Tucked away in the majestic foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Ita Fort in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, is more than just a historical monument. It stands near a vibrant spiritual corridor influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and tribal cultures. Though the fort itself is not Buddhist in origin, it is surrounded by a spiritually charged landscape, especially the Gompa Buddhist Temple, which serves as a beacon of peace and devotion for followers of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
About The Temple
While Ita Fort is an Ahom-era monument, the nearby Gompa Buddhist Temple captures the essence of Tibetan Buddhist heritage practiced by Monpa and Sherdukpen tribes. The region echoes with prayer chants, the flutter of colorful prayer flags, and the peaceful rhythm of monastic life.
Buddhist Description & Specialties
Located near Ita Fort, Gompa Buddhist Temple showcases Tibetan-style architecture with vibrant murals and stupas.
It is a spiritual center for Mahayana Buddhism.
Visitors can engage in:
Daily prayer rituals
Meditation sessions
Lighting butter lamps
Participating in festivals like Losar and Buddha Purnima
Key Details (At a Glance)
Temple Address: Gompa Buddhist Temple, near Ita Fort, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh 791111, India
Latitude & Longitude: 27.0871° N, 93.6203° E
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Spiritual Services (Sevas):
Morning and evening prayers
Community discourses
Meditation and pujas
How to Reach
Airways
Nearest Airport: Hollongi Donyi Polo Airport (12 km)
Direct flights from Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata
Railways
Nearest Station: Naharlagun (15 km from Itanagar)
Trains from Guwahati via Donyi Polo Express, Arunachal Express
Bus Routes
Buses from Guwahati, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur
Local transport to temple via auto/taxi/buses
Facilities
Travel
Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and jeeps are readily available
Food
Tibetan dishes (momos, thukpa)
Local tribal flavors with bamboo shoots
Simple vegetarian Indian meals
Stay
Hotels, guesthouses, and cultural homestays
Most accommodations are in Itanagar city center
Nearby Places & Attractions
Cities
Naharlagun, Ziro, Tezpur, Guwahati
Temples & Sites
Gompa Buddhist Temple, Ganga Lake, Ziro Valley, Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum
Tawang Monastery for extended Buddhist pilgrimage
Best Time to Visit
October to April – ideal weather, clear views, and festive atmosphere
Monsoons (June–Sept): Avoid due to heavy rain and landslides
Local Shopping
Tribal shawls, handwoven fabrics
Prayer flags, thangkas, Tibetan artifacts
Cane and bamboo handicrafts
Organic tea, pickles, herbs
Festivals
Losar – Tibetan New Year with masked dances and rituals
Buddha Purnima, Lhabab Duchen
Nyokum Yullo (tribal), Ziro Music Festival (cultural fusion)
Tips & Etiquette
Apply for Inner Line Permit (ILP) before visiting
Respect spiritual customs:
Remove shoes before entering temples
No photos without permission
Always spin prayer wheels clockwise
Travel responsibly and preserve local culture
Emergency Contacts
Tourism Info Center: Civil Secretariat, Itanagar
Police: 100 | Ambulance: 102
Tourist Helpline: +91 87300 00067
The area around Ita Fort isn’t just a historical destination, it's a spiritual experience woven into the fabric of tribal and Buddhist traditions. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking peace at the Gompa Buddhist Temple, a traveler exploring cultural richness, or a nature lover admiring the Eastern Himalayan vistas, Itanagar promises soulful fulfillment.Prepare your journey with respect, curiosity, and an open heart, and you’ll walk away with not just memories but mindful moments that linger.
