Are you ready to experience a slice of heaven on earth?
Then pack your bags and head to Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. This place is not just a lifeline for the locals but also a feast for the eyes.
As you make your way towards Sela Pass, get ready to be mesmerized by the mystic beauty of the Himalayas. The rocky pass is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in Arunachal – the Sela Lake. At an altitude of 4170 meters, the Sela Lake is frozen and will leave you spellbound. Legend has it that a tribal woman named Sela brought food and water to Indian army sepoy, Jaswant Singh Rawat, during the Sino-Indian war in 1962. But when she saw his mutilated body, she killed herself. The brave Jaswant Singh was later posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
As you take in the breathtaking views of the Pass and the Lake, you’ll realize that the Indian Army has a tough job in guarding this significant route that connects Arunachal Pradesh to the rest of India. So, make sure you carry warm clothes to protect yourself from frostbites as the region has low temperatures all year round. And avoid heavy eating just before the hike towards the Pass, unless you want to huff and puff your way up.
The best time to visit Sela Pass is during October, November, March, April, and May. During these months, you’ll witness the Pass and the Lake at their most beautiful with snow-covered mountains, forests, and the frozen lake making for a wonderful sight. The temperatures can range from 20 to 5 degrees Celsius, so make sure you pack warm clothes to keep yourself cozy.
Tawang city is just 80 km from the Pass and is well connected to all major cities of the North-East by ASPRTC buses and private buses. But we recommend hiring a cab so that you can stop at the Pass and the Lake before continuing your journey.
So, what are you waiting for? Come and experience the famous silk route on your way to Sela Pass and enjoy a breathtaking view of the snow-clad mountains. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t forget.