Majestic lofty mountains clear sparkling lakes; exquisite Gompas and quaint little villages give an apt description of Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang District. Popularly known as The Hidden Paradise or The Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains, Tawang district (meaning The Land of the Blessed Horses) occupying an area of 2,085 sq.km and located at and altitude of 3,500 meters it is bounded by Tibet in the North East, Bhutan in the South West and West Kameng in the South West.

The area of the district is approximately 2085 sq. km. bordered by Tibet in the North, Bhutan in the South-West and Sela ranges separate West Kameng district in the East. The name Tawang derives from some bearings on surroundings. But people's interpretation is that the name Tawang was given by Mera Lama in the 17th century.

Christened by Mera Lama in the 17th century this heavenly district is located in the northwest extremity of Arunachal Pradesh and is enclosed between the latitude 27 º 45 ' N and the longitude 90º 15' E. The mountainous terrain of Tawang comprises the snow capped Higher Himalayan ranges and sparsely populated plateaus and valleys, which are drained by the Tawangchu and Nyamyanchu rivers. Subject to low temparture throughout the year the higher Alpine tracts of Tawang also experience heavy snowfall.

Tawang District with its headquarters located in Tawang is divided into three subdivisions Tawang, Lumla and Jang and eight circles namely, Tawang, Lumla, Jang, Mukto, Zemithang, Thingbu, Dudunghar and Kitpi. Connected by rail at Bhalukpong and with the nearest airport located at Tezpur, Assam the district is well connected with its neighbors.

Tawang District, the beautiful land of the Monpa tribe is sparsely populated. The locals friendly and liberal in nature love to dress in the colorful attire of Kangnom or Dhorna while the womenfolk love adorning themselves in jewelry. The Monpas belong to Mongoloid stock. They are well built, fair in complexion. Their houses are built with stones and timbers. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry are the fundamental means of the Monpas occupation.

The economy is primarily agrarian with people raising potato; maize, millets, and etc. the people also rear yaks, sheep, pony, cows and goats. Tourism too is an upcoming revenue-generating sector in the district. Besides handicrafts are the forte of the local women folk who practice weaving and make incense sticks.

The charming Tawang District mesmerizes tourists and brings home to them the fact that heaven is a place on earth. This paradise offers a platter full of traditional monasteries and nunneries that sightseers can visit, the most famous being the pristine Tawang Monastery or Golden Namgyal Lhatse. Besides the Sangestser and Pankang Teng Tso lakes, the Sela and Geshila Mountain pass, the Tshinbu and Tsachu hot springs are testimonial to the scenic beauty of Tawang .The Jaswant Garh, Tawang War Memorial, Manujshree Vidyapith and Crafts Center are also worth visiting.

Tawang Monastery: Tawang Monastery is one of the most important element in Social and Religious life of the Monpas. This Monastery is known as "Galden Namgyel Lhatse". It is one of the most largest Lamaseries of Mahayana sect in Asia. Lamseries comprise of several sections ranging near about four hundred years, devoted to Love, Learning and Purity of life.

This fortified complex covers an area of 135 sq. meters enclosed by a compound wall of 610 meter long. Within the complex there are 65 residential buildings and 10 other structures. The library has valuable old scriptures mainly Kanjur and Tanjur numbering 850 bundles. It is dated back to 17th century A.D.

Tawang, opulent in its cultural heritage and mind-blowing natural beauty is a bag full of treasure for those whose wanderlust takes them to this unexplored terrain.

How to reach: One can reach Tawang from other parts of the country via Guwahati and Tezpur in Assam. From Guwahati(Assam) or Tezpur(Assam), one has to go to Bhalukpong in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and from there via Bomdila and Sela Pass one can go to Tawang by road.

When to visit During the period, April to October. Clothing Warm clothing throughout the yearNearest Airport Tezpur(Assam). Nearest Bus stand Bomdila.Nearest Railway Stn Rangapara(Assam).