Nathula Pass

 NATHULA

Nathula Pass was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Located at a distance of about 56 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 14450 ft, the road to Nathula passes through the Tsomgo Lake. It is one of the highest motor able roads in the world and is richly surrounded by alpine flora. On a clear day you can even see the road winding down the Chumbi valley. Tourists are allowed to go close to the international border from where you can see Chinese soldiers on the other side of the barbed wire.

 

What is the best time to visit and Climate Nathula?

 

Gangtok like Darjeeling follows similar trends in weather through the year. Although there are some differences in temperature and rainfall between the two places, the overall weather change takes place simultaneously in both these two places. So a good season in Gangtok is also a good season in Darjeeling. And this is one main reason why most tourists combine a visit of Gangtok with Darjeeling.

 

Winter (December to February):  is extreme in Gangtok and it can be very cold out there particularly early in the mornings and at nights. The average temperature hovers around 4°C.

 

 

 

Although snowfall in Gangtok town itself is not common, the routes to high altitude places from Gangtok like Tsomgo lake and Nathula Pass often get closed due to heavy snow. Another problem during winter (particularly in February) is the fog. You will often find white blankets of mist blocking the views.

 

During Monsoon (July - September):  you may see continuous rains or cloudy sky. This is the time when landslides also take place cutting off routes. However the entire area becomes lush green and looks so serene without tourists. The month of July sees heaviest rains. Some of the best festivals take place in monsoon.

 

Most tourists avoid Gangtok during winter and monsoon. Since the demand falls, the hotel and tour rates also get slashed during these periods.

 

So which is the best time to visit Gangtok?

 

There are several seasons or time when you can visit and enjoy Gangtok.

 

Spring (March to April): is a great time. This is when there will be chill in the air but still very pleasant throughout the day. Most importantly the sky remains clear and you can usually get great views of Kanchenjunga and the snow mountains. This is a great time for sightseeing and adventure activities.

 

Another great time is the summer (May - June). The average temperature hovers around 22°C. Sometimes during the day time it can get quite warm but overall it remains quite comfortable. You will need to wear a light sweater only at night.

 

Tourists pour in during the summer school vacation time. So expect lots of tourist rush around this time. This is a great time for sightseeing tours as well as activities like white water rafting. Due to rise in demand, the hotel & taxi tour rates also soar. However in summer you may not always get clear sky and great views of now peaks. There can also be short showers at times.

 

One of the best times to visit Gangtok is during autumn (October to November). Weather is extremely pleasant although it starts getting a bit cold in November and you will need warm clothes if you visit in November. But a big plus point is the clear sky and the beautiful views.

The temperature in Nathula pass region drops as low as -25degree in winter and minimum temperature during summer is approximately 10 degrees. June- September is an off season due to monsoon and the looming threat of landslides. The best season to visit Nathula pass is summer (April-mid June) and autumn (October-November).

(One can contact the Sikkim Tourism and get the weather updates .)

How to Reach Nathula Pass?

There are various transportation ways to reach Nathula pass. One can travel according to their own convenience.

·       By Air: If you are choosing to fly, the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport. It is connected to cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata. Almost all major airlines have flights to this airport. You can avail taxi or bus from there to reach Gangtok.

·       By Rail: The nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri, 98 km from Gangtok. You can take a taxi from here to Gangtok.

·       By Road: If you are choosing to visit this place by road then Sikkim  is well connected through good roads. Regular bus services are available from Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Kolkata and Kalimpong.

Reach Nathula Pass

The only way to reach Gangtok Nathula Pass,  is through a drive from Gangtok. Nathula is 54 km east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Because of bad road condition only sturdy vehicles such as Innova, Bolero, and Scorpio should be taken to Nathula. Vehicles are available for rent in Gangtok or you can also share a cab till Nathula Pass with other tourists. The road from Gangtok to Nathula Pass is steep and slippery but decently maintained, except in a few places. Sometimes due to snow landslides and other road conditions, traffic gets held up for hours in this route.

Tourists are allowed to take a round trip package from an authorized tour operator in Gangtok. Vehicles from Sikkim government approved tour operators are only permitted for Nathula. From Gangtok shared jeeps and reserved vehicles like Scorpio, Innova, Bolero, Sumo, etc. are also available for group tours that operate on per person rates. The cost can vary depending on season. During peak tourist season (April to June, and October to November), the shared vehicle would cost you about INR 700 per person for Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula including permit fee.  Reserved vehicles like Scorpio or Innova would cost newcomers around INR 7,000 including all permits. Other than the peak season, shared vehicles are usually not available while reserved vehicles cost lower.

 

Who should visit   ?

Nathula is open for Indian nationals on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department through a registered and recognised Travel Agency. Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Nathula.

