The Tawang War Memorial is the second fetching attraction, which is a 40-foot-high memorial created in memory of the martyrs of the Sino-Indian war in 1962. This memorial, known as the ‘Namgyal Chortan’, contains the names of the 2420 dead soldiers in gold on 32 black granite panels. This war memorial is beside the snowy ranges, overlooking the vast Tawang-Chu valley. The location also guarantees the tourists a feeling of serene nature before they get to appreciate the acts of the Indian soldiers. There are two memorial halls beside the memorial; one contains the belongings of the martyrs, and the other is used for a sound and light show of the courage of the martyrs in the evening. This pride of Tawang indeed is sure to melt the heart, and being on a holiday in Tawang is a good idea.
History Of Tawang War Memorial
Image Credit: Rohit Sharma for Wikimedia Commons
In the 1962 Indo-China war, 2140 soldiers of the Indian army were martyred for the nation defending the Kameng sector. In honour of those Martyrs, the memorial was designed like a stupa structure in the locality’s centre of Buddhist religious activity. The intention behind constructing this memorial was to preserve the memory, and as a symbol of love and respect for the martyrs, the Indian Army built this memorial. In this memorial building, the names of 2140 martyrs were listed and engraved on granite panels. This building has black granite walls that are used to hold the names of the fallen heroes. This Memorial’s museum exhibits include weapons such as guns, bullets, mugs, helmets, pots, and several other items the army used during the war.
If the visitors wanted to know about war, then there were newspaper cuttings and a map showing the position of the two armies used to stand. The memorandum was unveiled by Lt General HRS Kalkat PVSM, AVSM, GOC-IN-C Eastern Command on November 2nd, 1999, while the shrine was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1977.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Tawang
Places To Visit Near Tawang War Memorial
Whether you are visiting solo or travelling with your family, here are some of the best places to visit near Tawang War Memorial:
1. Tawang Monastery
Image Credit: Trideep Dutta Photography for Wikimedia Commons
Tawang Monastery is the second largest Asian monastery, comprising 17 gompas and 300 Monks. About 400 years old, this monastery is founded 3000 m above sea level. What attracts the attention of every traveller is the incredible scenic beauty of Tawang-Chu Valley. During visiting this monastery, one gets to see the main attraction – an 8 m tall statue of the Buddha. Therefore, this place is among the most popular tourist attractions in Tawang. Along with that beautiful interior work, the paintings and sketches of Bodhisattvas present there, a silver silk casket for Goddess Shri Devi, and many other things present in that place are also exquisite.
Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh 790104
Distance from Tawang War Memorial: 4.3 km
2. Nuranang Falls
Image Credit: Rekhalok for Wikimedia Commons
Undoubtedly, Nuranang Falls can be counted on the list of must-visit attractions in and around Tawang. Seeing this milky white water flowing from a height of 100 m with the green foliage around makes one feel that one is in heaven. The upside is that few know of this buried treasure in Tawang, which enhances the feeling of discovery as you tour the area. As there is not much crowd over here, you can find yourself in the beauty of nature, just listening to the sound of the falling water and the nature around you. This fall, a hydel plant at the base will be employed to generate electricity for the concerned areas.
Location: Jang, Arunachal Pradesh, 790105
Distance from Tawang War Memorial: 27 km
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh
3. Gyangong Ani Gompa
Image Credit: Rohit Sharma for Wikimedia Commons
It is the most miniature monastery in Tawang and a sub-monastery of the Tawang Monastery. Currently, there are 50 Buddhist nuns here, and the Tawang Monastery supplies the basic things required for their daily use. It’s situated on a rise at a unique angle to look at the town. When you enter this place, you will feel its tranquillity and calmness. The path to reach this nunnery is so beautiful that it adds value to your route.
Location: Gyangong Ani Gompa, Arunachal Pradesh, 790104
Distance from Tawang War Memorial: 8.7 km
4. Panga Teng Tso Lake (PT Tso Lake)
Image Credit: Saurabhgupta8 for Wikimedia Commons
The Penga Teng Tso Lake or P. T Tso Lake is one of the most beautiful places to be visited in Tawang; there are blue lapis flowers and rhododendron flowers, mighty Himalayas in the backdrop of calm watered lake & snow clad mountains. It is a peaceful place where one can comfortably take some time off to relax, and if you happen to be there during the winter when the lake is frozen, the location is perfect for skiing. Indeed, you cannot just miss touring this place because of the charming view and to admire the beauty of the landscape.
Location: Penga Teng Tso Lake, Arunachal Pradesh 790104
Distance from Tawang War Memorial: 16 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Arunachal Pradesh
How To Reach And Best Time To Visit
Image Credit: Avinash Patel for Pexels
Tawang has excellent road connectivity and can be approached easily by road. The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport of Assam. To reach Ratnadwar, there is no direct flight, but one has to take jeeps and cars from Tezpur airport. The nearest railway station is Bhalukpong, and to reach Tawang, one has to take roadway connectivity from Bhalukpong. Guwahati also has Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service, and at present, helicopter services are available from Tawang to Guwahati and vice versa on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The time of visit to the Tawang War Memorial is from morning 7 am to evening 7 pm.
You can plan your visit to this place from March to October. These are the best months of the year in terms of temperature, ranging from 5°C to 21°C. Thus, it allows you to spend time outdoors and explore attractions comfortably. The best season to visit is summer, with the Rhododendrons blooming between April and June and the mountains covered in greenery. There is rainfall during the monsoon season from July to September, though it is moderate, which increases the region’s beauty. But, the power to sightsee may be affected by rain. The early winter is lovely as October has clear blue skies, and the views of the Himalayas are even more beautiful, making for a very peaceful environment.
Further Read: Things To Do In Tawang
Explore the beautiful scenery, rich culture, and history that Tawang has to offer. Tawang genuinely wins over everyone’s heart with its unique blend of beauty and heritage. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Arunachal Pradesh for a journey you’ll remember forever!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tawang War Memorial
What is the importance of visiting the Tawang War Memorial?
This is an opportunity for the visitors to pay their respects to the soldiers who perished during the war and to understand the region's history and the price paid for it.
Is there a fee required to be paid to access the Tawang War Memorial?
No, visiting the Tawang War Memorial is free, but there are some charges for photography and recording. It is accessible for individuals to visit; many go there to show respect and look back.
Which facilities are available near the Tawang War Memorial? Some of the facilities around
Tawang War Memorial are cafes, restaurants, and shops where visitors can have a cup of tea, coffee, food, and even souvenirs to take back home from Tawang War Memorial.
Have there been any occasions or rites performed at the Tawang War Memorial?
Vijay Diwas, which is the 16th of December, a major function takes place at Tawang War Memorial to pay respect to the martyrs of the Indo-China war of 1962. This event has prominent people coming from all over the country.
Are there any restrictions on offering flowers or other forms of tribute at the Tawang War Memorial?
Yes, visitors can place flowers or small items to show their respect in some areas of the Tawang war memorial. This action is meant to embrace the soldiers and, at the same time, remember the lost ones.
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