If you are planning a trip to Sikkim, then Nathula Pass is definitely on your bucket list and honestly, it should be! Situated at an altitude of around 14,140 feet, this place is not just for the views. It was once part of the ancient Silk Route that connected India and China and today, it is one of the most important places near Gangtok.
People love to come here for the feeling of pride that comes with standing near our Indian Army posts along the snow capped mountains and the India-China border. It is an ideal blend of natural beauty, history and patriotism, everything here becomes a powerful experience.
To reach here, you will first have to reach Gangtok via Siliguri and then from there you will have to take your permit and reach Nathula in a specially registered vehicle. From Gangtok to Nathula pass taxi fare is approximately ₹4000 for a sedan, and ₹7700 for an SUV.
You will have to wait for some time, before you start packing, you need to know some important things. Like:
- Do you need a permit for the trip?
- How much is the taxi fare from Gangtok?
- How far is it from Baba Mandir, Changu Lake, and even Darjeeling?
- How is the weather there?
- Will you have any problems with oxygen levels?
- And yes, on which days is it closed?
Don’t worry, we will tell you everything in this blog. In this guide, we will describe everything about this pass in a simple way from our own experience, so that you can enjoy your trip without any problems.
Nathula Pass Everything you need to Know
Nathula Pass Images
Where is Nathula Pass Located?
Nathula Pass is located in the state of Sikkim, about 56 km from Gangtok, on the India-China border. It is one of the highest motorable roads in India and a major tourist attraction. Most travelers reach here by hiring a cab or shared vehicle from Gangtok, which usually costs between 4000/- and 7700/- INR, depending on how many places you want to visit at once.
Since it is a restricted area, you will also need a special permit to travel here. Therefore, get your permit from Gangtok before you come here so that you don’t face any problems.
Distance to Nathula Pass from Popular Locations
| Distance from Other Location | Approx. Distance to Nathula |
| Gangtok to Nathula Pass distance | 56 km |
| Baba Mandir to Nathula Pass distance | 8 km |
| Changu Lake to Nathula Pass distance | 16 km |
| Darjeeling to Nathula Pass distance | 170 km |
| Siliguri to Nathula Pass distance | 215 km |
Nathula Pass Permit (How to Get & process)
Nathula Pass is a restricted area near the India-China border, this permit is specifically required for Indian nationals to travel. Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter Nathula, but they can visit nearby areas like Changu Lake with a separate permit.
How to get Nathula Pass Permit
If you plan to come here in advance, getting this permit is very easy. How to get it:
You can’t apply for the permit online yourself. It has to be arranged through a registered travel agency in Gangtok. You need to submit the following documents at least 1 day before your trip:
- A photocopy of your government-issued photo ID (such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport)
- 2 passport-sized photographs
Travel agents will obtain this permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in Gangtok.
Nathula Pass Permit Online?
If you are looking for a Nathula Permit online, keep in mind that tourists cannot apply directly online. However, many local travel agencies in Gangtok offer online booking packages that include the permit. You just need to digitally submit your documents to them and they will then process it and issue it to you.
Permit Timings and Validity
The permit will be valid for only one day, and your taxi will have to leave the area by 3 pm due to weather and army restrictions.
Nathula Pass Closed Days
Nathula Pass is open for Indian tourists from Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday due to maintenance and safety reasons. Therefore, while you are traveling, make sure to keep this in mind so that your trip falls between Wednesday and Sunday so that you do not face any inconvenience.
How to reach Nathula Pass
When you have planned that you are going to Nathula then how to reach there is also an important thing.
To reach here, first of all you will have to reach NJP or Bagdogra Airport . This railway station or airport is connected to various cities of India like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and more. After reaching here, you will have to take a taxi to Gangtok. If you want, you can take a bus but check the time because the last bus leaves from Siliguri at 4.15 pm. After reaching Gangtok, you will have to get a permit from Gangtok and take a shared taxi or private taxi to Nathula Pass the next day.
Best Time to Visit Nathula Pass (with Temperature Guide)
When planning a trip to Nathula , I would say that timing makes the biggest difference, especially because of the weather at high altitudes. The best time to visit Nathula Pass is between April and June and again in October, when the weather is clear and the roads are generally open. During these months, the temperature is manageable, with daytime temperatures around 10°C to 15°C and nights getting colder. The place is already very cold and the oxygen levels are very low, so the weather and cold are a bit less during these times.
If you are mainly coming here to see the snowfall, then you can visit Nathula from November to February, when the snowfall occurs. The landscape turns white, but it is also quite cold, with temperatures dropping to -15°C and oxygen levels are very low, which is why many people experience physical problems here.
Avoid the monsoon months of July to September, as heavy rains often lead to landslides and road closures. So, choose the time as per your preference and go for a walk keeping all the rules in mind.
Temperature Table for Nathula Pass by Season
| Season/Month | Day Temperature | Night Temperature |
| April – mid-June | 10°C – 15°C | 2°C – 5°C |
| July – September | 10°C – 18°C | 8°C – 12°C |
| October | 5°C – 12°C | 0°C – 4°C |
| November – February | -5°C – 0°C | -15°C – -5°C |
Sightseeing Around Nathula Pass
Here are some places to visit near Nathula :
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple – A legendary temple dedicated to a soldier, just a short distance away.
- Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) – A beautiful glacial lake about 16 km from Nathula .
- Kupup Village – A peaceful high-altitude village known for Elephant Lake and picturesque views.
- Juluk – A small village famous for its winding roads and beautiful Himalayan views.
These places are usually included in the same-day trip from Gangtok to Nathula .
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How to get a pass for a Nathula Pass?
The summer months, which have temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius, go from May until mid-November. Only citizens of India are granted permission to visit Nathu La Pass. You apply to the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation for the permit. A travel agency that has been registered can assist with this.
Is there an oxygen problem in Nathula Pass?
The oxygen content of the air is quite low at Nathula due to its high altitude.
How much time does it take to visit Nathula Pass?
It takes about five to six hours, including a quick visit to Tsmogo Lake. It is preferable to travel by taxi as there are fewer permitted automobiles and a permission is required.
Is Aadhaar card valid for Nathula Pass?
To enter Nathula, you require a permit. The tourism department will provide the permit, and you’ll need to bring two passport-sized photos and your voter ID or Aadhar card. Indians who have a legal permit can visit Nathula.
Is Nathula Pass safe for heart patients?
temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius and 70 kmph winds. to ensure that the oxygen level is maintained. It is not recommended for elderly individuals or those with high blood pressure to go to such a high height. It’s like visiting Heaven.
