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The road through Sela Pass to Tawang is a beautiful but complex one. I can’t stress enough how much it’s about the journey and not the destination here.
You’ll be racing through bumpy winding roads, which reach up to 13,700 ft. through rain, ice, mud, and snow.
You will gawp at the amazing Himalayan views but won’t want to keep your eyes off the road, even if you’re not at the wheel.
There will be delays, struggles, tea houses, and triumph as you try to reach Sela Pass to Tawang…if you even make it at all.
It took me two attempts to try and make it over the Sela Pass with Holiday Scout.
The first attempt was a gruelling 3-hour bumpy ride only to get stuck in the snow and have to head back down.
But, thankfully, the second attempt was a success. But as a bonus, the snowstorm had left the Sela Pass looking like a winter wonderland!
Despite the challenges, this car journey was one of my favourites. Not just for the views but for all the awesome places that we stopped off along the way.
Make sure you allow some time for a pitstop or two at these unbelievable places on the road from Sela Pass to Tawang!
What and where is the Sela Pass?
The Sela Pass to Tawang road is in the West Kameng circuit of Arunachal Pradesh in North East India.
As a foreign tourist, you will need a PAP (Protected Area Permit) to enter the state or as an Indian tourist, you will need an ILP (Inner Line Permit).
The most popular tourist places within this circuit are Bomdilla, Dirang, and then Tawang.
These are ideal stopovers for the night before you attempt the Sela pass. I’m going to cover the journey starting from Dirang over to Tawang in this post.
Local transport options are available which are Sumo Jeeps which run from 5.30 am until around 11 am each morning.
You can easily book these at the Sumo booking counters in most towns/villages. But, with local transport, you won’t be able to stop off many places along the way.
The best way to explore is to take a tour with the likes of Holiday Scout or hire your own transport. I went through the Sela Pass in December! It was treacherous and freezing!
7 places to stop from Sela Pass to Tawang
1. The Sela Pass
Undoubtedly, the most awesome thing about this road trip is the feeling you get when you make it to the summit of the Sela Pass.
For me, it was an extra special celebration as the possibility of it seemed impossible when we got stuck.
The Sela Pass to Tawang road in December is full of snow.
I felt so defeated when we had to turn back on the first attempt. So, I made the most of it and explored around.
You will definitely feel the altitude hit your legs and lungs when you get out of the car, but the views are so worth it!
You can visit the frozen lakes, play in the snow and visit the tea shop which is here if you need a break.
This is also a great toilet stop but I wouldn’t hold your breath, it isn’t pretty. There are options for walking, but I would be hesitant in going too far off the beaten path.
There’s no phone signal or many people that live here so you don’t want to get stuck!
2. Meet the Tawang mountain yaks on the road
Ever since my trip to the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, I have been obsessed with yaks.
I don’t know what it is about them, but to me, they’re just so fluffy and cute!
If I had any doubts about meeting yaks here, they were quickly withdrawn. I saw not one, or ten, but around twenty to thirty fuzzballs from Sela Pass to Tawang.
They were all grazing or basking in the sun. Of course, I tried to get up close and personal with them, but they got scared and ran away.
Sorry guys, but I just want to pet you!!
3. Jaswant Ghar War Memorial
You’ll notice that a lot of Arunachal Pradesh, especially along the Tawang circuit, has army camps and barracks which are set up to protect the Indian China border.
This is because there is a running dispute between the territory lines of India and China (South Tibet).
One of the most notable border conflicts between the two countries was in the form of the Sino-Indian war which took place in 1962.
This memorial is left to commemorate those who lost their lives in this conflict.
Today, you can stop off at this area to pay your respects. As a kind gesture to all who travel through, the army offers free cups of steaming chai to set you up for the journey ahead.
You can sip on it while you enjoy the incredible views around you. Thanks, fellas!
4. The first viewpoint of Tawang
So close, yet so far. Tawang is where you’re headed and it definitely has an air of mystery about it when you’re venturing on the roads.
If you want to stop and get a great view of the Himalayas and your end destination then ‘the first viewpoint of Tawang’ is the stop for you.
Covered in Himalayan flags and boasting a viewpoint that could invoke even the most ardent traveller with wanderlust, you will not be disappointed.
