The Hidden Lurugh Pass Emerges as the Nearest Snowfall Destination from Itanagar, Arunachal’s Capital

Situated in the Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh, Lurugh Boguh, a high altitude hidden mountain pass, emerges as the closest snowfall destination from the state’s capital, Itanagar, offering a haven of tranquility and the allure of pristine snow-covered landscapes.

Conveniently placed just a two-hour drive from Koloriang, Lurugh Pass graces the Koloriang-Sarli-Damin road, revealing a picturesque stretch of approximately 12 kilometers where snowfall transforms the region into a winter wonderland.

SP of Kurung Kumney district, Bomken Basar, after a recent visit, expressed confidence in Lurugh Pass becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Nyishi belt ( Nyishi is the name of the major tribe of this district, Kurung Kumney). Snowfall, an annual occurrence in Lurugh Pass, intensifies every alternate year, enhancing the region’s unmatched scenic beauty.

The recent improvements to the road infrastructure between Koloriang and Damin, has further contributed to the accessibility of Lurugh Pass. Basar noted that the journey, currently taking two hours from Koloriang to Lurugh Boguh, is expected to be reduced to just one hour upon the completion of two-lane roads. And with the impending completion of the Trans-Arunachal Highway by the end of March, the journey from Itanagar to Lurugh Pass is anticipated to be around six hours, making it the closest snowfall experience for residents of the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR).

While encouraging visitors to explore Lurugh Pass not only for its snowfall but also for the hidden beauty within its natural form, Basar highlighted the need for essential amenities such as restaurants and washrooms to be established for the convenience of visitors.

Beyond the enchantment of snowfall, Kurung Kumey district, home to Lurugh Pass, unveils a myriad of tourism potentials. Recent expeditions to Mount Seluk Nari revealed hotspots like Cholobu Karpo, offering panoramic views of Mount Kyarisatam in East Kameng, and sites of Pipsorang Circle in Kra Daadi district. The Nyorik Lake and the 5 Lakes of Kargungbu, along with strategically positioned viewpoints, further enrich the district’s natural beauty.

In addition to Seluk Nari, Kurung Kumey boasts high-altitude lakes like Pokchum Pokte and Wusubu Lake, scenic beauty in the Darmu area linked with socio-religious beliefs, and the Quamse area recognized as the Takin grazing ground. The region is home to rare fauna, including Red Pandas and Musk Deer, and features various mountain passes such as Jamu Pass, Darmu Pass, LutingLa Pass, and Mukpla Pass.

The allure of Lurugh Pass as the nearest snowfall destination from Arunachal’s capital is complemented by the district’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. As nature and adventure enthusiasts seek refuge in this snow-laden paradise, Lurugh Pass stands as an unmissable gem, inviting all to experience the magic of snowfall in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh.

Written by 

Me, Debojyoti Dey Mazumder, one of the directors of Promise India Tourism Pvt Ltd, has been in the tours and travel business since 2010. Having experience of operating tours to different destinations of India I wish to share my knowledge to promote them through discussions, blogs, articles, photo stories etc on different platforms.