Tawang Buddhist Monastery
Tawang Buddhist Monastery
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
8 within 3 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
324 reviews
Excellent
196
Very good
111
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
1
ChiragBhanvadia
Rajkot, India209 contributions
Mar 2020
Tawang Monastery is probably the largest monastery in India. Believed to be approx 300+ years old. It is situated on picturesque location giving stunning views of Tawang town, river and snow capped peaks all around Tawang.
There are plenty of excellent Buddhist art all around monastery, depicting stories related to Buddhism. There are approx 400 lamas staying in this monastery.
There are plenty of excellent Buddhist art all around monastery, depicting stories related to Buddhism. There are approx 400 lamas staying in this monastery.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tannu D
Srinagar District, India112 contributions
Sep 2021
Located amidst the picturesque surroundings, the Tawang Monastery also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhatse is one of the gems in Arunachal Pradesh. Perched at the height of 3,000 metres above sea level, it has been recognised as the second largest monastery in the world, the first one being Lhasa. The monastery is believed to be 400 years old and has control over 17 gompas in the region. Built as a large mansion, it is an abode for over 300 monks. Lying amidst the Himalayan ranges, it offers a breathtaking view of the Tawang-Chu valley. One of the most prominent attractions in the monastery houses is the massive statue of Lord Buddha which is 8 meters in height.The three-storeyed building was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyamtso to complete the wish of Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso, the 5th Dalai Lama in 1860-61. It belonged to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism and had a religious association with Drepung Monastery of Lhasa, which continued during the period of British rule. The main temple, Dukhang, boasts of magnificent interiors with beautiful artwork while the inner walls contain sketches and paintings of Bodhisattvas. The library is stocked with valuable old scriptures like Kangyur and Tengyur. All other primary structures have the traditional style of Buddhist architecture which will make you swoon. The vibrant festivals celebrated in the monastery are an icing on the cake.
Written November 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deepak Mallyk
Bengaluru, India20 contributions
Jun 2019
This monastery is the topmost attraction of Tawang. And Tawang is the topmost tourist place in Arunachal Pradesh. Great place with great ambience. At times, you might find some major rituals going on in the main hall. A lot of positive vibes can be felt during the visit to this place.
Visited the place in 2011.
Visited the place in 2011.
Written May 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madan Gopal M
Bengaluru, India8,448 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
One of the most sacred Monasteries, located at 3000+ mt altitude, a must visit for any traveler visiting this part of India. This is second largest Monastery in the world next to Potala Palace and largest in India. Constructed during 1680s, this impressive place of worship is associated with many miracles and legends. The present HH Dalai Lama entered India and he stayed for few days before proceeding to next destination. The three storey building consist of main prayer hall and a library with rare manuscripts. Colourful Tankas adorn the walls, inner and outer, of this beautiful Monastery. There is also a well preserved museum. To enter Arunachal Pradesh, there is need for obtaining Inner Line Permit. The view of valley below from the courtyard of Monastery is scintillating. One should maintain proper decorum as this is a place of worship.
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prodipto B
Kolkata (Calcutta), India650 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The monastery is a world in itself. In addition to being a place of worship, it hosts educational institutions specialised in Buddhism. For the lay traveler it also provides a cafe with a great view of the valley, and excellent coffee, cheesecake, and other eatables.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanjiv j
Meerut, India6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The Tawang Monastery is the seat of Buddhist reverence dates back to over 400 years and is the second largest. The inside of the monastery is very calm, majestic with different deities occupying their seats. The view makes you spellbound as if not to leave this place. I would highly recommend a must visit there.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter J
4 contributions
Feb 2020
This Buddhist monastery with 3,000 monks is 3 kms from Tawang town and well worth a visit, especially if there is a festival on, like Losar. The temple parts are full of images and thankas, good tom meditate a while, or roll the 108 prayer wheels. Monks hover around and we watched the novices playing cricket.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAURABH_PAL_MAPLE
Kolkata (Calcutta), India166 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Excellent Maintenance of age old structure. Very classy one both from outside as well as inside. On a huge area. While visiting don't forget to visit 2 things:
1. The photographs at display in 1st floor of the Monastery museum
2. The Cafe by the Monastery just outside the main entrance to the campus.
1. The photographs at display in 1st floor of the Monastery museum
2. The Cafe by the Monastery just outside the main entrance to the campus.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sgrg069
Gangtok, India248 contributions
Nov 2022
Tawang monastery built somewhere in the late 1600's is one of the largest and oldest monastery in in Asia. We had a bright and sunny day at the time of our visit.
