We welcome you to the International Border of India and Myanmar at the Pangsau Pass.
The Pangsau Pass provides one of the easiest accessible routes to cross the border of India to reach the Union of the Republic of Myanmar to Indian Citizens. Every month on the 10th, 20th and 30th the visitors from India can choose to cross the border to reach Myanmar with valid documentations (Inner Line Permit to reach Arunachal Pradesh from Assam and SDO Nampong permit to cross the Indian Border).
The Pangsau Pass also known as the Pang Saung Pass is located at the Border of the Countries of India and Myanmar in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The Pangsau Pass is at an altitude of 3727 ft and is at the crest of the Patkai Hills.
The Pangsau Pass shot into prominence during World War II wherein the pass became famous because of the Stilwell Road connecting British India to Nationalist Chinese forces fighting the Japanese in China. The pass was the large initial obstacle encountered by United States General Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell‘s forces in their effort to build a land route to supplement The Hump air route (after the other land route, the Burma Road was lost to advancing Japanese forces).
Because of the fierce gradients and the mud, which made getting up to the pass difficult, it was nicknamed “Hell Pass” during the war.
The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is a global village event organized every year in January at Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh.
Indian Citizens can cross the Pangsau Pass and the Border to reach Myanmar and visit the Local market that is hosted as per the schedule mentioned and get a chance to buy ethnic goods from Myanmar. You can choose to visit in the morning and get an opportunity to dine with the people of Myanmar who serve exotic meals of meat, fish and beverages and return back to India before 3 pm. The Border is strictly monitored by the Armed Forces of each Nation and hence you cannot cross the borders without valid documentation.
Traders from each country gather every month on the scheduled dates and sells goods ranging from Burmese Coffee, Assam Tea, Handicrafts and Handlooms. The Pangsau Pass Winter Festival held every year in the Month of January is a rich conglomeration of the people of India and Myanmar especially the Legendary Tribes who get an opportunity to showcase their rich culture and heritage to the thousands of tourists who visit the Festival. If you a enthusiast of Nature, Heritage and Culture, Food Lover then the Pangsau Pass is the place you should never miss to visit. It is one of the International Borders of the World where you do not need a Passport to visit the neighboring Country.
The Pangsau Pass gained fame during the World War II when the Japanese had cut off the communications by road for the Allied Forces to reach and deliver supplies to China. It was the American Army under the able guidance of General Vinegar Joe Stilwell who decided to undertake a humongous task of constructing the Stilwell Road aka Ledo Road (across one of the most inaccessible and treacherous conditions) from Ledo (Assam, India) to Kunming (China). The Burma Campaign of the World War II was fought across the State of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in North East India. Here at the Burma Campaign, the Allies would face one of the most inhospitable areas for military operations in the world. For the Americans, the theater not only covered a vast area, but it was also the end of a 12,000 mile supply line. The areas where the Allies would campaign was characterized by extremely rugged terrain with few roads and other communications, conditions which would favor the defense and reduce the Allies’ advantage in numbers. The Americans resolved to go ahead with the task of constructing this mammoth project and the construction started in December 1942 across the dense terrain of the Patkai range through the Pangsau Pass aka “the Hell Pass (for the difficulty of the terrain)” into Shingbwiyang in Burma. The terrain was outrageous as it rose high upto 4,500 feet (1400m) along with steep gradients, hairpin curves and drops upto 200 feet (60 m).
Places of Interest and things to do near the Pangsau Pass ~
1| Pangsau Pass Market ~
The Pangsau Pass market is held every month on the 10th, 20th and 30th where traders from Myanmar conglomerate and set up a Bazaar that sell ethnic goods of Myanmar to visitors. Special attractions include the Swords of Burma, the Handicrafts and Handlooms, electronic goods, Burmese Coffee and numerous food stalls serving food and alcoholic beverages.
2| Lake of No Return ~
Dubbed as the Bermuda Triangle, the Lake of No Return shot into fame during the World War II where many Aircrafts of the Allied Forces crash landed and people started believing the cause to be some supernatural forces. The Lake of No Return still has many remains of the Aircrafts of American Army buried at its depths.
The Lake of No Return is a water body situated on the border of India and Myanmar at Pangsau Pass. Home to the Tangsa tribe the lake has come to play a part in the development of tourism in the nearby Indian Changlang District, which borders on Burma.
