Sela Pass & Tawang Monastery — Tezpur to Tawang via EasternHimalayas.
Distance
340 km
Duration
2 days
Climb
4,500 m
Sela Pass & Tawang Monastery — Tezpur to Tawang via Eastern Himalayas.
Two days from the Brahmaputra Valley to the Buddhist sanctuary of Tawang via the Sela Pass (4,170m) — India's second-highest motorable pass. The journey crosses the entirety of West Kameng district through alpine forests, Monpa villages, and the Jaswant Garh War Memorial honouring the 1962 Sino-Indian War hero. Tawang Monastery itself is the largest in India and the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama. Inner Line Permit required for all visitors.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance340 km
Days2
Total climb4,500 m
DifficultyChallenging
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2 days, 2 moods.
A suggested split across 2 days with 9 waypoints to discover along the way.
TezpurStart · Start in Tezpur, gateway town in Assam's Brahmaputra valley. Fuel up and verify Inner Line Permits before crossing into Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhalukpong Permit GateScenic Point · Arunachal entry checkpost on the Jia Bhoreli River. All permits checked here. The Kameng Valley climb begins.
BomdilaOvernight · Overnight in Bomdila at 2,217m. The Bomdila Monastery overlooks the town. First taste of altitude — sleep slowly and hydrate.
Dirang Apple CountryScenic Point · Quiet town at 1,560m. Apple orchards, hot springs at Sangti Valley, and the National Yak Research Centre nearby.
Sela Pass (4,170m)Mountain Pass · India's second-highest motorable pass. Sela Lake at the summit (frozen Nov-Apr). The new Sela Tunnel (2024) bypass runs below for poor weather days.
Jaswant Garh War MemorialScenic Point · Memorial to Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat who held off Chinese forces for 72 hours during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Army-run shrine with tea served by soldiers.
Tawang MonasteryPhoto Spot · 400-year-old Galden Namgey Lhatse — the largest Buddhist monastery in India. Founded by Mera Lama in 1680-81. Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama.
Tawang TownScenic Point · Hill town at 3,048m. Crafts bazaar with thangka paintings and Monpa wood carving. Bumla Pass (4,633m, LAC) accessible the next day with special permit.
TawangEnd · End in Tawang. Excellent guesthouses, momos, and butter tea. Return via the same Sela Pass route the next morning.
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