Bumla Pass is located in Arunachal Pradesh, India, Tawang District, and is a border pass between China’s Tsona County and India. This border pass is 43 km from China’s Tsona County and 37 km from Tawang in India. This pass acts as a trading point between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet and serves as a border personnel meeting point for the security forces of China and India. The Bumla Pass is a historical route because when the People’s Liberation Army of China invaded India during the 1968 Sino-Indian War, a fierce battle took place there. The Bumla Pass was again reopened to traders after 44 years for the first time in 2006.
History and Tourism
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In 2006, traders from both sides could enter each other’s territories. The Bumla Pass is covered with heavy snow throughout the year and is one of the most off-beat passes in the world. There is a lake beyond Bumla Pass known as Sangestar Tso. Falling rocks create boulders and trees because of an earthquake. This lake was also featured in one of Madhuri Dixit’s movies, Koyla, and got its name as Madhuri Lake. This lake is 7 km beyond the bifurcation of the road leading to the Bumla Pass. There is a place where people place pebbles to show gratitude to the Himalayas and the guardians of the northern frontiers. There is also a sign of Sino-India friendship here.
There are five border personnel meeting points between the Indian army and the People’s Liberation Army of China, and Bumla Pass is one of them. It is used for regular consultations and interactions between the armies to improve their relations. There is a heart on the side of India where the border meetings are held. Special permission is required to visit the Bumla Pass. The consent should be granted by the office of the deputy commissioner in Tawang district and stamped by the Indian Army cantonment of Tawang. Without the stamps of the Indian Army, visitors are not allowed through the checkpost. The time to visit Bumla Pass is 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and it is closed on Saturday and Sunday. It is usually closed from November to May due to heavy snowfall. It takes nearly 2 to 3 hours to explore the place.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Tawang
Places To Visit Near The Bumla Pass
Here are a few places to visit near the Bumla Pass for an unforgettable trip.
1. Sangti Valley
Sangti Valley is in the eastern Himalayan foothills in the West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The Sangti River flows along this valley. Sangati Valley is a famous tourist destination for trackers and is known for its beautiful views and weather conditions. This place is less known and, hence, very peaceful. The entire valley is surrounded by pristine forests and fast hill rivers with houses of exciting cultures and traditions. Many fruit orchids and exotic birds are observed while visiting the valley. The entire Sangti Valley is covered with various flora and fauna and has many fruits like kiwi and apples. Many birds, like black-necked cranes that migrate from China during the months of November and December, are also noticed here. It is advised to check the weather conditions while visiting this place during the monsoon season from May to September because due to the heavy rains, there may be many roadblocks and limited accessibility to the surrounding areas.
Location: 97QC+HCX Sangti Valley Sheep Farm, Village: Sangti, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh 790101
Distance from Bumla Pass: 152 km
2. Sela Pass
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Sela Pass, located between the border of the Tawang and West Kameng districts, is a high-altitude pass. It is 13700 feet elevated, and it connects to the Indian Buddhist town of Tawang and continues to Dirang and Guwahati. Sela Pass also carries the national highway 13 that connects Tawang with the rest of India. The pass has a lot of vegetation and snow throughout the year. Sela Lake near This pass is one of the most sacred lakes out of 101 lakes in Tibetan Buddhism. Sela Pass receives heavy snowfall in the winter, but it is still open throughout the year. It can be temporarily closed if there are any incidents like landslides. This pass is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world. During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Jaswant Singh Rawat, a Mahavir Chakra awardee, held the Chinese army at the mountain pass with the help of Monpa girls named Sela and Noora. But Sela was killed, and Noora was captured. After that, Rawat held off the army for 72 hours until a Chinese capture told them they were facing only one fighter. Later, after a strong attack, Rawat was killed. In his memory, Jaswant Garh Memorial was built, and for the sacrifice of Sela, the pass, tunnel, and lake were named after her.
Location: Sela Pass, 790105
Distance from Bumla Pass: 102.7 km
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Tawang
3. Jakar Dzong
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Jakar Dzong, also known as Jakar Yugyal Dzong, is the fort in the Bumthang district. It is located above Jakar town in the Chamkhar valley. It is built on a temple established in the 15th century by the Ralung hierarchy. It is the largest dzong in Bhutan, with more than 4900 feet of circumference. The name translates to white bird, which refers to a jakar’s Foundation myth that a roosting white bird signals the proper and auspicious location to find a monastery. It is also called the Castle of the white bird. It was constructed in 1549 by the Tibetan Lama Ngagi Wangchuk, who came to Bhutan to spread the Drukpa Kagyu teachings. This place also became the seat of the first king in Bhutan in 1646. Jakar Dzong is the largest dzong in the country. It is officially named Yuelay Namgyal Dzong to honour the victory of the troops of Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyal. The place is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all days. It may be closed during religious or national holidays sometimes.
Location: Jakar Dzong, Jakhar Dzongkhag Office, Jakar, Bhutan
Distance from Bumla Pass: 743.9 km
4. Nuranang Falls
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Nuranang Falls, or Jung Falls and Bong Bong Falls, is a 100 m high waterfall in Jang Town. There is a Jung Hydel plant near the base of the fall that generates electricity for local use. The Nuranang River flows from the northern slopes of the Sela Pass. This Nuranang river and falls are named after the Monpo girl Nura, who helped Jaswant Singh Rawat, a Mahavir Chakra awardee of the Indian army, in the battle during the 1962 Sino-Indian war. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army later captured her. This place became a tourist destination after Madhuri Dixit, a Bollywood actress, shot a song in Koyla. A song named Mitha Mitha from the movie Hiya Diya Niya, released in 2007, was also shot here. The Nuranang waterfall is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Jung falls (Nuranang falls), HXQM+Q8V, Jang, 790105
Distance from Bumla Pass: 60.4 km
Further Read: Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh
Now that you have a list of things to remember while travelling to Bumla Pass plan your trip to Arunachal Pradesh for an unforgettable and fantastic one. This Pass has been covered with snow for almost an entire year due to its steep elevation and presents a beautiful view of the Tibetan plateau.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Bumla Pass
How to reach the Bumla Pass?
To reach Bumla Pass, tourists should hire an SUV vehicle with an experienced driver, as the road to Bumla Pass from Tawang City is a bit dangerous. Tourists should have permission from the Indian Army Containment. Without it, they are not allowed.
What is the best time to visit Bumla Pass?
The best time to visit Bumla Pass is between March to September because the temperature during these months is not extremely cold and it is decent to explore around without a hassle.
What are some things to do near the Bumla Pass?
A few activities to do near the Bumla Pass, like trekking to Gorichen Peak, visiting Nuranang Falls, travelling to Sela Pass, meditating at Taktsang Gompa and many more.
How is the climate in Arunachal Pradesh?
The climate at low altitudes in Arunachal Pradesh is humid, but at higher altitudes it is freezing. It receives heavy rainfall and snowfall, which is sometimes dangerous. It is recommended to plan the trip after referring to the climatic conditions.
What clothing is preferred while visiting Bumla Pass?
The area around the Bumla Pass is icy. It is recommended to carry thick and woollen clothing to cover the entire body, regardless of season. It is also recommended to cover the ears and nose as there is a heavy, cold breeze.
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