- Where
- Above Chuna, eastern Tawang district, near the border
- Altitude
- Pass about 4,750 m (15,600 ft)
- Distance
- Beyond Chuna; a full day from Mago and back
- Timings
- Mornings only; weather turns by noon
- Entry fee
- Free
- Permit
- Arunachal Inner Line Permit for Indians, Protected Area Permit for foreigners; army checks on border roads; access at the army's discretion
- Best time
- Late May–June and October
- Time needed
- Full day from Mago
Gongkar La is a high pass on the border road beyond Chuna, at around 4,750 m (15,600 ft) according to recent trip reports. The lake below it, often called Gongkar La or Gonkarla Lake, is a glacial tarn in a bowl of scree and snow. Few civilians make it here, and that's not just because of the road.
Before you plan it
- Access isn't guaranteed. This is a military road close to the Line of Actual Control. Travellers in 2024–25 report being stopped at the Chuna checkpoint or rerouted because of rock blasting and road work. Some days the army allows tourists, some days it doesn't.
- The road is rough. Operators describe about 80% of the route beyond Mago as off-road: loose rock, dust, stream crossings and ice early in the morning.
- Altitude is serious. You climb to over 4,700 m in a few hours from Mago (3,520 m). Only go if you have spent at least two nights in Tawang and one in Mago.
How to reach Gongkar La
The usual route is Tawang → Jang → Mago (overnight) → Chuna → Gongkar La, and back to Mago the same day. There are no reliable road distances for the final stretch; plan on a full day from Mago with a local 4x4 and driver.
| Stage | Distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Tawang to Jang | about 40 km | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Jang to Mago | about 59 km | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Mago to Chuna | about 12 km | 45 min–1 hr |
| Chuna to Gongkar La | rough track | 1.5–2.5 hrs |
Weather at the pass
Our ten-year data for the pass shows sub-zero highs from December to March and some snow in every month, even July. Treat it as a high-mountain day.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -6°C | -15°C | Dry | Some |
| Feb | -5°C | -14°C | Light | Some |
| Mar | -3°C | -11°C | Light | Some |
| Apr | 0°C | -8°C | Light | Some |
| May | 3°C | -4°C | Wet | Heavy |
| Jun | 7°C | 1°C | Wet | Some |
| Jul | 8°C | 3°C | Very wet | Some |
| Aug | 9°C | 2°C | Very wet | Some |
| Sep | 7°C | 1°C | Wet | Some |
| Oct | 3°C | -4°C | Light | Some |
| Nov | 0°C | -8°C | Dry | Light |
| Dec | -3°C | -10°C | Dry | Light |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 4775 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
Where to stay
There's nothing at the pass. Stay at Mago (homestays or the government guest house) the nights before and after.
A sample day
Leave Mago at first light, show permits at Chuna, reach the pass by mid-morning, spend no more than 30–45 minutes at the top, and descend before cloud rolls in after noon.
What to carry
- Down jacket, waterproof shell, thermal layers, gloves and a warm hat.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- Water, high-energy snacks and a thermos.
- Your printed ILP/PAP, original ID and copies.
- Basic medicines; talk to your doctor about altitude medication before the trip.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Ask in Mago, not in Tawang. The homestay owners usually know the evening before whether the army is letting cars through.
- Turn back if anyone in the car has a worsening headache, vomiting or confusion. Descending is the treatment.
- No drones and no photos of army installations.
- Weather beats plans. Fresh snow can close the road even in May or October.
Nearby
- Chuna Valley and Mago Valley on the way.
- Sela Pass and Nuranang Falls on the drive back to Tawang.
Gongkar La Lake: questions travellers ask
How high is Gongkar La?
Recent trip reports put the pass at about 15,600 ft (around 4,750 m). Figures vary slightly between sources.
How do I reach Gongkar La Lake?
Via Jang, Mago and Chuna. Stay a night in Mago, then do Chuna and Gongkar La as a day trip in a local 4x4.
Is Gongkar La open to tourists?
Sometimes. It's a military road near the border and the army decides access on the day. Travellers have been turned back for road work.
Can I drive my own car to Gongkar La?
Most operators say only local vehicles with local drivers are allowed beyond Jang, and the road needs a high-clearance 4x4.
When is the best time to visit Gongkar La?
Late May–June and October. The rest of the year snow or monsoon rain often closes the road.
Is Gongkar La the same as Bum La?
No. Bum La is the border pass north of Tawang town; Gongkar La is in the east of the district, beyond Mago and Chuna.
Is altitude sickness a risk at Gongkar La?
Yes. You climb above 4,700 m. Acclimatise in Tawang and Mago first and descend if symptoms worsen.
Sources
- Team-BHP: Took my XUV 3XO to Gongkar La at 15,600 ft
- Team-BHP: Off-beat Tawang road trip
- TripHubGo: Mago, Chuna & Gongkar La
- SafarPanda: Mago & Chuna Valley and Gonkarla Lake
- Arunachal Pradesh e-ILP portal
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
