Journey to Tawang : part 2

And I felt fresh the next morning (1st march ). At 7am when I woke up, it was bright sunshine. At 8am, it had started raining. We next went to the Tawang monastery, which does not really appear so big. There is a cultural school. Further inside is the main monastery, with a beautiful Buddha statue. This place was very peaceful, and I felt like just sitting here forever. There was a small museum, housing relics mostly of the 6th Dalai Lama ( who was born in this monastery ). The surrounding settlement was huge, and the views in certain areas of the valley around were awesome. It was raining constantly.

It was now time for souvenir shopping, with people buying different things. I didn’t, hoping to return again. Meanwhile, our second car developed snags, and so we went back to our hotel in 2 shifts. While I waited for the car to come back 2nd time, I saw small children practicing archery in a park. And it was a beautiful sight to see somehow. The plan was to go to Madhuri Lake, or PitSu Lake. But due to heavy snowfall, Madhuri Lake was closed. And you couldn’t go to PitSu after 12pm. Add to that, the car being broken. So we could do little. Someone suggested we visit the War Chorten nearby. We did. And it was also a beautiful place. A memoir to all those who gave their lives for India in 1962, when we were technologically and physically outmatched by China, and yet put up a fight. The talks with a Jawan nearby, was very informative on past and present situation of Indo-China border relations.

Back to the hotel, we had an early dinner and had the usual bakar sessions late into the night. Also it being Holi, there were no open shops, meaning no liquor or beer in the cold weather. Add to that the heavy rainfall now, which continued late into the night. There is fact, if it rains in Tawang , it snows in Sela Pass. That being our destination next day, I was apprehensive it might be blocked. We started around 9am back to Bhalukpong on 2nd march, traversing the same paths and destinations as we came. First stop again was Sela Pass, which was totally white as expected. However it was clear, with little mist but chilly winds, and part of lake frozen, and the peaks totally ice capped. We had some snow fights, made a snow-man and had a lot of fun. We continued further without incident to Dhirang, stocking up on chips etc again.

It was after this that the real dangerous part began. From Dhirang to Bomdila, most of the way it was totally crazy mist. No visibility almost, and each curve was hell. After a nerve-wracking hour and a half, we managed to get to Bomdila. It would have been best to stop here, as it was already 5.30pm and dark. But the other car had moved and so did we. Bomdila to Tenga was fine. But after this the driver went bonkers. First he forgot the way, then he wouldn’t ask for the way, following his own random wish. Finally we got back to the road we needed to take. It was already 7.15pm , dark, and it started drizzling. Then came the heavy fog. And again no visibility. Another 60+ KMs to go. I was scared. Then the driver got mad, and started driving at 30-40 in no visibility. I thought I would die. I had no hope left. For some time, I cursed the driver and prayed. Then I tried sleeping.

But with God’s grace, we reached Bhalukpong around 9.30pm. Then the place where the driver had told us that he would get us cheap rooms, turned out to be the most expensive hotel in Bhalukpong. But with some luck we found a new place, the owner Pinky was very sweet and we got cheap and cozy rooms. Had to sleep 5 on 2 single beds pushed together and it was another experience too. Woke up fresh on the 3rd and after a nice breakfast of tea and maggi continued back. We stopped in Nameri Eco Camp, so that the others could enjoy the place, and had a small breakfast.

The rest of the journey back was uneventful, and we reached IIT safe and sound, however totally dirty around 5pm after 5 days. It felt Home Sweet Home somewhat 😀