West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh state in the Indian sub-continent is lying approximately between 91° 30' to 92°40' East longitudes and 26° 54' to 28° 01' North latitudes. The district is surrounded by Tibet region of China in the North, Bhutan in the West, Tawang district and East Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh are in the Northwest and East respectively. The district has vast tourism potential.

West Kameng District is surrounded by Tibet Region in the North, Bhutan in the West, Tawang District and East Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh are in the North West and East respectively. The southern boundary adjoins Sonitpur District and Darrang District of Assam. Best time to visit the district is April to May and Mid September to November.

WEST KAMENG DISTRICT of Arunachal Pradesh is lying approximately between 91° 31` to 92°40` East Longitudes and 26°41` to 28°21` North Latitudes. The District is surrounded by Tibet region of China on the North Bhutan and West Tawang and East Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh are in the North-West and East respectively. The Southern boundary adjoins Sonitpur and Darrang District of Assam. There are five major tribes in the District namely : Monpas, Mijis, Akas, Sherdukpen and Khawa (Buguns). As per 2001 census this District is having 223 villages with a population of 74,595.WEST KAMENG DISTRICT of Arunachal Pradesh is lying approximately between 91° 31` to 92°40` East Longitudes and 26°41` to 28°21` North Latitudes. The District is surrounded by Tibet region of China on the North Bhutan and West Tawang and East Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh are in the North-West and East respectively. The Southern boundary adjoins Sonitpur and Darrang District of Assam. There are five major tribes in the District namely : Monpas, Mijis, Akas, Sherdukpen and Khawa (Buguns). As per 2001 census this District is having 223 villages with a population of 74,595.

HISTORY

The name of the district is derived from the Kameng River, a tributary of Brahmaputra that flows through this district. By a Government of India ‘Notification of 1914,’ the area covered by this district, became a part of the ‘Western Section’ of the ‘North East Frontier Tract’ to which the entry of the British subject was regulated by an ‘Inner Line’. By a Government of India ‘Notification of 1914,’ the area covered by this district, became a part of the ‘Western Section’ of the ‘North East Frontier Tract’ to which the entry of the British subject was regulated by an ‘Inner Line’.

In 1919, this tract was renamed as the ‘Balipara Frontier tract,’ having its headquarter at Charduar of Assam. In 1946, the district area was curved out of the Balipara, with the name of ‘Sela Sub-Agency’ and it’s headquarter continued to be ‘Charduar’ of Assam. In 1954, Sela Sub-Agency was renamed as the ‘Kameng Frontier Division’ and its headquarter was later transferred to Bomdila.

Like other parts of North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), it was also under the ‘Ministry of External Affairs’ and over all in-charge of the district was a ‘Political Officer,’ later on Kameng Frontier Division was renamed as ‘Kameng District’ and the Political Officer was redesignated as ‘Deputy Commissioner’.On 1st June 1980, Kameng District was again bifurcated into ‘East Kameng District’ and ‘West Kameng District’.

East Kameng District was formed, covering the area of the Seppa subdivision and rest of the area of erstwhile Kameng district was placed under the West Kameng District. Finally, on 6th October 1984, West Kameng District was once again, bifurcated and by curving out, the area of Tawang Subdivision. And at last, Tawang District was formed.

HISTORICAL PLACES & MONUMENTS

DIRANG FORT: Locally known as ‘JONG’, the fort at Dirang is an important historical monument for the Monpas of Dirang circle. The 17th century fort represent the authority of the King / Chief and also as an important centre of public administration. It was also the centre of military and judicial activities concerning the entire population within its jurisdiction.

The Monpa stronghold was built at Dirang in 1831. It is at a strategically located, four storage fortified building in which the entire village could take refuge at the time of war. It is the only one of its kind in the entire area.

The two-storied fort was built out of huge stone slabs and wooden logs. The wooden gate leading to the fort is decorated with local architectural designs. Realizing the importance of the monument recently the archeological department of the state has initiated moves to renovate the fort and also to declare it as a national monument.

LHAGYALA GONPA, MORSHING: The Gonpa is situated in the mountainside, over looking the Morshing valley at Morshing. It is around 80km from Bomdila towards Shergaon. Kachen Lama constructed it in the 7th century. It is a repository of immense treasure and antiquities of Buddhist Sectarians and plays an important role in the socio-political and religious life of the people of the entire area. The term ‘Lhagyala’ means repository of more than hundred large icons. It is next in position after the Tawang monastery.

