Sela Pass: A High-altitude Wonderland of Wonders

9Mar,2024

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Sela Pass stands tall at a staggering height of 13,700 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India.

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Soaring Height

Sela Pass acts as the main gateway to Tawang, a town famous for its magnificent Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India.

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Gateway to Tawang

The Sela Pass region is dotted with over 100 alpine lakes.  These lakes, formed by glacial meltwater, are known for their pristine beauty and serene ambience.

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Land of Lakes

A local legend associated with the pass tells the story of a brave Indian soldier named Jaswant Singh Rawat and a girl named Sela.  During the 1962 war, Rawat is said to have fought the Chinese army single-handedly for three days, with Sela providing him with food and water. The legend says that Sela took her life after Rawat's death.

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A Historic Legend

The Sela Pass also serves as the source of several important rivers in Arunachal Pradesh, including the Kameng, Yargyap, and Tawang Chu.  These rivers provide water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and other purposes.

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Birthplace of Rivers

No description of Sela Pass can be complete without mentioning its breathtaking beauty.  The combination of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush meadows creates a landscape that is truly awe-inspiring.

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Breathtaking Beauty