India /Sikkim /East Sikkim /Nathula Pass

The Nathula Pass is situated in the state of Sikkim near the Chinese border. It is located along the ancient Silk Route and it is a popular tourist destination for many people across the country. The Nathula region is a border trading post for India and China. Many pilgrims from the country of Tibet pass through the Nathula Pass to visit the numerous religious sites that are present here. The place can be visited only on certain days of the week and there is a restriction on the number of vehicles that can travel to the place on any particular day. Foreign tourists are also not allowed to visit the place and they can travel only up to the Tsongo Lake. There are numerous waterfalls that are located along the route from Gangtok to Nathula. The drive from Gangtok can be an exhilarating experience as one can get a view of many snow clad peaks along the way. One has to climb up a set of steps to reach the pass itself and you can engage in conversation with both Indian and Chinese soldiers. SUVs that have permits are the only vehicles that are allowed in the region.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 590001

STD Code: N.A

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  March – Nov

HistoryEdit

Nathula Pass which is situated on the border of India and China was also known as Silk Route as it was one of the most important route of trade between the silk traders from Tibet and Sikkim. Nathula Pass is a mountain pass in Eastern Sikkim, on the Indo-Chinese border that serves as the trade link between India and China Nathula Highway is one of the most beautiful mountain roads of the world. Nearly, 70 kms from Gangtok, crossing the azure blue Tsomgo Lake (also known as Changu Lake) and the new Baba Harbhajan Mandir, the road is an adventure itself. The border checkpost at Nathula Pass is marked by the Border Gates of India and China, a war memorial and an Exhibition Centre of India Army. On a clear day, you can also enjoy great views of Mt. Chomolhari from Nathula Pass. Even though Nathula Pass is a border checkpost, there is no “No Mans Land”. In Nathula Pass the border consists of a barbed wire where armies of both India and China, guard their side of land. Tourists need to abandon their vehicles, few paces away from the Nathula Pass to reach the actual border. Due to the Indo China War, this legendary trade route was closed down in 1961. Recently, after a negotiation between the two countries, trading on some commodities has been resumed recently.

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How to ReachEdit

By Air : The closest airport is situated in the town of Bagdogra and one has to reach here and take a taxi to Gangtok and switch to a four wheel drive vehicle to reach the Nathula Pass. The airport is located around 84 kilometers away from the town of Gangtok. It is well connected to places such as Guwahati, New Delhi and Kolkata. There are two daily flights from Delhi to Bagdogra. Taxis are available from the airport and they cost around Rs 7 per kilometer for the trip.

By Train : The nearest railhead is situated in the town of Jalpaiguri and this is at a distance of around 98 kilometers from Gangtok. Trains ply from cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Howrah and Alipur to Jalpaiguri. Second class tickets from Delhi cost around Rs 440. Taxis are available at the station and this is the quickest mode of transport to the town of Gangtok.

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• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

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