Temples in Tawang

Tawang Monastery

Founded in 1680–81 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, the monastery is known locally as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse. It houses several hundred monks, a large prayer hall with a tall gilded Buddha, and a museum of old manuscripts, thangkas and ritual objects. Morning prayers are the best time to hear the chanting. See the Tawang Monastery guide for light and angles.

Urgelling Gompa

A small gompa a few kilometres below town, known as the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, in the 17th century. It is simple and quiet, and the connection matters a great deal to local Buddhists.

The nunneries

Ani Gompas, or nunneries, sit on the hills above town. Brama Dung Chung Ani Gompa is one of the best known and is reached on a short drive from the monastery. Visits are welcome at reasonable hours, but these are homes as well as places of prayer, so keep your voice down and ask before taking photos.

Taktsang Gompa

On the road towards the high lakes, Taktsang is linked to the teacher Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and sits among forest. It is often combined with the Sangetsar trip; ask your driver whether the day's permit route allows a stop.

Etiquette at every gompa

• Walk clockwise around stupas, prayer wheels and the prayer hall.
• Take shoes off before entering prayer halls.
• Do not touch statues or offerings, and do not point your feet at the altar if you sit.
• Ask before photographing inside; rules differ by hall and are often posted.
• Dress modestly and remove hats indoors.
• A small donation is welcome but never required.

Festivals at the monasteries

Torgya, with masked cham dances in the monastery courtyard, usually falls in January. Losar, the Monpa new year, usually comes in February or March. See Tawang events and festivals for detail.