Tawang
Monastery stands atop a mountain, 3300 Meters high, overlooking the Tawang
Chhu Valley. It is over 350 years old, and is the fountainhead of
the
spiritual life for the followers of the Gelupa Sect of the Mahayana School
of Buddhism, which is followed by the Monpa, and Sherdukpen tribes of
Arunachal Pradesh. It is an awe-inspiring sight. Surrounded by lofty peaks
of over 4000 Meters in elevation, it is built like a fortress and can house
over 500 monks. The surrounding Tawang Chhu Valley is a virtual Shangri-La,
of lush forests, smiling vales, gurgling streams, picture post card villages
and a lovely, smiling people, surrounded by high mountain barriers above
4000 meters. This is a rare opportunity to explore the Buddhist lifestyles
of the unique and remote Himalayan tribal culture of the Monpas. You get to
see the various monasteries, Monpa villages and the breathtaking vistas of
Himalayan uplands. We also visit two national parks; The Kaziranga and
Nameri, and visit Bomdila, with its set on monasteries, Sherdukpen and Bugin
tribes.
Fly in from Delhi, Kolkota or Bagdogra. Drive 250 Kms, through the
Brahmaputra Valley with its evergreen vistas. Overnight in tented huts
at Nameri Eco Camp.
Choice of angling, boating, and bird watching. You can take a jungle
walk, Visit a tribal habitat or just relax at the river beach. Overnight
in camp.
Day 03
Cross-into Arunachal Pradesh at Bakukpong and drive145 kms to Dirang
Dzong, located in a scenic river valley. It is known for its ancient
fortress, and Gompa. On the way we will take time off to visit, Asia's
largest Orchidarium at Tippi, and Sherdukpen tribal village at Rupa, and
cross the Tenga Range over the Bomdi-la pass, 2590 Meters. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 04
In the morning visit the Kalachakra Monastery. Thereafter dive to
Tawang, 165 kms. Our enchanting, journey to Tawang continues over the
4150 meters high Se-la Pass, which was once the battle ground between
the Indian and Chinese armies. Enroute we visit an Alpine Lake and Se-la
temple, and marvel at the scenery. There are photo opportunities at
every turn and twist of the mind-boggling road. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05
Explore the 350 years old Tawang Monastery, and have an audience with
Rimpoche. In the afternoon visit the Urgelling Monastery dating back to
1489 followed by the Seru Monpa village, and the craft center. Overnight
at hotel.
The famous Galden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery
was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso in the year 1860-81. This
monastery is the largest of its kind in the country and the second
largest in Asia. This monastery is the fountain-head of the spiritual
life of the Gelupa Sect of the Mahayana School of Budhism, which is
followed by the Monpa, and Sherdukpen tribes of Arunachal Pradesh -. the
people of this region. The inner walls of the Dukhang - the assembly
hall are painted with murals of various divinities and saints. The
silver casket wrapped in silk containing the Thankas of Goddess Sri Devi
(Palden Lhamo) the principal deity of the monastery, is kept here. It
was given to Merak Lama by the Vth Dalai Lama. The Thankas were painted
with blood drawn from the nose of the Vth Dalai Lama. A colossal richly
gilded statue of Lord Buddha occupies the middle of the northern side.
It is the largest image of the monastery and is about 26 feet high.
The Urgelling Monastery is the birth place of the Sixth Dalai Lama. The
Dalai Lama was deposed in 1706. In 1714 the destruction of all Gelupa
Gompas was carried out by Sokpa Jomkhar, a Mongolian warrior who invaded
from Bhutan. During this campaign, the Dalai Lama's original monastery
at Urgelling was destroyed. All valued possession of Urgelling monastery
like scriptures, statues and other objects were taken to Tawang
Monastery. It was during this time that the Ka-gyur (scriptures) written
out in gold and silver arrived at the Tawang monastery, where they are
preserved to this day. Today a modest Gompa stands at this site.
Day 06
Drive up the "spiral staircase" road leading to the Tibet
frontier, to Peng teng Tso Lake at an altitude of 4100 meters. Breath
taking views. Later visit a Buddhist nunnery. The Monpas have a
tradition of nunneries called "Ani Gompas". Traditionally at
least one girl from a family joined an Ani Gompa. However this practice
no longer exists. We will be visiting the Gyangong Ani Gompa close to
Tawang town. In the evening Monpa cultural programme. Overnight at
Tawang.
Day 07
Drive back 165 Kms over the Se-la pass to Dirang Dzong.. On the way
stop over at Jang to explore another village and visit the Indo-China
War memorial. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08
Drive 60 kms to ancient Monpa Village. Spend the day exploring the
exquisite Buddhist Gumpa, Kakaling gate, Chusker (traditional water
mill), and village houses.. Meet the village folks and get an idea of
lifestyles. Return to Dirang Dzong. Overnight at hotel
Day 09
A short drive to Bomdila.Visit Rabgyaling Gontse Gompa, Upper Gompa ,
Thupchob Gatseling Gompa., and Bugin tribal village.
Day 10
Drive 320 kms to Kaziranga, retracing our steps past Nameri National
Park to the city of Tezpur. Here we cross over the Brahmaputra bridge
and drive along the Assam Valley to the National Park. Check in at Wild
Grass Resort Kaziranga lies on the South bank of the Brahmaputra, and is
famous for its 1000 plus, population of Rhinos. Tigers are also present
in sizable numbers. Other attractions include the wild buffalo,
magnificent swamp deer, hog deer, wild boar, Hoolak Gibbon, Capped
Langur, and Badger. Amongst the birds, the Crested Serpent Eagle is
common. While Pallas Fishing Eagle, as also Grey Headed Fishing Eagle,
Crane, Great Adjutant Stork, Bengal Floricab, Bar Headed Goose,
whistling Teal and Pelican can be seen in the wild. Jeep and Elephant
Safari, is the mode of exploration.
Day 11
Kaziranga - Early morning Elephant Safari. After breakfast Jeep Safari
followed by another jeep safari in a different range after lunch.
Overnight at Wild Grass.
Day 12
Drive 220 kms to Guwahati.airport to board your departure flight.