Sela Pass is one of the most visited tourist places in Arunachal Pradesh. It is located at 14,000 feet above sea level and is the gateway to Tawang Valley. It is also one of the high-altitude motorable passes in the world. Visitors from all corners of the country come here to enjoy mesmerizing views of the snow-capped mountains.
During the winter months, heavy snowfall covers the Pass. However, while driving towards Tawang, you also come across the serene Sela Lake or Paradise Lake, frozen in winter. The golden rays falling on the snow-clad mountain tops are a captivating sight to behold.
Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh connects Tawang Valley to the rest of India. Open throughout the year, Sela Pass is managed by the Border Road Organization (BRO). The Indian Army protects Sela Pass and Lake, and you can also see their struggles in protecting this route in extreme weather conditions.
Here are the details you need about Sela Pass
Sela Pass Legend
Legend says that an Indian army sepoy named Jaswant Singh Rawat fought alone against the Chinese soldiers near the Sela Pass during the Sino-Indian War in 1962. A tribal woman called Sela used to bring food and water to soldier Jaswant. On seeing his mutilated body, she took her life. Later, the brave Jaswant Singh Rawat was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Best Time to Visit Sela Pass (Tawang)
Sela Pass can be visited at any time of the year. However, October, November, March, April, and May are the best months to visit Sela Pass. The weather is still cold, and you have to wear heavy woolen to protect yourself from the cold.
How to Reach Sela Pass (Tawang)
Here are the different ways to reach Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh -
By Flight
Guwahati Airport is the nearest to Sela Pass and is 372 km away. From the airport, catch a bus or car to Tezpur and Tawang. Helicopter services are also available from Guwahati to Tawang twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays). They leave from Guwahati at 10.10 am and reach Tawang at 11.20 am. From Tawang, the helicopter leaves at 11.30 am and reaches Guwahati at 12.40 pm.
By Train
Tezpur has the nearest railway station to Tawang. Sela Pass is located 72 km before Tawang . You can take a bus or a car to Tawang from the railway station.
By Road
Arunachal Pradesh can be easily reached from major North-East cities by government-run and private buses. However, the best way to travel to Sela Pass is by cab.
Places to Visit Around Sela Pass (Tawang)
This region of the eastern Himalayas is revered by the followers of Buddhism as the 101 lakes in and around Sela hold immense religious importance for the Buddhists.
Tips for Visiting Sela Pass (Tawang)
- Due to the high altitude, the weather is freezing in Sela Pass in the winter. Therefore, you must wear heavy winter clothes to protect yourself from frostbites and keep warm.
- Avoid overeating before visiting the Sela Pass.
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