Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in the Eastern Himalayas in Sikkim. The high-altitude pass doubles up as the Indo-Chinese border, which serves as the trade link between India and China. Nestled at an elevation of 14,140 feet, Nathula Pass ranks amongst the highest passes accessible by tourists via motorable roads.

This mountainous pass is one of the oldest trading border posts connecting Tibet and India.  The silk route, an ancient trade route, used to pass through here. Currently, the Nathula Pass is marked by entrance gates of both countries (India and China) and military bunkers on both sides of the gates. It is one of the unmissable attractions in Sikkim.

Do Indians need a permit to visit Nathula Pass?

Yes, Indians require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Nathula Pass. This can be obtained from the Sikkim Tourism, Govt. of Sikkim. For this, you need two passport-size photographs and a valid photo id issued by the State Government or Govt. of India.

What to see in Nathula Pass

The Nathula Pass is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. Here are the top places to see here. 

• Tsomgo Lake - Near the pass, the beautiful otherworldly blue Tsomgo Lake (also known as Changu Lake). It is a high-altitude glacier lake that remains frozen during winter months. 

   

• Baba Mandir - At 13,123 feet is the Baba Mandir, a shrine erected to honor the Indian soldier Harbhajan Singh.

   

• War Memorial and Exhibition Center - The border check post is marked by the Border Gates of India and China, a war memorial, and an Exhibition Center of the Indian Army. It is built to commemorate the brave soldiers who laid their lives defending the country.

   

• Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary - Adjoining Tsomgo Lake and Rong Chu Valley, this sanctuary has rich flora and fauna. There are also endangered and rare ground orchids and rhododendrons here.

   

Things to do at Nathula Pass

• Trek to Menmecho Lake
• Visit the War Memorial to feel the courage of Indian soldiers
• Witness rare flora and fauna species at Zuluk Wildlife Sanctuary
• Seek blessings at Baba Mandir
• Swim at Mandakini waterfall
• Clime the slope and stairs to the Indo-Chinese border

Nathula Pass Entry Timings

The Nathula Pass stays fully closed for tourists usually on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, on other days of the week, the pass is closed by 1:30 pm. Leave in the early morning hours for a comfortable trip.

Best time to visit Nathula Pass

May to October is the best time to visit Nathula Pass. The temperatures are around 10 °C. The winters here experience heavy snowfall with temperatures dropping to -25 °C. For snow lovers, Nathula Pass is at its best this winter but with proper garments. The sight of the snow-capped mountains and valleys is simply unexplainable.

Places to Stay near Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is a border post and is occupied by the army. Thus, you will find no accommodation here. However, if you are stranded, the Indian Army can accommodate you for one night.

How to Reach Nathula Pass Sikkim

Nathula Pass shares a border with China. It is a highly-sensitive area but you can visit here to see the beauty of nature. The pass is connected well with Gangtok, a town around 54 km away.

Take a flight to Bagdogra Airport, 178 km from Gangtok. It connects to major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai. From there hire a jeep or cab to Nathula Pass.

If you wish to come by train (which is a more inexpensive mode of transportation), get off at New Jalpaiguri Station in Siliguri, around 98 km from Gangtok. Private or shared cabs and buses are available from here to Gangtok. From there, you can get cabs to Nathula Pass.

Things to remember while traveling to Nathula Pass

• Carry heavy woolen as the pass is extremely cold throughout the year.
• Keep yourself hydrated and rest to avoid Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS).
• Nathula Pass remains shut on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan accordingly.
• Carry a medical kit with basic and prescribed medications including vomiting, cold, fever, and cough.