I will never know,what got over us to plan a trip to Tawang in the month of January when it would be absolutely freezing there.However,as planned the necessary arrangements were made and we set out for Tezpur,a town about 400 kms from our hometown,Dibrugarh.We stayed the night there and next morning ,very early,we began our journey,by road ,to Tawang.Three excited souls,me,and two of my cousins, my husband and another cheerful soul,the person who was driving ,occupied the car.The drive through the plains is always pleasant ,in the north-eastern parts of this country. I think Nature is the greenest in this part of the world.Gradually,the plains began to give way to undulating terrains.Towards tI he latter part of the day,we were actually climbing low hills through bends,but not very sharp ones.The man at the wheels informed us that the test of our nerves was yet to begin!The three of us sniggered at his dramatics (Yes,that's what we thought it was).Anyway,at around 4 in the evening we reached a place called Dirrang.We had to halt there for the night .We were taken to a 'hotel'which,though not a very encouraging habitable proposition. incidentally served us such delicious dinner that we immediately made up our mind to revisit it on our way back.
The real journey began the next morning.Once again it was an early morning start.It was a climb all the way up through hairpin bends.The narrower than the narrow roads and sharp turns, were gradually taking their toll on our enthusiasm. However,soon we were back to our excited selves when we encountered snow fall.The drizzling snow flakes were irresistible. We had to get out of the car to feel them.Our guide and driver was kind enough to stop the car for a while,though reluctantly.Evidently,our sneakers were not fit for walking on the fairly thick layer of snow.We had our first tumble on the white sheet.It was hilarious for us and worrysome for my husband,who was watching us from the safety of the car.However,we had to reach our destination before it grew dark.Our drive was slower than a snail's pace and I am not exaggerating.Beyond the edges of the roads there was nothing but gaping voids.A minute miscalculation on the part of the driver and the vehicle would skid into oblivion.Brakes couldn't be used for the fear of the car swerving over.We were pretty much convinced that only prayers could get us through this!That I am here,recalling the anxious ride is only due to the expertise of the driver.God bless him!
The drive might have been filled with anxious moments but it was worth it,given the beauty that nature had laid out for us.Trees draped in white and the glistening mountain tops basking in the glory of the sunrays, were a visual delight!
Finally,when we reached the Tawang town,the sun was on its way out.Earlier, in the excitement and anxiety of the journey,we hadn't realised how cold it was.Even as we got out of the car, the freezing cold pierced us through layers and layers of woollens. I have always liked winters,snow,rainfall but when it is -4 degrees and your teeth are chattering, your liking takes a serious beating.To make matters worse,due to the temporary absence of electricity,the room heaters were not working.When we hit the sack, it felt like laying down on the snow itself.The pillows were like bricks of ice. I am sure if we had to go without the heaters all night, we would have been frozen to the bones.
The morning unfolded another story.When we looked out of the window, the car was covered in a blanket of snow. Looked around and saw icicles hanging from the edges of the roofs,the streets,a pristine white.Had seeen scenes like that, only in pictures! As far as eyes could see,it was only driven snow.Even the greens wore white!
Of all the places we went to,two places are etched in the memory - one,the Sella Pass and the other, the Buddhist monastery.
Sella Pass, located at a height of 14000 ft is a world in itself.I am not too sure what made me more breathless,the lack of oxygen or the picturesque landscape!As I stood at that height,I looked up and for the first time I felt as if the sky was within my reach.The only sound was the whistling of the not-so-gentle breeze. Not a soul,besides us were around. We could have been the only living beings on the face of the earth. Spell bound,we became one with the serenity.If it were not for the growl of a distant bear (we had been warned against their possible presence) we might have never thought of getting back to the earth, so to speak. We were also told not to tarry there for long,because we were very close to the China border and if the sentinels, across the border,
happened to spot us,they might not be too thrilled at our presence. So, we had to make a hasty retreat.But,personally speaking,I left a part of me there.
Another destination, closer to the earth, was the Buddhist monastery,which had us completely awestruck.Set amidst the snow clad mountains, the place compels you to bare your soul to the Divinity of Nature. A sprawling wooden structure,the sparkling Buddha and the soft chants of a congregation of monks,hold you spellbound ; not to mention the hospitality of the resident monks,their enthusiasm to show you around and narrate the history of the place.
There are places which leave you with no choice but to surrender yourself to it.Even as you bid a farewell to it,you know you are leaving a part of yourself there.Tawang has been one such experience. It's been quite a few years since the visit , but memories made there,are as vivid as ever.I cannot boast of possessing an elephantine memory.On the contrary, I forget things very fast.Considering the fact that Tawang stands out in my merory,I guess it is selectively photographic!
Much as I would like to visit Tawang again, I don't think I have the courage to undertake the journey through those narrow winding roads,once again. Having said that,I wish all travel lovers would make it a point to visit Tawang,if not for anything else,for the sheer pleasure of experiencing the splendour of a heavenly destination!
Chandni.
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