Tawang Monastery, located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest monastery in India and one of the most significant centers of Mahayana Buddhism in Asia. Standing three storeys high and spread across 140 square meters, the monastery is surrounded by a 610-meter-long compound wall. The complex houses 65 residential buildings and 10 additional structures, making it not only a religious hub but also a vibrant community for monks and scholars.

Founded in the 17th century by Mera Lama Lodre Gyatso in accordance with the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama, Nagwang Lobsang Gyatso, the monastery is revered for its spiritual and historical importance. Known in Tibetan as Galden Namgey Lhatse, which translates to “celestial paradise in a clear night”, the monastery exudes peace and reverence. Its library is a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist scriptures, including around 850 bundles of the sacred Kanjur and Tanjur texts, reflecting its role as a beacon of Buddhist learning and heritage.