How to plan one day in Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh? (Includes Day trip itinerary, attractions and tips)

Enjoy the holy lake shimmering in the sun
Walk the snow covered tracks and have some mountain fun.
Spot the frozen waterfalls glistening like frosted glass.
That’s just some things you can do when you spend one day in Sela Pass. 

Discover the gorgeous Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. Get tips on planning a Sela Pass day trip along with the key attractions to see, best time to visit Sela Pass and more. 

Up until now, Dochula Pass in Bhutan was my number one in the list of mountain passes that I have visited. With my recent Sela Pass day trip, it now faces stiff competition for the first spot. With its war history at Jaswantgarh, mysterious Sela lake, thundering Nuranang falls and mystical snowy peaks and icy cascades, the place stole my heart. That said, the verdict is not yet out as to whether it displaced my earlier favorite. Maybe you can help me decide. 

Sela pass, Arunchal Pradesh is almost unavoidable if you are planning the Tawang circuit. You have to drive through it to get to Tawang. However, most people, especially those opting for public transport, tend just to zip along – missing the numerous Sela pass attractions that are along the way. The landscapes are shrouded with stories – some legends, some true – all of which add to the beauty of this pass. This is one of the reasons why I would recommend spending at least one day in Sela Pass. 

In this blog post, I will help you plan a day trip to Sela Pass. Besides sharing the key things to include in your Sela Pass itinerary like the Sela Pass trek and Jaswant Garh war memorial, I will also, share useful tips on how to get there and what is the best time to visit. My Sela Pass guide also, has interesting tales that you will enjoy on this virtual tour. So, let’s get started. 

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.

Facts about Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh

If you have been to Ladakh or Bhutan, you would be familiar with the term “La” which essentially means a mountain pass in Tibetan language. The “La” of Se La refers to that and by that logic, Se is just a contextual term or alphabet in that language. While that might sound perfect for the nomenclature of a mountain pass, there is another interesting legend as to how this name came about. That story, I shall share in the later part of this post.

For now, let’s see your eyebrows disappear with these interesting Sela Pass facts.

• Located at an altitude of 13700 feet (4170 m) above sea level, Sela Pass is one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
• Rightly called the “Gateway to Tawang”, this pass connects one of the most popular cities of Arunachal Pradesh to Guwahati and Tezpur.
• It is mostly covered with snow throughout the year. 
• The China border to India is just 37 km from Sela Pass. 
• Sela Pass is home to Sela Lake, one of the 101 sacred lakes of the Buddhists. 
• Sela Pass Tunnel, which was recently inaugurated in 2024, is the longest bi-lane tunnel in the world. 

What to see in Sela Pass, Tawang (Things to do during a Sela Pass day trip)

In this section, you will find a lot of compelling reasons to consider a proper day trip to Sela Pass rather than merely driving through to Tawang. From the Sela Pass history and legendary stories to captivating vistas that come along those snow-laden roads, your one day in Sela Pass is bound to be a memory for life. 

My Sela Pass day trip started with a drive from Bomdila, past Dirang town. It was a part of my route to Tawang but unlike most people, I spend almost half a day exploring the pass. The result- I reached Tawang only in the evening after I had completely seen all the key things to do in Sela Pass of Arunachal Pradesh. 

Drive through Sela Tunnel

It was just a few kilometers from the Dirang town when the verdant valley transformed into a snowy paradise. As we drove along the winding snow-laden roads, Sange shared that earlier they had a longer stretch to get to Sela Pass. While the pass was open almost throughout the year, whenever there was heavy snowfall, the journey became longer. Naturally of course, as you had to drive with caution and sometimes with the snow clearance that was done by the army, sections would get blocked. 

With the new Sela tunnel, not only the travel time cut down but the access much easier and more secure. The tunnel has been newly built and in fact was inaugurated only in 2024. It has been designated as the “longest bi-lane tunnel in the world” and that too, at an altitude of 13,000 feet. It has two set of tunnels – the shorter 980m single lane tunnel connect to a longer 1555 m long bi-lane tunnel. 

While the mist covered most of the valley views, the frosted pine landscapes more than made up for cloud curtains. We stopped right by the exit of the tunnel to admire the icicle-clad prayer wheels and to take a few memorable photos by the Instagram signboards of “I love Tawang” and “Sela Pass” – the latter, of course, for its longest tunnel records. After all, it isn’t every day that you pass through such epic places. 

Discover Sela Lake – one of the key things to do during your one day in Sela Pass

The signboard next to the tunnel indicated that we continue straight to Tawang, but instead, we turned around and climbed up further towards the original Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. The skies had cleared, and the sun shone down, showcasing the gorgeous winter wonderland. A few bends and we saw a partially frozen lake – the lovely Sela lake. 

Soothing vibes emanated around the lake, inviting you to just perch on one of the many stones and stare into the horizon. And this was not my imagination stemming from the fact that Sela lake is one of the 101 holy lakes in Buddhism. The knowledge of this divine status given to this high-altitude lake was something I read on the signpost much later.

Depending on the time of the year you visit Sela Pass, you will find the lake showcasing different colors. It is completely frozen in winters (no, you are not allowed to ice skate) and is shimmering blue in summers. I visited Sela Pass in early February and found it partially frozen – giving me a good glimpse of what it looks like in either seasons. No wonder with its colors, this lake has earned the name of “Paradise lake”.

Go on a short Sela Pass trek – my favorite in my one day in Sela Pass

It is one thing to admire a winter fairyland from the window and another to actually wander through it. On our way back at one of the bends, the car stopped and Sange said -“Hop out to see the actual beauty of Sela Pass”. 

