It was around 10 pm when we both opened our eyes to the dimly lit surrounding. The world around us, cloaked in serene stillness, was occasionally interrupted by the distant barking of a dog. Above, stars twinkled in a satin black canvas with white clouds floating by. In front us, the courtyard flanked by neatly manicured trees led to the entrance of the imposing monastery. And behind it, the silhouette of majestic mountains loomed, their regal forms outlined against the night sky. Here, within the walls of Dirang Monastery, nature, architecture, and spirituality coalesced into an extraordinary tapestry.
Embraced by the meditative ambience, we had drifted into a trance, losing track of time. But as reality seeped in, gratitude surged within us for this profound experience. The opportunity to stay in the monastery guest house had opened doors into the spiritual realm that we had never imagined. And it still stands as a cherished highlight of our Arunachal Pradesh trip.
About TDL Monastery Guest House
The Guest House is part of Thupsung Dhargye Ling (aka TDL) Monastery. This is the new monastery of Dirang, perched on a hill and surrounded by towering mountains. The guest house is sprawled across the 1st and 2nd floor of the monastery complex.
The guest house has 8 private rooms suitable for double occupancy. Each room opens to a balcony, offering great views of Dirang valley as well as the surrounding hills. The rooms are capacious and have simple furnishings. All rooms are equipped with a comfortable bed, adequate blankets and comforters for winter, a table with a pair of chairs and a TV. The tiled bathroom has a western toilet, a wash basin, shower and a geyser. Overall, the accommodation is very comfortable and cost-effective.
What we liked about our stay
Night view and solitude
The main reason we loved our stay at the guest house was the way it felt after sundown. As evening descended, the whole place was transformed from a bustling tourist spot in to a sanctuary of solitude and spirituality. If I said, the monastery was stunning in the day, then it looked purely magical at night. With no other soul around, we just settled down near the stares closing our eyes for a while and meditating. This experience is possible only when you stay in the guest house overnight.
It is not just the spiritual vibe, but also the night views that elevate the whole stay experience. From our room balcony, we could see the town lights at a distance like twinkling stars and the silhouette of the mountains surrounding us in the faint light. The stupa and garden below complemented by fluttering prayer flags and washed in the cool moonlight looked absolutely surreal. It felt like being in a different world where everything was designed carefully for a wholesome experience, a place with the ability to heal even the most troubled minds.
Early morning vibes
Staying in the guest house offers another unique advantage: exclusive access to the monastery in the morning before tourists flock in. Bathed in the soft sunlight, the monastery truly looks like the divine abode of the Gods. Inside, the absence of people allowed us to appreciate the intricate details and the sacred ambience. If you are an early riser, do not miss the mass prayer of the monks that transforms the whole atmosphere.Read More….
