Driving the wild road to Bum La in the Himalaya
India, asia
108.9 km
4,508 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for an adventure? Head to Bum La, a seriously high international mountain pass chilling out on the Indo-China border at a staggering 14,790 feet! We're talking about the Line of Actual Control in the Himalayas, connecting India's Tawang district in Arunachal Pradesh with Cona County in Tibet.
This 67-mile stretch, running from Dungkhar (India) to Cona (China), is mostly paved, but don't let that fool you. You'll need a 4x4 and some serious driving skills to tackle this route. The air gets thin up there, so be prepared, and pack plenty of snacks and drinks – there's nothing available along the way!
Keep in mind that Bum La often closes due to heavy snowfall, especially in winter when it gets brutally cold. If you're hiring a ride, make sure your driver knows the area well and can handle snowy conditions. The best time to visit and soak in the breathtaking scenery is between May and October.
Heads up: you'll need a special permit! Grab it at the Deputy Commissioner's Office in Tawang District, and don't forget to get it stamped at the Indian army cantonment in Tawang, or you won't get past the checkpoints.
Bum La isn't just about stunning views; it's steeped in history. The Dalai Lama used this pass to escape Tibet, and it was a key route during the 1962 Sino-Indian war. In 2006, it even reopened to traders after 44 years!
Where is it?
Driving the wild road to Bum La in the Himalaya is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 18.7696, 76.4160
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 108.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,508 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 18.7696, 76.4160
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