Bumla Pass- Arunachal Pradesh - India

At an elevation of 5,000 m above the sea level, the Bum La Pass marks the Indo-China border. A prominent attraction of Arunachal Pradesh, the place is a must visit but only when you have the special permit from Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tawang District, and then Indian army cantonment of Tawang. 

The place instantly evokes a feeling of patriotism, especially after watching soldiers protecting the border that too in such nerve-wracking weather condition. Also, it was through this pass, Dalai Lama entered India.

When on a visit to Bumla Pass, make a point to see the route from where Dalai Lama entered India to take a refuge. Also, there's a lake called Sangestar Tso, which is worth a watch.

You can also see the Indo-China Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) Point, which is one of the four meeting points between Indian Army and People's Liberation Army of China for regular consultations and interaction.

How to reach 

Tezpur in the nearest airport. After reaching Tezpur one can hire a cab for Tawang( costing around 5k) or share a cab with others( 1500 each). A trip to Bum La costs 2000 rupees for a Tawang-Bum La-Tawang trip. It is noteworthy that Arunachal Pradesh is closed for foreigners and Indian citizens need a inner line permit to enter the state.

For going to Bum La, permit should be taken from the DC office, and the same has to be stamped in the cantonment of Tawang. Please note that without the army stamp, you will not be allowed through the numerous check posts on the way. The army cantt. is open for civilians after 5 pm weekdays. 

Bumla Pass is reachable only by road, after receiving special permits. It is 37 kms away from Tawang. From Tawang to Y-junction is a 22 Km distance which has a metalled road, the rest 15 Kms are gravel road. This road is one of the shortest connectivity points to China from Tawang (India). On the Chinese side, the nearest major town Tsonajong is 43 Kms from Bumla border post.