Nathula Pass Gangtok

Nathu la is a high altitude pass situated on the old silk route at the Indo-China border, and is the favourite hotspot for the tourists in Sikkim. Several visitors come here every year to enjoy the scenic trek to the valley while listening to the lyrical waterfalls astriding the road from Gangtok to Nathu la. It also offers the breathtaking view of the snow covered mountains under the light blue sky and the long winding roads. Nathu la offers the mesmerizing view of Chumbi valley of Tibet, guarded by mountains.

‘Nathu’ and ‘la’ are two Tibetan terms which means ‘Listening ears’ and ‘pass’. It is situated at an altitude 4302 m, and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, blessed with picturesque beauty and fresh mountain breeze. The place mainly receives cold weather for most of the parts of the year and gets flocked with visitors during summers. One another fascinating fact about this mountainous pass is that it is one of the three trading border posts between China and India, the other two are in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Things To Do And See :

The sight of the international border of India and China, restrained by huge gates, barbed wires and military bunkers behind them. The Indian tourists can visit the Watershed War Memorial to salute the soldiers effort in the achievement of war. There is also an Army Exhibition centre and canteen near to it. And around 16 km long winding road from Nathula Pass leads to the beautiful Tsomgo Lake; a glacial lake encircled with high mountain peaks and flowery meadows. One can not afford to miss the Yak ride, which is the popular attraction for the visitors here. Along with this place, cherish the combine visit to Menmecho Lake enjoying the 4 km idyllic trek from Baba Mandir; popularly known as the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, which is very close to Tsomgo Lake. The Menmecho Lake is fed by the snow covered mountains surrounding the Jelep La pass. Near to this lake is Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and Zuluk Wildlife Sanctuary, well-stocked with rich and rare species of flora and fauna. A visit to Nathu la is bestowed with several other visits to the beautiful attractions around it, that truly makes it worthful.

Getting there :

Gangtok-Nathula pass is a charming ride full of adventure with deceptive roads and high altitude winds. One can opt for shared jeeps and other reserved vehicles available in Gangtok, from the tour operators approved by Sikkim government.