Guwahati: A 5.5-km trek through the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district has recreated the arduous journeys once undertaken by the ancestors of the Monpa tribe, who braved snow, rain and treacherous mountains to bring salt and other essential commodities from Tibet along the route.Organised as a heritage tribute, “Salt Trek” began at Griptsang Lake near Nagula and ended at Chhu-shet Gyengo near Klemta Lake, retracing a section of the ancient salt-trading route.Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering flagged off “Salt Trek” on Sunday. More than 100 participants, including Zilla Parishad member Sonam Nordzin, Indian Army personnel, students, young people and trekking enthusiasts, took part in the trek.Organised by Monyul Heritage Tourism and Winter Sports Society in collaboration with Tawang tourism department and Monpa Media Mates, the event was held as part of activities marking World Tourism Day on Sept 27, with support from Indian Army.The MLA said he had trekked the ancient route a year ago to understand its historical significance. He expressed hope that it would emerge as a key heritage and adventure tourism destination, attracting visitors to Tawang’s trekking trails, history, culture and natural beauty.“Immense hardships were endured by the ancestors of the Monpas while travelling through the rugged mountains in search of essential commodities such as salt,” he said. He urged participants to pay a mindful tribute to their ancestors by learning about their history, struggles and way of life.He added, “The Salt Trek would contribute significantly towards preserving the region’s age-old traditions, oral history and folklore for generations to come.”During the trek, Bomba and Bumteng village Gaon Burah, or village headman, Dorjee Tsering, and fellow villager Phurpa Gombu shared insights into the ancient route and its pilgrimage sites. They stressed the need to preserve traditional local names of places, lakes and landmarks, and to document oral histories, folklore and local stories before they fade away.Participants viewed traditional artefacts linked to the region’s past, including baskets, horse saddles, walking sticks, matchboxes, silver coins and samples of white and rock salt. The items offered a glimpse into the lifestyle of their ancestors.Participants were also encouraged to document Tawang’s culture, history, cuisine and heritage through reels, podcasts and other digital platforms.The initiative sought to reconnect the younger generation with Monyul’s roots while preserving its history, oral traditions, cultural heritage and ancient routes for posterity, an official said.
