Explore Bum La Pass, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

stayquery
Sep 9, 2023
3 min read

The Bum La Pass, which separates India and China at a height of 15,200 feet above sea level, is Arunachal Pradesh's main tourist attraction. Due to its high elevation, this pass remains snowbound for almost the whole year and offers a stunning view of the Tibetan plateau. Visitors travel through numerous tranquil hamlets and picturesque lakes on the road to the pass, making the journey unforgettable.

The Indian Army maintains the Bum La Pass. The place immediately evokes feelings of patriotism, especially after seeing how Indian soldiers defend the borders in the most extreme weather conditions. The Dalai Lama reached India through this pass. Bum La Pass is also one of the four officially agreed BPM (Border Personnel Meeting) points between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China. For visitors who want to see what is on the other side of the border, a telescope and a few binoculars are stored next to the Indian Army check point.

For visiting the pass, a special permit is needed, which can be obtained at the Tawang office of the deputy commissioner. Distance from Tawang to Bum La Pass is 38 Km (Approx).

Tawang, known as the land of lakes, is surrounded by more than 108 beautiful glacial lakes. On your way from Tawang to Bum La Pass, you will pass through several large and tiny lakes.

Each of these lakes has an enticing pure and magical vibe. The following are some of the most important lakes:

Pankang Teng Tso or PT Tso Lake

Sangetsar Tso or Madhuri Lake

Klemta Lake

Here are some fascinating facts about Bum la Pass in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, which make it one of the most intriguing spots to visit near Tawang.

Bumla Pass altitude in feet is 15,200 (Bumla Pass height is 4632.96 metres)
It is considered one of the most remote passes in the world.
Bum La Pass connects Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India to Cona County in the People's Republic of China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Bum La Pass is off-limits to foreign nationals, while Indian nationals require a permit to visit it.
The Dalai Lama reached India through this pass.
Bumla Pass was the site of an intense battle during the Indo-China war in 1962.
Bum La Pass is surrounded by a number of picturesque lakes, which you can visit on your way between Tawang and Bum La pass.

Bum La Pass Travel Tips:

A special permit is required to visit Bum La Pass, it is prohibited for foreigners.
If you have an illness that can be aggravated at high altitude, take the necessary precautions.
It is important to carry woollen clothing and an umbrella or raincoat as it will be chilly on the road and in Bum La pass.
Once you leave Tawang, everything is war territory, so make sure to follow the instructions of your guide or driver.
Taking photos with the Bumla Pass is strictly prohibited, be sure to follow the rules.
Do not forget to carry drinking water and snacks if needed as there are no shops or restaurants between Tawang and Bum La Pass. You can get tea, coffee and light snacks in the army canteen.
You can start from Tawang to Bumla Pass after breakfast and after visiting Bumla Pass visit Shungetsar Lake where you can have lunch at army canteen and return to Tawang by late afternoon.