Everything You Need to Know About Nathula Pass
The Nathula pass of Sikkim is a dream destination for anyone who wants to escape the monotonous city life and be at a place that offers a serene and tranquil vibe. The rugged beauty of this pass attracts a large number of tourists every year and is considered as one of the most crucial passes on the crossroads of the India-China border. If you wish to have a wonderful exploration of Sikkim, a trip to the famous Nathula Pass should definitely be on your priority list of places to visit in Sikkim.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Nathula pass of Sikkim:
Located on the Old Silk Route, Nathula Pass which connects Sikkim to China was sealed for almost four decades after the People’s Republic of China repressed a Tibetan rebellion in 1959. It was after India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s China visit in 2003 that the route was resumed. The Nathula Pass ever since it’s reopening (in 2006) serves as an official Border Personnel Meeting.
The Nathula Pass has played a crucial role in strengthening the economy of India and has also helped in improving the border relations with China. It also plays a very significant role in the Sino-Indian trade. The Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage distance is also shortened by the Nathula Pass.
During winters the temperature here drops down to as low as -27 degree Celsius. The temperature during summer season is around 10 degrees Celsius. Tourists are advised not to visit the place during June to September due to heavy rains and high chances of landslides. The Best months for tourists to visit the Nathula Pass are April to mid-June and October & November.
The Nathula Pass temperature today is an average of 7°C. However, the weather conditions in the region surrounding Nathula Pass vary depending on which time of the year you are visiting. Here is the general information on the weather conditions with the average temperature range and how they affect travellers;
The winter season in Nathula Pass extends from December to February. These are the coldest months in the region, striking an average Nathula Pass temp range of -20°C at night to 0°C during the day. However, note that due to heavy snowfall and harsh Nathula pass weather conditions during this season, the area can become inaccessible.
During spring, which starts in March and ends in April, the average Nathula Pass temp range remains between -10°C and 10°C. The overall Nathula pass weather conditions in spring are decent with moderate cold, leading to a slight surge in tourist inflow. Tourism in Nathula Pass benefits during spring as it allows tourists to catch a glimpse of the divine snow along with beautiful rhododendrons and orchids.
Despite being termed as summer, the Nathula pass weather is not at all hot during this season. It extends from May to June and features an average Nathula pass temp range of -2°C to 15°C. It is generally the most sought-after time for tourism in Nathula Pass. However, due to certain weather conditions, such as slight occurrences of rain, complications like roadblocks and landslides may occur, which can hinder tourism activities.
The months of July, August and September are marked by the monsoon season in Nathula Pass. You can expect an average Nathula Pass temp range of 5°C during the night and 17°C during the day. Travellers are advised not to visit Nathula Pass during these months due to the occurrence of heavy rainfall, which increases the risk of roadblocks and landslides.
The typical weather conditions during autumn in Nathula Pass are quite pleasant, with clear days and a moderate temperature range. The mercury dips and rises between -10°C and 10°C throughout the day. Occasional snowfall is witnessed during this season, which runs from October to November, and the overall weather favours a great tourism experience.
In order to visit Nathula Pass, tourists are required to have a valid permit. Here are all the crucial details you need to know regarding the Nathula Pass permit;
The region of Nathula Pass is a politically sensitive area and a major subject of dispute, which is why it is treated as a protected area and can only be allowed to be visited with a valid permit. Nathula Pass is open to visitors for 5 days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday, and remains closed on Monday and Tuesday.
The permit for Nathula Pass visit is only provided to Indian nationals and one can obtain it by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. To do so, one can simply avail of the services offered by a registered travel agency and also get a vehicle permit issued by the Police Check Post for domestic tourists. You can also get the Nathula Pass permit online via the official Sikkim tourism website. The documents that one needs to submit to obtain the Nathula Pass permit include a photocopy of a valid photo ID proof, such as Voter ID, DL, State/GOI-issued ID card, and a couple of recent colour passport-sized photographs.
The Nathula Pass permit cost is only INR 200 per person and remains valid for only a day. However, hiring a vehicle with a visit permit from a local travel agency can be a bit expensive, ranging between INR 4000-6000 for an exclusive car or INR 800-1000 per head for a shared vehicle.
Below is the operating Timing of Nathu la Pass:
| Days | Timings |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
There is a shrine built in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh who was Indian army personnel. The temple has a fascinating history attached to it and is a popular sightseeing spot in Sikkim.
This hillside is located near the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir which has the “Mera Bharat Mahan” words written on it. You will come across a huge patriotic rush here.
Tsomgo Lake popularly known as the Changu Lake, this location offers extremely idyllic scenery and is a delight for every traveller. The lake’s colours change according to the season and is usually frozen during the winters. This is a famous destination included in many north east tour packages.
This is another beautiful stop during your Nathula Pass tour. Click some amazing pictures and enjoy some scrumptious snacks at this place.
The Nathula pass is a perfect escapade to get away from the hustle bustle of city life and to give you an impeccable experience of your Sikkim tourism package.
Here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to Nathu la Pass:
Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in the Himalayas, which connects the Indian state of Sikkim with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The pass is located at an elevation of 14,450 feet (4,403 meters) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
Nathula Pass is famous for several reasons. It was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962 during the Sino-Indian War. In 2006, it was reopened for limited trade and pilgrimage, becoming one of the key trading border posts between India and China.
Nathula Pass holds immense historical significance as it was part of the ancient Silk Route, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between India and Tibet. It was also the route used by famous pilgrims like Guru Nanak and the Dalai Lama.
No, Nathula Pass is not open throughout the year. It is usually closed during the winter months (from December to March) due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. The Nathula pass is generally open for tourists from April to November, depending on the weather conditions. Also, Tourists can usually access Nathula Pass five days a week, often from Wednesday to Sunday, with a two-day closure on Monday and Tuesday. The current schedule must be confirmed with local authorities, though, as it may be subject to change.
Yes, photography is restricted in certain areas near Nathula Pass, especially around military installations and border areas. It’s essential to respect the rules and guidelines provided by the authorities regarding photography and videography.
Visiting Nathula Pass usually requires being part of an organized guided tour, especially for Indian tourists. The tour operators arrange the necessary permits and transportation to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit.
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