Perched over a mountain overlooking the Tawang Chhu Valley is the Tawang Monastery also known as Galden Namgyal Lhatse is the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. This monastery established by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso in the 17th century, is considered as one of the biggest monasteries of the Mahayana sect in Asia. It also finds an important place in the social and religious lives of the Monpas. This fortified complex is well known for housing several lamas and also for housing the beautiful 8.3 m high Golden Buddha in a three storeyed assembly hall (Dukung). Other than this the monastery also has many murals, idols and thangkas which are equally beautiful. The library in this complex has several valuable sculptures, manuscripts, printed and handwritten books. The establishment of the Lama incarnate-Rinpoche housed in this library is a major feature. The monastery currently belongs to Gelugpa School.

Tawang Monastery

Other than being a serene religious place with several beautiful elements, the Tawang monastery is also well known for hosting the major annual festivals of Losar, Dungyur and Torgya.