Nathula - Sikkim - India

Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in Eastern Sikkim, on the Indo-Chinese border that serves as the trade link between India and China. Nathula Pass nestles at an elevation of 14,140 feet and ranks amongst the highest passes accessible by tourists via motorable road.

The Old Silk Route through Lhasa, Sikkim and Eastern India used to cross through Nathula Pass. The other side of Nathula Pass is Chumbi Valley of Tibet. This mountainous pass is one of the oldest trading border posts connecting Tibet and India.

The Nathula Pass is marked by Entrance gates of both countries (India and China) and military bunkers on both sides of the gates. On the Indian side, you would find some fortified military bunkers, a war memorial, an army exhibition centre, a military canteen serving hot tea and fresh snacks to tourists.

On the way to Nathula, you will come across a place called Thegu which has an ATM. This is the highest altitude ATM in the world. It operates with a generator and a special fuel that does not freeze in such high altitude.

Nathula Pass permit procedure is issued by Sikkim Tourism Department in Gangtok. You can either get your permit through a registered tour agency or ask your hotel to get it. You will need to submit documents like a photo ID proof and two passport size photographs and you will get your permit by the next morning.

Nathula Pass is only open for Indian visitors for 5 days a week including Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and closed on Monday & Tuesday for two days.

How To Reach

You will get shared jeeps and reserved vehicles like Scorpio, Innova, Bolero and Sumo to Nathula from Gangtok. It usually is a full one day trip including visits to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir along with Nathula. Nathula is around 56 km from Gangtok, which is roughly a one and a half hour drive but due to road conditions, snow, and landslides, traffic can get held up for hours.

The cost varies depending on the season. During peak season (April to June and October to November) shared vehicle would cost about Rs. 700 per person for a visit to all three (Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula) including permit fee while a reserved vehicle like Scorpio or Innova would cost around Rs. 7,000 including permits. During low season, the reserved vehicle would cost around Rs. 5,500 and shared vehicles are usually not available.

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