About Thubchog Gatsel Ling
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Rangapara North Junction, about 138 km away
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport, about 143 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: APSTS Ticket Booking Centre, about 1 km away
The Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery, also called the Lower Gompa, is a peaceful Buddhist retreat in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. The monastery was built in the early 1960s by the 12th reincarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. Its purpose was to help Tibetan refugees and keep the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) tradition of Tibetan Buddhism alive, making it one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Since then, it has become an important place for practising religion and keeping culture alive in the area.
Visitors can witness the beautiful buildings, which are covered in detailed murals and thangkas. They can also join the monks in daily prayer sessions, which are accompanied by rhythmic chants. The new prayer hall, which was blessed by Gaden Tripa Lobsang Tenzin, adds to the spiritual atmosphere of the site.
Thubchog Gatsel Ling has important festivals all year long, like the Monyul Palden Lhamo and Choekhor, where people come together to do traditional rituals, dance, and have fun. The monastery is on a hilltop, which gives it a wide view of the Eastern Himalayas. This makes it a peaceful place for both spiritual seekers and travellers.
Thubchog Gatsel Ling Highlights
• Step into the sacred calm of Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery, nestled on a hillside in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Marvel at the golden statues, vibrant murals, and thangka paintings that bring the life of the Buddha and ancient teachings to life.
• Sit quietly in the grand prayer hall, with resonant chants of monks and the scent of butter lamps creating an atmosphere of deep reverence.
How To Reach Thubchog Gatsel Ling
- By car/taxi: Thubchog Gatsel Ling is about 1 km from Bombila centre, via NH13. It will take you around 3 minutes to get there.
- By foot: You can also enjoy a quick walk of around 15 minutes.
Best Time To Visit Thubchog Gatsel Ling
Peak Season (March to May):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 24°C
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, Nature Photography
Moderate Season (September to November):
- Weather Insights: Cool and crisp post-monsoon climate, temperature ranging from 10°C to 20°C
- Things to do: Admire the architecture, meditate
Low Season (June to August & December to February):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season with heavy rainfall, and extreme winters, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 18°C
- Things to do: Enjoy nature in its full scope, with fewer crowds
Thubchog Gatsel Ling Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear modest clothes and respect the decorum of the monastery.
- Do not take pictures or shoot videos inside the monastery without prior permission.
- Check the timings for festivals and special prayers so you don't miss out.
- Stay patient and maintain proper queue etiquette during the festival time rush.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the monastery authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
Attend Morning Prayer Sessions
Start your day with the peaceful sounds of monks chanting sacred mantras during the early morning prayer rituals. The rhythmic chants and the soft clang of cymbals in the ornately decorated prayer hall create a deeply meditative atmosphere and give you a rare look into the disciplined monastic life of the Gelugpa tradition.
Admire Buddhist Art and Murals
The inner sanctum of the monastery is decorated with colourful thangkas (Buddhist scroll paintings), intricate mandalas, and wall murals that show the lives of the Buddha and other gods. Each part has a meaning and tells a story from Tibetan Buddhist lore, making it a great experience for people who like art, religion, or stories.
Capture Panoramic Views of the Himalayas
Thubchog Gatsel Ling is located on a hill and has amazing views of the Eastern Himalayan ranges and the town of Bomdila below. It's a great place to take pictures, especially at dawn or dusk when the golden light makes the monastery's colourful structure and the misty hills look even better.
Tourism Board Alliances
Thubchog Gatsel Ling FAQs
What is Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery known for?
Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery, also called the Lower Gompa, is renowned for its peaceful ambience, rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage, and stunning hilltop views. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect and serves as a vital centre of learning, prayer, and cultural preservation for Tibetan refugees and local Monpa Buddhists.
Are visitors allowed to attend prayer sessions?
Yes, visitors are welcome to observe or respectfully participate in the morning or evening prayer sessions. These rituals involve chants, horns, and drums, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Visitors should remain silent during sessions and dress modestly to maintain decorum.
Where is Thubchog Gatsel Ling Monastery located?
The monastery is located in the picturesque Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh's Dirang. It is a peaceful, spiritual location that is tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.