Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass Travel Guide: Gateway to the Himalayas

Perched at 14,140 feet on the Indo-China border, Nathula Pass is one of India’s highest motorable roads and a historic Silk Route trading post. This comprehensive guide covers everything from permits and packing lists to hidden lakes and border culture, blending adventure with strategic significance.

1. Destination Highlights

Must-Visit Landmarks

• Nathula Border: Witness the Sino-Indian border ceremony (Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun)
• Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: Sacred shrine honoring the “Hero of Nathula”
• Tsomgo (Changu) Lake: Glacial lake at 12,400ft with yak rides

Unique Cultural Significance

• Silk Route History: 19th-century British-era trade route to Tibet
• Sherathang Trade Market: India-China border trade (May-Nov)

Best Photo Spots

📸 Old Nathula Road: Abandoned military track with snow-capped backdrops
📸 Kupup Valley: “Elephant Lake” shaped like a giant footprint

2. Offbeat Nature Spots

Hidden Gems

• Memencho Lake: Secluded alpine lake beyond Kupup
• Zuluk Loops: 32 hairpin bends with panoramic Himalayan views

Local Secrets

🌅 Sunrise: Lungthung Viewpoint (first light on Kanchenjunga)
🌄 Sunset: Gnathang Valley’s WWII airstrip ruins

3. Activity-Based Listings

Trekking Routes

🥾 Beginner: Tsomgo Lake to Kupup (6km, 3hrs)
🥾 Expert: Nathula to Jelepla Pass (18km, 2-day restricted trek)

Wildlife Spotting

🦌 Red Panda Habitat: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
🚙 Booking: Only government-approved Gypsies for sanctuary tours

Adventure Sports

🪂 Paragliding: Ravangla (nearest site, 4hrs from Nathula)

4. Practical Information

Best Seasons

• April-June: Wildflower blooms (5-15°C)
• Sept-Nov: Clear mountain views (-2 to 10°C)

Permits

• Indian Nationals: Protected Area Permit from Gangtok DM office
• Foreigners: Restricted; only group tours with registered agents

Packing List

❄️ Winter: Thermal layers, snow boots
⚠️ Prohibited: Drones, satellite phones

5. Sustainable Travel

Eco-Stays

♻️ The Elgin Mt. Pandim: Solar-heated heritage property
🌱 Zuluk Homestays: Community-run lodges

Responsible Tourism

• Avoid: Plastic bottles (use army canteen water stations)
• Support: Lepcha weavers in Gnathang village

6. Local Insights

Wildlife

🦅 Spot: Blood pheasant (Sikkim’s state bird)

Cultural Experiences

• Border Tea: Sip butter tea with jawans at Milestone 17 Cafeteria

7. How to Visit

Transport

✈️ Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (124km) → 5hr drive to Gangtok
🚂 Train: New Jalpaiguri → Shared jeep to Gangtok

Top Stays

💰 Luxury: The Royal Plaza Gangtok (border permit assistance)
💸 Budget: Zuluk Local Homestay Network

Food Guide

🍜 Must-Try: Thukpa at 17,000ft Army Canteen
🌿 Vegan: Churpi soup (fermented yak milk)

Bonus Enhancers

✔ Itinerary:

• 3-Day: Gangtok → Tsomgo → Nathula
• 7-Day: Add Zuluk Loops + Kupup Valley

✔ Local Quote:
“Nathula isn’t just a pass—it’s where our soldiers’ breath freezes into patriotism.” – Army Veteran

✔ Safety: Altitude sickness pills essential