Mountainous Nathula Pass connects China and India and is located in the Eastern Himalayas. It is an important route for trade and transit between the two countries at a height of 4,310 meters. Tourists from all over the world visit the pass because of its picturesque splendor and proximity to snow-capped summits.
After the Sino-Indian War of 1962, Nathula Pass was shut down for a number of years. Nonetheless, it was reopened in 2006, and ever since then, it has grown to be a popular tourist attraction. The pass has a rich history and culture and is situated along the historic Silk Road. Old bunkers and trenches are among the war's relics that may be seen by visitors.
The pass provides a breathtaking perspective of the Himalayan range and the regions around. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including endangered ones like the red panda and snow leopard. In the nearby locations, tourists may go hiking, camping, and engaging in other adventurous activities.
Wintertime lows in Nathula Pass reach sub zero degrees, making for a severe environment. The best time to go is in the summer when the weather is more agreeable. The pass is tightly guarded by military forces owing to its important location, and visitors are required to receive a permit from the government in order to access.
It is a section of the historic Silk Road and is utilized for the trading of commodities including tea, silk, and wool. The pass has been important throughout the development of India-China ties. The capital of the Indian state of Sikkim, Gangtok, is the closest city to Nathula Pass via road. To enter Nathula Pass, tourists must have a government permission, which they may get from the Sikkim Tourist Office or through a licensed tour operator.
It takes around 4-5 hours to get from Gangtok to Nathula Pass, and the road travels via beautiful places like Tsomgo Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, and the Nathang Valley. To get to Nathula Pass, travelers can use a shared jeep or a private cab.
The best time to come is from May to October because the route to Nathula Pass is closed during the winters owing to heavy snowfall. The pass is accessible at this time, and the weather is excellent. However, given the weather may be erratic in the highlands, it is advised to check the forecast before making travel arrangements to Nathula Pass.