When we reached this point, the sun was poking its rays through the clouds at just the right moment! It was like the heavens were making an arrow towards the monastery there.
5. Nuranang Waterfall
The road to Tawang is so effortlessly picturesque and is full of hidden gems that you can go off-road to explore.
One of those is the gorgeous Nuranang falls. Reaching a height of 100 metres high, this waterfall is enough to make anyone’s problems feel small.
What’s good about this is that it’s an easy stroll down to the viewpoint if you want to take a closer look.
Depending on what time of day and if the sun is shining, these falls refract into a rainbow!
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see it as it was too cloudy and was getting dark when we arrived at around 3 pm (that’s right it gets dark that early in the North East!).
But, I highly enjoyed taking a closer look and seeing all the fluffy Himalayan monkeys causing trouble around here.
Be careful of going too close in Monsoon season, the tide gets high and you could be swept away!
Click here to read my complete guide for this magical waterfall!
6. Chaksam Bridge
This bridge is a remarkable architectural achievement. Chaksam bridge was constructed in the 14th century, by a disciple of the Dalai Lama Tangton Gyalpo.
It was designed to provide a safe crossing over the Tawang Chu river and the fact you can still cross it now is a testament to its success.
What’s more amazing is that with this being the only one in India, you’re in for a really unique experience.
Of course, there’s a safety net, but that doesn’t make it any less wobbly or scary!
If you don’t fancy braving the old bridge, there is a modern steel one to the side that’s more sturdy. But, where’s the fun in that?
I jumped a fair few times on this bridge and there is no way it’s coming down, so you’re in safe hands.
Click here to read my complete guide for Chaksam Bridge!
7. Discover the beautifully remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh
Beyond the regular tourist stops from Sela Pass to Tawang, some of my favourite points lay in the beauty of the remote Arunachal villages.
Watching the villagers dancing and having a celebration picnic, seeing the cows grazing, visiting the temples, and watching the locals place their stones as they circled the stupa really were the moments that stick with you.
We stopped at so many places that it’s not fair to name just one. You have to discover these places for yourself.
There really is beauty to be found everywhere here.
It’s about the journey, not the destination
The Sela Pass to Tawang circuit is one of the most beautiful journeys I think I’ve ever undertaken.
But, I would recommend taking some time to see it more in-depth rather than rush through. There’s more to this journey than just the Sela Pass.
Take some time out from behind the wheel, look out of the window, enjoy chai with a view, meet new people, talk to the locals (or a yak), be exposed to new places and experiences.
Arunachal is waiting to delight in you.
With thanks to Holiday Scout for hosting my tour around Arunachal Pradesh. Views, photos, and opinions are completely my own. For a full review of my experience see here.
Heading to Arunachal Pradesh?
If you liked this Sela Pass to Tawang guide, make sure to read more of my articles on Arunachal Pradesh!
Top places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh
My ultimate Tawang travel guide
A complete guide for 108 Mane / Mandala Top
Sangti Valley – a hidden gem in Arunachal Pradesh
Why you need to stay in Dirang Boutique Cottages
Read more of my North East India articles!
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A complete guide for Hornbill Festival
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A complete travel guide for Guwahati
A complete Kaziranga Safari guide
My top North East India travel tips
Save this Sela Pass guide for later!
Bharat
Saturday 21st of March 2020
Useful piece of information. Very well described and the pictures are extremely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this kind of valuable and some unique information.
Sophie Pearce
Tuesday 28th of April 2020
Hi Bharat, I'm glad you liked the post! Sela Pass is the most beautiful spot. Sophie x
shriram
Monday 13th of January 2020
Haven't you been to Bumla which is 39km from Tawang and where China border starts? I am travelling there in Feb 3rd week, Hope Sela should get open by that time, wish me luck :)
Sophie Pearce
Monday 13th of January 2020
Hi Shriram, Unfortunately with a foreigner permit you're not allowed to travel to the Bumla Pass. I SO wanted to go but if I was to go against my permit I could be deported haha. So, you'll have to enjoy for me! I'm sure Sela will be open by then :) Have an incredible time! Sophie x