Tawang Monastery Visit

Perched at 10,000 feet, the Tawang Monastery (Galden Namgey Lhatse) is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Founded in 1680, it is a magnificent citadel of Gelugpa Buddhism.

The monastery houses hundreds of monks. The vibrant thangkas, the massive library of ancient manuscripts, and the 28-foot tall golden statue of Buddha in the main prayer hall are awe-inspiring.

The dawn prayers, with the chanting of monks and the sound of huge drums, create a transcendental atmosphere. The view of the Tawang Chu valley from the monastery courtyard is breathtaking.