden statue of Lord Buddha, and an extensive collection of ancient scriptures, including the Kangyur and Tengyur. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks and lush valleys, the monastery exudes an aura of serenity and spiritual grandeur.
Steeped in legends, history, and monastic traditions, Tawang Monastery remains a beacon of Tibetan Buddhist heritage in India. It attracts pilgrims, historians, and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into the rich Buddhist culture of the region while standing as a guardian of peace and enlightenment amidst the rugged mountains.