Bomdila Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Arunachal Pradesh. It was Inaugurated in 1965 with the blessings of the 14th Dalai Lama. This renowned monastery of Bomdila is also known as Gontse Garden Rabgye Ling.
Mahayana Buddhism is practiced at this monastery by people called Monpa. This makes it one of the famous tourist attractions in Arunachal Pradesh for Buddhism followers. Located 8500 feet above sea level, Bomdila Monastery is a replica of Tsona Gontse Monastery in South Tibet. As per a legend, the Bomdila Monastery was initially built by Tsona Rinpoche’s 12th reincarnation. Many meditation and religious practices take place at Bomdila Monastery. For example, you can witness beautiful mandalas made from sand here at festivals. And after the festivities are over, monks mess up these designs as a symbol of their belief in the impermanence of life.
Bomdila Monastery is divided into three parts – Upper, Middle, and Lower Gompa. There is a massive hall where prayers are held, and one of the major attractions here is the Buddha Temple. It is located within the monastery premises. If you want to have a soul-cleansing experience and learn about Buddhist rituals and practices, Bomdila Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. You can also plan a vacation in this peaceful town through our well-curated Bomdila tour packages.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bomdila Monastery
Best Time to Visit Bomdila Monastery
October to April is the best time to visit Bomdila Monastery. The weather is excellent, and you can comfortably explore the monastery and its surroundings. With that being said, you can visit here during the Losar Festival celebrated in February. It is organized to start a new chapter with the blessings of the almighty.
How to reach Bomdila Monastery
Here are the different ways to reach Bomdila Monastery –
- By Air – Tezpur airport is the nearest airport to Bomdila Monastery. It is located at a distance of 150 km away, and it takes about 4 hours to reach the monastery by road. You can find taxis or buses from the airport.
- By Train – Rangapara North Junction is the closest railhead to Bomdila Monastery. You can take a taxi or bus to reach the monastery, which is 147 km away and will take around 4 hours to reach.
- By Road – You can find taxis from anywhere in Bomdila city to reach Bomdila Monastery. However, you can also plan a road trip via Chariduar-Tawang road. From Tezpur or Guwahati, you can opt for a bus or taxi. The distance from Guwahati to Bomdila Monastery is approx. 338 km, and Tezpur to Bomdila Monastery is approx. 157 km.
Places to Stay near Bomdila Monastery
Bomdila Monastery also provides a stay for visitors for an authentic experience. This way to get to learn more about Buddhist culture. The guest houses at Bomdila Monastery offer a comfortable stay with decent to excellent facilities. Else, here are our recommended hotels near Bomdila Monastery –
- Pemaling Lords Inn Dirang (19 km away)
- Hotel Siphiyang Phong (1 km away)
- Hotel Dili Phu (0.7 km away)
Tips for Visiting Bomdila Monastery
- Respect the local culture.
- Follow any rules they have at the monastery
- Do not little and keep the surroundings clean
- During the Losar Festival, many people visit here. So make sure to book your tickets and hotels in advance
- The weather is quite cold. Carry warm clothes with you
- Whether the weather is freezing, keep yourself hydrated with warm liquids