Monastery also known as the GADEN NAMGYAL LATSHE or The Divine Paradise of complete victory. Belonging to the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery is three stories high and enclosed by about 900 feets long compound wall with about 65 residential buildings.
At an altitude of about 10000 feets, the monastery commands a magnificent panoramic view of Tawang Valley/Town.
The monastery complex houses more than 500 monks studying the Vajrayana Buddhism.
Overall its a must visit place while just a visit is blessed...!!!
Monastery also known as the GADEN NAMGYAL LATSHE or The Divine Paradise of complete victory. Belonging to the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery is three stories high and enclosed by about 900 feets long compound wall with about 65 residential buildings.
At an altitude of about 10000 feets, the monastery commands a magnificent panoramic view of Tawang Valley/Town.
The monastery complex houses more than 500 monks studying the Vajrayana Buddhism.
Overall its a must visit place while just a visit is blessed...!!!
Written November 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hiscamherbackpack
Noida, India329 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and second largest and oldest in Asia. It is situated on a mountain in Tawang at an altitude of over 3000m. The monastery is 3 stories high and offers a beautiful city of Tawang city.
Written January 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to visit Arunachal Pradesh with 6months kid in month of August??
Written May 13, 2022
Sulin
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
How to stay in Tawang Monastery? Can I book in advance?
Written November 2, 2019
Not aware of this. You could check online and then decide! We stayed at decent hotel in the town.
Written November 3, 2019
Can I go to Zanskar Valley from Srinagar in 1st week of October? what about the availability of accommodation & cab?
Written January 15, 2019
Hi, I would be travelling to Tawang in March end. Can someone pls let me know if I can get shared cabs/sumos from Tezpur/Guwahati-Bhalukpong and Bhalukpong-Bomdila as I would stop over while travelling to Tawang for a night each. Also in case anyone has a contact number for any driver that I can contact for shared cabs?
Written January 15, 2019
Hire cab from Tezpur only. Don't stay at Bhalukpong - start from Tejpur in the morning & night stay at Bomdila. Next day early morning (~7 am is ok) start for Tawang via Sela Pass. It's a full day long journey. If time permits, you can stay at Dirang, after leaving Bomdila. Don't take cab on sharing basis if you really want to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Written January 15, 2019
Hi All,
I need to know the working hours of Guwahati Airport Authority office that provides Inner Line Permit for Tawang. I am reaching Guwahati airport on Thursday 7.30pm. WIll I get the permit on same day?
Help is much appreciated?
Thanks,
Pratik
Written March 7, 2017
Most probably no. Any Govt office operates upto 5:30 pm.
Written January 15, 2019
1st/ 2nd week of April - weather will be very good.
Written January 15, 2019
Anyone has more information about online application of Inner Line Permit for Tawang. There is requirement of 'contact details of local Arunachal Pradesh person' in order to obtain online permit. I am not sure how can you know someone there when you are going there for first time.
Also in case i need to get the permit on the go in Guwahati, can someone tell how much time does it take?
Thanks in advance.
Written March 5, 2017
We have hired a tour operator and they have done all for us. As for norms the charges were Rs.100/person. If you are hiring a taxi before reaching Arunachal then they can make it either from Guahati/Tejpur or you can make it from those places or at the border but it will take ling time.
Written March 6, 2017
is it convenient to visit the place in August? Further how much time does is take from Guwahati? Are road conditions good. We four friends (all girls) are planning to go. Will it be safe?
Written May 22, 2016
It is very far from Guwahati. From Nameri we stayed one night on the way and then reached Tawang in the evening. Roads are not very good. August is fine. It is safe
Written May 24, 2016
Showing results 1-8 of 8
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing