Visiting Bum La Pass Tawang India, was definitely one of the many unique experiences that we had on our Arunachal Pradesh odyssey with Holiday Scout. Many factors contributed to making the Bumla Pass visit an unforgettable experience to be cherished in memory for a long, long time.

These included the amazing topography of the land that one passed through while travelling to Bum La Pass from Tawang, the many high-altitude lakes on the way, Bumla Pass’s height of 15,200 feet, and the fact that it is on the Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Read on to know more about our experience of visiting Bumla Pass near Tawang, tips for travelling to Bum La Pass Tawang India, amazing facts about Bum La Pass, Bumla Pass weather, the best time to visit Bumla Pass, Bumla Pass permit,  and much more. This is in essence a complete guide to visiting Bum La Pass Arunachal Pradesh.

Bum La Pass Tawang India – Arunachal’s Heart-Stopping Destination

Bum La Pass Tawang India, perched atop the rugged mountain ranges of the Himalayas is the last frontier of Indian territory, beyond the Bum La Pass, lies Chinese territory (Tibet Autonomous Region). At 15,200 feet Bum La Pass is where oxygen levels drop and visitors need to take adequate precautions against AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

Bum La Pass is a place that you should not miss visiting when you are in Tawang. The experience is a must for every Indian. It is a place right in the wilderness where raw nature surrounds you, the rarified air with low oxygen levels adds to the experience, and above all, you are in a historic place that stands as a synonym for the bravery and tenaciousness of our armed forces, who maintain their vigil in extreme conditions.

Visiting Bum La Pass Tawang India | Road To Bumla Pass

It was with great excitement that we began our incredible journey from Tawang to Bum La Pass. A few days back we had crossed Sela Pass at an altitude of 13,700 feet on our way from Dirang to Tawang, and now we looked forward to experiencing the thrill of another mountain pass.

In our journeys across India, we have visited the high-altitude passes of Ladakh including Chang La at 17,688 feet. We have also visited the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim at an altitude of 14,400 feet. Now we looked forward to visiting the Bum La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh.

After an early morning visit to the Tawang Monastery and a quick breakfast at the Pal_mo Homestay where we were staying, we left for Bumla Pass in a 4X4 (4-wheel drive) Xylo car arranged by Holiday Scout. The weather conditions mandate a 4X4 car to tackle the tough terrain of Bumla Pass. Tawang was enveloped in a thick sheet of fog and it was raining, when we began our journey. We were hoping we would get clearer skies at our destination – Bum La Pass Tawang India.

Sometimes, in fact, most of the time, we have found our journeys as enthralling as the destinations that we are travelling to, and this was so true of our journey from Tawang to Bum La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

It was pouring as we passed the giant Buddha statue that sat in serene somnolence in Tawang, and soon we reached Panga Teng Tso Lake, abbreviated to PT Tso Lake. It was shrouded in a sheath of grey flog that blurred its stunning beauty. We decided we would stop here on our way back to click pictures.

You need a special permit to travel beyond Tawang to Bum La Pass. Holiday Scout who had curated our entire Arunachal Pradesh trip, had arranged for the same, and our driver got the permits checked at one of the many military check posts that you come across on the way to Bumla Pass.

We passed many lakes that peeped shyly and tantalizingly from beneath the veil of grey fog that covered them. As we drove steadily on the winding path, we were met with spectacular landscapes on both sides of the road.

The road glistened with rainwater and the fir trees that lined the roads seemed to wave in ecstasy, drenched by rain. Colourful Buddhist prayer flags waved frantically as we made our way through the rain to our rendevous with the India-China Border in Arunachal Pradesh. A herd of Yaks looked up from their grazing, giving us no more than a cursory glance.

As the clouds cleared, we could see gleaming rocks on both sides of the road, and they were covered with what looked like multi-coloured, exotic-looking alpine shrubs.

The hues of pink, brown, red, yellow, and green on the wet rocks created a mesmerizing spectacle, a wonderful manifestation of nature.

Enthralled by the landscapes that we were passing through, we soon reached what is known as the Y Junction, which marked approximately the halfway mark of our journey from Tawang to Bumla Pass.

A slight deviation at the Y junction leads to Sungester Lake. After the Y Junction, we came across a small lake, and beyond the lake, up on a hill stood a yellow-coloured building from where the mellifluous sounds of Gurbani emanated, this, we learned was the Gurudwara Teesri Udassi. We did not have time to visit the Gurudwara and proceeded onwards to Bumla Pass.

A few kilometres before Bum La Pass, we came across the memorial built for Subedar Joginder Singh, who was the martyr of Bumla Pass in the 1962 India-China war. As we approached our destination, our excitement grew in leaps and bounds, and soon we were there. 15,200 feet above sea level, at the historic and strategic Bum La Pass Tawang, India.

