Nathu La, One of the world’s highest motorable routes connects China with Sikkim across a mountain pass in the Himalayan range One of the most significant Himalayan crossings in the nation, Nathu La is located at an elevation of 14,450 feet above sea level on the Indo-Tibetan border. La means “pass,” while Nathu means “listening ears.” One of the three open trade border checkpoints separating China and India is Nathu La, which is renowned for its stunning scenery and natural beauty. For the most part, the temperature is still low here.
Nathu La Pass, which links Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, is situated along the Old Silk Route. Following the People’s Republic of China’s suppression of a Tibetan rebellion in 1959, it was shut for nearly 40 years. However, When India’s previous prime minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, visited China in 2003, talks to reopen the crucial route were resumed. Since its reopening in 2006, Since its establishment, the Nathu La Pass has served as a recognized Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) Point.
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Best time to visit Nathula
First of all, be aware that Nathula is only open Wednesday through Sunday of each week. Tuesdays and Mondays are closed to the general public. The best months to go are May through October, when daytime highs of 10 to 15°C are typical. Still, during this time of year, you won’t typically get any snow. When the weather is clear, you can view the entire pass as well as the surrounding terrain, which includes massive mountain peaks.
Winter begins in November and gets progressively colder from December to February. There are additional excellent months to visit Nathula: November and December. On the other hand, during the dead of winter, there is a lot of snowfall and a low of -25°C.
When there is a lot of snowfall in the winter, the route to Nathula is frequently closed. Pick up snow boots and thick winter clothing along the way, though, if the path is passable and you decide to visit in the winter. Such snow gear is available for rent at several stalls located at 15th Mile.
At Nathula, there’s a good likelihood of snowfall from November until mid-April. However, when the weather is pleasant and not too severe, November and March are excellent times to observe Nathula covered with snow. These two winter months saw the route remain open most of the time. The snow normally stops by May, though there may be a few days when it doesn’t.
You should aim to set out by 7 am, or at the latest, 9 am, as you have to arrive at the 3rd Mile Check Post, which is situated at an elevation of 6,600 feet, 6 kilometers from Gangtok town, by 10 am. This is where the initial permit check is conducted, and cars are typically not permitted to pass after 10 a.m. In typical traffic circumstances, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to get from Gangtok town to the 3rd Mile Check Post.
The earlier you depart, the more time you have to spend at each location. Note that you have to get out of the Nathula region by at least 5 p.m. Here in the highlands, darkness descends by 5:30 p.m. After 5:00 p.m., visitors are not permitted in Nathula. It should be noted that traffic on this route might occasionally be delayed for hours owing to unforeseen snowfall, landslides, and other road conditions.
While the majority of the road to Nathula has been paved, there are still some poor areas of the road. One issue that can arise in the winter is severe snowfall. Therefore, the only appropriate and permitted cars on this route are Jeep or SUV models (such as Bolero, Scorpio, Sumo, Innova, etc.).
Nathu La Pass has been extremely important to Sino-Indian trade because it is one of the three open trading border checkpoints between China and India. Additionally, it has made the main pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus closer together, bolstering the economy and enhancing border relations with China.
Also Read: Tsomgo Lake
How to Reach Nathula
From Gangtok, you can take a shared or reserved car to Nathula. Since Nathula is an international border, there are no accommodations or motels available, thus you will need to arrange a day excursion from Gangtok.
Only vehicles from tour companies authorized by the Sikkim government are permitted in Nathula. You are not permitted to use a city taxi or self-drive your car to Nathula Pass.
Nathula Pass, which is a part of East Sikkim, is 53 kilometers away from Gangtok. Jawaharlal Nehru Road, which travels all the way to Nathula Pass, must be taken from Gangtok. Taking a car from Gangtok to Nathula Pass takes approximately two hours.
Permit For Nathula
Only citizens of India are given 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. Two photos and a valid form of identification are required for the same.
Nathula by reserved vehicle
In Gangtok, you can purchase a round-trip travel package from a licensed tour operator. There are plenty of tour companies in this area, but you should steer clear of getting in touch with a tiny, street-side operator as they are typically middlemen working through larger operators. Another option is to get in touch with your hotel’s front desk, as they are also able to book the tour through a legitimate operator.
Nathula by shared vehicle
During peak season, tour operators also offer these kinds of group trips at a per-person charge (i.e., sharing basis). This is a more cost-effective choice. The permit procedure remains the same, though. Due to low demand, shared automobiles are typically unavailable during the off-peak season.
Fares to Nathula
Depending on the season, a Nathula trip can cost different amounts. April through June and October through November is peak season, and a combined visit to Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula (including the permit fee) would come to about Rs. 1000 per person in a shared car.
Including all permissions, the cost of a restricted car like a Sumo or Bolero would be between Rs. 7,500 and Rs. 8,000. A reserved Innova or Scorpio would run you about Rs. 10,000.
If you are traveling in a couple, you might inquire with your hotel management in Gangtok about possible cost-sharing arrangements with other couples who may be prepared to drive in the same vehicle as you. It’s likely that the hotel can work something out where you each have to pay half the price. It is a semi-shared option,
Not one of the aforementioned tours—reserved or shared—includes meals. Therefore, it is a good idea to bring water and some dry snacks. In the event that you depart from the hotel without having breakfast, you might make a stop at the wayside community known as 15th Mile, which is roughly 30 kilometers and one hour and twenty minutes from Gangtok. Here are a few of inexpensive restaurants and stalls.
At 15th Mile, a lot of tourist cars are parked. These restaurants serve omelets, bread, momos, Maggie noodles, tea, and other foods. You can have lunch at Tsomgo Lake at one of the restaurants or food stands there.
A note of caution
The oxygen content of the air is quite low at Nathula due to its high altitude. Few people at Nathula—adults or kids—may experience breathing issues. You should see a doctor beforehand and take the necessary precautions if you already have respiratory or other health issues. High altitude sickness can be managed with acetazolamide tablets (see a doctor for use and dose).
It might also be worth considering bringing portable oxygen cylinders, depending on your health. A little one lasts for roughly fifteen minutes. Should you experience difficulty breathing, you should descend right away. Medical stores in Gangtok sell portable oxygen cylinders. If needed, your hotel can also make arrangements. They are returnable if unused, however the reimbursement is sometimes only partially given.
Please take note that as Nathula Pass is a location where China and India meet, photography and videography are prohibited. Tourists do, however, snap pictures, and this rule is not strictly enforced.
Conclusion
A major route connecting China and Sikkim, Nathu La Pass represents ancient trade and diplomacy. After being closed for forty years, it was reopened in 2006 and now promotes commercial and cultural exchanges, strengthening border connections and economic progress.
Also Read: Buddha Park
Buy Sikkim Tour Package Here: Sikkim Tour Package
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.