Walking on a log across a gushing stream, wandering through the pines and feeling the melting snow drop down from the blades  – the experience was just magical. It was fun being a brat, shaking the branches to make the snow fall. At the same time, there was something profound in the picture frame of yellows and greens around the white, icy bed. 

Not arduous, but relaxing, this Sela Pass hike is a great way to feel the place. It is definitely something you should add to your Sela Pass itinerary. However, a few caveats here – do not step over frozen water. Make sure you are wearing hiking boots. And do not wander far. Keep close to the roads.

Take a Maggi break at Sela Pass

There is something ritualistic about a steaming bowl of Maggi in the cold mountains. I have always enjoyed on, especially on my Ladakh road trip. Just as you head back towards the fork near the Sela tunnel, you will see numerous Maggi stops. Enter any one that you fancy and enjoy piping hot noodles by the Bukhari (chimney). If you are lucky, it might even be accompanied with a view. 

Walk under a frozen waterfall

One of the main reasons I wanted to go to Ladakh in winter was to see a frozen cascade. Little did I know that Arunachal Pradesh was going to tick this wish for me.

Maybe you have already spotted one but if you haven’t, keep your eyes peeled as you drive towards Tawang. I spotted a massive frozen cascade just before my next Sela pass attraction. It was one thing to have seen it in pictures and another to actually have touched and felt it. 

This is one of the things to do in Sela Pass in winter. You might still get lucky in spring but not so much in summer. That said, you probably will see gushing waterfalls during summer.

Experience Sela Pass history at Jaswantgarh – one of the key Sela Pass attractions

One of the key sightseeing attractions of Sela Pass day trip is Jaswantgarh, around one hour before you reach Tawang. This is the place that has the story behind the same Sela Pass and is quite important to the history of the place. 

Jaswant Garh is a war memorial made by the Indian army to honor Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat – the lone warrior who held back the Chinese army single-handedly for 72 hours at this very place. This Sela pass story is a true tale of the 1962 Indo-China war.

In November 1962, the Chinese troops had breached the border. The troops from this particular army post were sent to counter them at another front near Tawang. There were only three men left in charge. As fate dictated, a different troop of the Chinese army advanced toward the lone post. Jaswant Singh Rawat, along with two other soldiers attempted to protect the post. 

Now comes the tough part. Jaswant Singh Rawat and his team were not just outnumbered but even under-equipped. The Chinese troops had machine guns while the only weapons the Indian team had were some grenades and three sten guns. With just their wits and sheer bravery, the three men managed to strike back – not only killing some of the enemies but also, grabbing their superior machine guns. Sadly by the end of it, only Jaswant Singh stayed alive. 

Jaswant Singh managed to give the impression that there were many soldiers at the post. He attacked smartly and kept the foes at bay for 72 hours. Until a local who got captured gave away the fact that there was only one soldier. The Chinese army captured him and hung him on a tree. 

This was the army version of the Sela Pass story. Now, there is another folk version of this tale. Some say that it was not army men but two Monpa girls – Sela and Nura who assisted Jaswant Singh Rawat. Both got captured and killed and in their honor, the pass came to be known as Sela Pass while a waterfall on the other side of Jaswant Garh was named Nuranang waterfall.  And that my friends, was the story behind the name -Sela Pass. 

Jaswant Garh war memorial has the belongings of Jaswant Singh Rawat as well as his compatriots. The war hero received many posthumous awards. The remains of the tree where he was hanged is also, kept in this museum. You can even see the Chinese cemetery as well as the war bunkers. 

Though the place has a bloody history, when you visit now, it feels as if finally the war hero is at peace. That said, there is another comical Sela Pass ghost story. It is believed that the ghost of Jaswant Singh still moves around guarding the border and slapping any snoozing guards.

Jaswant Garh war memorial with its story is definitely worth an add in your list of Sela Pass attractions. 

Relax by the Nuranang Falls

My last stop on this Sela Pass trip was a perfect end to this fun-filled day. 40 km before Tawang are the thundering Nuranang falls or the Jang Falls, or the Bong Bong falls. And if those names are not enough, these days it is also called Madhuri falls – after the famous actress Madhuri Dixit, who danced for the movie – Koyla with the falls as the backdrop. 

I could hear the gushing waters right at the parking from where a flight of stairs leads to a green meadow with the Nuranang river flowing through. Gaurs peacefully grazed around while I chose to paddle around the shores, hop around the boulders right to the base of the waterfalls. Perched on one of them, I just sat there taking in the refreshing mist and savoring the delightful day I spent at Sela Pass on my Arunachal Pradesh trip. 

What is the best time to visit Sela Pass?

I would say anytime – except monsoons- is good for Sela Pass, as every season offers a different experience

I would have loved to see it in April/May when the air is crisp, the roads are usually clear of heavy snow, and the pass still has beautiful snow patches remaining. Plus, that’s when the alpine flowers, especially the vibrant rhododendrons, start to bloom. 

September -October usually have clear skies , and the post-rain freshness makes the mountain landscape incredibly vivid. Peak winter months will possibly have it looking like a winter wonderland with heavy snow and a frozen lake. That said, it becomes essential to exercise caution while driving. Snow chains for SUVs are almost mandatory. 

February to March is when I visited with the snow still there but the rhododendrons beginning to make their appearance. The Sela Pass day trip feels like stepping into a postcard.

Common FAQs about Sela Pass, India

Before you, pin this

Ami

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

You might also like these posts –

• The ultimate guide for a Tawang trip itinerary (with places to see & tips for planning)
• How to plan a trip to Arunachal Pradesh? – The best Arunachal Pradesh travel guide
• A walk through the 9th century Dirang Dzong & village
• Reasons to consider Bomdila Embassy for your stay in Bomdila town, Arunachal Pradesh
• 12 Reasons why you should consider Holiday Scout for planning your North East India trip