At Bum La Pass Tawang India

We got down slowly from the car, and right in front of us stood a heap of painted rocks and stones. The brightly painted rocks glistened with the sheen of the rainwater. On one of the rocks painted in black was written, “Bumla 15200 ft,” in sparkling white. A little away from this heap of stones was a barricaded road that led to the Indo-China border, and to the right of this barricade was a tin-roofed structure that was a canteen.

We walked into the canteen which was buzzing with activity, people were either warming themselves with cups of hot tea, or buying jackets, boots, caps, and other winter wear that was on sale by the Armed Forces personnel. We too bought a couple of caps as souvenirs. There was a door that opened to the pathway that we had observed behind the barricade from outside. Inside the canteen, near the door was a counter manned by a couple of soldiers. We had to show our permit there, and they stamped it and returned it to us, asking us to wait.

After waiting for about 10 minutes, we along with other visitors exited onto the path that led to the border and made our way toward one of the extremities of Indian territory. Photography is strictly prohibited beyond this point and a board proclaims so in no uncertain terms.

The walk to the border is a guided one under the surveillance of the army, and one cannot loiter around. A walk of about 700 odd metres brought us to another barricade, behind which stood an Indian Army personnel. He introduced himself and explained about the place. He pointed to another barricade on the path just a few feet away, and said, “beyond that barricade is Chinese territory,” and as if on cue, we spotted a Chinese soldier wrapped in a white PPE suit clicking pictures of our group, as we stood on Indian territory, behind the barricade. We were informed that this was a routine that the Chinese followed diligently.

About 43 kilometres from where we stood, towards the north of the Bumla pass is Tsona Dzong, in Tibet Autonomous Region’s Shannan prefecture. A high-quality motorable road S202 has been built by the Chinese from Shannan right up to Bumla Pass. The Indian Army has periodical meetings with its Chinese counterparts, these are termed BPMs or Border Personnel Meetings.The structures where these meetings were held, on both sides of the border, were pointed out to us.

Towards our left, stood mountain peaks blurred by grey fog, and we could almost hear the war cries of, “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,” that had echoed here many years ago in 1962, when a platoon of the Sikh Regiment, fought valiantly against the Chinese invaders.

The group of visitors was gripped with an all-consuming wave of patriotism, and the group spontaneously erupted in cheers of, “Vande Mataram, ” and, “Bharatmata Ki Jai,” at what was the last frontier of the Indian Army.

Bum La Pass History | Battle of Bumla Pass – A Tale of Incredible Valour

Bum La Pass stands in perpetual homage to the bravery of Subedar Joginder Singh and his men, who fought valiantly though being outnumbered. As we listened to the story of the battle of Bumla Pass, we were overcome with emotion and our hearts swelled with pride, we felt like hugging every Indian Army soldier that we met at Bumla Pass and telling them how grateful we were to them.

In the month of September 1962, at the height of the Indo-China conflict, Chinese troops swooped down on Bum La Pass. Their intention was to advance towards Tawang. Bum La Pass was guarded by a small platoon consisting of just 20 soldiers of the Sikh Regiment. Subedar Joginder Singh was the head of the platoon.

The Chinese attacked the post in three successive waves, each consisting of 200 armed Chinese soldiers. The Indian soldiers were clearly outnumbered, but they fought fearlessly. They fought against all odds and repulsed the initial attacks. But sheer numbers took its toll and the ammunition of the Indian soldiers got depleted, and they had heavy casualties too.

At this stage the soldiers who had survived, but were wounded, surged forward with their bayonets, crying “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,” led by the seriously wounded Subedar Joginder Singh. The final charge of the Sikh Regiment managed to scatter the Chinese soldiers initially, but they recouped and overpowered the Indians quickly.

Subedar Joginder Singh, who was fatally wounded, single-handedly killed over 50 Chinese soldiers in that last-ditch charge. He was captured alive by the Chinese and later died in Chinese custody, succumbing to his wounds.

Subedar Joginder Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military gallantry award, posthumously. Even the enemy recognized the bravery of Subedar Joginder Singh, the Chinese sent his ashes with full military honours to his battalion.

A memorial has been built as a requiem for the brave Subedar Joginder Singh on the road that leads to Bu La Pass. Do stop at the Subedar Joginder Singh Memorial PVC, to pay your respects to the brave soldier’s memory.

As we left Bum La Pass behind, we saw a slogan painted on a rock that reads, “With Determination, I will be triumphant – Sikh Regiment,” and our hearts went out to our brave soldiers who maintain vigil every single day, hour, and minute, in some of the most hostile weather conditions in the world.

Bumla Permit For Visiting Bum La Pass Tawang India

The territory beyond Tawang is controlled by the Indian Armed Forces, and one can visit Bum La Pass only with a permit from the Indian Army, on presentation of bonafide Indian Government Ids. The Bumla permit can be obtained from the DC office in Tawang. The permits can also be arranged by the hotel or homestay you are staying in. If you are hiring a vehicle to travel to Bumla Pass from Tawang, the permits are taken care of by the driver.

