Sela Pass is a high mountain pass in the eastern Himalayas in India. Sela Pass is a popular high-altitude pass in India. It is not just a driver. It has its own stories. Moreover, it connects with the beauty of nature as well as with the cultures of man in olden times. With us, learn about the History, Geography, Beauty, Travel Cost, Important Places, Literature, Personality and Much More of the Sela Pass. This is a thorough guide with useful tips to plan and experience a spectacular destination.
Trip Charges & Planning Your Visit
Getting There and Permit Requirements:
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for Indian tourists; costs approx. ₹200/person.
- Protected Area Permit: Required for foreigners.
- Road: Most visitors travel by road from Tezpur or Guwahati, a scenic (but challenging) journey crossing Bomdila and Sela Pass.
Tour Packages (2025):
- Budget Package: ₹11,000 per person (6 nights/7 days, group of 12) including accommodation, transfers, and breakfast.
- Standard Package: ₹12,900 per person (6 nights/7 days, group of 12).
- Deluxe Package: ₹15,500 per person (6 nights/7 days, group of 6) in deluxe hotels.
- Additional costs: Vehicle hire for Bomdila Pass (₹5,500 extra), 5% GST, food, and personal expenses.
- Other package deals for the Tawang region start at around ₹12,555/person (twin-sharing).
- There’s no entry fee for Sela Pass itself; road conditions vary by season, expect mudslides in monsoon, snow in winter, and repairs in summer.
Travel Tips:
- Pack warm clothing, even in summer.
- Carry identification and permit documents at all times.
- Road travel is long (12+ hours from Tezpur), so plan for stops.
- Helicopter services from Guwahati are available but limited.
Must-See Landmarks Near Sela Pass
| Landmark | Description |
| Sela Lake | Scenic, sacred lake beside the pass |
| Jaswant Garh War Memorial | Heroic memorial for Jaswant Singh Rawat |
| Nuranang Falls | Spectacular, easily accessible waterfall |
| Tawang Monastery | Largest Buddhist monastery in India |
| Bap Teng Kang Waterfall | Beautiful picnic and photography spot |
| Gorichen Peak | Tallest peak in Arunachal Pradesh |
| Chumi Gyatse Falls | Cluster of majestic waterfalls near Tawang |
| Shonga-Tser (Madhuri) Lake | Famous for the Bollywood film “Koyla” scenes |
Location & Geography
- Altitude: 4,170m (13,700ft) above sea level
- Region: Borders Tawang and West Kameng districts, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Coordinates: 27°30′N 92°06′E
Sela Pass, located on NH13, which connects Tawang, a huge Buddhist town, with Dirang and Guwahati. The town of Tawang is 78km away from this road, and Guwahati is 340km away from this particular road. The pass is surrounded by snow-peaked mountains and has steep roads here and there. The place does get heavy snowfall in winter, but generally remains open throughout the year. It mostly sees closure due to landslides or very heavy snow, but reopens pretty quickly.
The lake is one of the highlight features of the pass. The lake is called Sela Lake, or Paradise Lake. Depending on the season, the lake is often frozen and mirror-like.
Historical Significance
The history of Sela Pass was one of war, love, and bravery. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, this gateway was the site of the legendary last stand of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat against the invading forces. Rifleman Rawat was able to hold up the Chinese army for 72 hours with the help of two brave local Monpa women. Sela asked Rawat if he had seen the other Indian soldiers and went to where they had last boarded a bus. The pass has been named after Sela, who was martyred during the conflict. She lives on in the memories of the region. The lake and the tunnel are also named after her.
The place where the story is being celebrated is Jaswant Garh War Memorial and it is a must-visit place to learn about the place.
Population & Economy
Although Sela Pass itself does not host a permanent population, being a remote and inhospitable spot, its economy and demography are closely linked with Tawang district and the surrounding Monpa communities.
- Ethnic Community: The Monpa tribe forms the primary indigenous population in Tawang/West Kameng.
- Economy: Most local tribes rely on agriculture, yak and sheep herding, and handicrafts. The region supports small-scale industries, notably in traditional weaving and souvenir making. Tourism has grown significantly, with Sela Pass as an anchor spot for adventure seekers, pilgrims, and visitors seeking Northeast India’s mystical beauty.
During winter, the area sees local herders bring yaks for summer grazing, while lower altitudes produce high-altitude crops. The boom in tourism is a major economic driver, supported by local guides, hotels, transport providers, and government initiatives, such as the Sela Tunnel, which is expected to spur development and trade.
Natural Beauty: Lakes, Peaks, and Flora
Sela Pass is called a canvas of natural beauty for very good reason:
- Sela Lake: Sacred in Tibetan Buddhism, one of about 101 lakes in the region!
- Spring: The area erupts in vibrant colours with rhododendrons and other alpine flora.
- Summer: Snow recedes, revealing lush pastures, ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
- Winter: Snow transforms the landscape into a mystical white wonderland.
- Wildlife: Rare birds, Himalayan wildflowers, and vistas of untouched wilderness are common.
Nearby, you’ll find Nuranang Falls, fed by the lake and forming a tributary of the Tawang River, and numerous hilltop viewpoints and spiritual sites.
Famous People Connected to Sela Pass
- Jaswant Singh Rawat: The heroic Indian Army soldier whose last stand is commemorated at the pass and nearby memorials. His legacy draws both travellers and military personnel to this hilly outpost.
- Sela: The Monpa woman after whom the pass, the lake, and the tunnel are named, symbolising courage and sacrifice.
- Local Leaders: Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister for Tourism, Education, and Parliamentary Affairs in Arunachal Pradesh, is often associated with promoting Sela Pass for tourism.
FAQs about Sela Pass
Where is Sela Pass located, and how high is it?
Sela Pass is in Arunachal Pradesh, India, on the border of Tawang and West Kameng districts. It’s at 4,170m (13,700ft) above sea level.
Is Sela Pass open all year round?
Sela Pass is usually open year-round, although it may be temporarily closed due to landslides or heavy snowfall. The Border Roads Organisation maintains the route.
Do I need a permit to visit Sela Pass?
Yes. Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP); foreigners need a Protected Area Permit to visit Sela Pass and Tawang.
What are the main tourist attractions near Sela Pass?
Visitor favourites include Sela Lake, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, Tawang Monastery, Shonga-Tser Lake, Bap Teng Kang Waterfall, and Gorichen Peak.
What is the story behind the name ‘Sela Pass’?
The pass is named after Sela, a Monpa woman who helped Jaswant Singh Rawat during the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and became a martyr. Her name graces the pass, lake, and new tunnel in her honour.
How much does a trip to Sela Pass cost?
Package tours (6 nights/7 days) range from ₹11,000–₹15,500/person, depending on amenities. Individual costs for permits, transport, and food will generally add up to a similar budget.
What is the best time to visit Sela Pass?
November to February offers magical snowy vistas. Spring is great for viewing rhododendrons and a lush landscape.
Is Sela Pass safe for solo travellers or families?
Yes, although it is remote and the weather can be unpredictable. Transport can be arranged through local tour operators; always check road conditions before starting.
Final Thoughts
Sela Pass is not just a travel destination; it’s a point where nature’s grandeur meets tragic heroism and spiritual depth. Travellers from across the world come for the high-altitude adventure, the sacred lakes and monasteries, and to relive one of India’s greatest wartime tales. Whether you’re a photographer, historian, trekker, or casual tourist, Sela Pass delivers an unforgettable tapestry of beauty and meaning in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh.
For your trip, don’t forget: carry all paperwork, pack for cold, savour the blue lakes and sprawling snowscapes, and let the legends inspire you.