Arunachal Pradesh Nunneries Of Tawang
Nunneries in Tawang have a long history and are known by the name of Ani Gompas. Lots of such nunneries are present in Tawang, Ani Gompa being the oldest among these. It is located about 12 kms from the Tawang city. This nunnery was set up and commissioned by Karchen Yeshi gelek in 1595, when the strength of nuns was about 45. The Gyangong Ani Gompa is found about 5 kms from the Tawang Township and it houses about 50 nuns. Singsur Ani Gompa is about 28 kms from Tawang and houses about 45 nuns, which was built by Gonpaste Rimpoche. Brama dung Chung Ani Gompa is the oldest in the region in the Tawang district and houses about 45 Anis, and is located amidst the serene surroundings of slopes of a far off mountain with beautiful sceneries all around. From the Tawang township, it is about 9 kms distance, and was set up by Karchen Yeshi Gelek Lama from the Tsang province in Tibet in 1595 AD. These nuns depends on alms given by the local people for their sustenance.
Gyangong Ani Gompa is another nunnery in Tawang District, with about 50 nuns living inside. It is situated on top of a beautiful hillock, 5 kms from Tawang township. It was founded by Mera lam Lodre, who subsequently donated it to his elder sister. It is under the lookout of the Tawang monastery, and hence the day to day needs of the monastery are provided for by the monastery. The customs followed by this nunnery are in accordance with the age old traditions of Buddhism.
Singsur Ani Gompa is another beautiful nunneries of Tawang monasteries and is situated at about 28 kms from the west of Tawang city, while going towards Geshila. There are about 30 nuns present in this monastery. It was built by previous Rev Gonpaste Rimpoche in 1960.
Reaching There
Tawang city, like any other city in Arunachal pradhesh is not well connected to many cities due to the rough terrain. Tezpur is the nearest railway station, although road travel is possible to many places. Helicopter services are possible often from Tezpur so that there is easier access to the Tawang township. Airport nearest to the village is through Tezpur, which is can have access to many other from Kolkata and others.
Road transport to Tawang is from Bomdila, provided by the Arunachal State Transport buses, usually on some of the weekdays. Private buses also travel from Bomdila bringing tourists to the city of Tawang. People can also travel from jeep and this is a good communication, available most of the times, which are available from Tezpur.
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