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.
With its centuries-old great fortress monastery against the dramatic setting of the snow -mantled peaks, Tawang is accessible by car in a dramatic drive through mesmeric alpine country. The sinuous road to Tawang passes through the dragon gates on the awesome heights of the great Sela Pass (13, 714-ft). Jaswantgarh located here is a memorial to the brave solider who single-handedly tried to hold of the approaching Chinese from the pass during the 1962 Indo- Chinese war. The stupa-like Tawang War Memorial also salutes the heroes of the war.
There's a strong Tibetan presence in Tawang. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze. Monks in their soft robes slip silently through the market square attending their daily chores. There are 500 of them attached to the great monastery on its dramatic perch on the spur, a short distance from the main town. It is supposed to be the biggest monastery after Lhasa's Potala .The current Dalai Lama is said to have passed through the township on his escape from Tibet. The Urgelling monastery here is also associated with the birth of the 6th Dalai Lama. It features his preserved footprints and fingerprints, which are much revered by Buddhist devotees.

The great Tawang Monastery, with its dramatic background is eye-catching. A stunning 8 mt high gilded statue of Buddha dominates the sanctum. The great rotating prayer wheels…… priceless tangkhas……the drone of the monks in prayer…sputtering butter-lamps are an evocative vision. Its assembly hall is massive - rising 3 stories high. Attached to the monastery is a library with priceless manuscripts, scriptures and literature; there's a school, huts for the monks and a great community kitchen. Its museum has rare and beautiful tangkhas and ritual vessels amongst other important artifacts, including some personal possessions of the 6th Dalai Lama.

The craft centre in Tawang sells beautiful masks, hand-woven carpets, thangkas. jewllery in silver, turquoise, coral and amber, chubas the local dress and delightfully affordable mementos.

The Taktsang monastery, 45km from Tawang, is also known as the Tiger's Den. Guru Padmasmabhava is supposed to have visited this ancient monastery in the 8th century. Some of the other important monasteries are the Rigyalling monastery in the deep cover of lush forest. One of the oldest Ani Gompa (nunneries) is the Brama dung- chung Ani Gompa, located 12 km from Tawang. Commissioned by Karchen Yeshi Gelek in 1595 is houses about 45 nuns. The Gyangong Ani Gompa is about 5 km from town and has about 50 nuns living here. Built by Gonpaste Rimpoche, the Singsur Ani Gompa, home to 45 nuns, is 28 km from Tawang. The 12th century Gorsam Chorten at Zemithang, the largest in the area, is 92 km from Tawang.
When to visit: During the period, April to October.
How to reach: By bus from Tezpur(Assam) or Bomdila
Where to stay:Circuit House, Inspection Bungalow, Hotel Nichu, Hotel Shangrila.
Clothing :Warm clothing throughout the year
Nearest Airport: Tezpur(Assam).
Nearest Bus stand : Bomdila.
Nearest Railway Stn: Rangapara(Assam).
What to see:  400 years old famous Buddhist