Bomdila Monastery
About
Bomdila Monastery, officially called Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Lling, was founded in 1965 by the 12th reincarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche. This Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monastery rises in traditional style on a ridge above Bomdila in which state is Arunachal Pradesh, overlooking the scenic stretches of the Bomdila district. The main prayer hall displays intricate murals, rows of glowing butter lamps, and a beautifully gilded Buddha that draws devotees and travellers alike. The complex also houses a Buddhist school for young monks, a library with religious texts, and residential quarters for nearly 100 monks, many belonging to the local Bomdila tribe community. Visitors travelling along the Bomdila to Tawang distance often stop here for darshan and to attend peaceful morning prayers before continuing towards higher routes such as Bomdila pass.
Highlights
What makes this place special
Main Prayer Hall
The Gelugpa style prayer hall, filled with vibrant murals and the soft light of butter lamps, feels especially atmospheric during early morning and evening chanting sessions. The calm ambience deepens as monks recite prayers in rhythmic harmony.
Monastery Gardens
The monastery grounds feature landscaped gardens lined with colourful prayer flags and open spaces that resemble a quiet Bomdila view point. From here, visitors enjoy sweeping valley views and cool mountain air shaped by the region’s changing Bomdila temperature, making it an ideal place for silent contemplation.
Things to Know
- •Open 7 AM to 6 PM
- •Free entry
- •Morning prayer at 7 AM
- •No photography inside
- •Dress modestly
