Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass was a major corridor of passage between India and Tibet before it was closed in 1962. Located around 55 kms from Gangtok at an altitude of 14400 ft, the road to Nathula passes through the Tsomgo lake. It is one of the highest motorable 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. On specific days the Chinese allow visitors on their side too and tourist of both countries can view each other.

Nathula is open for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place by applying to the Tourism Department through a registered Travel Agency.

Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit Nathula.

Nathula pass is now open for restricted trade between the two countries.

Just below Nathula pass UTI Bank has an ATM counter which is probably the ATM located at the highest altitude throughout the world at around 14,000 + feet.

Places of interest around Gangtok town

Excursions

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