The legends of this lake are elaborated in bullets as below ~
- the name ‘Lake of no Return’ is due to the number of Allied aircraft crash landed in the lake during World War II as the pilots thought this would be a soft landing spot for the aircrafts. The American called this as ‘Lake of no Return’ on account of all the crashed planes concealed in its depths.
- the Second legend states that during the World War II many Japanese soldiers while on their return got lost and ended up near this lake. They got struck and died of malaria and hence the name ‘the Lake of no Return’
- It is also said that an army of British troops got stuck in the quicksand and later perished at this lake and hence the name ‘Lake of no Return’.
3| Stilwell Road ~
Built under the able guidance of General Vinegar Joe Stilwell of the American Army during the Second World War, the Stilwell Road is a perfect example of the might of American Engineering. Constructed under the most treacherous conditions by an army of 15,000 American soldiers and 35,000 locals this road proved a pivotal point in the march of the Allied Forces to conquer the soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army.
The Stilwell Road aka the Ledo Road was built during World War II by an army of 15,000 American soldiers and 35,000 locals under the expert supervision of General Vinegar Joe Stilwell.
The road stretches from Ledo in Assam across 1079 miles to Kunming in China. The construction of this mammoth project was estimated to be around USD 150 million and the road was used by the Western Allies to supply to the Chinese when the Japanese Army had cut the Burma road.
General Stilwell and his army of men completed the stretch of 1079 miles (1736 km) within 2 years under the most treacherous conditions and this is what makes this road “an Epitome of an American Engineering Marvel”. And this was done more than 70 years ago ago when the world didn’t have the expertise of today’s technology.
4| Jairampur World War II Cemetery ~
Located at Nampong, the Jairampur War Cemetery is the only War cemetery in India from the Era of the Second World War that has burials of Soldiers from the Chinese Army. In addition, burial of Indian men who died during the construction of the Stilwell Road are also present. The War Cemetery is also a Botanical Garden with many species of Butterflies.
5| Steam Locomotives at Tipong Colliery ~
Among the Oldest underground Coal Mines of India, Tipong Colliery is known for the presence of the Oldest Operational Steam Locomotives in the World of the likes of DAVID and 796. Built by W G Bagnall of Stafford England these Locomotives have been in operation from the Late 1800’s when coal was discovered in Assam at the Ernest Makum Coalfields by the British Raj. Tipong is a land of breathtaking natural beauty situated among Green mountains and River Tirap flowing across it.
6| Sumi Naga Tribes of Lalpahar Village at Tipong ~
The fiercest of the Naga Tribes, the Sumi Nagas have their Village at Tipong. Known as fiercesome head-hubters, the Sumi Naga people used to chop off the heads of the enemy and carry with them as a symbol of their valor. Though head-hunting is no longer practiced, the Sumi Naga village is a must visit to get a glimpse of the Rich culture and Heritage of their tribe. Ideal time to visit is the during their festivals of Ahuna and Tuluni.
7| Mounglang Khamti Buddhist Monastery ~
The International Meditation Center at the Mounglang Khamti Buddhist Monastery is famous for the revered Bhante Baba. Bhante Baba is a Buddhist Monk who has travelled around the globe spreading the awareness of peace in the World. His blessed ‘stone’ is very popular and many of the people of Assam adorn this ‘stone’ as a golden ring on their fingers. This precious Stone is known to protect a person from many ailments and best for protection from accidents and many other powers.
8| India’s only Coal Museum at Margherita ~
The only Coal Museum of India is located at Margherita. Built under the able guidance of the Ex. Chief General Manager of NECF, Mr. A.K. Bora this Coal Museum highlights the various practices of Coal Mining prevalent at the Makum Coalfields. The Musuem also has display many relics and artifacts from the Burma Campaign of the World War II.
9| The Remains of the 20th General Hospital of the American Army at Margherita ~
Built during the Burma Campaign of the World War II, the 20th General Hospital was a Grade A Hospital of the American Army. The Hospital treated numerous wounded soldiers of the Allied Forces and during the entire period of activity, it received altogether 73,000 patients, with only a few more than 300 deaths form all cases. The hospital closed its medical services in December, 1945, and was decommissioned on December 27.
10| The Singpho Eco Lodge at Margherita ~
The Singpho Eco Lodge at Margherita is an ideal retreat for an Ecotourist. Situated in the midst of lush Tea Gardens of Assam, the Sinpho Eco Lodge provides a rich insight into the culture and practices of the Singpho Tribes of Assam. Here, you get a chance to savor ethnic Singpho Cuisine served with warm love of the locals.
