THEMBANG-WORLD HERITAGE SITE

THEMBANG the settlement of the Monpas is a village within a fortified area measuring approximately 3.2 acres. The traditional knowledge system of the Monpas is the indicative of their consciousness in maintaining the built as well as natural heritage of their area as their traditional glory.
            The west kameng  district in which the Thembang is located, shares border with Tibet on north and Bhutan on the west has similar influence on the Socio-cultural systems in the district,including architecture that is manifest in the presence of Dzongs, a type of fortress architecture that is usually found in Bhutan and Tibet.

Thembang Dzong is located approx 55 Km north-east of township Bomdila at an altitude of 2169 m above the mean sea level.The area falls to the east of Tawang-Bomdila road and about 15 km from Munna camp.The area is surrounded with scenic beauty of green hills,steep gorges and snow clad mountain.

Since Thembang Dzong is believed to be constructed before 1100 CE, it may very well be the precursor to the more majestic Dzongs architecture of Bhutan and a pioneering case study of a fortified village in the eastern Himalayas.
                                                                     The Dzong has two gates - One at the northern side of the village fort. Northern gate measures 3.50 m by 5.00 m. While southern gate is in the nature of emergency or the emergency escape gate.The construction of the Dzong follows traditional construction system of Monpas, which includes stone masonry and wood architecture. Ornamental features include carved stone blocks, stone walls with prayers engraved,traditional wood carvings, painting and manuscripts as murals and graffiti along the houses and ancient ruins.

This picture shows the Northern gate of The Thembang Dzong.