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Nathula Pass was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Located around 56 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 14450 ft, the road to Nathula passes through the Tsomgo lake.
It is one of the highest motor-able roads in the world and is richly surrounded by alpine flora. On a clear day you can even see the road winding down the Chumbi valley. Tourists are allowed to go close to the international border from where you can see Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire.
Nathula Pass is open for Indian nationals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department through a registered and recognised Travel Agency. Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Nathula. Photography is strictly prohibited. One can find ATM facility here which is the worlds highest Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
Nathula Pass
Attention ! and Salute !
The Nathula pass is a dream destination for anyone who wants to escape the monotonous city life and be at a place that offers a serene and tranquil vibe. The rugged beauty of this pass attracts a large number of tourists every year and is considered as one of the most crucial passes on the crossroads of the India-China border. If you wish to have a wonderful exploration of Sikkim, a trip to the famous Nathula Pass should definitely be on your priority list of places to visit in Sikkim.
On the way
Snowy road on the way to Nathula Pass
How to visit Nathula Pass?
By Road
Nathula Pass is accessible only by road. It can be reached from two places. One from Gangtok, which is a day’s trip to Tsongmo lake, Nathula Pass and Baba Mandir. Other is from Aritar via Silk Route, which is also a day’s trip visiting Silk road, Zuluk, Nathang Valley, Kupuk, Tsongmo Lake, Nathula Pass , Baba Mandir and then to Gangtok.
The fenced Indo-China border is few meters away and you can see both Indian and Chinese soldiers guarding the border. The guards are friendly. A stairway leads to the border. There is an engraved stone here called Nehru Stone which marks the visit of former Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru who visited in 1958.
To visit Nathula Pass, one must obtain a valid permit from Gangtok through a registered travel agencies only. Only Indian nationals are allowed.
Location
Things you need to Know About Nathula Pass
Elevation
14,140 feet above mean sea level
Temperature Range
-29 °C in January to 10 °C in July
Local Language
Nepali, Hindi and English
Food
Indian, Chinese and Authentic Tibetian cuisines.
Festivals
Dusherra, Diwali, Losar, Holi, and Christmas
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity
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Things to do at Nathula Pass
Walk Through
Take a staircase and walk through the Indo-China border until you see the Chinese troops just few meters away
Military Canteen
Visit military canteen there that serve hot tea, coffee, and some snacks.
Scenic Beauty
Roam around to see the scenic beauty and landscape covered with snow
Best time to visit Nathula Pass
Expected tourist footfall
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
From mid March till June, Nathula pass experiences pleasant weather during the summer season. The temperature hovers 1°C to 10°C during the season. It is the best time to visit if you would like to escape the heat.
From July till September, monsoons causes swift rainfall, many a time causing landslides and road blockage. This is not the best time to visit.
From October till March, winter is the best time for travelling to Tsongmo lake. The temperature ranges between -9°C and -29°C during the season. It is the perfect time to visit for the spectacular view of the snow capped mountains. Snow adventures, vibrant festivals and bone chilling cold makes perfect time to visit to Tsongmo. But however, road to Nathula pass remains inaccessible in December and January.
Glimpse of Nathula pass in pictures
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