High Mountain Passes of Arunachal Pradesh

NER / HISTORY & CULTURE

Arunachal Pradesh, located in the northeastern region of India, is a state that is abundant in natural beauty. The state is home to numerous mountain ranges, rivers, valleys, and wildlife. Amongst these, the mountain passes of Arunachal Pradesh are significant in their own right. These passes not only offer a stunning view of the surrounding areas but also act as a gateway to the neighbouring states and countries, which makes them one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. In this essay, we will explore the various mountain passes of Arunachal Pradesh, their locations, altitude, ways to get there, and things to see nearby.

1. Bum La Pass

Bum La Pass is located at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,500 ft) above sea level in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated on the India-China border and connects Tawang to the Tsona Dzong region in Tibet and is accessible only with a special permit from the Indian army. To reach the pass, one has to travel through a beautiful route that passes through Sela Pass and Jaswantgarh. Visitors can witness the stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas and the surrounding valleys from the top of Bum La Pass. Additionally, visitors can visit the nearby Pangong Tso Lake, which is a popular tourist attraction. The pass is also known for its strategic importance, as it was the site of a major conflict between India and China in 1962.

2. Se La

Sela Pass is another mountain pass located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at an altitude of 4,170 meters (13,700 ft) above sea level and is the only route that connects Tawang to the rest of the country. The pass offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding valleys. Visitors can also visit the nearby Sela Lake, which is a popular destination for trekking and picnicking. The best time to visit Sela Pass is from April to October, as the road remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

3. Bom Di La

Bomdila Pass is situated in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh on the way to Bomdila. It is located at an altitude of 2,217 meters (7,274 ft) above sea level and connects Bomdila to the rest of the state. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Visitors can also visit the nearby Bomdila Monastery, which is a popular tourist attraction.

4. Gorichen Pass

Gorichen Pass is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 5,260 meters above sea level. It is situated on the way to Tawang and is one of the highest motorable passes in the country. The pass is known for its stunning views of the Gorichen Peak, the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh, and the surrounding mountain ranges. It is also a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering.

5. Dihang Pass

Dihang Pass, also known as the Siang Pass, is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 4,590 meters (15,049 ft) above sea level. It is situated on the way to Tuting, a small town in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The pass offers breathtaking views of the Dihang River and the surrounding mountains. It is also a popular destination for trekking and camping.

6. Kumjawng Pass

Kumjawng Pass is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 2,929 meters (9,609 ft) above sea level. It is situated on the way to the town of Anini in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The pass offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and the surrounding forests. It is also a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering. AP with Myanmar -east of Krosam.

7. Diphu La (Dipher Pass)

The Diphu La is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,900 feet and is an important trade route between India, China, and Myanmar. It is located east of Kibithu and near the tri-junction of India, China, and Myanmar. The pass provides easy access between Arunachal Pradesh and Mandalay in Myanmar, and remains open throughout the year. The Diphu La Pass is strategically important for India as it provides access to several border areas with China and Myanmar. The pass is also significant for its historical and cultural importance, as it has been used as a trade route for centuries. It is said that the pass was used by traders from Assam and Myanmar to transport goods such as salt, spices, and textiles.

8. Mayodia Pass

Mayodia Pass is a mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, that is located at an altitude of approximately 2,655 meters (8,711 ft) above sea level. It is situated in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, 56 km from Roing, and is known for its stunning views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and forests. The pass is also an important access route to the remote and mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh, which share borders with China, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

Interestingly, “Mayodia” is derived from the Deori-Chutia language, and it means “shrine of mother goddess.” Specifically, “Mayo” refers to “mother goddess,” “Di” means “water,” and “Ya” means “land.” This etymology highlights the cultural and religious significance of the pass, which has been revered as a sacred site by the local communities for generations.

Tourists visiting the area can explore the nearby town of Roing, which is a popular base for visiting the Mayodia Pass and other attractions in the region. Visitors can also attend the annual Dibang Valley Festival, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Mayodia Pass is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Mishmi takin, clouded leopard, and red panda. Additionally, birdwatchers can spot several exotic bird species, including the Sclater’s monal and the Himalayan monal.

9. Pangsau Pass

Pangsau Pass is located in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India, and it connects India with the Hukawng Valley in Myanmar. Also known as the “Hell’s Pass,” it is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,137 meters (3,730 feet) above sea level. The pass is also an important location for border security, with Indian and Myanmar troops stationed in the area. The pass is open year-round and is accessible by road. Today, the Pangsau Pass is an important tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys of the region. Visitors can enjoy trekking and hiking through the scenic landscape, and also visit the nearby Nampong town for shopping and sightseeing. The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is an annual event celebrated in the month of January at Nampong, a town located near the pass. The festival is organized by the local tribes of the region to promote tourism and showcase the cultural heritage of the area. The festival is a vibrant celebration of the local traditions, customs, food, music, dance, and art forms.

10. Yonggyap pass

Yonggyap Pass is a mountain pass situated at an altitude of approximately 3,900 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level and is located on the border between India and Tibet, which is part of China. The pass falls on the famous Stilwell Road, which was built during World War II by American and Chinese forces to link India and China through Burma (now Myanmar). The Stilwell Road was an important supply route for the Allied forces during the war. Today, the Yongyap Pass is primarily used for trade between India and China. The pass is also an important location for border security, with Indian and Chinese troops stationed in the area. The pass is often closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, making it inaccessible by road. The nearby town of Mechuka is a popular destination for tourists and trekkers, who come to enjoy the scenic beauty and adventure of the high-altitude terrain.

11. Tulung La

Tulung La mountain pass is a high-altitude pass connects the district of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh with the Tibet region towards China. It is situated at an elevation of about 4,780 meters (15,682 feet) above sea level and an important strategic location, as it provides a key access route to the remote and mountainous border region with China. The road to Tulung La is steep and winding, and is only accessible during the summer months when the weather is mild. In 1975, the Chinese army launched a surprise attack on Indian soldiers stationed at the Tulung La pass, in what came to be known as the Tulung La ambush. Today, the Tulung La pass remains an important location for both India and China, serving as a vital access route and a symbol of the complex geopolitical relations between the two countries.

12. Chankan Pass

Chankan Pass is a mountain pass located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters (7,874 ft) above sea level and is located in the Lower Dibang Valley district of the state. Chankan Pass is an important transportation route that connects the town of Roing in Arunachal Pradesh with Tezu in the neighboring state of Assam. The pass is known for its scenic beauty, with lush green forests and rolling hills surrounding it. The pass is also significant for its historical and cultural importance. It is believed to have been used by the Ahom kings of Assam during their campaigns against neighboring tribes. The pass was also an important trading route between the tribes of the Lower Dibang Valley and the Assamese plains. In recent years, the pass has gained popularity among adventure enthusiasts for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain. The surrounding hills offer excellent opportunities for trekking, camping, and nature walks.

Conclusion

To get to these mountain passes, visitors can take a flight to the nearest airport in Guwahati or Dibrugarh and then travel by road. One can also hire a taxi or take a bus from Guwahati, the nearest major city. The roads are well-maintained and getting every better with recent road developments in the stae, though it is still advisable to travel during the daytime due to the steep inclines and sharp turns. It is also important to carry warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable and the terrain can be challenging.

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