Nathula Pass - Complete Travel Guide

When does Nathula Pass Open

The tourists who are planning to visit Nathula Pass should note the visiting days. Being a sensitive area, Nathula Pass can only be visited 5 days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday.

On Monday and Tuesday Nathula Pass remains close for the outsider. Only Indian tourists are allowed to visit Nathula Pass, tourist hailing from other nations can only visit Changu Lake.

Things to See and Do

Travelers visiting Nathula have to climb a long staircase in order to reach up to Indo-China International Border to take a look at the view of China. The long staircase can be hard to climb for most travelers due to the low oxygen level. Hence, they need to rest for a while in between the climbing otherwise they will get tired and grasp to breathe. Indian and Chinese soldiers can be seen guarding the border.

Thegu is a place travelers will come across just before reaching Nahula. The highest altitude ATM of India is located here. UTI Bank offers this ATM Service at an elevation of 13200 feet above sea level. It is mostly used by armies. However, travelers can also withdraw money from here and get the experience of this high altitude ATM. Travelers visiting here between 1st June to 30th September can explore the Indo-Chinese border market at Sherathang, a place just below Nathula.

From Nathula Pass, travelers can explore some of the finest tourist attractions, the major ones being Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbajan Singh Temple, Kupup Lake, Old Baba Mandir, etc. Just after covering 17 km through the winding road, tourists will reach Tsomgo Lake. Locals also call it Changu Lake which is encircled by high mountain peaks and flowery meadows. The entire landscape is quite pictorial and spending some quality time here is truly worthwhile. Yak ride around the lake is offered here.

Between the route of Baba Harbajan Singh Temple and Nathula Pass, there is a new but rapidly growing tourist attraction named Hangu Lake. It is located at 13900 feet above sea level and approximately 1 km long. Nestled at a beautiful location covered with Fogg, in the freezing water of Hangu Lake travelers can enjoy boating. It is also known as Alpine Adventure Park because of its adventurous offering of boating. Far from the maddening crowd, boating here will be too fun while witnessing the beautiful surrounding view and feeling the cool breeze blowing on the lake. The spotting of several migratory birds in the winter and the Indian Army's memorial to the Forgotten Soldier is located on a Hill Top beside the Hangu Lake which makes it even more worthy to visit.

Baba Harbajan Singh Temple can also be visited from this Lake. Named after a martyred Indian soldier, here at New Baba Mandir, travelers will get to see a temple. The surrounding vista is also quite soothing and beautiful. Next, travelers can visit Kupup which is another beautiful place just a little ahead of Baba Mandir. The second highest golf course is located here. Apart from this Gnathang Monastery, the Gnathang War Memorial, and the Helipad of Kupup are the other things to see here. Gnathang British War Memorial was constructed to pay homage to the British soldiers who died in a war with Tibet from January 1889 to October 1890. The Helipad of Kupup is one of the highest helipads in the world. Kupup Lake is another beautiful site to visit. Local even calls it Elephant Lake due to its resemblance with this wild animal.

Approx. 10 km from the Baba Harbajan Singh Temple as travelers go through Kupup towards Gnathang, the Old Baba Mandir is another tourist attraction. The bunker of Harbhajan Singh and a temple are located here which is only accessible after climbing a steep stairway. Prior to visiting Old Baba Mandir, travelers can stop by another serene lake named Menmecho. At an altitude of 12500 feet above sea level, Menmecho is one of the most beautiful lakes in Sikkim surrounded by pine forests and mountains. There is no motorable lake to reach Menmecho. Hence, travelers have to trek approx 4 km to reach the lake. The tiresome 4 km of the trek will be worth it when they will be gifted with the magnificent view of the lake along with its enclosing luxuriant forest.

How to reach Nathula Pass

By Air: The nearest airport to Nathula Pass is in Bagdogra. It is an overall 6½hrs drive from Bagdogra to Nathula Pass. Distance: The distance between Bagdogra to Nathula Pass is 179 kilometers.

By Rail: The nearest railway station of Nathula Pass is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP). From NJP it is an approx. 6 ½hrs journey to reach Nathula Pass. Distance: The distance between NJP to Nathula Pass is 176 kilometers.

By Road: Visitors can rent a car from NJP to Nathula Pass and Bagdogra to Nathula Pass, to cover this distance. With the car rental facility of North Bengal Tourism, tourists can easily rent a car for NJP to Nathula Pass or hire a taxi from Bagdogra to Nathula Pass at a reasonable fare. It is recommended to stay one night at Gangtok and complete all the necessary processes to get a permit for Nathula Pass. Distance: The distance between Gangtok to Nathula Pass is 58 kilometers.

Permits for Nathula Pass

Being a highly protected area and close to the Indo-China border, Indian nationals are required a valid protected area permit to visit this place. However, foreigners, as well as, NRIs too are not allowed to visit this place. A permit can be obtained through a Sikkim government authorized tour operator. The self-driven vehicle is not allowed and the permit for a car will be given at Sikkim Tourism Department in Gangtok or any Police Check Post. In order to obtain a protected area permit (PAP), travelers have to bring a Voter ID Card or a Passport and two passport sizes photos. It is worth mentioning that Adhaar Card, as well as Pan Card, is no longer accepted as a valid document to get PAP. The Nathula Pass permit costs around Rs. 200/- per person. Permits are not required or issued to children below 4 years.

Where to Stay

There is no accommodation option available at Nathula. Hence, staying in Gangtok is the only option available. With the help of North Bengal Tourism, travelers can stay in hotels in Gangtok according to their convenience. Save time and money while traveling to Nathula Pass with North Bengal Tourism.

Best time to visit Nathula Pass

April to June: During this time of the year the weather in Nathula Pass is pleasant and visitors get to enjoy the slight sights of greenery enclosing Nathula Pass.

July to September: During this time of the year, the road leading to Nathula Pass becomes more prone to landslides.

October to March: Being a mountain pass, the weather of Nathula Pass during the winter season becomes really cold. But if visitors want to experience the view of snowfall then it is the best time to visit Nathula Pass.