Lakes Near Bum La Pass Tawang India

It is believed that there are more than 108 lakes around Tawang. We saw many big and small lakes on our journey from Tawang to Bum La Pass.

Each of these lakes has a pristine and mystical aura that is so alluring. Though visibility was not that clear we could still grasp the inherent beauty and sanctity of these lakes. The important lakes are listed below:

Pankang Teng Tso (PT Tso Lake)

Pankang Teng Tso – PT Tso Lake is the first lake that we saw after leaving Tawang, on our way to Bumla Pass. The lake is located right on Bumla road.

PT Tso Lake nestles in the shadow of snow-clad mountains and presents a very picturesque sight. However, we were not able to see it in that avatar as foggy conditions prevailed.

Sangetsar Tso or Shungatser Lake | Madhuri Lake

One of the most popular lakes near Bum La Pass is the high-altitude Sangetsar Lake or the Shungatser lake popularly known as Madhuri Lake. It is located at an altitude of 12,165 feet. We visited this lake on the way back from Bum La Pass. A slight deviation at the Y junction takes you on a road that winds downhill towards Shungatser Lake.

As you approach Sangetsar Lake, the view is spectacular from a height. The lake shimmers between two huge hills that seem to be perpetually hugged by clouds. The idyllic environs of the lake were the backdrop for a song sequence in the Bollywood movie – “Koyla”  starring Madhuri Dixit and Shah Rukh Khan and hence the lake has become popular as Madhuri Lake.

Klemta Lake

Klemta lake is also quite near Bumla Pass. It was enveloped in a cocoon of grey and in the middle was visible a structure painted in orange. A small bridge stretched out to the structure from the shore of the lake. The orange structure turned out to be a Hindu temple. An arch at the entrance to the bridge said. “Shree Swayambhunath Mandir.”

Amazing Facts about Bum la Pass Tawang India

Here are some of the amazing facts about Bum la Pass Tawang Arunachal Pradesh, that make it one of the most interesting places to visit near Tawang.

• Bumla Pass altitude in feet is 15,200 ( Bumla Pass height is 4632.96 meters )
• It is considered to be one of the most off-beat passes in the world
• Bum La Pass connects Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India to Cona County located in the southern part of Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China
• Bum La Pass Tawang Arunachal Pradesh India is out of bounds for foreign nationals, while Indian nationals need a permit to visit it
• Bumla Pass was the passage used by Dalai Lama to escape from Tibet in the year 1959
• Bumla Pass in Tawang on the Arunachal Pradesh and China border was the scene of a fierce battle during the 1962 Indo-China war
• Joginder Singh War Memorial is located on the way to Bum La Pass and honours the valiant Indian soldier Subedar Joginder Singh who valiantly fought the Chinese onslaught with a handful of soldiers and was martyred in Chinese custody
• There are many beautiful lakes around Bum La Pass Tawang India that can be visited when you are travelling from Tawang to Bum La Pass

Bumla Pass Temperature | Bumla Pass Weather

Bumla Pass Tawang is covered with snow for most of the year except for a few months. It is generally foggy and visibility also not good. If you are lucky and visit sometime during autumn, you may get clear weather. We visited in the month of September, and though there was no snow, it was very windy and the sky was overcast, foggy conditions were prevalent and Bumla Pass temperature was around 4 degrees centigrade during the day.

It is advisable to check the Bumla Pass weather before planning a visit.

Best Time To Visit Bumla Pass 

The best time to visit Bumla Pass Indo-China Border is between October to May, the place sees snowfall from November onwards. However, the weather conditions in the mountains are always unpredictable and can change really fast. It is hence advisable to check weather conditions before you visit Tawang Bumla Pass.

It is best to start from Tawang immediately after breakfast so that you can finish your Bumla Pass Tawang Arunachal Pradesh visit, by early afternoon and visit the lakes in the vicinity, especially the Shungatser Lake, popularly known as Madhuri Lake.

Tips For Visiting Bum La Pass Tawang India

• Bum La Pass requires a special permit for visiting, it is out of bounds for foreign nationals
• Due to its altitude, you could face issues of AMS so be prepared, if need be take Diamox as a preventive remedy after consultation with your Doctor
• If you have a medical condition that can be aggravated at high altitudes, take the necessary precautions
• It will be cold on the way and at Bum La Pass, so do not forget your woollens and do take an umbrella or raincoat
• Once you leave Tawang, it is all Military territory, so follow the instructions of your guide or driver and ensure you use your camera judiciously
• At Bumla Pass photography is strictly prohibited beyond a point that is marked with a board, ensure you adhere to the rules
• There are no shops or restaurants between Tawang and Bum La Pass, ensure you carry your own drinking water and light refreshments if needed
• At Bum La Pass you can get tea, coffee, and light snacks at the Army-run canteen
• We suggest you start immediately after breakfast for Bumla Pass from Tawang and after visiting Bumla Pass you can visit Shungetsar Lake, where you can have lunch at the Army Canteen and return to Tawang by late afternoon
• Carry your DSLR camera / smartphone to capture the scenic landscapes on the way from Tawang to Bum La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh

Images of Bum La Pass Tawang India | Photos of Bumla Pass

Here are some riveting images of Bum La Pass that are sure to make you pack your bags for this incredible corner of India.