RUINS OF BHALUKPONG: Forts constructed around 10th to 12th centuries are found in the Bhalukpong area of West Kameng district. It is believed to be that of some defeated kings of Assam in those periods. Few stone blocks and brickbats are found on the slope of the hillock, which is situated on the right bank of river Bharali, about 3-km northwest from Bhalukpong. Near The BRTF camp, Bhalukpong, some bricks, stone remnants, a pond and a brick well were found.

JAMERI MEGALITHIC SITE, JAMERI: A solitary megalithic site at Jameri is a sort of a megalithic island far away from the megalithic mainland in the Khasi-Jaintia Cachar-Naga belt. As some scripts are written on it, it has great values to the local villagers.

RUINS OF DIMACHUNG-BETALI: The Dimachung - Betali ruins are located on the hills of Rowta Forest range under Balemu circle. Some bricks and store remnants are found over the site. Few spots of the settlement area are encircled with the low retaining walls. A muller stone, containers with impression of the Mahayani Buddhist mantra, ‘Om Mane Pema Hum’, rock inscription were found in the area.

GYUTO TANTRIC MONASTERY, TENZIGAON: The monastery is situated at Tenzingaon, 80 km from Bomdila on the Bomdila-Kalaktang route. The inhabitants of the area are Tibetans, who had migrated from Tibet in 1959. The settlers and the monks had taken up the project to construct a monastery which took its shape in 1975-76 and named as ‘Gyuto Tantric Monastery’ under the initiative of the then Lt. Governor of Aruachal Pradesh, Mr.K.A.A.Raja.

The two-storied monastery with 14 rooms along with a big hall for assembly was formally inaugurated by the then Lt. Governor of Aruachal Pradesh, Mr.K.A.A.Raja on 6th October 1976.

The monastery conducts training to monks to acquaint them with tantrism. Additional to study, grammar, poetry of Tibetan script, modern English, Hindi, Mathematics, General Science etc are also taught.

The name of the place was renamed as Tengingaon, Tenzin Gyatso after the name of their spiritual head, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

GRL GOMPA, BOMDILA: The Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery, Upper Gonpa, Bomdila was started by the 12th reincarnate of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche in 1965 - 66. The Gonpa is a replica of Tsona Gontse Monastery at Tsona in South Tibet, which was established during 15th century.

The 12th reincarnate was born in the Morshing, Kalaktang Circle, West Kameng. Before his dead in 1966, he constructed this modest Gonpa. The present Rinpoche, the 13th Tsona Gontse Rinpoche commenced the construction of the main prayer hall, which was consecrated by His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama on 13th October 1997.

PLACES OF INTEREST

BOMDILA : The Gonpa, Craft Centre, District Museum,Sport Complex,& Losar Festival (February)are the main attractions.The distance is 102 KM from Bhalukpong.Bus Services and Taxis are available.Accommodation is provided at Circuit House (PWD),Circuit House (Annx),Tourist Lodge (Tourism Department) for Govt. officials at the rate Rs. 50/- day(subject to prior booking & availiblity of accomodation.

Hotel Siphyang Phong is the most primier hotel with 23 rooms with a rate of Rs.650 to Rs.750 per day with bar& restaurant facilities.Hotel Pine Ridge,Hotel Passang,Hotel La,Hotel Dawa,Hotel Yatri Niwas&Hotel Sweet are the other hotels with a rate ranging from Rs.200 to Rs 300.Tour operators registered are Himalayan Holidays, Pine Ridge,Advance Tours and Travel,Seven, Sister Safari & Shambala.Climate is warm in summer cold in winter.

DIRANG: The Altitude of Dirang is 1497m / 4910ft.The Regional Apple Nursery, Kiwi Farm, Angling,Yak Research Centre, Gonpa, Dirang Jong (Fort), Base camp for trekking, Sight Seeing & Hot Water Spring are the main attractions at Dirang. Distance is 45 KM from Bomdila. Bus and Taxis are readily available. Inspection Bungalow (PWD), Tourist Lodge, Anchal Samiti Lodge & Private Lodge in the range of Rs100 +

SANGTI: The sheep breeding farm,Scenic Beauty spots & picnic spots are the main attractions here.Distance is 12 KM from DirangBus & Taxi services are readily available.Accommodation is provided at Inspection Bunglow (Vet.) at the rate of Rs.100.00.Climate is warm in summer cold in winter.

