Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh Tawang Monastery was founded by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81. The monastery is about 10,000 feet above sea level and offers a commanding and picturesque view of the Tawang-chu valley. From a distance it appears like a fort as if guarding the wide valley below. Though it has the capacity for housing about seven hundred monks, the actual number of resident lamas (monks) at present is a little more than 450. This monastery is the fountain-head of the spiritual life of the people in Arunachal Pradesh.
