Known as the land of majestic rolling hills and shimmering lakes, Sikkim is a picturesque destination in northeast India. Being a brother among the seven sisters states, it lies in the heart of nature and is no less than a paradise. It hosts the highest altitude pass in the country, NathuLa Pass. NathuLa Pass is the place one should never miss when going on a trip to Sikkim. What’s better than to explore it with your imagination first and then experience it with your eyes? So, let’s explore the beauty of NathuLa Pass together.
About NathuLa Pass
NathuLa Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass connecting Sikkim to China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. It is located on the Old Silk Route at an altitude of 14140 ft above sea level. The word NathuLa is a Tibetan word, where Nathu means “Listening ear” and La means “Pass”. Filled with scenic beauty and panoramic views, the way to the NathuLa is the highest motorable road in the world. It is surrounded by mesmerizing valleys and alpine trees. The pass is one of the three open trading borders connecting India and China and it plays an important role in Indo-Sino Trade.
NathuLa Pass is around 60km away from the capital city of Gangtok. It takes 2 hours to reach the pass. NathuLa Pass is now considered one of the main tourist attractions in Sikkim. It passes through Tsomgo Lake and is famous for its magnificent views which give spectacular views of snow-clad mountains.
History Of NathuLa Pass of Sikkim
NathuLa being the highest motorable road has its own historical importance. It was once used to be the main key through which the silk trade and route used to operate. As it connects Sikkim to China, it was sealed for almost four decades after China attacked India in 1962. The most interesting fact about this beautiful place/road pass is that this place does not belong to any man as the armies of both China and India used to guard their own side of the land.
The pass was closed for 44 years, but it was after India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s China visit in 2003 the route was reopened. Now it serves as an official Border Personnel Meeting.
Best Time to Visit and Temperature
When travelling to NathuLa Pass in Sikkim, one should know about the temperature, visiting days, and ideal time to visit the enchanting beauty of the pass.
NathuLa is open 5 days a week for Indian tourists only. It remains open from Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Ideal Season to Visit :
Summer: At that height where the pass is situated, summers are also cold. During summers the temperature here ranges between 12° to 20°C. The sun shining in the sky gives a warm feeling while exploring the sights during the summer. Don’t forget to pack some warm clothes while traveling to NathuLa during this season as it will be chilly.
Monsoon: This season the pass sees heavy rainfall which results in a lot of landslides and the closing of the roads. In monsoon, the pass is open for visitors but it is filled with landslides so it is better to avoid visiting during this season.
Winter: The pass experiences extreme cold conditions during this season. Winter comes around November to February in NathuLa. The temperature during winter is around -25°C at the lowest. Winter is the best time to visit the past as during winter the beauty of NathuLa is enhanced with snow covering every inch. However, the motorable road can be closed due to heavy snowfall and it is advised not to visit the pass during the peak winter season. But if by chance you are planning to visit pack clothes according to the weather.
The best time to visit the NathuLa Pass would be during the autumn (October to November) and summer (April to Mid-June). During April and May, you can see the pass covered in snow.
How To Get Permit For NathuLa Pass in Sikkim
NathuLa Pass is only open to Indian tourists. But the Indian tourists also need the permit to see the eye-captivating NathuLa Pass. You can get the permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim. To get the permit you need a photo ID proof with two passport-sized photographs.
Tourist Attraction Near NathuLa Pass
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake popularly known as Changu Lake offers ideal scenery and is the perfect place to find serenity. It is 38 km from Gangtok and at an altitude of 12,400 from the sea level. To visit the lake a special permit from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim is needed. The turquoise water comes from the melting of the surrounding glaciers. Its colour changes every season and it remains frozen during the winter. It’s the most popular tourist place in Sikkim near NathuLa Pass.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
Known as the Baba Mandir, the shrine was built in memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian Army Personnel who died near NathuLa. The new temple is situated at the Kupup Gnathang Road and the trail of this takes you to the Menmecho Lake. Many myths surrounding this place say that Baba Harbhajan Singh is still protecting the Indo-China border.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Situated around the area adjoining Tsomgo Lake and Rong Chu Valley. Located near the NathuLa Pass and is around 31 km from Gangtok in Sikkim. Thus the alpine sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. Kyongnosla Sanctuary has the rare, endangered ground orchids and rhododendrons scattered among the tall junipers and silver firs are among the important plants that are present in the sanctuary.
Mandakini Waterfall
Mandakini Waterfall is another beautiful stop in Sikkim near NathuLa Pass. While you are here, enjoy the pleasing waterfall and float in the heavenly scent of land and water. The fall adds to the beauty of Sikkim and eastern Sikkim. You can sit back, relax and take some snacks for your journey.
How to Reach NathuLa Pass- Sikkim:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to reach Sikkim. Many metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and others are connected to this airport. One can hail a cab or local bus to reach Gangtok.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri Station, in Siliguri is the nearest railhead to reach the capital city Gangtok.. This railway station is connected with its neighbouring states as well as with the metropolitan cities. One can reach Gangtok via taxi or cab from the station.
By Road: Sikkim is well connected via road networks. One can enjoy scenic lush green views while travelling to Sikkim by bus, car, or bike. Gangtok, the capital city is well connected with numerous cities and neighbouring cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, and Darjeeling. One can take a means of local transport to reach Gangtok and from Gangtok one can take or rent vehicles like Innova etc to travel to the NathuLa Pass in eastern Sikkim.
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