05/01/2023
ZEMITHANG
Zemithang (2150 MSL) also called Pangchen, is the headquarter of an eponymous circle in Lungla Sub-division of Tawang district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is some 90 kms away from Tawang Town and comprises of 06 villages which are of high cultural and historical significance. With little impact of urbanization, it provides immense potential to experience traditional lifestyles and culture of Pangchen Monpas. Situated on the banks of Nyamjang Chu River, Zemithang is also the last administration division of India on the border with Tibet Autonomous Region in the north and Bhutan in the west and has a population of around 2500 people by 2011 census.
Zemithang literary means a land washed away by river wherein the sand from the river formed the area (‘Zemi’- sand and ‘thang’- plain land).Locally known as ‘Pangchen’, it also means a land free from all sins. Zemithang is a place of absolute calm, peace and serenity. From the majestic mountains to the chirping of birds for company, it is paradise for nature lovers. Wide altitude range with forest types from temperate to alpine provides great experience to nature tourists. The area also has rare flora like orchids, rhododendrons, medicinal plants, etc. and fauna like Red panda, Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, etc. Rich diversity of birds such as Black necked crane, Blood pheasant, Monal, Tragopan, etc. make the area one of the dream destination for bird watchers.
The route to Zemithang is also absolutely scenic and beautiful; notably the picturesque town of Lungla with the magnificient Dolma Lhakhang - Grand Statue of Tara Devi perched atop and spectacular view of open valleys and majestic mountains. After meandering through thick shadows of bamboo and pine trees and numerous streams, when you finally enter the Zemithang Valley, you are greeted by numerous waterfalls enroute, namely Bap Teng Kang (BTK), Shirdi and Bludi Waterfalls. Finally just before Zemithang Hq., stands the sky looming high Gorsam Chorten (Stupa) modeled after Boudhinath Stupa of Nepal.
A place called Khinzamane, a little ahead of Zemithang is where the present Dalai Lama crossed into India from Tibet in 1959.
There are two routes for Zemithang:
one via Lungla and another via Shungetser- Taktsang Gonpa.
One can complete the full circuit “Tawang-Taktsang-Zemithang-Lungla-Tawang” either in a single day or with a night stay at Zemithang.
Visitors can either catch bus or taxi from Tawang bus stand for Zemithang. For accommodation, there are 14 Nos. of registered homestays under Zemithang Circle.
Notable tourist points of interest in Zemithang Valley:
Gorsam Stupa,
Zemithang Village Gonpa,
Nyamjang chu Riverside,
Zangdok Parli Gonpa & Giant Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Lumpo Village,
Muchut Village,
Shoktsen Village,
Waterfalls (BTK, Shirdi & Bludi),
Khinzemane,
Taktsang Gonpa.
