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The lofty Eastern Himalayas in the scenic town of Tawang, Urgelling Monastery holds immense historical and spiritual significance in Tibetan Buddhism. Revered as the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, this quiet and modest monastery dates back to the 15th century and is one of the most sacred sites for followers of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Buddhism. With its serene atmosphere, ancient architecture, and spiritual legacy, it stands as a beacon of peace and pilgrimage in India’s northeastern frontier.
Description
Built in the 1400s and associated with the Gelugpa tradition.
Modest structure surrounded by prayer flags and a Bodhi tree.
Ancient Buddhist texts and spiritual relics preserved within.
Speciality
Birthplace of 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso.
Houses sacred Buddhist scriptures and murals.
Pilgrimage destination of peace and solitude.
Location Details
Address: Urgelling Monastery, Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh – 790104
Coordinates: 27.5766° N, 91.8596° E
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Spiritual Practices
Sevas / Services
Daily morning and evening puja
Chanting sessions by resident monks
Lighting of butter lamps
Special rituals during Losar and other Buddhist festivals
Traveling Facilities
Connectivity
Accessible via NH-13, with private taxis, shared jeeps, and buses.
Road travel requires Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indians and Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreigners.
Food Facilities
Local eateries serve Tibetan cuisine: momos, thukpa, butter tea.
Better food options available in Tawang town, 5–6 km away.
Stay Options
Budget and mid-range hotels in Tawang.
Guest houses with mountain views and Tibetan ambiance.
How to Reach
Nearest Railway Station
Tezpur Railway Station, Assam – approx. 330 km
Nearest Airports
Salonibari Airport, Tezpur – 330 km
Guwahati Airport (LGBI) – 480 km
Tawang Helipad – chopper services from Guwahati available
Nearest Bus Station
Tawang Bus Station – about 6 km from the monastery
Transport Routes
Bus Routes: From Guwahati, Tezpur, and Bomdila to Tawang
Train Routes: Rail up to Tezpur or Guwahati → road journey to Tawang
Air Routes: Fly to Tezpur or Guwahati → drive or take chopper to Tawang
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Cities
Bomdila, Dirang, Tezpur, Guwahati
Nearby Temples & Places
Tawang Monastery – largest in India
Sela Pass – snow-covered pass with lake
Nuranang Waterfalls – scenic 100-meter falls
PT Tso Lake, Taktsang Gompa, Tawang War Memorial
Festivals Celebrated
Losar (Tibetan New Year) – February/March, colorful festivities and rituals
Torgya Festival – January, masked Cham dances and fire ceremonies
Visitor Etiquette
Remove shoes at the entrance
Maintain silence during prayers
Photography allowed with respect
Dress modestly and avoid flash photography
Local Shopping in Tawang
Woollen clothes, Monpa carpets, Thangka paintings
Tibetan jewelry, prayer flags, yak cheese
Handmade wood carvings and masks
Travel Tips
Carry warm clothes year-round
Motion sickness meds recommended (winding roads)
ILP or PAP is mandatory
BSNL and Airtel work best; limited internet access
Carry snacks, flashlight, ID proofs
Best Time to Visit
March to June – Pleasant climate, scenic beauty
October to November – Clear skies, cultural events
Avoid: December–February due to snow, roadblocks
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tawang → Visit Tawang Monastery, War Memorial
Day 2: Visit Urgelling Monastery → PT Tso Lake → Market stroll
Day 3: Sela Pass & Nuranang Waterfalls → Return journey
Urgelling Monastery is not just a spiritual site but a living symbol of Buddhist heritage and peace in the Eastern Himalayas. Whether you're a devout Buddhist, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, this tranquil site offers an intimate experience of Tibetan culture, sacred history, and serene landscapes. With its easy accessibility from Tawang and the region’s unmatched natural beauty, a visit to Urgelling is a truly soul-nourishing retreat worth the journey.
