Bomdila, a serene Himalayan town

Bomdila, nestled in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, is a serene Himalayan town renowned for its Gontse Gaden Rabgyel Ling (GRL) Monastery, particularly the Upper Gompa overlooking the city, as well as its apple orchards and sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas, including Kangto and Gorichen peaks. At about 2,200 meters, it is home to the Monpa people, whose traditions reflect Tibetan Buddhist culture. Historically, Bomdila lay on trade routes connecting Tibet and Assam. For centuries, it has been influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, with monasteries like Bomdila Monastery, established in 1965, preserving religious art and monastic traditions. The region came under the control of the Ahoms in Assam, and later the British, who defined borders with Tibet. After India's independence, Bomdila gained strategic importance during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, as Chinese forces advanced through the area. Today, Bomdila is both a cultural and scenic hub, where vibrant festivals, thangkas, handicrafts, and tranquil landscapes highlight Arunachal's blend of spirituality and natural beauty.