Nathu La Pass, Sikkim
Nathu La pass is a border between India and China and the second highest motorable pass in India and easily accessible from Gangtok. On the way to Nathu La Pass, you can see waterfalls, mountains, snow, lakes, temples, nature, flowers and the whole experience is amazing. It is one of the oldest mountain passes of the Eastern Himalayas. It is the mountain pass that was in operation before the Sino Indian conflict in the 1960s. After the war, the Nathu La Pass was made a strictly military zone and the walk through the zone is not permissible without the consent of the border forces.
The name Nathu La came from the Tibetan language. Nathu means ears that listen and La means mountain pass. So it is quite famous and important because it was a checkpoint of the ancient silk route of Asia that has huge historical heritage.
The way to Nathu La Pass is very adventurous and breathtaking. If visited during the months of March and April, the whole way is covered with snow and only military help could lead the way. There is a cautionary tale in this trail because due to its great altitude of about 14140 ft above seas level, scarcity of oxygen may cause breathing problem for some travellers. That aside the main spot is now the border which is reopened from 2006. The Sherathang market for transborder goods and the Gnathang Monastry and War Memorial are notable sightseeing spots in Nathu La Pass.
Entry Fees
Tourist have to pay a fee of rupees 100 INR per certificate to go the Nathula Pass, without this visitors cannot go beyond the Tsomgo lake.