Nathu La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass about 56 km from Gangtok, reached by a road that goes through Tsomgo Lake. A visit requires permits, and access rules distinguish between Indian nationals and foreign visitors, so check the requirements before planning a day trip.
- Location: About 56 km from Gangtok, at an altitude of 14,450 ft.
- Route: The road to Nathu La passes through Tsomgo Lake.
- Permit days: Permits are issued Tuesday through Sunday; Monday is designated a “No Nathula Day.”
- Who can visit: Nathu La permits are available only to Indian nationals.
Where Nathu La Pass is
Nathu La Pass lies about 56 km from Gangtok, at an altitude of 14,450 ft. The road from Gangtok goes through Tsomgo Lake, making the lake part of the route rather than a separate way to reach the pass.
The pass was a major corridor between India and Tibet before it closed in 1962. The Gangtok District government identifies an Indo-China Border War memorial and an Army exhibition centre among the visitor attractions there.
How do you get from Gangtok to Nathu La?
The road from Gangtok to Nathu La passes through Tsomgo Lake, and the pass is about 56 km from the city. The Gangtok District government gives the distance from Gangtok SNT Bus Station as 58 km.
Gangtok, the starting point for the 56 km route, is also where you’ll find Greendale Residence. A Tsomgo Lake visit has its own access rules and permit requirements, so plan for the pass rather than assuming a lake visit covers both.
The Gangtok District government gives Nathu La’s hours as 8:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the week. However, state permit guidance says permits are issued Tuesday through Sunday and Monday is a “No Nathula Day.”
Confirm Monday access with the permit-issuing office or your operator, and check the official site before you go. Parking, souvenir shops, a cafeteria, hotels and street vendors are among the tourism amenities at Nathu La.
Who can get a Nathu La permit, and what do you need?
Nathu La permits are available only to Indian nationals for a one-day excursion; foreign tourists are not allowed beyond Tsomgo Lake. Domestic visitors need special permits from the Tourism Department and Police Check Post.
Permits are issued Tuesday through Sunday. Applications go through a registered travel agency: the Tourism Department issues the Nathu La permit, while the Police Check Post issues the vehicle permit.
Submit the application with the required, valid documents one day before travel. The Environmental Fee must be paid using a State Bank of Sikkim bank receipt. Ask your registered agency to confirm the current document and payment requirements before submitting an application.
What should you know about weather, altitude and road access?
Nathu La sits at 14,450 ft, so altitude is an important part of planning a visit. The road runs through Tsomgo Lake, and reaching the pass depends on access along this mountain route.
Opening hours and permit guidance do not fully settle whether access will work on your intended day. Confirm the current arrangements with the permit-issuing office or your registered travel agency before setting out, especially if you are considering Monday.
How does Nathu La differ from a Tsomgo Lake visit?
Nathu La and Tsomgo Lake are distinct attractions with different access rules, even though the road to the pass goes through the lake. Nathu La permits are limited to Indian nationals, while the state describes Tsomgo Lake as open to Indian and foreign nationals.
Foreign visitors going to Tsomgo Lake must travel in a group of two or more and apply for a permit through a registered travel agency. Tsomgo Lake’s hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and special permits are required for all visitors. The separate Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake guide covers its permits, route and timing.
FAQs
How high is Nathu La Pass?
Nathu La Pass is at an altitude of 14,450 ft.
Can foreign tourists visit Nathu La?
No. Nathu La permits are available only to Indian nationals; foreign tourists are not allowed beyond Tsomgo Lake.
Does a Tsomgo Lake permit also cover Nathu La?
The attractions have separate permit requirements. Domestic visitors need special permits for Nathu La, and special permits are required for Tsomgo Lake visitors too.
What is the history of Nathu La Pass?
Nathu La was a major corridor between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962.