SELA PASS: The altitude is 4114m / 13494 ft. Its famous for high altitude lakes& scenic beauty& is ideal for ice skating during winter. Bangajung Gonpa is the main budhist cultural centre here. Distance is 100KM from Bomdila. Bus services & Taxis are available from Bomdila & Dirang. Accommodation is provided at a Rest House. Weather is cold in summer & snow falls during winter

SANGE: Sange is famous for its scenic beauty and its the base camp for going to Sela Pass. Distance is 80KM from Bomdila. Bus&Taxis services are available from Bomdila & Dirang. Accommodation is provided at Inspection of Bungalow (PWD) at a Rs 100 a day. Tourist Lodge is being constructed by the State Tourism Department and is nearing completion. Climate is warm in summer andcold in winter. Snow falls during winter.

BHALUKPONG: The Altitude is 213m / 699 ft. The Cane House, Angling,Wild Life,View Points River rafting, Burn Rice (Dizling) and picnic spots. Distance is 40 km. from Tezpur. Buses & Taxis readily available from Tezpur & Bomdila are also locally available. Accomodation is available at the Inspection Bungalow (PWD), Inspection Bungalow (IFCD), Hotel Ama Yangri, Hotel Eshwar, Hotel East West, Hotel Seema & at the Staging Hut (RWD) at the rate of Rs.100 a day. Weather is hot in summer cold in winter.

TIPPI: The Orchid center, Waterfall , Distillery , Bottling Plant,Cold Storage, Resin Factory (Nafra Chemicals)& Citronella Factory are the main attractions here. Distance is 4 KM from Bhalukpong. Bus services&Taxis(Rs.50 from Bhaklukpong are available .Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest House at the rate Rs. 100.00.Weather is hot in summer and warm in winter.Foggy weather is for most of the months.

NECHIPHU (Zero Point): The altitude is 1708m / 5602 ft. Paragliding & View Points are the main features. Distance is 52 KM from Bhalukpong.Bus & taxi sevices are available from Bomdila,T ezpur & Bhalukpong.However there is no accommodation.

JAMIRI: Fishing, Picnic spots, Megalithic stone& Rock climbing are the main attractions.Distance is 67 KM from Bhalukpong.Accomodation is available at the Inspection Bungalow (PWD) at a rate of Rs.100. Bus and Taxis available.Weather is warm in summer and cold in winter.

RUPA: (Simmering Silver Valley ): Particulars: The altitude of Rupa is 1408m / 4618 ft. Angling, Views of natural Valley, Gompa & the Wild life sanctuary (Near Singchung) are the main attractions. Distance is 77 KM from Bhalukpong. Accommodation is available at Inspection Bungalow (PWD), Inspection Bungalow (RWD), Hotel Arohi (Private) & Sawme Hotel (Private). Climate is warm in summer and Cold in winter.

Rupa (Original name Tukpan) was given by the first outsider who happened to be an army officer. He was leading his men into the valley of Shertukpen people. Full of natural greenery, the whole mountain ranges were mostly covered with evergreen pines and junipers with a sprinkling of seasonal leaf shedders, thorny shrubs, wild flowers and fruits and above all natural orchids that sprouted on tree branches and rocks. The place, located in the middle of four mountains had a splash big flat land but what strike the traveler most was the sight of two rivers that runs on the both side of village which joined at the very edge of the valley.

SHERGAON: The altitude is 1954m / 6409 ft. Angling, Fish Farm, Apple Orchard, View of natural valley & rockclimbing are the main attractions.Distance is 60 KM from Bomdila.Bus services and Taxis are available.Accommodation is provided at the Inspection of Bungalow(PWD) .It warm in summer and cold in winter.

MORSHING: Morshing has one of the oldest Gompa ,The Lhagayala Gonpa built in the 7th Century AD. It has breathe taking view of the natural valley. Various track and routes here are as old as even 400 years . Distance is 87 KM from Bomdila. Bus services & Taxis available from Bomdila & Rupa.Accommodation is available at the Inspection of Bungalow (PWD) .Climate is warm in summer and cold in winter