After a two day drive from the base of the mountains we found ourselves in Tawang. Nestled between the borders of China and Bhutan, in the western most corner of Arunachal, Tawang is, simply put, far! The drive is long and arduous, with some extremely sharp steep turns several thousand feet up a mountain, with roads that are just terrible in parts.
Halfway through the second day we drove through the Sela Pass at 13,700ft and stopped at the Sela Lake for a stretch and tea. Shuffling around that area surrounded by craggy tops, mist, a pristine lake and blue skies in patches, makes you remember a very different drive.
You remember the lush greenery that was your constant companion, the strange ferns, cacti and trees, the shocking pink wildflowers, the mist that turned 11am into darkness, and the massive mountains that go on forever. You remember the constant feeling of awe and more than a little bit of fear that only nature can inspire. You remember the clouds that are no match for the height of the mountain peaks and the mighty waterfalls that flow into the River Kameng that also travels with you.
And you also remember the kindness of old ladies who gave you endless cups of steaming tea and hot momos, and let you rest your road weary bones in their roadside shacks.