Tawang’s Freedom Trail Trek Commemorates Dalai Lama’s 1959 Historic Journey to India
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA 1 April: “Freedom Trail,” a six-day trekking programme retracing the historic route taken by the Dalai Lama during his escape to India on March 31 1959, following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, commenced in Tawang on 31 March.
The 100-km trek, organised by the Tawang district administration, began from Kenzamani near the Line of Actual Control separating India and China on Monday, 66 years after the Dalai Lama reached Kenzamani in 1959. It is set to conclude at the Tawang Monastery on 5 April, commemorating the day the Tibetan spiritual leader reached Tawang 66 years ago, The Arunachal Times reported.
Over 300 individuals, including Gaon Burahs (village heads), Panchayat members, border guarding forces, monks and tourists have reportedly joined the first day of trekking.
“As we embark on this six-day-long journey along the Freedom Trail, we draw strength from the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hope for a peaceful future,” Lungla MLA Lhamu Tsering said in the report.
“Our relationship with Tibet is centuries old, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual understanding. The bond between our people goes beyond borders. We remain inspired by His Holiness’ teachings and his unwavering commitment to compassion, non-violence, and the promotion of human values.” She added.
According to a video announcement by the Deputy Commissioner of Tawang, Kanki Darang, APCS, the trekking event aims to honour the Dalai Lama’s message of peace, non-violence and compassion through the act of retracing his escape route. The Commissioner also says that during this journey in 1959, the Dalai Lama also gave his first message on compassion and peace outside of Tibet at the Gorsam Chorten(Stupa) near the village of Zimithang in Tawang District.
The participants of the Freedom Trail are scheduled to reach Gorsam Chorten today, on the second day of the trail, after covering 10 km from Chu-Dang-Mo. On the third day, trekkers will cover 22 kilometres in ten hours to reach Shakti, which is considered the most challenging part of the journey.
On the 4th day, the team will walk a distance of 23 km to reach Old Lumla, culminating in a visit to Thar Dhoe Norbu Ling Gonpa. It will be followed by a 14 km stretch to Thongleng on day 5 before the final leg of the journey to Tawang monastery, a distance of 28 kilometres and an estimated 11 hours of walking.
The Monpa tribe of Tawang are predominantly Buddhist, with their faith deeply rooted in the Tibetan Mahayana traditions. Their culture and practices are closely tied to Tibetan Buddhist customs.
The Tawang Monastery, established in the 17th century by Mera Lama under the guidance of the 5th Dalai Lama, holds great significance in the region as a key centre of Buddhist learning and spirituality.
The region also holds historical importance as the birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, further strengthening its connection to Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama lineage.