Only Indian nationals with a valid permit can visit Nathula Pass. A permit can be obtained by applying to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department or through a registered travel agency. The requirements for the same are a photo ID proof and two passport size photographs. The Nathula Pass permit cost is INR 200 per person. It will be better if you take the permit two days before visiting Nathula. . Permits are not required for children under 4 years . However, you will have to take children to Nathula at your own risk.( because of the altitude and the health problems that children can face here).

 

 

What is Expensive and cheap in Nathula?

 

 As compared to the fares to other places in Sikkim, Nathula is quite expensive. But once you reach here you only have to pay for the entrance permit and nothing more.

 

What to do in Nathula?

Nathula Pass located at an altitude of 14,450 feet and 56 km from Gangtok and it is one of the three open trading borders between India and China. It is famous for its picturesque beauty and beautiful environment. It used to be the Old Silk Route between India and Tibet until 1962. When war broke out between India and China, this passage closed and reopened after 44 years on 2006. Items such as wool, raw silk, yak hair, yak tail, China clay, horses, sheep etc. can be imported duty free from Tibet through this route, while 29 items including clothes, tea, coffee, rice etc. can be exported to China.  It also shortens the distance between the important Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites, thus strengthening the economy and improving border relations with China.

 

What are the places to visit in Nathula up to 3km?

As a tourist, you can visit boarder trade market at Sherathang. Close to Sherathang, there is a magnificent place like Kupup which is mostly covered by clouds. It has world’s second largest Golf course. Other than this, you can visit Gnathang Monastery, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a shrine temple built in memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian soldier, who died near Nathula, a popular sightseeing spot. The Gnathang war memorial was built in the memory of British soldiers who died in a war with Tibet in 1800s. On the way to Nathula you will come across a place called Thegu which has the highest altitude ATM in the world.

Nathula Pass passes through Tsomgo Lake, a popular tourist destination in the region and does not have human inhabitation. This place is a home for birds like black eagle, blue whistling thrush, redstarts, folk, tit-blabber etc. The region also supports Himalayan wildlife like Tibetan gazelle, snow leopard, Yaks, Tibetan wolves, etc. Nathula has a rich variety of flora apart from a spectacular wildlife range. Every year, several tourist folks come here for trekking in the valley and enjoy the scenic beauty. There are a lot of gush waterfalls along the way from Gangtok to Nathula. Also, it offers an opportunity to see beautiful snow peaks encircling the area.

If you enjoy shopping, the Indo-Chinese trade market operates from 1st June to 30th September every year and from Monday to Thursday every week. During that period, Trade marts are set up on both Indian as well as Tibet side. The Indian trade mart is located at a place called Sherathang about 3kms below Nathula pass and you can see India's highest altitude internet Cafe.

 

 

 

What are the places to visit near Nathula?

 

·       Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir: The shrine built in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, an Indian army personnel who died near Nathula in 1968, is a popular sightseeing spot in Sikkim. The new temple is situated at the junction of Kupup Gnathang road and the trail leading to Menmecho Lake. Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir has a fascinating history and legend associated with it. The local people are of the opinion that Baba Harbhajan Singh still guards the international boundary between India and China.

·       Mera Bharat Mahan Hill: On the way to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir is a hillside with the words “Mera Bharat Mahan” written on it. The font size is reasonably big enough to give you a sudden patriotic rush.

·       Stair case to Indo-China Border: The steep roads from Gangtok to Nathula take you to a staircase leading to the fenced Indo-China border

·       Tsomgo Lake: Also known as the Changu Lake, this place offers an idyllic scenery and is a travellers’ delight. The lake reflects different colours with different seasons and is revered by the locals. It is frozen during the winter months.

·       Mandakini Waterfalls: Mandakini Waterfalls is another beautiful halt in the Nathula Pass tour. Stop here to buy some snacks for your journey and to click a photograph.

 

 

What should I carry with me while going to Nathula?

 

Nathula pass is an extremely cold region thus carrying warm clothes (including snow boots and jackets) and other things that can keep you warm would be beneficial. However, even if you forget to carry some of these then you can also get it for rent in Nathula, but that leads to some extra expense.

You may also consider carrying portable oxygen cylinders. They come at various sizes. Larger ones last continuously for 3-4 hours. There are also small cylinders. Each small one lasts for about 15 minutes. If you start having breathing problems, you should immediately come down. You will get portable oxygen cylinders in Gangtok at Medical shops. Your hotel can also arrange if necessary. If unused, they are returnable but refund is usually partial.

You may also have to carry some Camphor (Kapoor) in order to avert the risk of breathing problems at Nathula. 

 

 

 

Where to stay in Nathula?

