Adventure · Sela Pass, Arunachal
First snow day at Sela in winter
For many travellers from the plains, Sela is where they touch snow for the first time. Expect deep drifts, a frozen lake and a cold wind, with the tunnel as a backup route if the top closes.
Photo: Kunal Dalui · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsFrom late December to early March, Sela usually holds snow. On a clear morning the frozen lake, white slopes and coloured prayer flags make a strong contrast. Families stop to build snowmen, students throw snowballs, and roadside stalls rent boots and padded coats for those who arrived in trainers. The cold is real: temperatures at the top can drop to around −10 °C in winter.
Snow also closes the road over the pass from time to time. Since 2024 the Sela Tunnel has kept the Dirang–Tawang route open on most days, but the top itself may be shut or slick with ice. Drivers in winter carry chains, start early and turn back if conditions worsen. Leave planning to an experienced local driver and accept that the plan can change on the morning.
Dress in layers, cover your hands and ears, and wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from glare. Do not walk onto the frozen lake; the ice can be thin in places. Children and older travellers should stay close to the vehicle and keep the stop short. Hot tea at the stalls helps, but avoid alcohol at this altitude and cold.
Good for
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Questions
Before you book
When does Sela Pass get snow?
Snow usually falls from December to March, with the heaviest cover in January and February. Late snowfalls can come in April, and early dustings in November. Exact conditions vary each year, so check current status before you travel.
Is Sela Pass closed in winter?
The road over the pass can close for hours or days after heavy snow. The Sela Tunnel, opened in March 2024, keeps the Dirang–Tawang route open on most winter days. Your driver will know the morning's situation from local checkpoints.
Can I walk on the frozen Sela lake?
We advise against it. The ice is not monitored and can be thin, especially near the edges and late in the season. The lake is also considered sacred by many Monpa. Enjoy it from the shore.