11| The Countryside of Assam and the Legendary Tribes at Ketetong Village ~
The State of Assam is blessed with bounties of Mother Nature and is also known as the Land of Red Rivers and Blue Hills. The description is adept when you visit the countryside of Assam at the Ketetong Village in Margherita. Ketetong is a small village and is home to the Legendary Tribes of Assam. Tribes dwelling here are the Singphos, the Tai Ahoms, the Tai Phakes, the Tai Khamtis, the Tai Khamyangs, the Sonowal Kacharis, the Rabhas and many more. If you are interested in learning and experiencing the rich culture an heritage of the Tribes of North Eats India, then Ketetong Village in the place you cannot miss to visit.
12| The Digboi War Cemetery ~
Digboi is home to the Asia’s Oldest Oil Refinery an the Oldest Operational Oil Well in the World. The World War II cemetery at Digboi was built and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves mission and has burials of over 200 soldiers of the Royal British Army along with Indian Soldiers.
13| The Digboi Centenary Oil Museum ~
Inaugurated in January 2002, the Centenary Oil Museum at the Legendary Oil Town of Digboi is a treasure house of memorabilia of the past, tools and equipment of the yesteryears and elegant wall panels depicting the history of Oil refining in India. While an air raid shelter of the World War II greets visitors at the entrance of the museum, the steel rig of Digboi Well No. 1 stands as a silent sentinel of excellence adjacent to the museum building. This museum also hosts the Oldest Operational Oil Well in the World i.e the Digboi Well No.1 from which oil is still gently seeping.
14| The Lush Tea Gardens and the Bibi Majhar at Namdang ~
Located at Namdang where the first Underground coal mines of the Makum Coalfields began are the Lush and Bountiful Tea Gardens of Assam. The Tea gardens look like a Green carpet which spread out several miles. At Namdang, you may choose to visit a Tea Factory and understand the intricate process that brings to you your morning cup of fresh Tea. Also present at Namdang is the Namdang Bibi Majhar where it is believed that your wishes are granted true.
Welcome to the Coal Queen of Assam ~ Margherita ~ Assam ~ India
Sample Itinerary for visit to Pangsau Pass and Myanmar ~
Day 1 ~ Dibrugarh and Digboi
Arrive at Mohanbari Airport at Dibrugarh. Depart to the Legendary Oil town of Digboi (Asia’s Oldest Refinery and the Oldest Operational Oil Well in the World). Visit the Centenary Oil Museum at Digboi that has the Oldest Operational Oil Well in the World. On the way sight the majestic tea gardens of Assam. Check into the Namdang Guest House at Digboi.
Night Stay: Namdang Guest House, Digboi.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 ~ Digboi and Miao
After Breakfast we will proceed to visit the World War II cemetery near Digboi. Later drive from Digboi to Miao. At Miao visit Museum and Tibetan settlement and Carpet factory.
Night Stay: Namdapha Jungle Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 ~ Miao and Deban (Hornbill Campsite)
Drive to Deban (24 km) and proceed to Hornbill Camp (10 km) by trekking accompanied by local guide and porters. Sight majestic bird species on your way.
Night Stay: Tented Accommodation.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 ~ Deban and Miao
Trek back to Deban and drive to Miao.
Night Stay: Namdapha Jungle Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 ~ Miao and Margherita
After breakfast, cross Nao Dehing River and trek to Phup/Lewang Village (3 km) and return to Miao. Later Drive to Margherita in Assam.
Night Stay: Singpho Eco Lodge, Margherita.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 ~ Margherita and Myanmar ( To be Accomodated on Dates 10th, 20th & 30th of each Month only)
After breakfast, travel to Jairampur. Visit the World War II Cemetery and botanical garden at Jairampur. Travel to the Pangsau Pass at the Indo-Myanmar border. Cross the International border to reach Myanmar Market and sight the Lake of no Return. Travel back to Margherita. Journey along the Historic Stilwell Road. At Margherita, visit India’s only Coal Museum.
Night Stay: Singpho Eco Lodge, Margherita.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 ~ Dhola Ghat and Dibrugarh
Travel to Dhola Ghat to witness the Grandeur of the Longest Bridge in India ~ the Dhola-Sadiya Bridge. Transfer to Mohanbari Airport at Dibrugarh. Tour Ends. Bid Adieu!
Meals Included: Breakfast
