States » EastPosted at: Sep 20 2026 10:20PM


Salt Trek retraces ancient Monpa trade route in Tawang

Itanagar, Sep 20 (UNI) Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering on Sunday flagged off the Salt Trek, a heritage trekking initiative aimed at commemorating the Monpa forefathers who once traversed the high-altitude mountains to bring salt and other essential commodities from Tibet.
The nearly 5.5-km trek began from Griptsang Lake near Nagula and culminated at Chhu-shet Gyengo near Klemta Lake, retracing a section of an ancient route traditionally used for the salt trade with Tibet.
More than 100 participants, including MLA Namgey Tsering, Tawang Zilla Parishad Member Sonam Nordzin, Indian Army personnel, students, youth and trekking enthusiasts, took part in the trek.
The event was organised by the Monyul Heritage Tourism and Winter Sports Society in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Tawang, and Monpa Media Mates, with support from the Indian Army, as part of activities marking World Tourism Day.
Resource persons - Gaon Burah of Bomba, Bumteng Dorjee Tsering, and Phurpa Gombu shared insights into the history of the ancient route and pilgrimage sites along it. They stressed the need to preserve traditional names of places, lakes and landmarks and document oral histories, folklore and stories associated with them.
Addressing participants, MLA Namgey Tsering described the trek as a meaningful initiative to reconnect the younger generation with the history and hardships of their ancestors. He urged youth to take pride in and preserve the cultural heritage of Monyul.
The MLA, who said he had personally trekked the route last year, also highlighted its potential for heritage and adventure tourism, particularly for visitors interested in trekking, local history and traditional culture.
The organisers briefed participants on safety and environmental guidelines before the trek and urged them to follow a “leave no waste behind” approach to protect the fragile high-altitude environment.
Participants who completed the trek were felicitated with traditional Khadas at the culmination point. A display of traditional objects, including baskets, horse saddles, walking sticks, a traditional matchbox, silver coins and samples of white and rock salt, offered participants an insight into the material culture and lifestyle of earlier generations.
Participants were also encouraged to document and promote Tawang’s cultural and historical heritage through reels, podcasts and other digital platforms, including through the ongoing GEMS OF INDIA contest of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The Salt Trek sought to reconnect the present generation with an important chapter of Monyul’s history while promoting the preservation of its oral traditions, folklore, cultural heritage and ancient trade routes.
UNI TD BM
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