Samten Yongcha Monastery is a significant Buddhist monastery in the picturesque Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated around 18 kilometres from Tawang town and is an important religious site for Buddhists. The monastery is believed to have been established in the 15th century and has undergone several renovations and extensions.
The monastery is perched on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valley and mountains. The pristine natural surroundings and the calm and peaceful ambience of the monastery make it an ideal place for meditation and spiritual contemplation. The monastery's architecture is reminiscent of the traditional Tibetan Buddhist style, with intricate carvings and paintings adorning the walls and pillars.
The monastery's main prayer hall houses a 20-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha. The prayer hall is adorned with colourful frescoes and paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and various Buddhist deities. The monastery also has a library with a vast collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and texts.
Several other attractions in and around Tawang are worth exploring. The Tawang War Memorial is a popular tourist spot paying homage to the brave soldiers who died during the Indo-China War of 1962. The memorial is located around 8 kilometres from Tawang town and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The Tawang Monastery, also known as the Galden Namgyal Lhatse, is another significant religious site around 10 kilometres from the Samten Yongcha Monastery. It is the largest Buddhist monastery in India and is believed to have been established in the 17th century. The sanctuary is a centre for Buddhist studies and has a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and scriptures.
The Bumla Pass, located around 37 kilometres from Tawang town, is another popular tourist spot offering breathtaking Himalayas views. It is situated at an altitude of around 15,000 feet above sea level and is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The pass is also a strategic location, marking the border between India and China.
The Nuranang Waterfall is another must-visit tourist spot around 40 kilometres from Tawang town. The waterfall cascades down from around 100 meters and is surrounded by lush green forests and rocky hills. The area around the waterfall is ideal for trekking and camping.
Samten Yongcha Monastery is a serene and spiritual destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. The monastery and other nearby attractions make for a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and solitude amidst nature.
Located in Tawang, about 160 kilometres from Samten Yongcha Monastery, Tawang Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world. It is an important pilgrimage site and offers stunning views of the Tawang Valley.
Situated at around 13,700 feet, Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass on the way to Tawang. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, and the Sela Lake, which remains frozen for a significant part of the year.
Also known as Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls, Nuranang Falls is located near Jang, near Tawang. This majestic waterfall cascades down from a height of about 100 meters, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
A memorial dedicated to the Indian Army soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat, who bravely fought during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Jaswant Garh is around 25 kilometres from Tawang. It offers panoramic views of the snow-clad mountains and the Nuranang River flowing below.
Located about 37 kilometres away from Tawang, Bumla Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass at the Indo-China border. It is known for its strategic importance and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.
Madhuri Lake:
Situated en route to Bumla Pass, Madhuri Lake (also known as Shungetsar Lake) gained popularity after being featured in the Bollywood movie "Koyla," starring Madhuri Dixit. The serene lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offers a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Ziro Valley:
Although a bit farther from Samten Yongcha Monastery (around 240 kilometres), Ziro Valley is worth a visit if you have the time. Known for its scenic beauty, rice fields, and unique indigenous tribal culture of the Apatani tribe, Ziro Valley offers a refreshing and offbeat experience.