TAWANG, 20 Sep: Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering on Sunday flagged off the 'Salt Trek', a heritage trekking initiative organised as a tribute to the Monpa forefathers, who once traversed the difficult high-altitude mountains, braving heavy snow, rain and other hardships to bring salt and other essential commodities from Tibet.
The nearly 5.5-km trek, which started from Griptsang Lake near Nagula, culminated at Chhu-shet Gyengo near Klemta Lake. The participants retraced a section of one of the ancient routes traditionally used by the forefathers for salt trade with Tibet.
During the trek, GBs Dorjee Tsering and Phurpa Gombu shared valuable insights into the history of the ancient route and the pilgrimage sites located along it. They particularly emphasised the importance of preserving the traditional local names of places, lakes and landmarks, as well as documenting the oral histories, folklore and stories associated with these sites before they are lost with the passage of time.
Over a hundred participants joined the heritage trek, including the Tawang MLA, Tawang ZPM Sonam Nordzin, officers of the Indian Army, students, youths and trekking enthusiasts.
Addressing the participants, MLA Tsering described the occasion as a historic and meaningful initiative, and congratulated the organisers for reconnecting the present generation with an important chapter of Monyul's past.
He recalled the immense hardships endured by the ancestors while travelling through the rugged mountains in search of essential commodities such as salt, and urged the participants to offer a mindful tribute to their forefathers by learning about their history, struggles and way of life.
He further called upon the younger generation to take pride in and carry forward the rich cultural legacy inherited from their ancestors. Tsering expressed confidence that initiatives like the 'Salt Trek' would contribute significantly towards preserving the region's age-old traditions, oral history and folklore for generations to come.
The MLA said also that he had trekked along the ancient route a year ago to better understand its historical significance.
Highlighting the tourism potential of the route, he expressed hope that it would gradually emerge as an important destination for heritage and adventure tourism, particularly for visitors interested in trekking, local history, traditional culture and the natural beauty of Tawang.
Earlier, the organisers briefed the participants on the dos and don'ts to be followed during the trek. Special emphasis was laid on maintaining the pristine environment of the route, with participants urged to follow the principle of "leave no waste behind" and ensure that the fragile high-altitude landscape remained clean and undisturbed.
At the culmination point, every participant who successfully completed the trek was felicitated with a traditional khada. The participants were also shown a collection of traditional objects associated with travel and everyday life in earlier times, including baskets, horse saddles, walking sticks, a traditional matchbox, silver coins, and samples of white and rock salt used during those days. The display offered the younger participants a glimpse into the material culture and lifestyle of their forefathers.
The participants were also encouraged to creatively document and share the unique stories of Tawang through reels, podcasts and other digital content focusing on its culture, history, tourism, local cuisine and heritage. They were urged to participate in the ongoing 'Gems of India' contest of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and use the opportunity to showcase the distinctive stories and heritage of the district at the national level.
The programme 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 commemorating the World Tourism Day. (DIPRO)
