TBM Staff - Mumbai
The Arunachal Pradesh government is actively revitalising the historic escape route of the Dalai Lama into a spiritual and religious tourism circuit. Lumla, nestled in the Tawang district, is emerging as a prominent destination due to its pivotal role during the Dalai Lama’s 1959 journey from Lhasa to India. Spearheaded by the public works department, the project entails constructing five monoliths at sites where the Dalai Lama rested during his trek.
The trail, dating back to 1959, stretches from Tibet to India, passing through Kehn-De-mani in Zemithang circle, Tawang district. Notable landmarks along the route include the ‘Lhasa Dwar’ marking the Dalai Lama’s entry into India and the revered ‘holy tree.’ Zemithang, part of the larger village program, is witnessing comprehensive development, including gompas and a museum showcasing artifacts related to the Dalai Lama.
The tourism department is exploring the trail’s transformation into a tourist circuit, complemented by the erection of a 113-feet Maitreya Buddha statue in Buri. This initiative, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, aims to enhance cultural and historical tourism while fostering economic growth. Plans for adventure tourism and ecological festivals align with the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage, positioning it as an emerging hub for spiritual, religious, and adventure tourism.
