About Bum La Pass
Bum La Pass is a high-altitude Himalayan mountain pass at about 15,200 feet (4,633 metres) on the border, located approximately 37 km from Tawang town in Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh. Known for its snow-covered landscape, stark mountain scenery and Indian Army border outpost, it is accessible only with special permits. The pass is noted for its historical association with the 1962 conflict and as the route taken by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a stark, high-altitude Himalayan landscape with snow-covered peaks and a border outpost maintained by the Indian Army. The pass itself is a fenced border area with army bunkers and meeting point structures. The drive from Tawang passes through Y Junction, PT Tso and Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake) with alpine lakes and rugged terrain. Facilities are minimal, oxygen is low, and time at the pass is limited and supervised.
Key highlights
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High-altitude pass at approximately 15,200 feet above sea level
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Indo-China border outpost with Indian Army presence
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Snow-covered Himalayan scenery and alpine lakes en route
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Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake) and PT Tso Lake on the approach road
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Historic route associated with the 14th Dalai Lama's entry in 1959
History of Bum La Pass
Bum La Pass is historically noted as one of the locations of military activity during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict and as the pass through which the 14th Dalai Lama entered India in March 1959. It has served as a traditional trade and pilgrimage route between Tawang and Tibet and now functions as a designated border personnel meeting point.
Culture & Context
The pass lies in the Monpa cultural region of Tawang, an area with strong Tibetan Buddhist heritage centered around Tawang Monastery. It is part of the traditional Himalayan route connecting Tawang to Tibet and holds significance for local communities and visitors interested in Himalayan border culture and Buddhist history.
Route
| By air |
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