Itanagar: In a significant move to balance burgeoning tourism with environmental sustainability, the Tawang district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has announced the implementation of an entry fee for visitors to the iconic Bumla Pass. Taking a leaf out of Meghalaya’s progressive tourism model, the new charges, effective from September 1, 2025, are aimed at funding conservation efforts, waste management, and local community development.
According to a circular issued by Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, a fee of Rs 100 will be levied on each visitor at the time of permit issuance from the DC’s Office in Tawang. The order makes special exemptions for children under the age of 12 and members of the Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST), ensuring the initiative remains inclusive. To maintain full transparency and accountability, permits will be issued strictly during official working hours.
The decision arrives as Bumla Pass, situated at a challenging altitude of 15,200 feet, witnesses a steady increase in footfall. Located approximately 37 km from Tawang town, the pass is not merely a destination for its breathtaking, snow-laden vistas and dramatic Himalayan scenery. It holds profound strategic and historical importance, having been a pivotal battleground during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The site also serves as a crucial point for Border Personnel Meetings between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army.
Beyond its military significance, the journey to Bumla is an experience in itself, with the winding route offering glimpses of pristine alpine meadows, serene glacial lakes like the famous Sangestar Tso (Madhuri Lake), and spiritual havens such as the centuries-old Tawang Monastery. Tourists are particularly captivated by the unique opportunity to interact with the dedicated Indian Army personnel stationed at the border, adding a layer of respect and patriotism to their visit.
Local stakeholders have lauded the new policy, viewing it as a forward-thinking step towards promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. They believe the entry fee will be instrumental in preserving the fragile mountain ecosystem while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are channelled directly to the communities that call this majestic region home. The move is expected to serve as a blueprint for other high-altitude destinations in the Northeast facing similar challenges of balancing popularity with preservation.
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