Here is a collage of images of the landscapes that we encountered on our journey from Tawang to Bumla Pass, India China border.

Plan a trip to Tawang and enjoy the beauty of nature.

How To Get To Bum La Pass Tawang India

Bumla Pass is located on the Indo-China border in the North Eastern state of India, Arunachal Pradesh.

• Bumla Pass to Tawang distance is about 53 kilometres
• The road from Tawang to Bumla is very good and built and maintained by the BRO ( Border Roads Organization) and is known as Bum La Road
• The distance from Sela Pass to the Bum la Pass Indo-China Border is about 124 kilometres
• The capital of Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar is about 500 kilometres from Indo China Border Bumla Pass
• Bumla Pass Tawang India is about 488 kilometres from Guwahati

Reaching By Air

The nearest airport to the Bum la Pass Indo-China Border is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Borjhar, Guwahati, which is about 494 kilometres. From Guwahati, you can drive to Tawang, via Bomdila, Dirang, and Sela Pass, on an incredible road trip. Guwahati of course is connected to the main cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and others.

Reaching By Rail

The nearest railway station to Bum La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh is Tezpur at a distance of about 382 kilometres. Tezpur is located in the Sonitpur district of Assam.

Reaching By Road

The best way to reach Bum La Pass is by road from Tawang. The roads are pretty good and connect the major places within Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.

If you are planning a visit to Bum La Pass, you can book your flight tickets right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline and fly to Guwahati. If you are thinking of a road trip, do check out the rental car options.

Where To Stay For Visiting Bum La Pass Tawang India

You should include Bum La Pass in your Tawang itinerary, as it is one of the best places to visit in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. You can stay in Tawang which has a good range of accommodations including some wonderful homestays.

We stayed at one of the best homestays in Tawang, the Pal_mo Homestay, and loved it. It is very close to the Tawang Monastery and is a very comfortable place to stay in Tawang. You can book the Pal_mo Homestay or any other homestay or hotel in Tawang, or anywhere in Arunachal Pradesh, or anywhere in India right here.

To visit Bum La Pass Tawang India, you can book your stay at Pal_mo Homestay, Tawang or you can book the best hotels in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India right here –  TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined or  Agoda and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Bum La Pass Tawang India – FAQ

Why is Bum La Pass Tawang India famous?

It is a high-altitude pass on India China Border in Arunachal Pradesh, and a fierce battle took place here during the India-China war of 1962.

How do I get a Bum La Pass? | How to get a permit for Bumla Pass?
You need a special permit to visit Bum La Pass that can be obtained from the DC office in Tawang. It can also be arranged by the car agency if you are hiring a car to travel to Bumla Pass from Tawang.

Is there snowfall in Bum La Pass Tawang India?
Owing to its high altitude of 15,200 feet Bum La Pass has snow throughout the year barring a few months.

Is Bum La Pass Tawang India open in December?
Bum La Pass and Tawang would be under snow in December. It is the Army that takes a call on visitors travelling to Bumla Pass based on weather and road conditions.

Which pass connects Tawang with Lhasa?
Bum La Pass on the Arunachal China border connects Tawang with Lhasa.

How much is the Arunachal Pradesh to China border distance?
Technically Bum La Pass which is in Arunachal Pradesh is right on the China border. The nearest town Tsona Dzong in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China is 43 kilometres from the border.

Are you planning a trip to Tawang and wish to visit Bum La Pass Tawang India or any part of North East India? You can connect here with The Holiday Scout Team for a hassle-free and comfortable tour curated by them.

We hope you were as thrilled reading our blog post about Bum La Pass Tawang India, as we were while visiting it and writing about it. We also hope that the information and experience that we have shared here help you plan your own trip to this amazing place – Bum La Pass Tawang India. Do stay tuned to our blog for more interesting posts about amazing places. Subscribe to our blog and connect with us on our social media channels.

Our visit to Bum La Pass Tawang India was organized by Holiday Scout. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own. #travel #BumLaPass #Tawang #GoNEindia #HolidayScout #ArunachalPradesh #northeastindia #DekhoApnaDesh #IncredibleIndia #IndianArmy #IndiaChinaBorder

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