Mandala Top: A Spiritual Haven in Arunachal Pradesh

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Discover Mandala Top: A spiritual sanctuary with 108 stupas, breathtaking Himalayan views, and diverse birdlife in Arunachal Pradesh.

Mandala Top, near Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, is a mountaintop adorned with 108 Buddhist stupas built in a circular pattern. Completed in 2018, each stupa is inscribed with the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum', creating a unique spiritual site and a haven for birdwatchers with over 300 species.

A brief summary to Mandala Top

790101, IN

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mandala Top.

Pack appropriate clothing and gear as the weather can be unpredictable.
Carry sufficient food and water, as there are limited facilities on the mountain.
Respect the local culture and customs of the area.
Check for necessary permits or entry fees before your visit. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian nationals, and a Protected Area Permit (PAP) is needed for foreign nationals.
Walk clockwise around the 108 stupas, in keeping with Buddhist tradition.

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Getting There

Road

To reach Mandala Top, begin your journey in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. From Dirang, Mandala Top is approximately 30 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a shared Sumo jeep from Dirang towards Mandala Top. The road winds through scenic hills and valleys, offering stunning views. The journey takes you along the main highway NH13 towards Tawang; look for the left turn towards Mandala Top from the Dirang Basti welcome gate or Dirang Power Station. The route is well-signposted with stone markers indicating the remaining distance. Hiring a taxi from Dirang to Mandala Top may cost around INR 3,000 or more. Shared Sumo jeeps are also available from Dirang. Bus services are limited in this area. The cost of public transportation in Arunachal Pradesh is approximately INR 20.

Discover more about Mandala Top

Mandala Top, situated at approximately 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) above sea level in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, offers panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. This serene location is home to 108 Buddhist stupas, constructed in a circular pattern on a mountain top. These stupas, also known as “Manes,” were built in 2018, with each one inscribed with the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum'. This makes it the first site of its kind in India.The construction of the 108 stupas was a community endeavor, with each family donating a stupa. The stupas are built in the Arunachal style, which is a departure from the rounded style seen in Nepal and other parts of India. The architecture is typically square and long, painted white and red with a yellow rooftop.Beyond its spiritual allure, Mandala Top is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The site boasts over 300 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The vibrant prayer flags, the serene atmosphere, and the stunning sunrises and sunsets add to the location's appeal. Visitors can stroll around the stupas in a clockwise direction, a Buddhist tradition believed to purify negative energy. The journey to Mandala Top, roughly 30 kilometers from Dirang, involves winding roads, but the tranquil atmosphere and natural grandeur make it worthwhile.