Nathula Pass

Nathula (La Means Mountain Pass in Tibetan), a strategic mountain pass on the Indo-China border, is about 56 kilometres from Gangtok, passing through the picturesque Tsomgo Lake. The area is snow-covered for much of the year. 

After the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950, many Tibetans migrated to India through Nathula, significantly contributing to the population of Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills. During the 1962 Indo-China war, the pass saw heavy fighting, leading to its closure. After decades of negotiations, Nathula was reopened for trade on July 6, 2006. Today, while tourists can visit close to the international border, plans for further opening the pass to tourism are in the works, promising a boost to the region's economy. On certain days, Chinese authorities also permit tourists to visit, allowing visitors from both sides to see each other.

Location and Landscape

Nathula is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) on the Indo-China border, about 56 kilometres from Gangtok. Historically, Nathula was a key trade route for merchants between India and Tibet, forming part of the ancient Silk Route that connected the plains of Bengal with Tibet via Zuluk, Menmecho, and Jelepla. The drive to Nathula Pass from Gangtok is an exhilarating journey through dramatic mountain landscapes and winding roads, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The landscape around Nathula Pass is characterized by its rugged, high-altitude terrain, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. The pass is enveloped in a cold, arid environment with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. The area is dominated by the towering Himalayas, with peaks that reach into the sky and offer a dramatic backdrop to the pass. The landscape is covered with snow most of the year. The surrounding terrain includes alpine meadows and the occasional coniferous forest, contributing to the area's raw and untouched beauty.

Seasonal Variations

The weather around Nathula Pass experiences significant changes throughout the year:

During Winter (November to February) Nathula is covered in thick snow, creating a stark, white landscape. The temperature drops significantly, and the pass is often shrouded in snow and ice. Heavy snowfall may occasionally cause road closures for tourists.

Spring (March to April): Spring brings a gradual thaw, with the snow beginning to recede and revealing patches of rugged terrain. The weather starts to warm up, and the high-altitude flora, including Rhododendron (locally known as Guras), begins to bloom, adding subtle colours to the otherwise stark landscape.

Summer (May to June): Summer is characterized by clearer skies and more temperate weather, though temperatures remain chilly at high altitudes. The landscape is relatively free of snow. This is the peak tourist season and one may expect high demand for Nathula pass permits. The cost of a permit may also become exorbitantly high on some days.

Monsoon (July-August): Heavy to very heavy snowfall is common, the area is landslide-prone, and special precautions are taken by the administration during this season to avoid tourists getting stranded on the way or at Nathula. Take extra precautions and consult our travel experts if you are travelling during this time.

Autumn (September to October): Autumn sees a return to cooler temperatures, with the possibility of early snowfalls. The clear skies and crisp air make for excellent visibility, and the landscape can take on a warm, golden hue from the autumn light. This season provides some of the best conditions for photography and sightseeing.

Tourist Activities Around Nathula

Scenic Drive - The journey to Nathula Pass itself is a key attraction, offering travellers stunning views of the rugged Himalayan landscape. The drive from Gangtok winds through picturesque valleys, dense forests, and steep mountain roads, providing plenty of opportunities for photography and sightseeing.

Border Viewing - At Nathula Pass, visitors can observe the Indo-China border and the fortified military presence on both sides. This unique experience allows tourists to witness the strategic significance of the pass and the impressive infrastructure maintained by both countries.

Visit the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and Tsomgo Lake - Located about 8 kilometres from Nathula, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir is a revered shrine dedicated to an Indian army soldier. Tsomgo Lake is also just 17 km away. A trip to Nathula always includes a visit to these two destinations as well. For more information on Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir, you may visit the relevant pages.

Explore the Silk Route - The ancient Silk Route, which historically connected India with Tibet, can be explored near Nathula. Although much of the original route is no longer used, the historical significance and scenic beauty of the area make it an intriguing stop for history enthusiasts. The area is also known as Dzuluk. If you wish to visit this area, you must have at least 2 additional nights and a separate tour planning has to be done. Consult our experts for more. 

Photography - The dramatic landscapes of Nathula Pass, with its snow-capped peaks, rocky outcrops, and expansive views, provide excellent opportunities for photography. The clear, crisp air and striking scenery make it a popular spot for capturing stunning images of the Himalayas.

Getting There

Nathula is a half-day sightseeing excursion from Gangtok. The distance from Gangtok is about 56 km. Most tourists start the tour in the morning between 8 to 10 AM and return to Gangtok by 2 to 3 PM. A late evening drive is not suggested as the road is very hostile and often gets blocked by landslides etc. There is no tourist accommodation after Gangtok town. In case the tourists are stuck here, the Indian army provides accommodation for the night. There is an alternative route for visiting Nathula through Zuluk, Memenchu road. But tourist permits are difficult to organise through this route.

Permits for Nathula

To visit Nathula Pass, special permits are required due to its location on the Indo-China border:

Permit Requirements: Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nathula Pass. The number of tourists and the number of vehicles allowed to visit Nathula on a given day is limited. Hence there is a shortage of permits during the peak season. The Indian army limits the number of permits as the infrastructure at Nathula is limited and is not suitable to deal with a very large number of tourists and tourist vehicles. In some cases, if there is a shortage of parking places on the border, the Army may club the tourists from different vehicles together for the last few kilometres to Nathula.

Foreign nationals are generally not permitted to visit Nathula Pass. Their tour is limited to the visit of Tsomgo Lake only.

We do organise Nathula permits for tourists visiting Sikkim through us. However, we do not organise the permit for independent travellers.

Important Note: Nathula has witnessed heightened tourist interest in the last few years. There is often a demand-supply mismatch due to the high demand for permits and limited permits being issued, especially during the peak tourist season of May and June and the festival season of Diwali and Durga puja. Also, visits to Nathula are restricted to a few specific days of the week. There is also a restriction on the number of vehicles that can visit Nathula. Tourists are advised to make a reservation for the tour well in advance to avoid disappointment.