Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in the Eastern Himalayas in Sikkim. The high altitude pass doubles up as the Indo-Chinese border that 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 road.
This mountainous pass is one of the oldest trading border posts connecting Tibet and India. The silk route, 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.
What to see in Nathula Pass
The Nathula Pass is one of the most beautiful mountain roads of the world. Near the pass, the beautiful otherworldly blue Tsomgo Lake (also known as Changu Lake) and the new Baba Harbhajan Mandir are the top places to check out.
The road to Nathula is an adventure itself. The border check post is marked by the Border Gates of India and China, a war memorial and an Exhibition Centre of India Army. On a clear day, the breathtaking views of Mt. Chomolhari from Nathula Pass can be easily seen.
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. Walk around the area or interact with the soldiers. Pictures are allowed at some points. Capture the beauty and the experience the thrill of being at the border of two nations.
May to October is the best time to visit Nathula Pass. The temperatures are around 10 °C. The winters here experiences heavy snowfall with temperatures dropping to -25 °C. For snow lovers, Nathula Pass is at its best its winter but with proper garments. The sight of the snowcapped mountains and valleys is simply unexplainable.
