Culture · Namdapha, Arunachal
Stilwell Road, Jairampur and Pangsau
Follow the Second World War road from Ledo towards Burma through Jairampur and Nampong, stopping at the war cemetery near Jairampur and, where allowed, the Pangsau Pass on the Myanmar border.
Photo: The Department of History, United States Milit… · Public domain · CommonsIn 1942–45 Allied engineers and labourers built a road from Ledo in Assam over the hills into Burma, to reconnect India with the Burma Road to China. First called the Ledo Road and later the Stilwell Road after the American general who commanded the effort, it climbs through what is now Changlang district via Jairampur and Nampong to the Pangsau Pass on the border.
From Miao, a day's drive lets you trace part of this history. Near Jairampur, a Second World War cemetery holds graves of soldiers and workers who died building and defending the road. Further on, Nampong is the last town before the Pangsau Pass. A small lake near the pass is known locally as the Lake of No Return, linked by local accounts to wartime aircraft losses.
Access beyond Nampong and to the pass itself depends on permits and on the current rules for the border area; at times visitors have been allowed only on particular days or during the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival in January. Check current status before you travel, carry your permits and ID, and photograph only where allowed.
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Questions
Before you book
What is the Stilwell Road?
It is the Second World War road built from Ledo in Assam into Burma to connect India with the Burma Road to China. First called the Ledo Road, it was renamed after General Joseph Stilwell. Its route passes Jairampur and Nampong in Arunachal.
Can tourists visit the Pangsau Pass?
Sometimes. Access to the pass on the Myanmar border has depended on permits and current rules, and has been easiest during the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival in January. Check current status before you travel.
How far is Jairampur from Miao?
About 60–80 km, roughly 2–2.5 hours by road via Kharsang and Jagun. A full day covers Jairampur, Nampong and the return to Miao.