Why You Should Stop in Dirang Before Tawang? If you’re heading to Tawang, don’t skip Dirang.
Most people just pass through this peaceful town in West Kameng district, but trust me, Dirang is worth staying for at least two days. Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh, Dirang is full of Monpa tribal culture, ancient traditions, natural beauty, and food that will stay in your heart forever.
Table of Contents
Feel the Warmth of the Monpa Tribe
Dirang is home to the Monpa tribe, who follow Tibetan Buddhism. If you come here during Losar, the Tibetan New Year, you’ll experience their culture in the most heartfelt way.
When I arrived, a traditional Timri ritual was performed to keep away bad energy. Then came Ara, their local rice wine. As per tradition, I had to drink it three times, and each sip came with a smile and a blessing.
At my host’s home, I sat cross-legged on the floor and tasted a delicious Monpa meal — red rice, churpi (local cheese), wild mushrooms, and dishes like Zhan (local corn) and Topche. “This is Sonupa,” they told me — a flavorful mushroom curry I won’t forget.
Mandala Top: 108 Stupas and Himalayan Views
Next morning, I headed out to Mandala Top, about 28 km from Dirang. The drive took me through pine forests and small villages. As we went higher, the air became cold and clear. I even spotted yaks grazing along the road.
At the top, there they stood — 108 white stupas, built in a circular pattern, with snowy Himalayan peaks in the background.
Though the stupas were built just a few years ago, locals say they brought blessings to the valley. Since then, more travelers have started stopping in Dirang — and rightly so.
Explore the 300-Year-Old Dirang Dzong and Local Monasteries
After soaking in the mountain views, I returned to the valley and explored the Dirang Dzong — a 300-year-old fort built to protect the region from past invasions. Its stone walls and wooden balconies whisper stories from another time.
Later, I visited Kalachakra Gompa, also known as Dirang Gompa. At night, the monastery glows beautifully under soft lights, and the silence fills you with peace.
If you’re lucky, you might also see Monpa women weaving their traditional clothes or making ancient Monshugu paper in the nearby villages — an art that’s slowly fading.
Soak in Dirang’s Hot Water Spring
On day two, I went for a dip in the Dirang hot spring. Just outside town, a small path leads you to this natural wonder. The water, flowing from deep underground, is warm and soothing — believed to have healing powers.
Sitting there with locals, soaking in silence, I felt every worry melt away.
Sangti Valley: Bright Homes, River Picnics, and Local Games
Next, I visited Sangti Valley, just a short ride from Dirang. This place looks straight out of a postcard — colorful houses, mountain views, and the river flowing gently beside.
Kids played Parasho, a traditional game. Others were gathered around, rolling dice and laughing loudly. The whole place felt alive. Many people come to Sangti for camping by the river, but I was heading to a place not many know — Chug village.
Chug Village: Stone Houses and a Step Back in Time
Chug is special. It’s quiet, green, and beautifully preserved. Here, people still live in centuries-old stone and mud houses, farming and cooking the way their ancestors did.
Walking through the village feels like a time machine. And hidden in one of those old homes is a place that completely surprised me — Damu’s Heritage Dine.
Damu’s Heritage Dine: A 10-Course Monpa Tribal Feast
Damu’s is run by local Monpa women. Their mission? To keep traditional Monpa food alive and share it with travelers like you and me.
Here’s what I tasted in their 10-course meal:
- Pursung Gomoo: Buckwheat cake roasted over coals, topped with ghee and oil made from rare forest leaves (handled by only one person due to its potency)
- Takto Khazi: Handmade buckwheat noodles
- Millet Momos filled with potatoes and onions
- Bok Thupka, a thick soup of wheat, churpi, and radish
- Millet Takkos stuffed with chicken
- Bramsha Khamtang: Spiced pumpkin curry
- Shamarku: Chicken cooked with ginger
- And of course, Rajma, Dal, Timo, and sweet red rice for dessert
Every dish was earthy, warm, and rooted in Monpa life. Vegetarian options were available too. “Come back with your friends next time,” they smiled as I left.
How to Reach Dirang
- By Air: Nearest airport is Tezpur (Assam), about 190 km away
- By Road: Dirang lies on the Bhalukpong–Tawang highway, between Bomdila and Tawang
- Permit: Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Apply online easily.
Best Time to Visit Dirang
For Losar Festival & Monpa rituals: February–March
- For clear skies and good weather: October–April
- Avoid July–September, due to heavy rain and tricky roads
Final Words:
People often treat Dirang as just a stopover. But once you’ve had Ara with the locals, dipped in hot springs, stood among the stupas of Mandala Top, and tasted the flavors of a Monpa kitchen — you’ll know Dirang is so much more.
It’s peaceful, cultural, and deeply rooted in Himalayan tradition. So, when are you packing your bags for Dirang? Let the mountains call you, and I’ll see you in the next story.
Always happy.
Read More Stories of Arunachal Pradesh Tribes
- Dong Valley Travel Guide: Unveiling the Jewel of Arunachal Pradesh with Travel Tips & Tricks
- Meyor Tribe: Unveiling the Sunrise Tibe Warriors of Arunachal Pradesh | Adventure with ShivaTells
- Ollo Tribe’s Warang Festival: Hornbill Celebration
Watch Arunachal Pradesh Travel Stories –