A high-altitude mountain pass at 13,700 feet, featuring the beautiful Sela Lake and offering dramatic Himalayan views on the way to Tawang.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located at an elevation of approximately 13,700 feet (4,170 meters) on the road to Tawang. It acts as the primary connecting route between the Tawang district and the rest of India. The journey through the pass is characterized by winding roads and dramatic changes in landscape, moving from green valleys to a stark, alpine environment. The main attraction at the summit is the stunning Sela Lake, which often remains frozen during the winter months, creating a spectacular icy vista. The area is typically cold and windy throughout the year, with snow present for a significant part of the year, even during early summer. Visitors experience panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks on clear days. The pass is not just a transit point but a destination in itself, where travelers stop to admire the raw natural beauty, the colorful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the serene atmosphere of the high Himalayas.
Ideal For
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
May-June and October-November, coinciding with the main tourist seasons for Tawang.
March-April, when the winter snow begins to recede.
July-September due to monsoon and landslides, and December-February due to extreme cold and potential road closures.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
6:00 AM — 5:00 PM
The pass is a public road and technically always open. However, civilian travel is only permitted and safe during daylight hours, roughly from sunrise to sunset. The Indian Army may restrict traffic at any time due to bad weather, heavy snowfall, or security reasons.
Free entry for all visitors. However, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Indian citizens and a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreign nationals to enter Arunachal Pradesh.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Bomdila-Tawang Highway, West Kameng & Tawang District Border
Coordinates
27.5036, 92.1044
Nearest City
Tawang
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The closest operational airport for tourists is Tezpur Airport (TEZ) in Assam, around 325 km away (10-12 hours drive). The larger, better-connected airport is L...
The nearest major railway station is Rangapara North Railway Station (RPAN) in Assam, about 315 km from the pass. Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) offers much bet...
Sela Pass lies on National Highway 13 (NH-13), connecting Tawang with Bomdila and Tezpur. The journey requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian tourists. M...
There is no local transport at the pass itself. Transport to the pass consists of hired private vehicles or shared jeeps that travel between towns like Dirang a...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Sela Pass holds significant military history, primarily from the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It was a key battleground where Indian soldiers fought under challenging conditions. The pass is named after a local Monpa girl named Sela, who, according to local legend, assisted Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat of ...
Sela Pass is of immense strategic importance as it is the only road connecting the Tawang region to the rest of India. For the local Monpa Buddhist population, it serves as a spiritual gateway, believed to be surrounded by 101 sacred lakes. Its natural uniqueness, marked by its high altitude and the...
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips
Explore more places near this destination
Discover more amazing destinations curated for every kind of traveler
Explore More DestinationsFind and book top-rated hotels with the best deals on domestic and international hotel bookings for a comfortable stay.
Reserve flights online for leading routes within India and across the globe. Discover popular city pairings and secure the best airfare deals with a wide range of airline choices.

Sign up to get the latest travel deals, insider tips, and destination guides straight to your inbox.
Exclusive Member Deals
Up to 40% off on curated stays
New Stays First
Be first to discover new properties
Hidden Destinations
Off-the-beaten-path gems
Member-Only Offers
Special perks & surprise rewards
Join 100k+ travelers already getting the best deals.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
2,400+ joined this week