Nathula Pass, situated at an altitude of 14,140 feet, is a stunning mountain pass in the eastern part of Sikkim. A key corridor of the ancient Silk Route, it connects India to Tibet and offers breathtaking views, historical significance, and a unique cultural experience. Whether you’re seeking snow-laden landscapes or exploring the Himalayan splendor, Nathula Pass should undoubtedly be on your Sikkim itinerary.
The scenic beauty on the way to Nathula Pass is truly beautiful, even though there is no snow around. On a clear day, you can experience exclusive Mt. Kanchenjunga view from a roadside viewpoint near Pangthang Forest Block.

How to Visit Nathula Pass
Accessing Nathula Pass requires meticulous planning due to its high-altitude location and permit regulations. Here’s how you can visit:
- Permits: Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nathula Pass. Foreign nationals are not allowed to visit the pass. Permits can be obtained through authorized travel agencies or the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim.
- Transport: Nathula Pass is approximately 56 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Shared or private cabs are readily available from Gangtok. If you are traveling in a bigger group, you can rent a private SUV like Innova, Xylo, or Bolero (sedans are not allowed for Nathula trips). The journey takes about 2-3 hours. You can’t travel to Nathula by your personal car without having a special permit.
Note: Getting a very polite driver for the Nathula trip is not very easy; most of the drivers, who travel Nathula Pass regularly, are relatively less polite, probably due to daily hectic journey at low oxygen level zone. Daily dealing with police and military personnel may be another reason. Also, they always hurry up to avoid any sort of landslide due to sudden weather changes.
For a nice driver, you can contact:
- Suman Gurung: +91-7797686316 (A reliable travel agent and car owner)
- Krishna: +91-6294019247 (A polite and experienced driver/car owner based in Pelling)

Best Time to Visit
Nathula Pass is accessible most of the year except during peak winter months when heavy snowfall blocks the roads. Here are the best times to plan your visit:
- For Snowfall and Snow: January to mid-March is ideal for snow enthusiasts. The pass is blanketed in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. Sometimes snowfall may be available in late December and late March, but it is pretty rare.
- For Clear Views and Comfortable Weather: April to June and September to November offer clear skies and pleasant weather.
Note: Nathula Pass is a low oxygen level zone. It’s noticed that when the pass remains covered by snow, breathing-related issues don’t appear. In months like September to December, when there is no snow, chances of experiencing breathing issues are more likely. This is probably due to the combination of scientific + mental matter.
- Due to late-night snowfall, the weather remains hydrated, which partly restricts the breathing issue. If snowfalls occur in the daytime when you visit, the weather remains extremely cold, but the high humidity of the air doesn’t let you suffer from breathing problems.
- The second cause is a mental fact. The joy of experiencing snow-covered valleys and roads makes people so happy that they forget about breathing issues.
Below, take a look at Nathula Pass in March. You can experience a similar view if you visit in January to Mid-March.
Why Include Nathula Pass in Your Sikkim Tour
- Stunning Landscapes: Nathula’s rugged terrain, snow-covered peaks, and exclusive roadside beauty are unparalleled.
- Historical Importance: It is part of the ancient Silk Route, offering a glimpse into its historical and cultural significance.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: Located nearby, this temple dedicated to an Indian soldier has a fascinating story and spiritual aura.
- Experience Snow: For many visitors, Nathula Pass is the closest they will get to experiencing snow. However, sometimes they return empty-handed if they don’t choose the right season for visiting Nathula.

Best Stay Options Nearby
While there are no accommodations at Nathula Pass itself, Gangtok offers plenty of stay options:
- Luxury Stays:
- Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino
- The Elgin Nor-Khill
- Mid-Range Options:
- Summit Golden Crescent
- Hotel Royal Orchid & Spa
- Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Golden Crest
- Muscatel Delamare
Restaurants and Food Options
On your way to Nathula Pass, you will come across small eateries and tea stalls serving hot tea, coffee, Maggi, momos, and thukpa. Also, some of them offer rice meals at an affordable price, which you can order before visiting Nathula Pass, and take your lunch on the return way.
In Gangtok, explore:
- Bakeries: Baker’s Cafe, The Coffee Shop
- Local Cuisine: Taste authentic Sikkimese dishes at Nine Native Cuisine or Taste of Tibet.
- Multi-Cuisine Restaurants: Roll House, Osm Restaurant
How to Plan Your Trip to Nathula Pass
- Base in Gangtok: Stay in Gangtok for at least 1-3 days to acclimatize to the altitude.
- Hire a Tour Operator: Authorized operators will arrange the required permits and transportation. Also, you can tell your Gangtok hotel manager, who often arranges the trip. You need to share your Identity card (Aadhar Card/ voter ID/ Passport) and 1-2 copies of passport-size photos for issuing the permit.
- Start Early: Begin your journey from Gangtok early in the morning to maximize your time at the pass and to avoid uncertain bad weather conditions followed by landslides. Try to return back to Gangtok within the daytime. Unpredictable weather in the mountains often causes landslides, mostly in the afternoon time, and roads may be closed, If such a thing happens, you may have to stay in the car for the whole night fighting severe cold weather. So, must start early, preferably within 7:30 AM in the morning.
- Pack Wisely: Carry warm clothing, sturdy footwear, and personal essentials as the weather is unpredictable.
- Stay Hydrated: High altitudes can cause dehydration and altitude sickness. Keep drinking water and take it slow.
- Carry oxygen can: It’s recommended to carry oxygen can to avoid any unwanted altitude sickness at such high altitudes.

Nearby Attractions
- Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake): A mesmerizing glacial lake located en route to Nathula Pass.
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple: A revered shrine with an intriguing legend.
- Zuluk: A picturesque hamlet offering stunning views of the Himalayan range and serpentine silk route.
- Gangtok: Explore MG Marg, monasteries, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Botanical Garden, and local markets.
Restrictions and Guidelines
- Nathula Pass is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. It remains closed on Monday and Tuesday.
- Only a limited number of vehicles are allowed daily, so plan ahead.
- Photography is strictly prohibited at certain points due to the proximity to the Indo-China border.
- Visitors must carry a valid ID, passport-sized photographs, and a copy of their permit.

Final Thoughts
A trip to Nathula Pass is an unforgettable experience, combining natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural richness. The experience of snow-covered valley is even more delightful. By planning carefully and respecting the regulations, you can make the most of this extraordinary destination. Whether you’re a snow lover, a history enthusiast, or simply an admirer of nature, Nathula Pass has something to offer everyone. Add it to your Sikkim itinerary and let its charm captivate your heart!
The above Nathula images are taken in December. A 7 years old kid and a 73-year-old grandfather pick the top with a lot of suffering due to low oxygen levels. The in-hand oxygen can helped a lot. In fact, myself, a man from middle generation (40 years) was experiencing a little breathing issue when climbing the stair spets (though I had to run a lot to arrange water for my 7 years old daughter and 73 years old father).
The above images were taken when I visited Nathula Pass a few years back during our honeymoon. It was the month of March, and everywhere it was snow-covered. It was too cold as the weather was cloudy and snowfalls started immediately when I was on the top of Nathula Pass. However, I didn’t face any sort of breathing issue this time.
Based on my personal experience, February-March is the ideal time to visit Nathula Pass if you want to experience the snow blanket all around.
If you have any further queries, feel free to ask me in the comment box below.
Have a nice trip ahead.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!