Crowning the ancient Silk Route at a breathless 14,140 ft, Nathula Pass is Sikkim’s dramatic Indo-China border – a windswept mountain corridor where Indian jawans stand guard beside the barbed-wire fence, just metres from Chinese soldiers. Located 56 km from Gangtok via the same road as Tsomgo Lake, this high-altitude pass offers frozen winters, summer rhododendrons, and the poignant Nathula War Memorial honouring 1962 martyrs. From yak rides on the icy plateau to waving across the border gate, Nathula is raw Himalayan frontier. A military contrast to Pemayangtse’s spiritual calm, it is Sikkim’s ultimate high-pass adventure. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, Nathula is pure adrenaline. With 2025 heated viewing galleries and the Nathula Winter Carnival, this “Listening Ear Pass” is an unmissable destination for patriots, trekkers, and photographers.
Key Attractions
Indo-China Border Fence – wave to Chinese soldiers
Nathula War Memorial – 1962 martyrs’ names
Sherathang Trade Mart – Indo-China border trade (Tue–Thu)
Yak Rides – on snow-covered plateau
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir – 5 km below, soldier’s shrine
Frozen Lake – winter ice sheet
Silk Route Signboard – historic trade marker
Things to Do
Stand at the border gate & salute jawans
Attend Nathula Winter Carnival – snow games & army band (Feb 14–16, 2026)
Yak ride on the pass (~₹400)
Photography with China gate & prayer flags
Visit heated 2025 viewing gallery for oxygen
Shop woollens at Sherathang mart
Pay respects at war memorial
Local Culture and History
Nathula (“listening ear”) was a key Silk Route stop until 1962 war closure; reopened for trade in 2006. The 2025 gallery, promoted by Sikkim Tourism and X posts, has oxygen & AR border history.
Best Time to Visit
Open Wed–Sun (permit days), with May–June (clear) and December–February (snow) best. Closed Mon–Tue & heavy snow.
How to Reach
By Air: Bagdogra (124 km) → Gangtok
By Road: Gangtok → Tsomgo → Nathula (56 km, 3 hrs)
Local Transport: Shared jeep (~₹800 return), taxi (~₹5000)
Permit: Mandatory (1 day prior via agent)
Travel Tips
Booking: Permit via registered operator; gallery free
Cost: Jeep ~₹800; yak ~₹400
Dress: Heavy jacket; gloves; oxygen can
Safety: Acute altitude sickness risk; diamox
Respect Local Culture: No photos of army posts
Connectivity: No signal
Environment: Carry trash back
Accessibility: 100+ stairs from parking
Nearby Attractions
Tsomgo Lake (16 km)
Baba Mandir (10 km)
Kupup (same route)
Old Silk Route (extension)
Gangtok (56 km)
Explore More
Discover other Sikkim wonders like Pemayangtse or Tsomgo Lake on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your border pass journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
