Sela Pass

Topic: Structure and Physiography of India: Himalayas, Plains, Peninsula, Coasts and Islands · NCERT: Beyond NCERT

Meaning

Sela Pass is a high mountain pass at about 4,170 m in Arunachal Pradesh, on the road to Tawang. Heavy snow used to block it in winter, which cut off Tawang and the army posts near the border with China. The pass matters greatly for defence and for the people of the Tawang region.

Example

The Sela Tunnel, opened in March 2024, runs below the pass. It gives all-weather road access from the Assam plains, through Bomdi La, to Tawang.

Don't confuse with

• Bomdi La: this lies on the same road to Tawang, but it is lower (about 2,600 m) and further south. Sela is the higher pass, closer to Tawang.

Related concepts

• Zoji La
• Khardung La
• Rohtang Pass
• Shipki La
• Nathu La
• Bomdi La

Read more

• Himalayan passes: routes across the wall