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
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