Nathula Pass | Sikkim's most popular tourist destination
56 Km east of Gangtok, state capital
of sikkim,Nathula pass in Himalayas is located on China-India
border.It connects Indian state Sikkim to Tibet Autonomous Region in
China. Nathula was once an ancient silk route
connecting Lhasa in Tibet to plains of Bengal.
After Indo-China war in 1962 Nathula pass
was closed but after 44 years this pass has been opened in 2006. Since
then,Nathula pass sees a huge number of tourist visiting the pass
everyday.The best part of traveling to Nathula pass is the travel
itself.
Best time to visit Nathula Pass is from March to mid-Nov . During
winters Nathula pass gets heavy snowfall ,leaving it not navigable during
that time.Temperature drops to as low as -25 C in Nathula pass during winter season.
Only Indian nationals can
visit Nathula pass on Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Friday, Saturdays and Sundays.One needs special permit to visit this high
altitude pass.This permit can easily be arranged by any local travel agent.
Nathula pass along with Jelpa pass and Donkiala pass is the connecting route for Tibet
(now China occupied) , and is the only pass used extensively for goods
transport between china and India . China is planning to
connectNathula pass directly to Lhasa.
Proposed new route to
Lhasa passes through Nathula Pass
Nathula Pass Business Channel | Indo - China
Border
Nathula pass, even though a border area, does
not has a "no mans land" normally found in border areas.Here border
consists of just a barbed wire and two armies guarding their side of the land.
Once you reach Nathula Pass you see
army settlements on both side of border. You have to leave your vehicle few
paces away from Nathula pass. From there you have to climb steps to
reach Nathula Pass. It is advised that you don't rush up these
stairs, as at 14000 feet, you can get really out of breath. At Nathula,
you will get to meet not only Indian soldiers, but Chinese counterparts as
well. Don't forget to get a photo clicked with a Chinese soldiers.
Our 'Tiranga' at Nathula Pass
On The Way to Changu Lake (way to Nathula pass)
How to reach Nathula Pass
Nathula pass remains open only to Indian
nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. ARistricted area permit is required to visit Nathula Pass; this permit can be easily
arranged by any authorized “SikkimTourism” agent. You need to
submit one ID proof (driving license, passport, family ration card,voter
id,school leaving certificate) and two passport size photograph of each person.
One can also get the permit by oneself by requesting for a permission to visit Nathula pass with your id proof and two
photographs through Armed forces authorities and SikkimTourism authorities (Go to MG Marg and visit tourist information
center right at the entrance of the road.From this place you can get latest
information about Nathula pass and rest of the tourist spots).
It is suggested that you take someSikkim Tourism’s agent help. If you submit
your ID proof and photographs in evening,you will get your permit ready by next
morning. Nathula pass along with Changu lake can be covered in a day trip , If
you opt for a reserved taxi uptoNathula pass (Tata Sumo , or Mahindra one) , it will cost you around 3000 rps – 3500 rps , depending upon your negotiation
skills.
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When to visit Nathula pass
Nathula pass is not navigable in winters as it
receives heavy snowfall. Temperatures in Nathula regularly dip to -25 °C in winters.But
it is possible to visit Nathula pass in winters too , depends upon
your luck , and mostly on weather conditions. If you love snow and can
withstand harsh weather conditions , do visit Nathula pass in winters with proper planning ,
you will get snow capped mountains and a completely frozen changu lake.
Changu Lake ( Tsongmo )
Changu Lake ( Tsongmo )
From Nathula Pass, one can see deep into Chinese territory,
which is dotted with sky touching peaks covered with show. After a 2000 feet
downhill, there is a splendid blue water lake called Changu Lake
It is literally known as "source of the lake " in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people.
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