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SAM CLUB DAY ‘16

Tawang, situated at 10000 feet above the mean sea level, is the name commonly associated with the small
town, though it is also the name of the much larger district. It has a chiefly Monpa dominant populace,
which is found only in the Twang and West Kameng districts of AP. (The people there are more the self-
contented, peaceful kind and are, generally, eager to help.) It is situated on a slight slope and is famous for
having the Second largest Monastery in Asia and the largest in India. There is also a War Memorial (which
we didn't visit). And within a distance of about 25 kilometres, there are a number of lakes and points to
look forward to (Cabs are readily available).In essence, it takes about two days to cover everything in
Tawang.

We le from our hotel in the morning for the trip to the lakes and viewpoints. Madhuri (scenes of the
movie Koyla were shot near Tawang and the lake borrowed its name from the famous actress) and
Pangateng Tso (or PTso) are the two famous lakes. Apart from them, a few other smaller lakes and ponds
are also worth stopping for. Madhuri Lake is famous for the picturesque it evokes at first sight. On a warm,
sun-filled day, with the placid lake water reflec ng the thicket –laden hillock adjacent, one could lose hours
at a stretch si ng by the lakeside, only to be bothered by the occasional brushes of the cool wind against
the face. There are (what appeared to be) stubs of tree trunks le in the middle of the lake. And it adds
certain uniqueness if not an oddity to an otherwise serene scene. We were told there is also a peak
frequented by trekkers and a waterfall that is absolute delight for the eyes, but that we'd have to visit in
some other season to enjoy those.
On the way back, we were lucky to see some ar llery tests being carried out by the Indian Army. Medium
sized shells were being fired in sets of threes at the peaks in front, from small ar llery guns, much like a
smaller Howitzer.

'Across the stream with wooden shoes,
With bells to tell the King the news,
A thousand misty riders climb up
Higher once upon a me.'

‘Wondering and dreaming,
The words had different meanings.'

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