Notes from Tawang: Tough hikes and annoying visitors

It’s unfortunate that some people from other parts of India treat the indigenous Monpas of Tawang like they’re some kind of colonial subjects.

How does someone who can easily run 7 kilometres on a humid Bombay morning on Juhu Beach fare when he has to walk 2 kilometres in Tawang in February? This is not a no-brainer! The 3000-metre altitude and the hilly paths make the hike an incredibly difficult and challenging task!

My lovely homestay, located near Tawang’s New Market, offered a beautiful v…