 

Going for an overnight trip to Nathula is not allowed so the only accommodations available are in Gangtok, which is approximately 56 km away. Both budget and high-end resorts and hotels are available easily.

 

What are the problems that tourists may face in Nathula?

 

Because of the high altitude at Nathula, oxygen level in the air is quite low. Few (adults or children) can face breathing problems at Nathula. If you already have breathing or other health problems, you should consult a doctor before the visit. 

 

 

 

 

Tourists may face many problems here, thus in order to avert these problems you need to enquire beforehand regarding the climate, road condition and situation of this place before planning for a trip here. Children or even elderly people may have feeling of breathing trouble, vomiting etc along with headache in case stayed at long hour at Nathula pass.

 

 

 Consulting a doctor before climbing up to this high altitudinal area would be beneficial.

What to eat in Nathula?

 

There are very few restaurants in Nathula which only serves local food items, thus it will be better to carry food items and other things from Gangtok or other places where you get delicious food items.

 

What to shop and buy in Nathula?

There are very limited shops in Nathula so it will be better to buy essential things beforehand.

·       There is a souvenir shop run by Indian army and you can buy some very reasonably priced stuff.

·       Before heading on to Nathula you will see some locals selling popcorn at the entry point. My advice is, buy these popcorns as it will help you keep yourself warm at higher altitude of Nathula. If you miss out buying at the entry point, you will not get it anywhere on the way.

·       Do have a cup of Coffee at Cafe @14k managed by the Indian army. It feels sublime.

If you wish to carry home some memories of Sikkim then you can buy some items from Gangtok as a souvenir.

 

 

How much cash should I carry Nathula?

 

Apart from the cost required for the permit and the vehicle fare carrying a budget of about Rs. 6 to 7 hundred (Indian currency) will be sufficient for Nathula. One can also avail ATM facility here which is the world’s highest ATM.

 

How many days will be enough for sightseeing in Nathula?

 

 Nathula pass being a border area, it is under control of army 24/7, it is only a place meant for sightseeing thus planning a trip to Nathula for more than a day is not allowed here . It closes after 3. It's just a day’s trip to the border and back. Only army personnel are allowed to stay here.

 

 Where are Tourist information offices in Nathula?

 

There are no proper tourist information centres in Nathula thus one has to enquire all the required details and information before leaving to Nathula. They can also seek help from the local people and the drivers driving cabs to Nathula. Besides them many army personnel are very helpful and generous.

 

Here are some of the important contact numbers that you may require:

 

·       Nathula Permit issuing officer:
Ph: 03592-209090

·       SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
NEW SIKKIM HOUSE
14, PANCHSHEEL MARG, CHANAKYAPURI,
NEW DELHI - 110021.
PHONE: 011 - 26115346/26115171

·       SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
SNT COLONY, HILL CART ROAD, SILIGURI,
WEST BENGAL
PHONE: 95353 - 2512646

·       SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
NJP RAILWAY STATION, NEW JALPAIGURI,
WEST BENGAL
PHONE: 95353-2690475

·       SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
BAGDOGRA AIRPORT, BAGDOGRA,
WEST BENGAL
PHONE: 95353-2698030

·       SIKKIM TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
NEW SIKKIM HOUSE,
4/1 MIDDLETON STREET, KOLKATA
PHONE: 033 – 22817905

What is the best way for sightseeing in Nathula?

 

The best and the only way possible for sightseeing to Nathula is by road.

 

Which are the nearest Hospitals in Nathula?

 

There are no good medical facilities there so if one requires seeking medical facilities here then you have to either go to Gangtok or seek help from army personnel.

 

 

 

 

What are the events and festivals held in Nathula?

 

 

 

Different festivals and events like the dussehera of the Tibetans called Losar, harvest festivals, republic Day celebrations, Independence Day celebrations e.t.c are organised time to time here.

What are the things to keep in mind at Nathula (do’s and Don’ts?)

DO’S:

• Always travel with a guide.
• Vegetation is fragile; follow designated trails.
• Avoid littering and deposit garbage at designated places.
• Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes.
• Respect local culture by taking permission before taking photographs.
• Dress modestly. Be aware of the customs and manners and culture of the local people.
• It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.

: DON’TS:

• Don’t disturb wildlife or its habitat.
• Don’t buy endangered species or antiques.
• Don’t take photographs wherever you feel like because photography here is strictly not allowed. Carrying drones and cameras would be a very bad idea.
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.
• Don’t pluck plants or flowers.

 

 

Where to do car parking Nathula?

Car Parking facilities are not available here so if you are to do so then you’ll have to park the vehicle by the road side. If you are planning to visit Nathula by taking your own car then you can’t because vehicles from other parts of the country are not allowed here. However, you can rent a single car for yourself if you want some privacy.