About Nathu La Pass
Nathu La ('listening ears' in Tibetan) is a mountain pass at 4,310m on the India-China border in East Sikkim, 56 km from Gangtok. The pass has been a crossing point on the ancient Silk Route for centuries — Tibetan caravans carried salt, wool and borax south while Indian textiles went north. Closed during the 1962 war, it reopened for trade in 2006 and for Indian tourists in 2007. Standing at the pass on the border fence, you are looking directly into Tibet. The Chinese military post is metres away, separated by a low iron gate. It is one of the few places in India where you can approach the China border this closely.
Why go to Nathu La Pass
Stand at the India–China border
A low iron gate and a few metres of disputed territory are all that separate you from Tibet. The Chinese military post faces the Indian post; soldiers from both sides are visible simultaneously.
Ancient Silk Route crossing point
Centuries of trade between Tibet and the subcontinent passed through this exact gap in the Himalayas. The pass has seen Tibetan salt traders, British political agents and now Indian tourists.
Site of a historic 1967 battle
The Battle of Nathu La (1967) was fought between Indian and Chinese forces in this pass — one of the most significant post-1962 border clashes. A war memorial on the Indian side marks the event.
How to reach Nathu La Pass from Gangtok
Nathu La can only be visited by pre-arranged tour from Gangtok. The route goes via Tsomgo Lake (3,780m) and takes about 2.5 hours to reach the pass. Private vehicles must be approved. We Care Holidays handles all permits and vehicle arrangements as part of the Nathu La day package.
Best time to visit Nathu La Pass
May–June and September–November when the pass is open and road conditions are good. The pass is closed December–April due to heavy snowfall, and often closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for maintenance.
Time of dayStart from Gangtok by 8am — the pass is best visited in late morning before afternoon cloud builds in. Late afternoons can bring whiteouts at the pass.
What you need to visit Nathu La Pass
Indian nationals: Inner Line Permit (free, issued online or at checkpost). Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (₹100) + Nathu La special permit — arranged through a registered Sikkim tour operator. The Nathu La permit is separate from the general PAP and has a cap on daily visitor numbers.
Things we always tell our guests about Nathu La Pass
- Acclimatise in Gangtok for at least 1 night before attempting Nathu La. The rapid ascent from 1,650m to 4,310m in 2.5 hours causes mild AMS in some visitors.
- Carry a warm jacket, hat and gloves regardless of season — the pass is usually 5–10°C colder than Gangtok.
- Do not photograph the Chinese side, military equipment or soldiers.
- Tsomgo Lake (en route, 3,780m) is usually combined with the Nathu La trip — allocate 1 hour at the lake before continuing.
- The road to Nathu La is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays each week — plan accordingly.
- Hire yak rides and woollens at the pass only if you want to, not under pressure — be prepared for touting.
Nathu La Pass — your questions answered
Other places in Gangtok
- MonasterySacred LakeViewpointMarket