Permits
Nathula Pass permit
Nathula is open to domestic tourists only on permitted days, processed through the Tourism Department and Police Check Post via registered agencies.
The rules
What applies, with sources
Everyone
Nathula is open to domestic tourists only; foreign tourists not allowed. Source: Sikkim Tourism PAP page ↗
Indian nationals
Permits: Tourism Department + Police Check Post, via registered travel agencies. Source: Sikkim Tourism PAP page ↗
Detail
The full picture
Nathula Pass (about 14,140ft) sits on the India-China border and the official PAP page is specific: domestic tourists only, with permits processed through the Tourism Department and vehicle permits through the Police Check Post, arranged via registered travel agencies. Foreign tourists are not permitted.
Book a day ahead in season, carry original ID, and be prepared for road-weather cancellations: the pass runs on permitted days and weather windows.
Quick answers
Permit FAQs
Can foreigners visit Nathula?
No: under the current official rules the pass is domestic-tourists-only. Foreigners can visit Tsomgo Lake on the same road.
What does a Nathula trip cost?
The agency package bundles permit, vehicle and driver; prices vary by season, ask your operator for the current rate.
Plan it
Permits handled, honestly
Every trip we run includes permit handling: you upload ID details, we run the paperwork, and we flag it immediately when a rule changes.
Rules verified 2026-09-26 against official portals · Permit rules change: confirm on the official portal before travel.