Why is it called Se La Pass?
India, asia
100 km
4,198 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Se La Pass! This high-altitude beauty sits way up at 4,198m (that's 13,772ft!), right on the border between Tawang and West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Seriously, it's a must-see.
Legend has it that the pass is named after a local woman, Sela, who helped an Indian soldier during the 1962 war with China. So, yeah, it's got history and incredible views.
You'll be cruising on National Highway 13 (NH13), the main road to Tawang. Expect mostly paved roads, but keep your eyes peeled for gravel patches – Mother Nature throws some curveballs up here! It's a winding, curvy road with epic Himalayan views, but stay focused.
This pass stretches for 100 km (62 miles) from Jang to Dirang, with snow-capped peaks galore! Heads up: that thin air can knock you for a loop, so pace yourself.
Good news: Se La Pass is usually open year-round. The bad news? Heavy snow or landslides in winter can close it down temporarily.
Budget about 3-4 hours for the drive, not counting stops. And trust me, you WANT to stop. Sela Lake (aka Paradise Lake) is right near the top and is a total stunner. It's even considered one of the holiest lakes in the region.
Word on the street is that the Sela Pass tunnel is on the way! This bi-lane tunnel will offer a smooth, year-round connection between Guwahati and Tawang when it's finished. This Border Roads Organization (BRO) project should make getting to and from Tawang easier than ever!
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 100 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,198 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is Kok Jar Pass?
🌍 Tajikistan
Kok Jar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,807m (12,490ft) above sea level, located in the Kūhistoni Badakhshon Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. The road may be impassable at times, even for 4×4 vehicles. Where is Kok Jar Pass? The pass, also known as Kok Jar, is located in the eastern part of the country within the Bartang Valley, one of the most remote and rugged areas in the already desolate Pamir Mountains. Can I Drive to Kok Jar Pass? Running through an indescribably rugged area, the unpaved road to the summit demands 100% concentration. The route is almost never fully passable by vehicles, as it is frequently washed away by floods and landslides. Large boulders block parts of the road, and some sections are completely washed out. Is Kok Jar Pass Open in Winter? Set high in the Pamir Mountains, heavy snowfall in winter can lead to landslides and avalanches. The road is impassable during the winter months and is generally not snow-free until late June, or even July in some years. How Challenging is the Road to Kok Jar Pass? The road through the pass, known as the Bartang Highway, can be impassable at times, even for 4×4 vehicles. The path is extremely narrow, with terrifyingly close canyon depths, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can be exhausting. In some places, the road is hair-raisingly narrow, with deep escarpments looming nearby. This route is not suitable for regular cars. Where Does the Road to Kok Jar Pass Start and End? The pass connects the village of Ghudara, a decently sized village at the end of the Bartang Valley, with Shurali, a small town known for its geoglyphs—an ancient solar calendar made of large stones. Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson Pic: Nodir Tursun-Zade How to Get to Murghab, One of the Highest Towns Accessible by Car on Earth The formidable Khaburabot Pass is traversed by the Pamir Highway Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateHow long is the Buntun Bridge?
🇵🇭 Philippines
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the Buntun Bridge in Cagayan, Philippines! Seriously, this thing is epic. We're talking 1369 meters stretching across the mighty Cagayan River. Word on the street is, it's the longest river bridge in the whole country! It's so long, you could apparently belt out the entire Philippine National Anthem while strolling across. This beauty opened way back in 1947 and has been the official welcome mat to Tuguegarao City ever since. Can you believe it's never actually been flooded? Though, I heard it got a little too close for comfort during typhoons Ondoy and Juan. Still, it stood strong. Definitely a must-see if you're ever in the area!
moderateCipularang: a busy yet scenic toll road
🌍 Indonesia
Cruising the Cipularang Toll Road in West Java is like a visual feast, connecting Cikampek and Padalarang with some seriously gorgeous scenery. This 58.5 km stretch is a paved dream, offering a smooth link between the Jakarta–Cikampek and Padaleunyi Toll Roads. Think rolling hills painted in all shades of Indonesian green – it's a major artery that cuts down travel time from Jakarta to Bandung. Opened in 2005, it's part of the Asian Highway Network, so you know it's a well-traveled route. Just be aware that with its popularity, traffic is on the rise, so stay alert! In 2020, landslides near the 118 km marker raised some concerns, leading to talks about limiting heavy vehicle traffic. So, keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the ride!
extremeWhere is Thorong La?
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, picture this: you're trekking the legendary Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, and you're about to hit Thorong La Pass, one of the highest and most famous passes around! Now, getting to the top isn't exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously gnarly, unpaved 4WD track way up there. Word is, someone who experienced a bit of drama at the pass donated a chunk of change to build it, hoping it'd speed up rescues. The road stretches quite a distance. Near the very top, expect some seriously steep inclines! Beyond that, it might get too wild even for your trusty 4x4. Seriously, timing is everything. If you want to soak in those incredible Annapurna views without the drama, aim for crossing during the safest months. Trying your luck any other time? You're looking at a way higher risk of avalanches, frostbite, and potentially getting stuck in a storm or whiteout. Acclimatization is crucial!