Navigating the historic road to Pangsau Pass built during WWII
Pangsau Pass is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.136m (3,727ft) above the sea level, located on the crest of the Patkai Hills on the India-Burma (Myanmar) border.
The Legacy of Stilwell Road or Ledo Road
The road leading to the summit, also known as the Pan Saung Pass, is primarily paved. It’s called Stilwell Road or Ledo Road. This significant route was constructed by U.S. Army Engineers in collaboration with native labor during the tumultuous times of World War II. The construction commenced on 16 December 1942, culminating in its official opening on 20 May 1945. The path traverses mountainous regions, monsoon-affected swamps, and some of the densest jungles.
How long is Pangsau Pass?
Spanning a length of 17.4 km (10.81 miles) and running north to south, the pass connects Nampong in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh to Pansaung in Myanmar-Burma. Its name is derived from the nearby Burmese village, Pangsau, located just 2 km eastward of the pass. As you embark on this journey, expect a serpentine route, which, though continuously climbing, does so gently. The road can be shadowed, and wet in places, offering a testament to its historical and geographical significance.
Pic&video: Ronny Roamer