Sela Pass Trek – Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh – the last eastern frontier state of India – Unspoilt and pristine natural elements, enveloped almost 3 quarters of its land in lush green vegetation, tribal culture and tradition, historical flight of HH Dalia Lama through this land and impacting Tibetan Buddhism on its culture make this north east frontier state truly remarkable state to visit – A state where evolution in term of development seems to be a far cry , leaving every thing in its nascent form.

Its originality is its original charm and  to trek through its quaint village in walking pace gaining an insights into its social and spiritual structures transport you back to days of yore. The trek follows old Buddhist trail traversing through Monpa village, monasteries, Chortens, Mani wall and through thick wooded forest of Rhododendron, Pine and conifers. This trek is done in stages as in some cases we drive to cover distance in main paved highway.

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1. Arrive in Tezpur and Drive to Bomdila (151 km/4 -5 hrs)
You can fly in to Tezpur from many sectors such as Delhi, Kolkatta, Gawahati. Upon Arrival meet representative and drive to Bomdila. Rest & Relax and prepare for next day trek. Overnight in Hotel

Day 2 . Trek begin – Bomdila – Pangam (8km/3 hrs)
Bomdila houses Bomdila Monastery – a replica of Tsona Monastery Gontse Monastery in south Tibet – affiliated to Gelupa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Trail head start from here, note today is relatively easy in term of duration as well as trail gradient that should aid in acclimatisation process. Descend through cluster of farms and further traversing thick wooded forest to Dhing Nongbo (2060 m) – a tiny village marked by white building and large Prayer wheels. It also house a school and close by Ghumtung Chorten. Further, descend into Pangam village and this is where we will drop anchor for tonight. Overnight in Camp 

Day 3. Pangam – Semnak – Langam (11 km/6 hrs)
Today, we will be passing through an interesting village of Semnak and finally to Langam village. Post breakfast, cross Pangam wooden bridge and follow left bank of river upstream. An hour of easy walk will take us to Semnak village – the villagers follow Drukpa Kagyuk lineage of Tibetan Buddhism – The tantric master Drukpa Kinley also know as divine madman is known for his unconventional teaching and antics. On display are wooden Phallus and mural generously at houses. Subsequently, follow descend through bamboo forest and to Panschsara meadow. From hereon, its a steep climb of around 500 m to Langam village. Overnight in Camp.

Day 4. Langam – Namsha (11 km/6hrs)
Today is the mixture of hike on farm road, paved ones and village trail. After breakfast, walk on a farm or feeder road for  350 m till it meet main paved road, walk along the pave road for about an hour till a  tea shop. We will take a sidetrack on left and follow a village trail towards Chander Village (2940 m).  As it is located on crest , the mount is steep to reach there. The view is astounding of Mt Gorichen – highest peak in Arunchal Pradesh and also other peaks from the village. After, descend following the road and take right after hair pin bend, further descend and manoeuvring a series of switchback, take you to village of Namsha. Campsite is near the village monastery.

Day 5. Namsha – Sangit (11 km/6hrs)
40 mins of hike down take you to another monastery but smaller , flanked by chortens on both sides. Monastery belongs to Gelupa school of Tibetan Buddhism. From here, it takes 1 hours to reach the ridge , initially gradient is gentle but later its get steep through thick wooded mountainside to the top. Descend for 2 hours to small village called Khalebok (2220 m). From here we can see Sangit villages however it requires further hike downhill of 1 hour to reach Sangit( 1620 m). Though optional, drive to Dhirang for 1 hours as accommodations is better here. Overnight in hotel.

Day 6. Dhirang -Mukto via Sela Pass (4180 m) & Sela lake ( 9 km/ 4 hrs)
Drive till 5 km below Sela Pass, although a climb but the view is beautiful and above the tree line. From Sela pass, view of Gorichen peak and others is spectacular. Taking a shorter walking route that cut through winding road, descend into Sela lake. There is war memorial dedicated to army man Jaswant Singh, who singlehandedly thwarted Chinese aggression attempt in 1962 war. Legend goes that his spirit still visit the place. Drive down to the bottom of valley across a river and hike for 3 km to Mukto village.Overnight in Camp.

Day 7. Mukto – Kipi (2230 m) ( 9km/ 6hours)
Post breakfast, walk back to river, from hereon descend for 30 mins to Chakdajam village. The trail meet with the main road before the bridge. Cross the bridge, taking the trail on right side, it climb steeply for about 2 hours to reach Kipi villages – its a traditional villages and womenfolk especially stand out with colourful ethnic dress, adorned with intricate jewellery. Overnight in Camp.

Day 8. Kipi – Tawang (9km/ 6hours)
Trail descend gentle traversing chorten and Mani wall to the river and to the Sheru village. It will take around 2 hrs. From here climb steeply for 1 hour to reach the ridge. Further following 6 km of gradual ascent to next ridge of Tawang. Visit Tawang monastery – its closely resemble Potala palace in Lhasa. It houses around 200 monk and one of largest Gelupa monastery. Overnight in Hotel

Day 9. Departure. 
Take a helicopter service to Gawahati however its service is inconsistence depending on volatile weather and operating limited number of days. Plan to book departure from Gawahati in afternoon. Or drive to Tezpur, it will be long drive of 11 – 12 hours. Depart next day from Tezpur.