East Sikkim · Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Nathula Pass
The Indo-China border pass at 14,140 ft on the Old Silk Route — closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
32 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 14,140 ft
- From Gangtok 56 km · 2.5–3 hrs
- Best months May–mid June and October–November
- Stay Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
1. Why visit Nathula Pass and what to expect
Nathula is an active army border gate 56 km from Gangtok where you climb the stairs to the fence line and the war memorial. It needs a special permit (Indians only), a Sikkim-registered SUV, and a strict schedule: through 3rd Mile by 10 AM, out by 5 PM, and never on a Monday or Tuesday. Oxygen is roughly 40% thinner than sea level, so walk slowly.
Top sights
- Indo-China border gate
- Nathula War Memorial
- Old Silk Route border staircase
- Sherathang trade mart
- Chumbi Valley overlook
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 14,140 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 56 km · 2.5–3 hrs |
| Stay | Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok — Gangtok guide |
| Checkpost / timing rule | Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cross 3rd Mile by 10:00 AM, exit the area by 5:00 PM. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Avoid — landslide closures |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Conditional; closes after heavy snow |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay (base: Gangtok)
10 properties from ₹748 to ₹11,015 per night for two.
Great Eastern Valley Residency (Nathula Highway Base)
2-Star Hotel · JN Rd, Upper Chandmari, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
- Located on Nathula Highway
- Free Breakfast
- Permit Support
₹1,026 / night ≈ ₹513 per person, twin share
Gnathang Valley Homestay (Nearest High-Altitude Stay to Nathula)
Silk Route Homestay · Gnathang Valley, Near Kupup & Nathula Route, East Sikkim 737131
- All Meals Included (AP Plan)
- Room Heaters
- Geyser
- High-Altitude Acclimatization
₹1,650 / night ≈ ₹825 per person, twin share
Udaan Woodberry Hotel & Spa (Burtuk Base)
4-Star Hotel · Near Swastik Gate, Upper Burtuk, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Early Morning Breakfast Pack for Nathula Trip
₹2,043 / night ≈ ₹1,022 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Magellan's Hotel Renam
Budget Hotel · Mahatma Gandhi Marg, near West Point, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Walking distance to MG Marg
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Parking
₹748 / night ≈ ₹374 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
The Narayani Continental Hotel
3-Star Hotel · Upper Sichey Rd, opposite Tamang Gumpa, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
₹778 / night ≈ ₹389 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
The Golden Crest Hotel
4-Star Hotel · NH10, Amdo Golai, Deorali Bazar, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Restaurant
- Room Service
₹1,059 / night ≈ ₹530 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Zostel Gangtok
Backpacker Hostel & Private Rooms · Upper Sichey Rd, Sungava, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Rooftop Cafe & Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Laundry
₹1,429 / night ≈ ₹715 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Udaan Woodberry Hotel & Spa
4-Star Hotel · Near Swastik Gate, Upper Burtuk, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
₹2,043 / night ≈ ₹1,022 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Udaan Alpine Resort, Gangtok
4-Star Hotel · Chongeytar, GRBA Road, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
- Pure Veg Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room Service
- Airport Shuttle
₹2,305 / night ≈ ₹1,153 per person, twin share
Gangtok, East Sikkim
MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok
5-Star Luxury Resort · Lower Samdur Block, Ranipool, Gangtok, Sikkim 737135
- Free Breakfast
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa
- Casino
- Fitness Center
₹11,015 / night ≈ ₹5,508 per person, twin share
Nathula Pass FAQs
Which days is Nathula Pass closed?
Nathula is closed to tourists on Mondays and Tuesdays for border maintenance, and during heavy snowfall. Plan it for Wednesday to Sunday.
Is Aadhaar accepted for the Nathula permit?
No. Carry an original Voter ID, Passport or Driving Licence plus 2 passport photos. Children need an original birth certificate or passport.
Can foreign nationals or OCI holders visit Nathula?
No. Nathula Pass is closed to foreign passport and OCI holders. Foreigners can go up to Tsomgo Lake with a group permit.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring East Sikkim
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Tsomgo Lake
The sacred glacial lake 38 km from Gangtok — yak rides, a ropeway and a frozen surface in winter.
Day excursion · sleep in Gangtok
Baba Mandir
The army shrine to Baba Harbhajan Singh at 13,200 ft, between Tsomgo and Kupup.
Day excursion · sleep in Nathang Valley
Kupup Lake
The elephant-shaped lake beside the world's highest golf course.