Checking payment status
Please wait a moment…
Please rotate your phone
This site is made for portrait mode on mobile. Turn your phone upright to continue.
Planning a trip to Bum La Pass? Check the special permit requirements, documents, application process, travel rules and tips for visiting Bum La Pass from Tawang.
Two separate requirements apply. Do not treat them as the same document:
Yes — both the Arunachal Pradesh ILP and the special Bum La Pass permit are required. You cannot visit Bum La with an ILP alone.
Apply on the Arunachal Pradesh eILP Portal . First, apply for your Arunachal Pradesh ILP. Sela Pass is on the route to Tawang — check the Sela Pass Permit Guide for travel information on that section of the journey.
Acclimatise in Tawang before applying for the high-altitude border trip.
Submit the Bum La request at the DC Office, Tawang. Army clearance is mandatory.
Carry ILP, photo ID, photographs and vehicle papers as instructed.
Obey all timings, photography rules and restricted-zone instructions.
Do not start for Bum La until the permit and Army clearance are in hand.
There is no fixed published fee for the special Bum La permit. Confirm current charges with the DC Office, Tawang before applying.
Applications are handled at the DC Office, Tawang, with clearance from the Indian Army. Check the Official Tawang District Website for local office information.
Summer and early autumn are generally more reliable than deep winter, when snow and Army restrictions can close the road. Access is always subject to clearance on the day of travel.
Bum La Pass is about 37 km from Tawang. The usual day-trip route is Tawang → Sangetsar Lake → Bum La Pass → Return. Travel only with authorised permission.
Bum La Pass is at an altitude of about 15,200 feet. Spend time in Tawang to acclimatise. Carry warm clothing and report altitude sickness immediately.
| Point | Arunachal Pradesh ILP | Bum La Pass Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Entry into Arunachal Pradesh | Permission for the Bum La border area |
| Where to apply | eilp.arunachal.gov.in | DC Office, Tawang + Indian Army |
| Can it be done online? | Yes (eILP) | No — processed locally in Tawang |
| Enough on its own for Bum La? | No | Required in addition to ILP |
Tawang District Tourist Places
Once permits are in order, Wizzride can help with connecting hill journeys such as Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok as part of a wider Northeast itinerary.
Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok Shared CabYes. You need both an Arunachal Pradesh ILP to enter the state and a special Bum La Pass permit from the DC Office, Tawang and the Indian Army.
No. The ILP allows entry into Arunachal Pradesh. The Bum La Pass permit is a separate permission for the restricted border area near Tawang.
No. The Arunachal ILP can be applied online at eilp.arunachal.gov.in. The Bum La special permit is processed locally at the DC Office, Tawang with Army clearance.
There is no single fixed published fee. Confirm the current charges with the DC Office, Tawang before applying.
Bum La Pass is a high-altitude border pass about 37 km from Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, close to the India–China Line of Actual Control.
The usual day-trip route is Tawang → Sangetsar Lake → Bum La Pass → return, covering about 37 km each way, and only after permission is granted.
No. You must hold a valid Arunachal Pradesh ILP before you can apply for Bum La special permission.
No. Access depends on weather, road conditions and Army clearance. Winter snow and security restrictions can close the route.
Bum La Pass is at an altitude of about 15,200 feet. Acclimatise in Tawang before travelling.
Wizzride can help with connecting hill journeys such as Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok. Local Tawang–Bum La travel is arranged only after Army permission and with authorised local transport.
Once your permit is ready, book your Wizzride shared or reserved cab for a comfortable journey across Northeast India.
Book Your Wizzride