Dirang Monastery becomes major tourist hotspot in Arunachal’s Tawang corridor

The serene Dirang Monastery, perched atop a hill in the picturesque Dirang Valley of West Kameng district, is witnessing a surge in tourist footfall this season. Thousands of visitors from across the country are making their way to this spiritual and scenic retreat along the Tawang Corridor, one of the most enchanting stretches of Arunachal Pradesh’s Mon Region.

 

Also known as Thupsung Dhargey Ling Monastery, the Buddhist monastery was established in 2017 with the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, marking a spiritual milestone for the region. Overlooking the tranquil Dirang town, the monastery not only offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley but also serves as a vibrant center for Buddhist learning, housing monks and students dedicated to spiritual education.

 

The monastery’s name, Thupsung Dhargey Ling, translates to “the place of flourishing of Buddha’s speech,” reflecting its spiritual mission and cultural importance. The Dalai Lama’s visit in 2017 is considered a turning point that sparked a steady rise in both domestic and international tourist arrivals in the Dirang–Tawang belt.

 

Tourists describe Dirang as a “slice of heaven”, praising its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and the ever-smiling local tribal community known for their rich traditions. A tourist group from Maharashtra lauded the unmatched charm of Arunachal Pradesh, with one visitor from Pune telling India Today that their experience in the Kaziranga National Park of Assam and the pristine Mawlynnong village of Meghalaya—known as Asia’s cleanest village—made their northeastern journey unforgettable.

 

A couple visiting from Jorhat (Assam) expressed their delight at the stunning landscapes and calm ambience of Dirang, while visitors from Uttar Pradesh admired the area’s dramatic weather patterns and ever-changing skies that add to its mystique.

 

As Arunachal Pradesh continues to draw travellers seeking both adventure and tranquility, Dirang Monastery stands as a testament to the state’s blend of spiritual heritage, scenic grandeur, and cultural warmth, making it one of the must-visit destinations in India’s Northeast.